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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, picks his favourite movies of 2020, a year of very limited releases in the cinemas…
I think it is fair to say this has been a different type of year in the cinema.
All those films that were going to open — from blockbusters to franchises to independents — have been delayed and postponed.
It is also a year since I took up the pen for these reviews. In that time, I have commented on 136 different productions, from viewings at the Tralee Omniplex, to Netflix and terrestrial TV.
So, for what it is worth, these are my selections as to some the best films I have seen and enjoyed on the big screen in the last twelve months.
Continued below…
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Little Women was directed and adapted by Gerta Gerwig and starred Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen in this latest version of the famous novel.
It is the story about women who have their own ambitions, not necessarily limited to marriage or children. The storytelling is fresh, bold and ambitious, with superior acting talents on view.
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The Personal History of David Copperfield was another adaptation of a familiar classic but given a colourful and imaginative twist by gifted director and writer Armando Iannucci.
This was really wonderfully entertaining, respectful of the original novel yet brave to give the components a magical modern twist. Dev Patel, in the title role, is simply brilliant, and the supporting cast is excellent
Parasite is the South Korean comedy that has opened a whole new world in Asian film for me. Multiple Oscars and almost every other award going were sent to the cast and crew of this surreal tale of a poor destitute family, the Kims, and their interactions with the fabulously wealthy Park family.
I believe I described it at the time as Quentin Tarrentino directing a particularly dark version of Downton Abbey as scripted by Monty Python.
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The Invisible Man is a modern update of the classic horror film that has many current resonances.
Cecilia, brilliantly played by Elizabeth Moss, was abused by her boyfriend, who then allegedly commits suicide. Her initial relief is a false dawn, when she begins to experience strange events that can only have one conclusion, as unbelievable as it seems.
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Misty Button is a very clever, dark comedy about two young Irish lads who are asked to be the middle men in a $10000 bet on a racehorse that cannot win. They decide to keep the money, which turns out to be a big mistake, as guess what happens.
Written and Directed by Tralee’s own Seanie Sugrue, and filmed on location in the Bronx with a versatile cast, this is a little gem of a film.
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Tenet was the big Blockbuster that made it to the Big Screen when many others postponed.
This “timey wimey”, secret agent, global location action adventure was directed and written by Christopher Nolan. You have to see it for yourself as it is challenging, but worth the effort.
All that remains is for me to wish you all the happiest of festive seasons and a 2021 of health and film enjoyment.
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