Tanner Conen

My top 10 best movies of the 21st century…so far! For the #nytimes

This is extremely difficult to quantify and can literally change from day to day.
These were just some of the first that came to mind. (Fellowship counts as the entire trilogy, of course)

#ThePhoenicianScheme sees #WesAnderson back in form. It was consistently hilarious. Every actor, while still delivering the signature dryness you expect, did a great job fully realizing their characters. Which is disappointing when you consider that it lacks the heart from his earlier films.

4/5

#thewildrobot is funny, emotional, briskly paced, and gorgeously animated. And like most modern kids flicks, its themes are more emotionally resonate towards an adult audience. Especially parents. It marks a new high point for #dreamworks animation alongside Puss in Boots The Last Wish.

5/5

I spent nearly 25 hours during the #Wildgate open beta. It’s such chaotic fun! Every victory was such a dopamine rush. I can’t wait for the full release and getting into more space shenanigans with friends! #Moonshotgames struck a good balance with the PvPvE and have something special here.

#pastlives is such a tender and moving film, and one that most can relate to in one way or another. It challenges the conventional romance flick. The subtlety in all the performances is top notch. Teo Yoo was the stand out for me.
“If you leave something behind, you gain something too.”

5/5

#Sinners is a fun flick that says more than just “white people bad.” But is about individualism in the face of the larger zeitgeist as a whole.
A small shame that the vampire action wasn’t as prevalent. The energy and skillful filmmaking more than made up for that. One scene in particular.

4.5/5

Describing #Friendship as just a feature film length episode of #Ithinkyoushouldleave May seem a disservice. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was in tears from laughing multiple times. If you don’t like Robinson’s humor, I don’t think it’s for you. If you do, please see it ASAP. #A24

4.5/5

While Death of a Unicorn was entertaining. The tone was scattershot and never fully succeeded with any particular one. Paul Rudd felt miscast, Jenna Ortega was herself, and Will Poulter carried all of the comedy. Still, I appreciate the effort for a unique take on the "big pharma bad" genre.

2.5/5

I agree. Haven’t seen anything like it. Definitely one I want to own a copy of. Once he was trying to get the role inspired by his previous self and was putting the mask back on I was thinking “oh… now this is interesting.”

Let me know what you think!

A Different Man draws easy comparisons to Lynch. Namely ‘The Elephant Man.’ But the insanely dark humor and great pacing give it a tone all its own. The plight of wanting a part of your life back that you once saw as a curse, was gripping. Sebastian Stan also delivers a great performance.

4.5/5

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is more interested in paying homage than giving us something entirely new. But the gorgeous animation is as undeniable as the appreciation that the creators have for Jackson’s films. Any fan should have a good time watching it.

3/5

Rewatched The Royal Tenenbaums in honor of the late/great Gene Hackman. Still my favorite role he’s done. The film just works so much more because of his performance. Like all his other roles.

R.I.P

Also, Tenenbaums is, and always will be, an easy…

5/5

Finally watched Leave The World Behind. It was a very tense film that leaves you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
I respect that the ending and final message didn’t resonate with everyone. I, personally, loved it. And has me once again on my physical media preservation soapbox.

4/5

The Monkey appealed so much to my inner absurdist. If you enjoy dark comedies/horror comedies, then this is a must see. Can’t wait to see more from Osgood Perkins.

4/5

I was absorbed the entire time.

Grabbed the collectors edition of that the other day!

I have mixed thoughts on Elden Ring Nightreign after playing the network test.
The fast paced nature takes away a lot of what I enjoy about souls games.
And the geography of the map works against you when you’re trying to find a way around or up a cliff when the ring is shrinking.

Wow! Flow is a beautiful film!Complete mastery of visual storytelling with a powerful message. The interactions between the animals were not only refreshingly animalistic, but also absolutely adorable, comical, and heartbreaking at times. All of this achieved with zero dialogue.

5/5

Got the Lies of P platinum a few months ago. It’s easily my favorite souls-like!
And never let the dream die!

I thought so too. But Days Gone getting a remaster before Bloodborne is insane.

Some cool announcements during the Sony State of Play. Saros being the standout. Returnal was a blast and I’ll be excited to see what Housemarque has in store for the successor.
Tides of Annihilation looks promising.
Onimusha is still my most anticipated upcoming game.
Bloodborne where tho?

What’s even worse is that this year is the 10th anniversary

It’s a crime that this gets remastered before Bloodborne.

Finished completing Sayonara Wild Hearts! It’s more of an interactive visual album than a game, and your enjoyment will depend on if you can bop to its synth pop vibe. I found it to be wildly entertaining even without any depth in its gameplay. Just a fun time.

Loved the first couple episodes of Common Side Effects!
I can tell Capano and Harrington are gonna eventually go down as one of the greatest buddy cup duos of all time.

I’m sure you’ll do him more justice than the CGI in Rogue One. Still a great film! But that was high levels of uncanny valley.

The Iron Claw is a deeply affecting film about generational trauma and the effects of toxic masculinity. Great performances all around. The film did jump around quite a bit. And I couldn’t help but feel that Chris Von Erich’s omission from the film felt slightly disrespectful.

Prepare to cry.

4/5

I’m assuming you’ve already seen the movie then?

Companion was a blast! A great balancing act of genres within the framework of a horror film. I expect to like this one more with time. I wish the marketing didn’t give away the “twist.” My advice, is to go in blind.
Although, incels should find a different movie to go see this weekend.

4/5