Top 5 Movies I Saw in Theaters in 2019

*Blogger's note: It's 2020! New Year's Resolutions and all that! This blog has been around for a few years now, with sporadic-at-best posts. I'm really going to try to keep this thing regular, and post on a bi-weekly basis if at all possible. I had planned on writing about the remainder of the Micronauts comic book series, but that's on hold indefinitely. The bi-weekly posts will typically focus on something from pop culture that I experienced within that time frame, and could be based on movies, TV, comics, video games, and even books and music. I also enjoy compiling lists, so to start the year off, here are the top five movies I saw in the theater in 2019. I don't get to the movies that often, even though I still feel it's the primary way to view a film. I saw 10 movies last year, with one of them being a 2018 release (Bumblebee, which did not get included). Here are the top 5:

5. Frozen II

Took the whole family to see this, and judging from the word-of-mouth, didn't expect much. While I wasn't blown away, I thought this sequel was just as enjoyable as the original. Things were moved forward, the songs were good, jokes were well-placed, and animation was fantastic. On top of all that, all of my kids were entertained throughout the duration. That alone gives it points.

4. Captain Marvel

There were three Marvel Studios films released in 2019, and all three are on this list. I'm a fan, and these films are must-see when released in theaters. Captain Marvel made for a fine origin story, and a fun 90's throwback as well. Samuel L. Jackson shines as a younger Nick Fury, and the rest of the cast does an excellent job. Not necessarily top-tier MCU, but this one is very entertaining, fun, and features some solid action.

3. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Rise of Skywalker is getting picked apart by fans and critics alike, and while it's not the best of the sequel trilogy, it's far from the train-wreck many are making it out to be. There are certainly issues with some of the storytelling decisions that were made, but none that took me so far out of the proceedings that I couldn't enjoy the film. I won't make a list of things that bothered me, but I will say that I was thoroughly entertained for the entire run-time, and had a blast seeing Lando and other familiar faces join the party. Could the finale of the Skywalker Saga have been better? Sure, but what we got was satisfying enough, and I don't feel the need to be negative about an experience that made me glad I was there.

2. Spider-Man: Far From Home

Another MCU film, another great theatrical experience. Far From Home is every bit as fun and charming as its predecessor. The casting in these movies is almost incomparable, with Jake Gyllenhaal's take on Mysterio being a highlight, and the rest of the bunch having the time of their lives. The new Spider-Man films are endearing, thanks to the light tone, cast, and integration into the MCU.

1. Avengers: Endgame

Not only was Avengers: Endgame the best theatrical experience I had all year, it's probably the best one I've had in my lifetime. Eleven years and twenty-one movies to get here, and this Marvel comic book fan couldn't have been happier. This movie was epic, sad, funny, thrilling, and unprecedented. I've never felt the urge to applaud in a movie theater before. Never felt the need to leap out of my seat. I had to restrain myself. I've already re-watched it several times at home, and it hasn't become stale. This is why I fell in love with these characters as a kid, sprawled out on the floor in front of my comics. I can't help but smile now that the secret is out and everyone knows who they are. Cinema or not cinema, Endgame was an experience I'll never forget.