Content Warning: This article contains discussions of sexual assault
Disney fans had no shortage of new movies to watch in 2021, and fans may like a recap of the best ones of the year. Disney releases no longer include just Walt Disney Studios and Disney Animation, of course. Disney's ownership of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm (which had no new films in 2021), and 20th Century Studios has largely expanded their annual release slate.
With an array of new pictures being released within weeks of each other, it's not surprising that many cinephiles struggled to choose one when they all proved to be memorable and had a large impact on the world. However, if someone takes a look at the reviews and scores on IMDb, they might be able to get a general idea of which ones were the most profound.
Encanto is Walt Disney Animation Studio's 60th feature. It was directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, and it was co-directed by Charise Castro Smith. The story follows a Colombian family, whose members are blessed with magical gifts. Lin-Manuel Miranda composed the songs for the film.
Reviews for the film applauded its setting, songs, and animation, with the song "Dos Oruguitas" received particular acclaim. Fans responded well to the film's representation of Colombia and the characters' unique personalities. In an interview with The A.V Club, one of the main actors, Stephanie Beatriz, said she felt that the movie connected to her Colombian heritage and allowed her to spend more time with her ancestors and family [2:05].
Disney Animation's Raya and the Last Dragon was directed by Don Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada. It follows a warrior princess who seeks the help of the world's last dragon to try and reassemble the dragon gem and save her people.
Fans and critics alike responded well to the film's portrayal of strong female characters, as well as the action and the detailed settings. Kelly Marie Tran acting also received a lot of praise as many fans loved how she helped to create a more developed and nuanced character. However, despite the many positive reviews, many people did respond negatively to the lack of Southeast Asian representation, considering the Southeast Asian setting.
Searchlight Pictures released the thriller Nightmare Alley, which was directed by Academy Award-winner Guillermo del Toro. The film is based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham and follows a carny-turned-professional mentalist as he increases his fame and fortune by conning others.
The film received widespread acclaim upon release. It's receiving many awards nominations, particularly for 'Best Picture,' 'Best Director,' and for the performances of Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett.
Another well-reviewed film for Searchlight in 2021 was Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch. The film follows the release of the final issue of a French newspaper, including the behind-the-scenes stories of each article in the issue. Many of Anderson's trademarks can also be found in the movie.
Reviews highlighted Anderson's usual popping visuals, the tribute to journalism, and the ensemble cast's performances. Among others, the film features Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Timothee Chalamet, Frances McDormand, and Saoirse Ronan.
Ridley Scott's The Last Duel was released by 20th Century Studios. The film is based on the book by Eric Jager, and it tells the true story of a judicial duel to the death after a man is accused of sexually assaulting a woman. This then leads to three versions of the story being told, showing the perspective of the woman named Marguerite, her husband, and the man who assaulted her.
Critics applauded Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's return to screenwriting, as well as Scott's direction and the film's handling of a misogynistic culture. The film was also positively compared to Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon.
Craig Gillespie directed Cruella for Walt Disney Studios. The film features Emma Stone as the classic Disney villain Cruella de Vil, who was first seen in 1961's 101 Dalmatians. It showcases the origins of Cruella, including how she goes from a fashion designer to a villain.
Reviews pointed to the film having a great revenge story, beautiful costumes, and an interesting take on the Disney character. The performances of Stone, Emma Thompson, and Paul Walter Hauser were also highly commended.
Pixar Animation found its usual success with Luca, which was directed by Enrico Casarosa. The film follows two young sea monsters as they take on human forms and spend a summer in an Italian town.
Casarosa highlighted the film's themes of friendship and what it's like to be an outsider. He also made a point to welcome all fan interpretations of the sea monster's side of the story, including representation for the LGBTQ+ community and for refugees. Reviews applauded the film's animation and coming-of-age elements too.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. It was Marvel Studios' first film to have an Asian-led superhero and follows a young man who must face his past and his dangerous father.
The film was lauded for its visual effects, martial arts, Asian-American representation, and what it brought to the MCU. Some reviewers admired the film for avoiding cliches and fully developing its characters. Not only were the performances of Simu Liu, Awkwafina, and Tony Leung highlighted, but many fans also considered it one of the best MCU movies to watch on Disney Plus.
Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story is one of the best-reviewed films of the year, released by 20th Century Studios. The film retells the classic musical story of two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the couple in love who find themselves in the middle of the gangs and the turmoil they cause.
The film's classic-musical feel was lauded, and many reviewers felt it stood out amidst Spielberg's legendary body of work. The performances of Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno were especially praised, and newcomer Rachel Zegler was seen as a stand-out as well. DeBose was also noted to have the best singing and dancing skills among the West Side Story cast.
Summer of Soul is a documentary from Searchlight Pictures, directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. The film follows the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which lasted for six weeks and featured performances from artists (such as Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight). It was released on Hulu.
Questlove wanted to bring the film to life because of the footage having sat unused for so long, and because of how music affected his life. Reviews highlighted the footage restoration and the way the film captured such an important moment. Critic Mark Kermode also called it "the best music documentary I've ever seen." (via BBC).
