The year 2020 wasn’t...all...bad. Wait! Wait! Before you stop reading. Some of the good had to do with the time we had to enjoy and “re-enjoy” our favorite movies, particularly those that celebrated significant anniversaries this year.
Some, such as Jaws (45 years), The Shining and The Empire Strikes Back (both 40 years) have been celebrated this year by Screen Saver. What follows is a list of just some of the other films that have reached milestones over the past twelve months, in what’s become an annual year-end tradition here at the blog!
As the year closes out and a hopeful new one begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to take the time to re visit and celebrate some, or all.
They truly don’t get more “Nolan-esque” than this trippy, original masterpiece from Uber-visionary Director Christopher Nolan.
Leonardo DiCaprio leads a team of “agents,” who are able to infiltrate dreams in order to extract information, including the inception of a thought.
A decade later, this film still amazes, particularly with scenes that defy answers as to how they were accomplished (the “floating sequence” is a perfect example). Inception is a “Nesting doll” of a film that begs repeated viewing, to ensure you didn't dream just how fantastic it is.
Erin Brockovich - Celebrating 20 years
Julia Roberts deservedly won an Oscar for the title role, in this based-on-a-true-story of a brash legal secretary, who uncovers negligence on the part of a large corporation that resulted in groundwater contamination.
Director Steven Soderbergh is at the helm here, adding a touch of documentary-like realism to the film. It was one of two amazing films he directed in the same year, two decades ago (the other being Best Picture Oscar winner Traffic) and he actually found himself competing against himself for Best Director for both of these films.
Erin Brockovich continues be that rare social commentary film that relays its message with entertaining humor, heart and humanity.
Toy Story - Celebrating 25 years
For years, the film industry was waiting for “the next Snow White,” that movie that would usher in a new age for animation.
Thanks to John Lasseter, Pixar and a partnership with Disney, that’s exactly what happened thanks to Toy Story, the first computer animated feature film.
Many say that the tale of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Andy’s other toys led to the sunset of 2D animation, while others say it was the revolution that had been anticipated.
Either way, Toy Story led to two and half decades of envelope pushing artistry from Pixar that we can all be grateful for.
Dances with Wolves - Celebrating 30 years
This epic Western starring and directed by Kevin Costner was and still is a prime candidate for the title of “they just don’t make them like this anymore.” Even though it won the Oscar for Best Picture, it’s somewhat faded from view in the past three decades, but most definitely deserves to be revisited.
Back to the Future - Celebrating 35 years
Great Scott! How can it have been over thirty years since director and movie wizard Robert Zemeckis gave us the tale of Marty McFly, Doc Brown and a time-traveling DeLoreon? Since its debut, the film has remained as beloved and quoted as when it was first released, providing generations with a positive view of the future and familial relationships.
Dog Day Afternoon - Celebrating 45 years
Movies don’t get more “New York” than this one. Based on a real-life story of a bank robbery that spirals out of control, Al Pacino delivers one of his best performances and Sidney Lumet directs with his usual flare for real-life, that always looks so effortless. Compelling from beginning to end.
Psycho - Celebrating 60 years
Alfred Hitchcock’s most iconic and memorable film set the standard for a new generation of thrillers and horror films, turning traditions in Hollywood on its ear and causing audiences to lock their doors while showering after seeing it. Anthony Perkins is brilliant, Janet Leigh is compelling, the movie is a masterpiece that never tires of impressing.
Pinocchio & Fantasia- both celebrating 80 years
Many consider Pinocchio the greatest animated film ever made and many consider Fantasia the most daring film ever made. Only Walt Disney would and could make both in the same year! Today’s generation of animated blockbusters owe everything to these two films.
And so, as we close out this unbelievable year and look to the possibilities of a new one, we sit through the Holiday Weekend, socially distant again, which could prove to be a good time to binge these and other memorable movies that reached milestones in 2020.
Wishing everyone a Safe, Happy, Healthy and Better New Year!
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