THE OPTIMIST - MOVIE REVIEWS

  Well, another year has come and gone, and with it a host of new films to enjoy. 2021, in the wake of 2020, has been an equally challenging year for everyone, but what was great to see was the resuscitation of the cinema. Movie theaters opened, providing safe experiences to come and view movies on the big screen, and man was that awesome! I've seen quite a few movies this year, and the variety of films we've been given has been awesome. Looking back, as always, is a challenging feat when wanting to narrow down the best or even the favorites. This list comprises both elements; before you is a list of my top 10 films of 2021 that entertained the crap out of me, that moved and inspired me, that left me questioning or bewildered, and gave me the feels like no other. Again, creating this list was difficult, and I'm sure your lists will look different. I hope it does, because movies and film criticism is subjective, which is honestly the best part. Anyway, on to the list! 10. Ju

At the writing of this, Spider-Man: No Way Home has completed its opening weekend, smashing the box office and completely decimating any other movie's chances of making a buck. Its roaring success shows that theaters are still alive, and that people are starting to feel more comfortable venturing out to see a show. If you're one that is still apprehensive, that's okay. You do you, boo. As a theater-lover and passionate movie fan, I would be lying if I said I wasn't elated at the fact that theaters were packed (safely) with people anxious to see a new movie, albeit one that comes with a host of speculation and hype not unlike other larger entities, like Avengers: Endgame or The Force Awakens . I attended a Thursday night screening of Spider-Man: No Way Home , and the place was probably 90% full. The vibe was electric, and the experience was palpable. I hadn't experienced a viewing like that since Avengers: Endgame , and it felt really good to be there. Obviously, t