ETCinema: Movie Reviews by E T Griffiths

Top 10 Films of 2020 ETCinema Reviews     It was a year unlike any other. While the World couldn ’ t always go to the movies in 2020, a lot of the movies often came to us straight on streaming. The selection of films that came out was significantly slighter than what was originally scheduled, with many of the biggest blockbusters being pushed back to next summer. But there were plenty of films to feast the eyes on this year nonetheless, and some really unique and quality visions were able to shine through and given more of a spotlight. Obviously I wasn ’ t able to see every single film, even though I had more time on my hands than usual, but I think I saw enough to give you a pretty definitive top 10. So here it is. My Top 10 Films of the year 2020:   Honourable Mentions    There were over 20 films that didn ’ t make my Top 10 this year. Some of which were nowhere near. There ’ s some I'd like to forget. But there were some films that just narrowly missed out, some films that were

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) Review Dir. George C Wolfe    Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davies star, and aptly sparkle, in this adaptation of the August Wilson stage play.      On a summer day in 1927, the mother of jazz Ma Rainey travels up to Chicago to record her newest record. Tensions flair, egos clash and music is made.    This is first and foremost a stage drama translated literally onto screen, with the style of the theatre being hard to shake from its dialogue driven narrative, but the two mediums entwine well. Some critics have called this an un-cinematic approach, being somewhat static at times and a bit too play-like but for me, with central performances this good, it ’ s as strong and enthralling as anything else produced by visual cinema this year.    The two acting powerhouses are what keep this finely oiled engine of a film running.    Viola Davies continues to be one of the most talented actresses of her generation. This is her most transformative role yet, truly