(via Shutterstock)
It was another full to the brim year of me trying to get to the cinema as much as I could and streaming all the films at my disposal when a physical visit simply wasn’t possible.
Still, for all the ease of streaming, there’s something still quite lovely about being at the movies.
I get to see my friends – I choose the friend for the movie so they are actually seeing something they’ll love; I don’t always get it right – sorry, Warren! – but I try – and there’s something really special about sharing a cinema moment with a group of people (especially when they don’t talk or use their phones which actually happened less than I expected it to in the communal lawlessness of post-COVID life).
The highlight of my cinema visits this year, in the company of one of my film besties, Sarah, was Barbie, which together with Oppenheimer became the cultural sensation known as Barbenheimer, attracted the kinds of sold-out crowds that I hadn’t seen at the movies in years and certainly recently post-lockdowns.
It was exciting to be in a packed theatre with people loving the same film, laughing en masse and leaving in a great big spirit of togetherness, having shared the same brilliantly funny and clever moments.
That was special, and while yes it was a viral sensation par excellence, it was also just fun, a reminder of why while streaming is convenient and relaxing, there’s something about being in a cinema that makes things special and while I love the two options for different reasons, I always have my heart in a comfy seat with a choc top and some wine and a really cool film playing out in front of me.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Elemental
So, what are Nerdist’s top 10 movies for the year? Thanks for asking!