Howe's World of Film and TV

The Best Film Scenes of 2019

2019 has been a great year for cinema and has produced some of the decades finest films, and in those films, have come some brilliant and instantly iconic moments. Here I will break down a few of my very favourite scenes from films in 2019.

Some honourable mentions that I didn’t manage to fit in my top 5 are the massacre at the end of Parasite, the final song/performance in Last Christmas, and the ‘women’ monologue in Little Women.

5. ‘First Kiss’ – Portrait of a Lady on Fire

I could have chosen a wide variety of moments from this beautiful film, but the one I have gone for this the moment of the first kiss between our protagonist. It has multiple levels to it, but on a simply surface level it was the pay off of so much build up and it was a stunning moment.

4. ‘Criminal’ – Hustlers

Jennifer Lopez’s character making her appearance during a visually spectacular sequence where she performs a pole dance in front of an adoring crowd, set perfectly to Fiona Apple’s ‘Criminal’. Lopez looks absolutely incredible, is completely convincing as a seasoned stripper, and sets the whole tone for this very entertaining film. One of the greatest characters introductions of all time.

3. ‘Spahn Ranch’ – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Everything about this sequence felt like old school filmmaking come to life, and Tarantino fully embraces that. The tension of knowing the truth of the Manson family mixed with a character that we don’t know will survive, made this unbearably tense.

I have to just quickly note that DiCaprio’s like delivery at the end of the movie when talking to Sharon Tate of “the fucking hippies aren’t” is arguably my favourite line delivery of the year.

2. ‘Chat Show’ – Joker

Joker had multiple iconic moments that have gone viral for different reasons, many including the Joker dancing. However, the moment that stands out for me is near the culmination of the film, and the very scene that I felt the ‘Joker’ was born. When he tells Murray Franklin that “you get what you fucking deserve” he is yelling that to society in general and it is terrifying, and a moment Joaquin Phoenix got one hand on that Oscar trophy.

1. ‘Avengers Assemble’ – Avengers: Endgame

This scene was the culmination of 11 years of building and the pay off was unlike anything I have ever seen. Seeing an entire universe of characters come together to fight the final battle was something that really stuck with me. The specific line of “Avengers Assemble” was so perfect at that moment and the sequence that followed was a spectacular culmination.

Parasite (2019) – Review

A Neon Picture, Written by Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won, Directed by Bong Joon-ho.

“She’s not rich because she’s nice, she’s nice because she’s rich”

Parasite has become one of this awards seasons frontrunners and there has been so much talk about the film that I thought it would be tough to live up to the hype, but this film exceeded it.

The strong societal messages about the gap between the classes is so deftly and subtly done that it just creeps up on you and explodes in glorious chaos.

Many Americans versions of Asian characters make them feel like stereotypes, but every single character here feels real, unique, and packed full of personality, and this really makes you connect to them.

The whole cast are exceptional, with my personal stand outs being Song Kang-ho, Park So-dam, and Cho Yeo-jeong. Each of them brings such different energy to the film and they are key to it working.

The technical aspects, including the score and production design, are all magnificent and some of the best of the year. Director Bong Joon-ho really brought everything together to create his masterpiece and he deserves every award he is getting.

The film has three very distinct acts, with them almost feeling like different genres. Act 1 is a high energy comedy/drama, Act 2 is a straight up horror film, and Act 3 is a high tension thriller, and they all work together brilliantly, leading to a remarkable conclusion.

Between Parasite and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, the foreign film industry has produced some of the best and most unique films of 2019.

Rating = 4.5/5

Most Anticipated Returning TV Shows of 2020 – Drama

2019 was a great year for TV and it looks like 2020 has the potential to be an equally impressive year. There are always shows that come out of nowhere to surprise us, but here I will break down the 5 returning drama shows that I am most excited for this year.

5. Better Call Saul – Season 5

This Breaking Bad prequel will enter the same amount of seasons that it’s parent show reached, and there is little indication it will stop here. A brilliantly written and acted show that has been a slow burn but following the season 4 finale, season 5 promises the possibility of Saul Goodman beginning his descent into the dark worlds he comes to inhabit.

4. Euphoria – Season 2

One of the biggest breakout shows of 2019, this exploration of modern American teenagers was packed full of explicit sex, violence and plenty of drama. The cast, led by Zendaya, was very strong, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

3. Billions – Season 5

One of the most underrated shows on TV will enter its 5th season with the status quo shifted and the battle set to commence again. The writing is incredibly sharp and the acting from the likes of Damian Lewis, Paul Giamatti, and Maggie Siff is some of the best on TV.

2. Stranger Things – Season 4

One of the biggest blockbuster shows in recent history will likely return at the end of 2020 with a big chunk of the characters having moved away from Hawkins and the fate of Hopper being up in the air. As the cast continues to rapidly age, the show is likely to keep getting more grown up and dark, and I can’t wait.

1. Killing Eve – Season 3

One of the most unique and enjoyable shows in recent memory will return for its third season. The main reason I love this show is Jodie Comer’s portrayal of Villanelle, she is simply the best character on TV right now, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Most Anticipated Returning TV Shows of 2020 – Comedy

5. After Life – Season 2

The first season of this Ricky Gervais became a huge hit for Netflix so a second season was inevitable. While it wasn’t the heights of The Office, this was a really amusing series and had an emotional core. We are promised the dog will not die so bring on season 2!

4. Derry Girls – Season 3

The ONLY non Netflix show on the list is one of the funniest and most underrated shows on TV. The stories of 4 teens growing up in Derry during the Troubles is one of the most charming shows around and I can’t wait for it to return.

3. Sex Education – Season 2

This coming of age TV show dealt with many important issues in a heartfelt and hilarious way. The Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson led show also brought us many break out stars who will again return here; the two I’m most looking forward to are Emma Mackey and Aimee Lou Wood.

2. Glow – Season 4

This is the final season and the end of the road for one of Netflix’s finest ever shows. This wrestling comedy addresses many serious issues whilst also being one of the funniest shows around, and allows for stars like Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin to give the performances of their career. I’ll be sad to see it go but can’t wait to see how it ends.

1. Bojack Horseman – Season 6, Part II

This one of the best written TV shows off all time and in my opinion is the best animated show of all time. While it features hilarious moments and brilliant comedy storylines, it is the serious character focused drama that sets this show apart, and I am fascinated how the story of Bojack Horseman will come to its close.

Most Anticipated New TV Shows of 2020

10. The Mare of Easttown

A HBO limited series directed by Gavin O’Connor and starring Kate Winslet, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart, Angourie Rice, Cailee Spaeny, and Evan Peters. This is a must see.

9. Mrs. America

Oscar Winner Cate Blanchett is making an eagerly anticipated return to TV and she is bringing a remarkable cast along with her for this Hulu limited series. The rest of the cast includes Uzo Aduba, Rose Byrne, Melanie Lynskey, James Marsden, (character actress) Margo Martindale, Sarah Paulson, and Elizabeth Banks.

8. Spinning Out (Already Aired)

Skins alum Kaya Scodelario stars in this Netflix thriller about a determined ice skater and her complicated life.

7. Hollywood

Ryan Murphy continues to build up his new Netflix empire with this show about Hollywood’s golden age. Darren Criss, David Corenswet and Jeremy Pope lead a cast that also includes Jim Parsons, Dylan McDermott, Laura Harrier, and Samara Weaving.

6. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

This will be the first TV show set in the MCU overseen by Kevin Feige and air on Disney+. It will be a spy thriller following Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as Wilson comes to terms with being the new Captain America. It will feature the MCU returns of the likes of Daniel Bruhl and Emily VanCamp, and will set the tone for the slate of MCU shows on Disney+.

5. The Stand

Josh Boone will adapt a Stephen King epic for CBS and has put together one of TVs most enviable casts. James Marsden, Amber Heard, Odessa Young, Nat Wolff, Whoopi Goldberg will star alongside many others, while Alexander Skarsgård will portray iconic villain Randall Flagg.

4. Ratched

Sarah Paulson’s second appearance on the list, but this time she will take on the lead in Netflix and Ryan Murphy’s prequel to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, where Paulson will portray Nurse Ratched. Season 2 is already on the way and this is sure to be a huge hit.

3. Run

On the back of her huge success with Fleabag and Killing Eve, Phoebe Waller-Bridge will produce (and appear in a supporting role) in this comedic thriller for HBO. The brilliant Domhnall Gleeson and Merritt Wever will play the leads.

2. Impeachment: American Crime Story

This is the THIRD appearance on the list for both Sarah Paulson and Ryan Murphy in what is due to be a huge year for them. The show will dive into the scandal regarding Bill Clinton’s impeachment and will star Beanie Feldstein will play Monica Lewinsky, Clive Owen will Clinton, and Paulson will play Linda Tripp.

1. WandaVision

This MCU show will be surrealist and take on at least partly the form of a 50s sitcom, as well as a superhero show. It will likely show Scarlett Witch’s mental deterioration and how this will factor in to her appearance in Doctor Strange 2. It will also feature the appearance of a grown up version of Captain Marvel’s Monica Rambeau, and also rumoured to have a cameo appearance from Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange.

Most Anticipated Films of 2020 – Drama

2020 already looks like a year stacked full of brilliant films, and I have decided to break down by genre the ones I am most excited about. Some films are undated but sure to be out in 2020, and some may always change dates.

But for now, in order from bottom to top, this is my list of most anticipated dramas due to come out in 2020.

10. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Aaron Sorkin returns to direct his next film following his directing debut in Molly’s Game, and this time he has an all star cast. The likes of Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron-Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II star in this true story.

9. The Little Things

Warner Bros bring an old chill studio programmer as Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Rami Malek star as detectives trying to hunt down serial killer Jared Leto.

8. The Way Back

Ben Affleck reunites with his The Accountant Director Gavin O’Connor for this drama about an alcoholic trying to get his life back together. This will be incredibly personal for Affleck and you have to respect him for taking the role on.

7. I’m Thinking of Ending Things

Charlie Kaufman teams up with Netflix to direct this drama to star the incredibly talented Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, and Toni Collette.

6. Untitled ‘Jennifer Lawrence’ Film

Lila Neugebauer will direct Jennifer Lawrence’s return to acting following a 2-3 year absence in this A24 drama that apparently follows a solider dealing with her return to normal life.

5. The Power of the Dog

Jane Campion comes to Netflix to direct Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons in this fascinating sounding drama film.

4. Macbeth

Joel Coen will adapt the Shakespeare legend for A24 with legendary actors Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand in the iconic lead roles.

3. The Last Duel

The plot for this film seems very questionable but the talent attached has me incredibly excited. Ridley Scott, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck are all Oscar winners, but I’m really here for Adam Driver and Jodie Comer. Driver is one of the best of his generation and Comer is arguably my favourite actress working today. Will this be her big Hollywood movie and film award breakthrough?

2. Mank

David Fincher finally returns to feature film directing to focus on the story of the writing of Citizen Kane, which is considered by many to be the greatest film of all time. Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, and Lily Collins star.

1. Blonde

Ana De Armas has become a huge rising star and her role in Knives Out has sent her mainstream, with 2020 set to be a huge year for her. Here she stars in a fictionalised take on the fascinating life of Marilyn Monroe. This is perfect casting and could be a huge awards contended for the incredibly talented Cuban-Spanish actress.

Updated Oscar Nomination Predictions

This is my updated predictions for this year’s Oscars, over a month on from my last predictions. We have around a week until the nominations will be announced and this is on the back of the Golden Globe awards and today’s BAFTA nominations so I believe we are starting to get a good idea of how the Oscar nomination will look, but as always, the Academy is a different voting block and is likely to have some differences. I will order my predictions by what I believe to be the current favourites. These are likely to continue to change over the coming month, but this where I believe things may currently play out.

Top Predicted Nominations

Joker = 10

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood = 10

The Irishman = 10

Little Women = 8

1917 = 8

Best Picture

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Sony)

1917 (Universal)

Parasite (Neon)

The Irishman (Netflix)

Joker (Warner Bros)

Jojo Rabbit (Fox)

Marriage Story (Netflix)

The Two Popes (Netflix)

Little Women (Sony)

The Farewell (A24)

Wildcard = Ford v. Ferrari (Fox)

Best Director

Bong Joon Ho – Parasite

Sam Mendes – 1917

Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Martin Scorsese – The Irishman

Greta Gerwig – Little Women

Wildcard = Todd Phillips – Joker

Best Actor

Joaquin Phoenix – Joker

Adam Driver – Marriage Story

Taron Egerton – Rocketman

Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Robert De Niro – The Irishman

Wildcard = Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes

Best Actress

Renee Zellwegger – Judy

Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story

Charlize Theron – Bombshell

Saoirse Ronan – Little Women

Awkwafina – The Farewell

Wildcard = Lupita Nyong’o – Us

Best Supporting Actor

Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Joe Pesci – The Irishman

Al Pacino – The Irishman

Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes

Tom Hanks – A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Wildcard = Song Kang-ho – Parasite

Best Supporting Actress

Laura Dern – Marriage Story

Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers

Margot Robbie – Bombshell

Scarlett Johansson – Jojo Rabbit

Florence Pugh – Little Women

Wildcard = Zhao Shuzhen – The Farewell

Best Original Screenplay

Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Bong Joon-Ho – Parasite

Noah Baumbach – Marriage Story

Rian Johnson – Knives Out

Lulu Wang – The Farewell

Wildcard = Susanna Fogel, Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, and Katie Silberman – Booksmart

Best Adapted Screenplay

Steven Zailian – The Irishman

Todd Phillips and Scott Silver – Joker

Taika Waititi – Jojo Rabbit

Greta Gerwig – Little Women

Anthony McCarten – The Two Popes

Wildcard = Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster – A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Best Animated Feature

Toy Story 4 (Pixar)

Frozen II (Disney)

Missing Link (United Artists)

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Dreamworks)

Klaus (Netflix)

Wildcard = I Lost My Body (Netflix)

Best Documentary Feature

For Sama (PBS)

Apollo 11 (Neon)

American Factory (Netflix)

One Child Nation (Amazon)

The Biggest Little Farm (Netflix)

Wildcard = Knock Down the House (Netflix

Best International Feature

Parasite (South Korea)

Pain and Glory (Spain)

Les Miserables (France)

Atlantics (Senegal)

Corpus Christi (Poland)

Wildcard = Honeyland (North Macedonia)

Best Cinematography

Roger Deakins – 1917

Robert Richardson – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Lawrence Sher – Joker

Rodrigo Prieto – The Irishman

Yorick Le Saux – Little Women

Wildcard = Jarin Blaschke – The Lighthouse

Best Film Editing

Thelma Schoonmaker – The Irishman

Andrew Buckland and Michael McCusker – Ford v Ferrari

Jeff Groth – Joker

Fred Raskin – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Jimmo Yang – Parasite

Wildcard = Lee Smith – 1917

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Joker

Bombshell

Judy

Rocketman

Once Upon a Rime in Hollywood

Best Original Score

Hildur Guonadottir – Joker

Thomas Newman – 1917

Randy Newman – Marriage Story

Alexandre Desplat – Little Women

Michael Giacchino – Jojo Rabbit

Wildcard = John Williams – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Best Original Song

Elton John and Bernie Taupin – “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” (Rocketman)

Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez – “Into the Unknown” (Frozen II)

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Timothy McKenzie and Ilya Salmanzadeh – “Spirit” (The Lion King)

Caitlyn Smith, Mary Steenburgen and Kate York – “Glasgow (No Place Like Home)” (Wild Rose)

Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo – “Stand Up” (Harriet)

Wildcard = Randy Newman – “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” (Toy Story 4)

Best Visual Effects

The Lion King

The Irishman

1917

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Avengers: Endgame

Wildcard = Gemini Man

Best Production Design

1917

Joker

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Jojo Rabbit

Parasite

Wildcard = Little Women

Best Costume Design

Little Women

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Jojo Rabbit

Judy

The Irishman

Wildcard = Joker

Best Sound Editing

Joker

1917

Rocketman

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Ford v Ferrari

Best Sound Mixing

1917

Joker

Rocketman

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Ford v Ferrari

Golden Globes – Results and Highlights

With my predictions I managed to get 12 categories right, which is something I’m happy with as the Globes are incredibly unpredictable.

Personal Highlights

– Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Fleabag getting big wins

– Jodie Comer spilling a drink on herself and trying to discretely tidy up

– Gervais’ monologue, especially the DiCaprio and Scorsese jokes

Results

Best Film: Drama – 1917

Best Actor: Drama – Joaquin Phoenix

Best Actress: Drama – Renee Zellwegger

Best Film: Comedy/Musical – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Best Actor: Comedy/Musical – Taron Egerton

Best Actress: Comedy/Musical – Awkwafina

Best Supporting Actor – Brad Pitt

Best Supporting Actress – Laura Dern

Best Director – Sam Mendes

Best Screenplay – Quentin Tarantino

Best Foreign Language Film – Parasite

Best Animated Film – Missing Link

Best Original Score – Hildur Guonadottir

Best Original Song – Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Best TV Drama – Succession

Best Actor: Drama – Brian Cox

Best Actress: Drama – Olivia Colman

Best TV Comedy – Fleabag

Best Actor: Comedy – Ramey Youssef

Best Actress: Comedy – Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Best TV Film or Mini-Series – Chernobyl

Best Actor: TV Film or Mini-Series – Russell Crowe

Best Actress: TV Film or Mini-Series – Michelle Williams

Best Supporting Actor – Stellan Skarsgård

Best Supporting Actress – Patricia Arquette

Golden Globes Predictions

I have not managed to watch every nominated film yet (Parasite/1917 among others) so some may miss out, but I will outline my predictions and also who I think should win at this years Golden Globes.

Best Picture – Drama

Will Win – Joker

Should Win – Joker

Best Picture – Comedy/Musical

Will Win – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Should Win – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Best Actor – Drama

Will Win – Joaquin Phoenix

Should Win – Joaquin Phoenix

Best Actor – Comedy/Musical

Will Win – Leonardo DiCaprio

Should Win – Leonardo DiCaprio

Best Actress – Drama

Will Win – Renee Zellwegger

Should Win – Saoirse Ronan

Best Actress – Comedy/Musical

Will Win – Awkwafina

Should Win – Ana De Armas

Best Supporting Actor

Will Win – Brad Pitt

Should Win – Brad Pitt

Best Supporting Actress

Will Win – Jennifer Lopez

Should Win – Jennifer Lopez

Best Director

Will Win – Bong Joon-ho

Should Win – Quentin Tarantino

Best Screenplay

Will Win – Marriage Story

Should Win – Marriage Story

Best Animated Film

Will Win – Toy Story 4

Should Win – Frozen II

Best Foreign Language Film

Will Win – Parasite

Should Win – Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Best Original Score

Will Win – Marriage Story

Should Win – Joker

Best Original Song

Will Win – “I’m Gonna Love Me Again”

Should Win – “I’m Gonna Love Me Again”

Best TV Drama

Will Win – Succession

Should Win – Killing Eve

Best TV Comedy

Will Win – Fleabag

Should Win – Fleabag

Best Mini-Series or TV Film

Will Win – Chernobyl

Should Win – Chernobyl

Best Actor – Drama

Will Win – Billy Porter

Should Win – Billy Porter

Best Actress – Drama

Will Win – Jennifer Aniston

Should Win – Jodie Comer

Best Actor – Comedy

Will Win – Bill Hader

Should Win – Bill Hader

Best Actress – Comedy

Will Win – Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Should Win – Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Best Actor – Mini-Series or TV Film

Will Win – Sam Rockwell

Should Win – Sam Rockwell

Best Actress – Mini-Series or TV Film

Will Win – Michelle Williams

Should Win – Kaitlyn Dever

Best Supporting Actor

Will Win – Andrew Scott

Should Win – Andrew Scott

Best Supporting Actress

Will Win – Helena Bonham Carter

Should Win – Toni Collette

Most Anticipated Films of 2020 – Animation

But for now, in order from bottom to top, this is my list of most anticipated animations due to come out in 2020. I don’t have much to say about these yet but there as sure to be some big hits in here.

10. Trolls World Tour

9. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run

8. The Croods 2

7. Raya and the Last Dragon

6. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

5. Sonic the Hedgehog

4. Minions: The Rise of Gru

3. Soul

2. Onward

1. Scoob!

Scooby Doo but with Zac Efron and Amanda Seyfried. Sign me up.