5) Hamilton (Disney+)
Rounding out our most diverse film list ever is the home theater debut of the most popular Broadway musical of the past decade. This hip-hop rich, musical tale of our republic is a live capture of the Broadway play, an important difference from the typical film adaptation we have come to expect. Spanning over two and half hours, this amazing cast, with creator/writer Lin-Manuel Miranda at the helm, tells us a spectacular story of war, love, politics and patriotism. It’s incredibly intelligent, each detail intricately delivered in the fast, impressive hip-hop style. Daveed Diggs (Thomas Jefferson/Lafayette), Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr) and Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton) really drive the show’s excellence, terrific performers in all aspects, setting themselves up for careers on and off Broadway. The beauty of this play is brought to life by the film’s great editing; six cameras able to capture the energy and grace of every word and step. Hamilton sets a new bar for film adaptations of musicals. It’s a unique and enchanting experience for everyone. -MM
4) Lovers Rock (Amazon)
A single night in 1980s in West London sets the scene for this reggae music-filled, period piece, that’s a party from beginning to end (literally). Curry, Red Stripe, spliffs and good times are abundant, as are the deep cuts of lovers rock, a reggae and dub style known for its romantic sound and lyrics, that will have you talking to Siri or Shazamming the entire time (check out the Spotify playlist after you watch it). This 70-minute film eloquently flows through themes of love, vulnerability, violence and animosity with grace, with the music setting the tone and energy throughout. There are two scenes that make this film one of the year’s best, featuring a chilling sing-along to Janet Kay’s “Silly Games,” and a room-shaking rager to The Revolutionaries “Kunta Kinte Dub.” Lovers Rock, part two of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe film series on Amazon, is an elegant film, driven by its celebration of black British culture and the power of music. This is a must watch film of 2020. –MM
3) Social Dilemma (Netflix)
I’ve always had disdain for social media so I’m either the best or worst person to write a recap about a film that puts on display all the evils of this particular vein of Silicon Valley. I was over it before I saw this, but this film puts all the gripes I have about the industry into a concise package, which makes this a film that everyone with a social login of any kind should watch. These companies have quickly become some of the most powerful in recorded history and they’re not using your info for as much good as they want you to believe. It takes civilization a long time to properly use new tools and with social media being just a couple of decades old, we’ve got a lot of work to do. – RO
2) Sound of Metal (Amazon)
The most devastating film of 2020 features Riz Ahmed (The Night Of, Rouge One) as an avant-garde punk drummer who loses his hearing. This film breaks your heart into a thousand pieces as you follow Ruben’s journey to normalcy and attempts to put it back together with moments of accomplishment and happiness. The cast is phenomenal and features many members of the deaf community with success. Each of those characters soar on screen. More than anything, though, I left this film with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my overall health and a desire to not take such things for granted. All the little melodramas we allow to take us hostage from time to time really don’t mean anything and films like this remind you of such. – RO
1) David Byrne’s American Utopia (HBO Max)
The best film of the year is an exhilarating, sensory stimulating, music-filled celebration. David Byrne brings his album tour, turned Broadway show to HBO in this Spike Lee directed, career-spanning fresh take on his music. Byrne excels in his minimalistic approach to live performance. No cords, amplifiers, microphones, seats or shoes are anywhere to be found. The focus is on “us, you and me,” says Byrne. Despite this, the show is visually, auditorily and emotionally thrilling. This incredibly talented group of musicians can do it all. They create a full, flawless sound that’s hard to believe, hitting each intensely coordinated move with precision, singing and smiling with ease. Every detail is to perfection and there’s a synergy with the group that only enhances the already captivating experience. The beauty and energy of American Utopia live flows effortlessly out of the small screen, an impressive feat rarely achieved, creating an experience that feels hopeful and refreshing. It’s a true artistic masterpiece; a contender for best concert film ever and a groundbreaking moment in the storied career of one of music’s greatest minds. -MM
