2020 was a strange year for movies due to BOSH COVID-19. Many releases were delayed…and delayed again, with some major releases being pushed to 2021. As such, I didn’t see as many movies as I normally would because there were fewer releases. Going into Christmas, there weren’t any movies that truly captivated me.
When I started thinking about this article, Palm Springs was at the top of my list. It’s a clever romcom that puts a nice twist on time paradox hijinx. The writing is witty, the performances are strong, and it’s a charming film…but it didn’t feel like it should be anyone’s choice for the best movie of 2020.
Thankfully there were a pair of Christmas Day releases, courtesy of Warner Bros. and Disney. Wonder Woman 1984…was not the best. Pixar’s Soul was fantastic. The movie is Pixar at its best: thoughtful, imaginative, funny, and touching. I’d go as far to say I haven’t enjoyed a Pixar movie as much since Up.
There are a few reasons why Soul resonated with me. First off, the music…just wow. The outstanding (and at times, really weird) score was composed by Trent Reznor. Beyond that, jazz piano and saxophone are big parts of the movie. As some of you know, I played piano and saxophone. More importantly, my brother Reggie Padilla still plays piano and sax, and makes a living from playing and teaching jazz. The movie reminds me of him in so many ways.
Additionally, Pete Docter has long been my favorite Pixar writer/director. Wall-E is phenomenal and Monsters Inc. is criminally underrated. The tone and feel of Soul has his fingerprints all over. As a Pete Docter mark, Soul was outstanding.
So yeah (Eddie Izzard inflection), 2020 was a bizarre year for movies, but Pixar saved the year with a lot of heart and Soul, my pick for best movie of 2020.
Now it’s your turn! What 2020 movies delighted and impressed you? Please leave your choice for Best movie of 2020 in the comments section!