We’re already through the first quarter of 2021. Out of the nearly 60 new releases I watched during January, February & March, these are the 10 Best… along with three great catch-ups and a fantastic coming attraction:
10 BEST
“The Courier” – Well-crafted and engaging spy thriller headlined by Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel Brosnahan and the sensational Jessie Buckley
“The Dig” – Powerful Netflix drama with excellent ensemble of Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan, Lily James and Johnny Flynn
“The Little Things” – Writer/director John Lee Hancock’s scintillating dramatic thriller starring a dynamic trio of Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto
“Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art” – Enthralling documentary on a wild art scandal
“My Salinger Year” – Perfectly cast Margaret Qualley and Sigourney Weaver are the backbone of this depiction of writer Joanna Rakoff’s time at a NYC literary agency
“My Zoe” – Julie Delpy’s shocking and gutsy sci-fi motherhood drama
“No. 7 Cherry Lane” – Delicate and gorgeous animated feature from the legendary Yonfan
“Silk Road” – Nick Robinson and a terrific Jason Clarke lead this true story crime drama
“The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On the Run” – Fun third feature with the Bikini Bottom gang, highlighted by a moving “It’s a Wonderful Life”-style third act
“Tina” – HBO’s powerhouse doc on the life and career of music icon Tina Turner
THREE CATCH-UPS
“The Kid Detective” – Adam Brody knocks it out of the park in this incredibly well-written mystery dramedy
“Pinocchio” – Beautiful, sophisticated adaptation of classic story that deserves to win the two Oscars it’s nominated for (Costume Design and Makeup & Hairstyling)
“Working Man” – Factory workers indie with depth and meaning
A COMING ATTRACTION
“Flee” – This riveting unique animated doc screened at this year’s virtual Sundance Film Festival and deserves your attention when NEON releases it later this year
What are your favorite films of the first quarter of 2021? Let me know on Twitter @LCJReviews.