ArtsQuest’s Favorite Films of the Decade

Best Of lists are all well and good but, here at ArtsQuest and the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, we wanted to do a little something different. Instead of pulling together lists that could all look the same – especially compared to the thousands out there you can already see – we wanted to give you our favorite films of the decade instead with the hopes that you might find a new fav yourself.

There are over 130 films on the lists below and only 40 of those show up on more than one. Robert Egger’s 2015 supernatural horror film The Witch shows up on four lists, more than any other film. Avengers: Endgame, Coco, Get Out, and Mad Max: Fury Road show up on three lists each, as does a more hidden gem guaranteed to make you smile, Sing Street.

Everyone has different rationales as to what makes a film their favorite, which is why there are so many different movies below; there are so many different personalities and backgrounds within the staff and volunteers that make ArtsQuest and the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas work. We hope you enjoy these lists and that the 2020s provide you with health, happiness, and a whole bunch of visits to our movie theaters!

Ryan Hill

Programming Director
Lead Programmer, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

1. Frances Ha
2. What We Do in the Shadows
3. Skyfall
4. The Babadook
5. Sing Street
6. Creed
7. Coco
8. Gloria
9. I Am Not Your Negro
10. Bridesmaids

Anthony DeSanctis

Cinema/Comedy Specialist

1. Whiplash
2. Warrior
3. Never Look Away
4. Toy Story 3
5. Sing Street
6. Inception
7. Wild Tales
8. Avengers: Endgame
9. Coco
10. Phantom Thread

Addyson Young

Cinema/Comedy Coordinator

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
3. Bridesmaids
4. The Hunt for the Wilderpeople
5. The Little Hours
6. About Time
7. Crazy Stupid Love
8. Easy A
9. Eighth Grade
10. Pitch Perfect

John Wrigley

Cinema/Comedy Assistant

1. Whiplash
2. Jojo Rabbit
3. Toy Story 4
4. Eighth Grade
5. Toy Story 3
6. The LEGO Movie
7. Her
8. Booksmart
9. 21 Jump Street
10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Steve Abruzzese and Jennifer Suwak

Cinema Committee

1. The Social Network
If you are looking for the quintessential masterpiece of filmmaking in the 21st century, look no further than David Fincher’s The Social Network. Every shot is perfect for what this film is, the film’s score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross fits amazingly well and these elements can tell the story of Facebook without dialog. However, the screenplay by Aaron Sorkin gives the film the bones it needs to stand as one of the best of all time. Snubbed for Best Picture (King’s Speech).

2. Inside Llewyn Davis
When we screened our short documentary Pulling Teeth at the Austin Film Festival in 2013, we were able to see an early screening of Inside Llewyn Davis. We were in the very last row at the Paramount Theatre, in an aisle seat right by the exit. T Bone Burnett and a relatively unknown Oscar Isaac were there for a Q and A afterwards. Even though we were able to see this Coen Brothers film in this setting, the movie holds up as one of their greatest films as just a simple story of a week in a musician’s life during 1961 Greenwich Village.

3. Inherent Vice
This is a film that some people love or just do not care about. We love it! Besides Joaquin Phoenix’s wonderful performance as a P.I. in 1970 Southern California, the set design, abundant characters and a plot that it is okay to be confused about. The plot doesn’t matter, follow the interesting characters. A new The Big Sleep or The Big Lebowski. A great couple scenes with Joaquin and Reese Witherspoon (since Walk the Line), Josh Brolin eating a paper plate of Cannabis or Martin Short doing blow then running after a girl with his pants down… the point is there is a scene for everyone.

4. Creed
How can a seventh installment of the Rocky franchise get Golden Globe Awards and an Oscar nomination? Ryan Coogler, fresh off the success of Fruitvale Station, proposed the idea to Sylvester Stallone in a twelve-minute pitch meeting and they ran with it. There is an entire fight in one long take, a new engaging “Training Montage” and a date night scene where the Philadelphia phrase “Jawn” is discussed. The fresh performances by Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson, with a revival of Stallone himself as Rocky, make this film the most authentic and real Rocky since the first.

5. The Witch
The horror film has many forms, but a film that’s setting and mood kick in immediately with the banishment of a family in a 1600s New England gets us. We feel isolated and stalked like they do. This family is prey to something outside of their control. Slight paranormal but mostly just atmospheric, the scares in this come from error in human judgement, and this hits us hard with the authenticity of the dialog to the times. Everything about this film is creepy. We get lost in this world like no other film, and Robert Eggers will probably do it again in The Lighthouse.

6. Moonlight
The only Best Picture Winner on our list is Moonlight because it’s on a level of its own. Three act structure follows a young black man in Miami is one of the most authentic and raw coming-of-age stories put to screen. Watching the film several times you notice all of the details, like in costume design (the use of blue and red outfits) the haunting score and the setting really put us in 1980s and 1990s Miami. You are with Chiron the whole way, with his highs and his lows and his lows are tough to go through with him, but Barry Jenkins does an amazing job of shot choice and sound design to keep us going.

7. Baby Driver
Edgar Wright nails this modern musical that everyone can enjoy. It’s funny, action packed and precise. Every beat to every song goes with the visuals in some way and diegetic sounds in the movie like police sirens, becomes part of the song playing in Baby’s earbuds. After your first viewing you will be re-watching every scene for the subtleties missed. If it wasn’t for Kevin Spacey being a part of this film (bad timing), this film wins every editing and sound Oscar and is recognized for the masterpiece that it is. It’s a gamechanger.

8. Get Out
The opening long shot of a man being abducted by a stalking car in an affluent neighborhood is chilling. Get Out made a new type of horror film by bringing the consciousness of society today mixed with a psychological thriller. A film about race and class issues under the plot of rich white people entering the bodies of young African Americans to the highest bidder has a mix of humor and horror which Jordan Peele masters. It’s a great movie overall, but it did so much for the horror genre. It was tough not to pick his second film Us which is just as masterful.

9. A Ghost Story
Two women asked me in the bathroom at the theatre “What did the movie mean?” The movie is about grief and the feelings that go with the loss of a loved one and the space you inhabit together. The scene where Rooney Mara doesn’t eat for days then eats so much of a casserole that she pukes her guts up hit home so hard when you or someone you know is going through depression. The movie is a wave of emotion from the start and when you think the movie is going one way, you realize it is going another way and you get hooked going through time and space until we come full circle.

10. Joker
The best movie about mental illness is a movie coming from DC comics. There are so many layers to this film, but the main focus of a character who has dealt with childhood trauma and how society ignores him is chilling to its core. Most people know the end product; this man becomes the Joker who will fight Batman one day, but most of the film you rarely think of him that way. Gotham in New York and North Jersey is a great aesthetic too.

Patrick Brogan

Chief Programming Officer
Manager of the ArtsQuest Center

(presented alphabetically)

Argo
The Big Short
The Dark Knight Rises
Drive
La La Land
Lady Bird
Minions
Moonrise Kingdom
Shut Up and Play The Hits
Us

Nicholas Carrodo

Customer Experience Representative

1. Avengers: Endgame
This movie is truly an epic in every sense of the word. Nothing like it has ever been done before and I honestly think nothing ever will again. I don’t care who says what, this movie is a cinematic masterpiece.

2. Hardcore Henry
I remember trying to see this as many times as I could in theaters because of how unique it was. This movie feels like you’re playing a video game, it puts you right into the action and literally doesn’t stop until the end. While obviously not the best story wise, it’s certainly the most fun I’ve had watching a movie this decade.

3. Pacific Rim
Words fail when I try to describe how much I love this movie. It seriously has everything I could ever want: giant monsters, giant robots, emotional final stands, Charlie Day…It’s just a shame they never made a sequel to this movie (if you keep telling yourself a lie enough times you’ll start to believe it).

4. War for the Planet of the Apes
This is such an emotional, satisfying conclusion to the best trilogy we’ve had since LOTR. Absolute perfection.

5. Blair Witch
I’m one of the few people on earth whose favorite genre of film is Found Footage Horror, so obviously this HAS to be on my list. This movie is one of the very few sequels that actually feels on par, if not better than the original. This was an improvement and expansion on what is already one of the greatest Horror films ever made.

6. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
I will never understand why people hated this movie. From its score, to its story, to the Guy Ritchie-ness, it’s simply brilliant.

7. Logan
The perfect send off for one of my favorite comic book characters. I wish we had more standalone comic book movies that packed as much punch as this one did.

8. Ex Machina
I was never really interested in ”low budget indie film”-esque movies until I saw this. It changed how seriously I took film and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Oscar Issac’s performance…*chef’s kiss*.

9. Wind River
This is easily one of the most well-acted and well written movies I’ve seen this decade. This would not be on this list if not for Jon Bernthal’s performance, to this day I’m still riveted by it. Hands down best of his career.

10. Storks
Whenever I’m down or have had a rough day, I watch any scene from this movie and it cheers me right up. It’s stuck with me for that very reason. When it came out, it felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Incredibly cute, super charming, a solid 10/10.

Catherine Ford

Cinema Committee

(presented alphabetically)

20 Feet from Stardom
An enlightening tribute to the background singers to the most popular performers in music. This documentary dives deep into the reality that talent is not enough. At times breaks your heart and other times has it soar with the life stories of these amazing singers/artist.

There is a scene in the film that is amazing. Real footage of David Bowie recording “Young Americans” with his backup singers of which one is Luther Vandross. It Won Best Documentary. Although there are a number of documentaries that are very important and well done, this one stayed with me. The content goes beyond music.

And, Breathe Normally
I was fortunate to screen this film at the Provincetown Film Festival. It stole my heart and uplifted my spirit. It’s a film that most, I imagine, did not see in 2018.

In Iceland two women’s lives intersect for a brief moment by unforeseen circumstances. Strong performances by the lead characters and the supporting role of the young boy are moving. Director Isold Uggadottir balances suspense and without being too sentimental. A film I love more and more each time I watch it.

Beasts of the Southern Wild
Warmed my heart. It was called poetry on film and I would agree. When I watched it 2012, it blew me away. When I think it today it still touches me. I appreciate this film. The young 9-year-old actress was terrific as Quvenzhane Wallis became the youngest Best Actress nominee in history. Her character’s imagination and perseverance are on display which is a wonderful story set in the most challenging circumstances.

Carol
Familiar with the novel “Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith, I was anxiously awaiting the film to be released. A beautifully written screen play by Phyllis Nagy brought to life by a strong cast, cinematography and musical score. It plays as a novel, which I enjoy very much. It’s both subtle and powerful. Set in the 1950’s, Todd Haynes direction brings this film together beautifully.

Inception
A rollercoaster ride of a suspense and intrigue. It’s original with twists and turns that kept me entertained and interested in the characters. I am not usually taken in by action films, but this film is one of my favorites.

Lady Bird
This had me right from the opening scene. Not your typical coming of age film. The script is original and smart…joyful and easy to identify with all the characters. Purely authentic, this is what I appreciate in film and especially this one. Laurie Metcalf and Saoirse Ronan, along with the supporting cast, are at their very best and make it look so easy.

Life of Pi
There were times watching this film I was in awe of the beauty Ang Lee brought to life on the screen. The technical effects were excellent. I cared for Pi as well as the tiger on their journey of spirit and survival. This wonderful novel became remarkable filmmaking that is still with me.

Miseducation of Cameron Post
Set in 1993, the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival is one I can relate to. I had friends who survived gay conversion therapy and some who did not.

Why this film is on my list (and not such fine films like Boy Erased) is that the screenplay co written and directed by Desiree Akhaven, based on the adaption of Emily Danforth’s book, balances out the drama with humor and sensitivity that creates a refreshing original film. Akhaven is queer herself and I believe that brought insights to this subject that other directors may not have to offer. Some say it moved too slowly, but that to me that is the film’s strength, taking the time to understand the characters as they are coming of age in this repressive environment. I also appreciated that the budget was fewer than 900,000 dollars and shot in 23 days.

Moonlight
Powerful and sensitive story that is beautifully shared on film. It all worked for me. The script, acting, direction delivers a wonderful coming of age story in a brave way not seen before.

Parasite
Possibly the best film of this year. Beautifully crafted and the score is wonderful. But why it moved me were the stories within the story… surprises throughout that bring tears and laughter. It is disturbing because it needs to be. I could share much more about this film but it’s so difficult to put into words.

Robert Daniels

Cinema Committee

Being tasked with coming up with my ten “favorite” films of the 2010s as opposed to what I view as the BEST means that masterpieces like The Tree of Life and The Turin Horse end up ranking lower than Mandy. Here an anti-laugh riot like Michael Haneke’s Amour loses to The Lobster and Lady Bird. It’s for the best as this decade was more spent by me being a father than a filmgoer. Too many blindspots to have a Best Of list to be taken seriously.

With that in mind, here are the films I found myself watching over and over, falling asleep to, waking up with, and hiding in. The cinematic comfort food of the last ten years. My favorite films of the 2010s are:

10. The Trip
This and the two sequels are really just road trip conversations between two intelligent and witty individuals. It’s My Dinner with Andre with dueling Michael Caine impersonations.

9. Good Time
Like Scorsese’s After Hours, a darkly comic descent into the hell that can be New York City. Any unsuspecting Twilight fan following Robert Pattinson’s career this decade has had a wild ride with a couple Cronenberg flicks, one by Herzog, Claire Denis’s High Life and the recently released The Lighthouse.

8. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore
Elijah Woods plus a ninja throwing star belt buckle equals greatness. The first five minutes of this movie kind of encapsulates all that is wrong with the western world. Stuck in traffic staring at truck balls. Yep. I feel your pain, Ruth.

7. Sorry to Bother You
An edgier, more incisive Office Space. Also, a beautifully chaotic mess. In the same year Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman got all the hype this piece had deeper and more radical insights on race in modern AmeriKkKa.

6. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
A comic book adaptation about a jerk reckoning with his romantic past and that of his girlfriend. The graphic novel roots vividly translate to the big screen with fight scenes that have a video game boss battle flair. Seems unlikely but I mean all of that in the best way possible.

5. Drive
I want that jacket, but know I’m not cool enough to actually wear it. Add a toothpick and driving gloves? Forget about it! A moody masterpiece with a great soundtrack (except for that one song). Hey Girl, er Gosling, Baby Driver got nothin’ on you.

4. Only Lovers Left Alive
Style and substance combine to cast a gloomy, romantic spell. Best viewed at a midnight screening on a cold winter night where one must wander dark alleys and cracked sidewalks to make the subway home before dawn. To paraphrase John Hurt’s Marlowe “Jim Jarmusch, please never die.”

3. Raw
A vegetarian veterinary student develops a taste for flesh and stomach-churning hilarity ensues. The best coming of age film of the decade.

2. Phantom Thread
Another film about a jerk. Elegant bile. It’s perfect.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road
As much as I bemoan the dismal state of cinema with everything seemingly being a remake, a reboot, or a sequel this, this adrenaline (and guzzoline)-fueled post-apocalyptic bit of anarchic insanity is sort of guilty of being all three. It’s my favorite action movie of all time (unseating the previous champ, The Road Warrior) as well as being my favorite and what I consider the Best Film of the Decade.

Nick Galante

Customer Service Team Lead

1. The Shape of Water
I’m a big del Toro fan; I’ll watch anything he’s put his hands on, and I’ve never been disappointed, even when critics disagreed. Shape of Water is unquestionably his masterpiece. It’s part fairy tale, part monster movie; it’s Beauty and the Beast meets the Creature from the Black Lagoon. It’s sweet and scary and tragic and heartwarming and dark all at once, and I love every second of it.

2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
This is the only comic book movie that actually feels like a comic book, thanks to Edgar Wright’s masterful editing, timing, and special effects choices. It’s fun and lighthearted and silly, with a great soundtrack and a fantastic young cast.

3. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
I had the pleasure of seeing this with a live Q&A from Mr. McFeely himself, but the documentary’s merits far outweigh that experience. It’s a fantastic portrait of the journey that led to the creation of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood and a wonderful look at one an iconic entertainer and educator. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the lights came back up.

4. It Follows
The 2010s have been a great decade for horror in general. We’ve gotten a lot of interesting and imaginative films that are thought-provoking and genuinely spooky, and It Follows is first among them. It’s dark without being bleak, disturbing without gore, and unnerving without relying on jump scares.

5. Baby Driver
While not as funny as Edgar Wright’s other films, it shines the most with his style. The opening credits alone are a testament to that: the pacing, music, editing, the appearance of the lyrics as Baby walks down the street are all pure Wright.

6. Doctor Strange
Strange has long been my favorite superhero, and given his low place on Marvel’s roster, I was worried he’d get a sub-par film. This was everything I wanted and more. Cumberbatch and company are great, the visuals are brimming with Ditko weirdness, and the story hits all the right beats for a Strange tale. I’m looking forward to the sequel.

7. Get Out
I’m so glad this got the award consideration that it did. It’s not as scary or as full of twists and turns as other horror films, but everything about it is crafted to a tee. I was skeptical about Jordan Peele’s change in genre, but he’s done so spectacularly.

8. Midnight in Paris
This scratched my English nerd itch so well. The characterization of so many great artistic figures: Gertrude Stein, the Fitzgeralds, Hemingway, Dali, etc. are all done so well that it’s easy to find yourself getting caught up in the dangerous nostalgia that the movie tries to warn against.

9. Coco
Pixar has had some many great films in their library, but Coco is my favorite. I love the themes of death, memory, and family–despite the context of Mexican tradition, the message is universal. The ending gets me right in the heart every time.

10. Train to Busan
As far as I’m concerned, this is the greatest zombie film (with the possible asterisk for Shaun of the Dead). You learn to care about the characters and become invested in their survival in a way that’s rare for most films in the subgenre.

Adrianna Gober

Cinema Committee
Co-Curator, First Saturday Horror Series

1. Elle
2. The Handmaiden
3. The Duke of Burgundy
4. Green Room
5. How to Survive a Plague
6. The Skin I Live In
7. Mad Max: Fury Road
8. Stranger By the Lake
9. Winter’s Bone
10. Jupiter Ascending

Whew! Narrowing down a decade’s worth of moviegoing to just ten favorites was no easy task, but I managed (barely). Ultimately, I arrived at a selection of films I deeply love; some that delight me enough to revisit them over and over, and others that get under my skin and challenge me on a deep, emotional level. They’re pretty diverse in terms of genre, style, budget, and subject matter. Movies of complicated morality and desire, radical queer outsiderdom, underdog victories, gritty social realism…and one big budget failure so achingly sincere, my silly, sentimental heart didn’t stand a chance.

Bob Kilker

Cinema Committee
Host of the Tuesday Talkback Film Series

10. Winter’s Bone
Debra Granik’s film tells the story of a teen girl from the Ozarks (Jennifer Lawrence in a breakout role) forced to take on the role of detective seeking her missing father in order to save her family home. The film deftly mixes family melodrama and rural noir for an experience both moving and unsettling.

9. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
This film already warrants acclaim for its smart mixture of animation styles, but it also earns our affections for its poignant storytelling and quality voice performances.

8. A Separation
This Persian-language film from acclaimed director Asghar Farhadi tells the story of a married couple separating so that their daughter can grow up away from the oppressive government of Iran. The thoughtful cinematography and the moving performances of its lead actors captivate the audience throughout the film.

7. Spy
Director Paul Feig and star Melissa McCarthy have enjoyed many successful collaborations this decade, but none of them quite match the hilarity and the craft of this comedy.

6. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson strikes his usual smart balance between a quirky comic tone and a lingering melancholy while tackling the even more ambitious subject matter of 1930s fascism.

5. Sing Street
This film about a 1980s Dublin teen falling in love, discovering his identity, and pursuing his love of making music hits me hard every time. It’s an essential love letter to 80s music and to the joys of creative work.

4. The Witch
While this film’s commitment to historical detail is admirable, far more impressive is its ability to keep audiences in a constant state of dread leading up to its powerful and cathartic ending.

3. Moonlight
Barry Jenkins’ film, structured in three parts of the life of a young black man from Miami, meditates brilliantly and beautifully on what happens to a boy who grows up struggling with poverty, institutional racism, and toxic masculinity.

2. Get Out
Jordan Peele’s brilliant social horror film manages to be disturbing and funny in its commentary on 21st century racial politics. It provides new layers of material to be discovered on every viewing.

1. Lady Bird
Great Gerwig’s story of a Sacramento high school senior ready to leave her hometown behind offers well-observed comedy and heartbreaking family conflicts. I love this film especially for the empathy it shows its characters and encourages in its viewers.

Marianne Kitzmiller

Sr. Manager of Accounting

(presented alphabetically)

Argo
“Argo f*** yourself” – Unbelievable tension as they were leaving the country and boarding the plane.

The Big Sick
Just cute and original.

Bohemian Rhapsody
Acting was top notch and I loved the music.

Coco
No explanation needed.

Dunkirk
Sad but honest portrayal of what my father/grandfather’s generation experienced.

Gone Girl
Crazy twist and Neil Patrick Harris was amazing.

Manchester by The Sea
Sad and depressing beyond words, but if he can resolve his pain and move on in life, we all can. Wonderful acting.

Silver Linings Playbook
brought light to mental illness and also Bradley Cooper.

Spotlight
Current and relevant and needed attention brought to it.

We’re the Millers
I have seen this at least 20 times and still laugh so hard each time.

Elliot Murga

Customer Service Representative

(presented alphabetically)

10 Cloverfield Lane
Probably one of the best thrillers of the past 10 years. Plus, each Cloverfield movie adds to the Alternate Reality game making every entry an immersive experience. The hidden back story (found only through easter eggs and online sleuthing) apart of each film just adds to the grander mystery.

306 Hollywood
An extremely original and innovative idea. even though you’re watching a documentary of a family going through their dearly departed grandmother’s stuff, you get a taste of who she was, how she lived, and how much she was loved. by the end of the movie, you miss her too.

Blaze
The biopic of country singer Blaze Foley is one of the most simple, yet hard hitting stories ever told. He only loved two things: music and his woman. how he found his way through life having nothing but that gives you a grander perspective of what is really important.

The Cloverfield Paradox
A new take on alternate dimensions, it keeps you wondering what’s actually real. Plus, with every Cloverfield film, the backstory and events leading up to the events in the movie makes the film so much more intense. As the third entry in the Cloverfield story, it begins to tie the first two films together.

The Fault In Our Stars
Not a fan of Young Adult fiction, this story actually hit me harder than i anticipated. even when you think the plot was going one way, it’s a punch in the gut every time when the final scenes play out.

The Hateful Eight
One of the best written films this past decade. Mainly taking place within one room, you get a sense of a lack of trust as the characters feel it. and there’s something about a good intermission that makes you feel you’re watching a truly classic film.

Love, Gilda
Gilda Radner is one of the most influential comedians ever to make it big. the story of who she was and where she went resonates with anyone who every just wanted to entertain.

Straight Outta Compton
The NWA biopic is one of the most well written biographies. the performances were so compelling, you felt every happy, angry, and sad moment throughout their music careers.

Suicide Squad
As a comic fan, i never thought I would every see Suicide Squad/Harley Quinn in a live action movie. it had a different feel and look than every other superhero story, and i appreciate the change in direction.

The Witch
One of the most intense and scary movies without any major gore or special effects. the buildup of tension and paranoia will get you way before the fear does.

Ricardo Negron

Cinema Committee
Curator, Cinema Significa…

1. Whiplash
2. Her
3. Mad Max: Fury Road
4. The Witch
5. Mommy
6. Parasite
7. Roma
8. The Florida Project
9. The Cabin in the Woods
10. Sing Street

Experience is crucial in determining what is considered the “best” through my eyes. How it felt to be in the cinema, experiencing a world of untapped and unfamiliar senses, is my measure for compiling this painstaking top ten list. Each one of these films are forever engraved in my DNA, each leaving an incredible impact that has carried, and will continue to carry, throughout the years. From the riveting screenplays, or even lack thereof, combined with inspired cinematography, terrifically poignant performances, and with a slight directorial bias towards the more abstract, I believe that these films will stand the test of time. And, if not, I will be here to love them anyhow!

Jason Paulus

Cinema Committee
Winner, Red Carpet Party Ballot Challenge, 3 years running

1. The Social Network
2. Mommy
3. Somewhere
4. Blue Is the Warmest Color
5. Black Swan
6. Gone Girl
7. First Reformed
8. Manchester by the Sea
9. Frances Ha
10. The Way He Looks

Amidst the increasingly overwhelming feelings of insecurity throughout the decade, the desire to make sense of chaotic times, both within ourselves and with others, is seen expressed in the films selected.

In The Social Network and Black Swan, the yearning for personal success and notoriety ultimately doom the protagonists in different ways, skillfully portraying the alienating mental and social consequences of talent and the way ambition affects our relationships with others in ways that never feel like a lecture. The search for self-discovery and identity, whether sexual (Blue is the Warmest Color, The Way He Looks) or personal (Mommy, Somewhere), feels more relevant as a cinematic staple than ever. Both illustrate cohesive and nonjudgmental studies of individuals enduring remarkable struggles, portraying a variety of diverse perspectives on minority issues that nevertheless hold universal appeal and empathy.

Other selected films examine our relationships with each other in unpleasant ways suited to a cynical age. Manchester by the Sea confronts viewers with an uncompromising and masterfully acted portrayal of grief and depression as well as our desperation to feel a connection with others while Gone Girl flaunts a fantastical yet uncomfortably thought-provoking dissection of the faults in our personal relationships and the not-entirely-exaggerated ways we cope with them.

The remaining films, First Reformed and Frances Ha, faithfully portray feelings of helplessness with matters beyond our control — from death, religion, and a progressively hopeless environmental situation to friendships, existentialism, and the pursuit of happiness — both forcing us to reflect on our ability to influence any of it.

Overall, I’ve chosen these ten films as my favorites of the decade because of similar strengths: extraordinary acting, engaging scripts, inspired direction and cinematography, and a deep understanding of the human condition in the way we interact with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Alli Poczak

Performing Arts Coordinator

(presented alphabetically)

Easy A
Easy A is a film I will always stop and watch if I see it on TV. Emma Stone is awesome (in this and in any film) and so are all of the 80s movie references made.

Get Out
Original horror is hard to come by these days, yet Jordan Peele is conquering the genre with his creativity. The film’s suspense grew the more I pieced together what was going on and, as the end came, I was physically up on the edge of my seat. Once the film ended, I wanted to turn around and watch it again. I went back to the theatre less than a week later and did so.

Grand Budapest Hotel
The fantasy-like colors and symmetry are typical Wes Anderson which made it hard to not be drawn to this film. It is beautiful to look with whimsical storyline and characters that are fun to follow.

Guardians of the Galaxy 2
Baby Groot dancing to Mr. Blue Sky while an insane battle is going on behind him is so wholesome and lovely. I can listen to Awesome Mix Vol. 1 & 2 all day long and I stan Star-Lord and Gamora and their banter.

Happy Death Day
Take the movie Groundhog Day but add a murderer and a final girl and you get a movie on Alli’s top 10 list. The comedy aspects in this film made it really fun to watch and I also want to be friends with Jessica Rothe.

Hereditary
The last time I was afraid of the dark was when I accidentally saw a scene from House on Haunted Hill at the age of eight… until this film. I couldn’t look at the dark corners of my room for weeks due to one scene that held suspense for what felt like an hour. The array of emotions I experienced during and after this film makes it one I will never forget.

It Follows
One of the main reasons I love this film is the soundtrack. It opens with music that feels straight out of an 80s slasher. It Follows was original and, at least for me, was one of the films that started to bring the horror genre back.

Maleficent
The retelling of Sleeping Beauty from a new perspective was refreshing. Angelina Jolie, an absolute QUEEN, had me loving and sympathizing with a character known for being one of the most evil villains in the Disney realm.

Monsters University
I’m a huge Disney fan and this was one of my favorite Disney movies from the last decade. You get to see child Mike Wazowski excited about finding a nickel and it’s so wholesome my heart could explode.

The Witch
Witches/witchcraft themes have been favorites of mine recently, an interest that all stemmed from this film. I watched it for the first time last year and was obsessed especially thanks to the phenomenal voice casting. Thinking about it still gives me chills.

Michelle Veresink Richmond
Sr. Manager of Membership and Advancement Operations
(presented alphabetically)

The Avengers
Take all my favorite superheroes from the Marvel world and roll them into on extremely entertaining, funny, and action-packed film. I love all the crossovers in the Marvel world and all of the connections you notice with the more films you have seen.

Beauty and the Beast
I am a big fan of Disney and have seen this show twice on Broadway so I was very curious as to what they would do with this beloved story. They brought together an all-star cast, brought in new music and carry-overs from the Broadway show/film, and Emma Watson was charming as Belle. It was great to learn even more of Belle’s backstory.

Downton Abbey
I loved this film because it felt like visiting with old friends and getting to catch up on their lives. It played as a “Downtown Abbey’s greatest hits” with all that fabulous wit and storytelling.

Iron Man 3
Robert Downey, Jr. is so much fun as Tony Stark and this film in the series brings out another side of him and his relationship with Pepper Potts.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
The final film of the series, it just includes such amazing energy with the build-up to the battle with Voldemort. I have read all the books so no spoilers, but I love seeing how these characters (and actors) complete this chapter of their story.

The Last Five Years
I love musicals and the story-telling approach in this musical (telling the story forward and backward at the same time) is so unique. You feel the excitement of a new relationship and the devastation as it falls apart at the same time for the length of the entire film, thanks to brilliant performances by Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. I always get wary of film adaptations of musicals, but I actually think this might be the exception where it is even better than the stage play.

Letters to Juliet
Yes, I listed all the others, but the reality is that I have watched this film many many more times than the rest combined. This film is absolutely light fluff, but I love it. I love the simple romantic comedy with pretty people driving around Italy, and the parallel love stories between Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave. It is a simple watch and it makes me happy, and sometimes those films are just the best and just what you need.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
I had never seen any of the Star Wars films until my mid-20s, when I met my husband. I loved this film because I felt like it was the Star Wars story that I finally got to experience together with Star Wars fans for the first time! It was brand new to all of us. It was the one sentence in the scrolling Star Wars text that turned into a real story of people and bravery and giving it all for a cause.

Skyfall
This is my favorite James Bond film. Daniel Craig puts on a stellar performance that looks into Bond’s past. And, of course, the amazing performance by Dame Judi Dench as M is icing on the cake.

Thor: The Dark World
One word: Loki. I love seeing the relationship between Thor and Loki continue to develop as they find themselves momentarily on the same side.

Cory Stevens

Volunteer and Internship Coordinator

(presented alphabetically)

Avengers: Endgame
You have to understand, this movie was an event. As a culmination of eleven years of films, this ending to what Marvel is calling the “Infinity Saga” has for better or worse changed the landscape of mainstream cinema and acts as an immense payoff for anyone who has been there every step of the way.

It boasts unparalleled special effects, a boggling amount of very expensive actors, and perhaps one of the greatest action sequences ever made. It took a long time to get there, and I nearly had heart palpations as I watched it unfold.

Brooklyn
My girlfriend and I had a tradition where every Wednesday night, we would get tacos for dinner and then go see a movie at The Roxy in Northampton. Brooklyn was the first movie that started our long-standing date night, but besides the sentimental reasoning it also happens to be a great movie.

It does a great job of visually transporting the viewer to the 1950s (perhaps made unintentional more powerful by The Roxy’s atmosphere), and it sets up a love triangle that creates a truly difficult decision by the end of the movie. If you have any trouble realizing that Saoirse Ronan is a star, this film will set you straight.

Django Unchained
This movie has a ton of bad words, a ton of violence, and it toys with America’s traumatic and racist past. However, it does give you the superficial satisfaction of watching some really bad people get their comeuppance in masterfully shot (both by cameras and guns) action sequences.

The movie looks beautiful with its snowy, rocky landscapes and sounds amazing with a soundtrack that doesn’t stick to one genre. Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington deliver standout performances, and this is the movie Leonardo DiCaprio should have won his Oscar for.

Inception
This movie is a great, thrilling adventure if you don’t take it too seriously. It’s easy to get caught up in the corny aspects of it (the tagline was “Your mind is the scene of the crime!”) but I felt the sci-fi world building and visually imaginative action add up to a movie that sticks with you as you try to piece it all together.

The way the timelines sync up thanks to how they edited the footage, how they play with gravity and perception—it’s a master class on how you tell an especially visual story; it wouldn’t have the same effect as a book.

The Grand Budapest Hotel
I love Wes Anderson’s style through all his movies, but this one sticks with me because of its adventurous plot and enchanting set pieces. Dark, deadpan humor is delivered by actors at the top of their form and M. Gustave’s penchant for romantic poetry, thinly veiled vanity, and fierce loyalty to his friends warms my Scorpio heart. Grab your bottle of L’Air de Panache and call the Crossed Keys, because it’s time for a grizzly adventure in pre-war Europe.

The LEGO Movie
Growing up, I loved LEGOs. I remember being so into those bricks that I once had a dream that there was a LEGO movie, like a “straight to DVD” kind of thing, but then I woke up into a sad world where that didn’t exist. Besides my dream coming true, this movie was surprising in other ways: it had Easter eggs for long-time fans, it was genuinely funny, and it has a twist towards the end that I never knew I needed. I was blown away that they work LEGO bricks into nearly every bit of animation. You get the sense that you’re watching a movie made carefully, by artists who love the subject just as much as you do.

The Lobster
This…is a weird one. Concerning a near future where everyone is obligated to settle down and marry or be faced with getting turned into an animal, the hopeless are sent to an unnamed hotel in a last-ditch effort to find their match.

This is so darkly humorous, so psychologically chilling, and so bonkers that it’s impossible to forget. The deadpan performances give this strange world an ethereal quality, and the ending gives me shivers whenever I think of it. How far are you willing to go to not be alone?

Mad Max: Fury Road
I’m sure someone is going to be mad at me for this, but I haven’t seen any of the other Mad Max movies. Even so, I feel that this film allows you to jump in and experience it without the baggage of what came before, even if only because Tom Hardy takes over as a new version of the character. I love Tom Hardy’s mouth full of gravel, but it’s Charlize Theron’s performance that really steals the show.

This is another example of a story that exists visually—there’s very little exposition in the dialogue and you must use what you see to piece the world building together. Every detail is meaningful and unique, from vulture people walking on stilts in the dead of night to the Doof Warrior, some part of this movie will remain with you long after you’ve seen it.

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
When they first announced that they were adding Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I had truly hoped that they were going to go with the Miles Morales version of the character. I was disappointed to learn that they were sticking with yet another Peter Parker, and this movie shows why things would have been way more interesting with Miles.

It’s a more interesting comic book movie in general, and it painstakingly uses animation to play with its comic origin and provides its characters with complexity and nuance that some might not expect from a cartoon. It’s a great movie full of fun new versions of many characters (they found a way to make Doctor Octopus not corny?!), and the Nicholas Cage cameo doesn’t hurt either.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi
I hear that some folks didn’t like this one. The thing is: this chapter in the Star Wars saga tried to do things differently, and while there are plot lines that don’t quite stick the landing, I’d rather see something new than the recycled, safe choices that The Force Awakens made.

I personally enjoyed the direction they took Luke’s character, as I feel his strict isolation made sense after everything he’s done and seen. If all people wanted to see was a badass Jedi master using the Force to crush enemies, I’m not sure how they wouldn’t be happy with Luke creating an illusion of himself from the other side of the galaxy just to troll his terrorist nephew. Also, porgs are adorable and I could cry just thinking about them.

Lauren Tocci

Cinema Committee
Co-Curator, First Saturday Horror Series

1. The Shape of Water
Plainly, this movie is beautiful, the composition, the themes, the performances. It was a film that is a reminder of why the theater experience is such magic as life and love radiated through this film.

2. La La Land
The opening sequence alone would make this an immediate candidate as my favorite movie of the 2010s. It’s a love letter to the splashy movie musicals of the 40s and 50s and a rather glistening version of Tinseltown. Without a doubt, though, my favorite sequence is “What a Waste of a Lovely Night”; that chemistry is astounding and that one long take perfection.

3. Super 8
In JJ Abrams I trust. Nostalgia flick, yes. But that alone? Not even close thanks to the emotional depth to this film, the choices Abrams makes to balance the intimate and the spectacle, and the celebration of the adventures of youth.

4. Brooklyn
Three separate thematic and cinematography sequences exist in this film and they match perfectly a search for self and identity, the unmooring and exhilarating emotions of that process, and how you reconcile that personal discovery with the notion of home. In short: the movie is damn pretty and damn moving.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I
Aside from an undying loyalty to all things Rowling, I just love the experience of this story revealed in all its cinematic glory. It remains, to me, the truest adaptation: the mood, sequencing, and the additions from page to screen work to enhance what is the most dynamic portion of the entire Harry Potter series.

6. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
I know this is my second JJ Abrams entry on the list, but I can’t help how much this movie delighted me. I grew up a Star Wars fan, that fandom was tested during the prequel films, but that fandom was galvanized during this film. Rey is the most thrilling and hopeful protagonist of the series. There are so many moments that make this film special, and so many choices by Abrams that make this the best directed of all the Star Wars films (come at me).

7. Snowpiercer
In a film world fatigued by dystopian realities, this film emerged as a battle cry of why that genre works. It’s painful, brilliantly edited, and a really enjoyable punch to the gut.

8. Us
All cinematic governing bodies need to just hand Lupita Nyong’o all their shiny metals. Jordan Peele has a tremendous command already of psychological terror and this film, particularly in the first home encounter with the tethered, is representative of that.

9. Creed
Ryan Coogler breathed life into the much overwrought Rocky franchise and the boxing genre. He placed the camera and the audience in the ring in ways that were not only innovative, but also provided some immense heart to a story that could have been paint by numbers. I’ll leave this line right here for anyone who has seen the film “That I’m not a mistake.”

10. BlacKkKlansman
This film delivers on a tremendous career. A compelling story, and most of all an apropos message. Also the “Too Late to Turn Back Now” scene may be the best musical number in cinematic history.

Thanks for reading! See the best films of the 2020s at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas!

Top Songs of 2019:
ArtsQuest Staff Picks

None of the ArtsQuest staff would work here if they didn’t live for music and the arts. To share our passion, we put together a list of top song choices from 2019. We hope you’ll enjoy our eclectic mix of musical tastes and discover some great new tunes!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Since he’s in charge of booking our major acts throughout the year, we let Patrick pick his Top 5 and gave him top billing. The rest of our staff picked their favorite song and they’re listed in order of when the pick was submitted (slackers are at the bottom).

CLICK HERE FOR OUR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Patrick Brogan – Chief Programming Officer & Manager of the ArtsQuest Center

Although my number one spot goes to Ezra Koenig with a phenomenal new Vampire Weekend album, 2019, to me, was dominated by great new music from strong female artists. In addition to the four below I also loved FKA Twigs album (Cellophane delivering both a great song and video) as well as the pop entries from superstars Taylor Swift (the beauty of Lover, the simplicity of I Forgot That You Existed, and my favorite Cornelia Street), Selena Gomez (Lose You To Love Me took several plays to catch on but then I couldn’t let go of its haunting beauty), and Ariana Grande (thank you, next; break up with your girlfriend; and 7 rings all catchy and fun) among others. All the female voices didn’t leave the room for The Black Keys (lo/hi), The Avett Brothers (High Stepper), or some pop males with great music (Shawn Mendes, Drake, and Sam Smith among them). Here are my top 5 of 2019:

5. Lizzo – “Juice”

No 2019 year in music would be complete without including the (finally!) breakout year for the Minneapolis-based Lizzo. She walked onto a stage at SXSW in 2017 and in seconds (after picking my jaw up) had me and everyone in the venue up and dancing, phones out, desperate to share this force of a performance with the entire world. With the arrival of Cuz I Love You it is safe to say this was the year/summer of Lizzo in mainstream. While Truth Hurts is the bigger single and Good As Hell is my favorite song of hers in general, Juice encapsulates everything that is fun and powerful in her r&b meets pop music.

4. Billie Eilish – “bad guy”

While I wanted to be cerebral and include her single bury a friend, bad guy is the song I have listened to more this year and with broader pop appeal is what I’ll remember as her entrance to the music scene in 2019. The underground night club feel of the rhythm, the uncomfortable start-and-stop nature of the lyrics not to mention the intensity of the lyrics themselves make this a top choice of this year’s new music.

3. Maggie Rogers – “Light On”

I heard her single Alaska a year or two and wanted more and her label debut this year of Heard It In A Past Life shows the depth and excellence of her abilities as a contemporary songwriter. Light On is such a positive message encouraging hanging in there for someone else despite life’s challenges both internal & external. And though it is a fairly subtle easy song you can sense the urgent undertone of finding that path to the destination and the thankfulness of the “light on”. The sense of urgency she creates underneath a gentle song exists throughout the album such as on Burning and Falling Water as well. I’ve listened to all these songs both on a gentle car ride and on the treadmill at the gym so they work on multiple levels. She’s up for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs.

2. Tones And I – “Dance Monkey”

Talk about a way to make a US Debut – I was mesmerized by how beautifully Toni Watson sat at the piano and hauntingly played the opening to Dance Monkey and then pop up and sing the energized lyrics over tracks in the second half of the song. This song was an instant party anthem on my playlist and while I’m including her live performance of it to, the official video is a senior citizen dance party on a golf course and also worth a watch.

1. Vampire Weekend – “Harmony Hall”

I’ve loved Vampire Weekend since I first heard the opening to Mansard Roof and with their 2019 Father of the Bride release they have added even more favorites to my regular playlist including This Life, Unbearably White, Flower Moon, and Bambina. I’m so glad to see them get the more crossover recognition they deserved more of over the years with a number of GRAMMY nominations for this album. Harmony Hall is the standout single on this album and every bit a real contender for Best Rock Song at the GRAMMYs. It’s catchy sing-song refrain is set to a light pop rhythm and the song builds in momentum from start to finish. Easily the most played song for me in 2019 on the most played album, marking it as my number one choice.

Ben Youngerman – Marketing Manager

Slipknot – “Solway Firth”

This was a tough contest in a year that featured new music from heavy music heavyweights Korn, Rammstein, Tool, Ozzy Osbourne, Ghost, Killswitch Engage, etc. However, Slipknot edges out the rest by putting forth their most diabolical album since 2001’s Iowa (my favorite record ever). On the top of my repeated tracks list from We Are Not Your Kind is the chaotic headbanger “Solway Firth,” which showed that the ‘knot is still as unique and dangerous as they were 20 years ago. \m/ (*>*) \m/

Linda Colonna – Accounts Payable Specialist

Phantogram – “In A Spiral”

I don’t think Phantogram has ever released a song I haven’t played on repeat at one point or another. I love this duo, so my pick this year is one of their latest singles. I hope you like their eccentric sound as much as I do.

Cory Stevens – Volunteer & Internship Coordinator

Hozier – “Almost (Sweet Music)”

I love Hozier. I listened to his first album on repeat back when it came out in 2014, and I’ve waited quite awhile for his next batch of work. When Wasteland, Baby! released it proved to be worth the wait, and “Almost (Sweet Music)” was the one track that I would play again as soon as it finished. It has an undeniable rhythm and showcases what Hozier does best—write poetic lyrics about something sad and give it a beat that people can dance to. For me, this is a song for those who always feel something missing, even when things are going great. But never fear—the narrator’s progression proves that in time those missing parts of us can always heal. In a “meta” sense, Hozier is namedropping the songs and artists he turns to when he needs help feeling like himself again, which is exactly what many folks (myself included) do with Hozier’s own music as well.

Lisa Harms – Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education

Lizzo – “Good As Hell”

This song is the anthem that we didn’t know we needed. It’s a song that fires you up and forces you to know your worth. I challenge anyone to listen to this song and not immediately feel like a million bucks.

Jon Lunger – Director of Marketing

The Interrupters – “Bad Guy” (Billie Eilish cover)

The Interrupters rule. Billie Eilish rules. This Billie Eilish cover by The Interrupters rules.

Ryan Hill – Programming Director

Lana Del Rey – “California”

The confidence of this song is what truly gets me; the way the pre-chorus builds to what becomes an absolute earworm of a chorus – which in itself kicks into a higher gear – is so sonically stunning that it’s made me unafraid to use such a blasé term as ‘sonically stunning’. I actually wasn’t a huge LDR fan before this album, but I’ve now listened to it front to back countless times and list it among my favorite of the decade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1WzNiyu7tM

Alyssa Ascher – Visual Arts Coordinator

Bon Iver – “Faith”

Bon Iver has always had a unique artistry to their music that I haven’t been able to find from any other artists. Their most recent album, i,i provides a powerful emotional journey questioning many aspects of life like mental health, politics, religion, nature, healing, and even death. It was nearly impossible picking one song as my favorite from this album, but “Faith”, has been one that I’ve connected to and even leaned on to get me through some of my toughest times.

Shayna Super – Performing Arts Specialist

Vampire Weekend – “This Life”

Off of what is one of the best albums of the year in my opinion, Vampire Weekend’s 2019 “Father of the Bride” album is stacked with hits. I picked “This Life” off the album. It has a familiar and nostalgic vibe of other Vampire Weekend songs with clever word play and real life issues softened by a light, summer melody. I can’t get enough of the song, the album and Ezra Koenig (who recently had a child with one of my favorite actresses – Rashida Jones. That will be one talented kid.)

Anne Sturm – Senior Talent Buyer & Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Oliver Tree – “Hurt”

Oliver Tree is one my most listened-to artists this year. He is so outlandish and uncanny and undefinable – most of all I am drawn to his upbeat songs and raw lyrics… and his live performance is a great time. Oliver Tree was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA, and is a vocalist, producer, comedian and filmmaker…. Looking forward to hearing more from Oliver Tree.

Amanda Celestina – Operations Specialist

Baroness – “Tourniquet”

Among their spectrum of albums, Baroness’ Gold & Grey, is one of my favorites. Continuing to adore the lead singers fantastic album covers, the addition of new guitarist/backup vocalist, Gina Gleason, has elevated my appreciation for the band. They are studio quality live and high energy performers. Open your ears and enjoy one of my favorite tracks.

Juliann Masenheimer – Lead Creative

Lizzo – “Juice”

Coming out of the gate early in January 2019 is Lizzo’s “Juice”! I feel like this song was the beginning of our love for her. “Juice” has a “shiny“ retro feel that can put you in a good mood on a rainy day. The sound is as instantly likeable as Lizzo is herself.

Marianne Kitzmiller – Senior Manager of Accounting

Taylor Swift – “The Man”

Love her or hate her, Taylor hit it out of the park for women everywhere with this one. It speaks to what virtually every woman in the world has more than likely experienced at least once. Being a lyrics person, I especially love the chorus, “I’m so sick of running As fast as I can, Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man, And I’m so sick of them Coming at me again, ’cause if I was a man, then I’d be the man”, but my personal favorite line has to be “I’d be a fearless leader
I’d be an alpha type, When everyone believes ya, What’s that like?” Interesting that even a bajillionaire like Taylor Swift faces the same judgments as working women everywhere since the beginning of time.

Jason Merola – Manager of Experiential Programming

Anderson .Paak – “Jet Black”

Upon looking at “Your Top Songs 2019” on my Spotify and seeing that Anderson .Paak’s most recent album, Ventura, had every song from it occupying the top of my list it made the choice pretty obvious. He has been on a rampage making music since coming on the scene, coming out with an album almost every year, and appearing on what feels like every popular hip-hop/R&B single. His music is so captivating because he combines so many genres including hip hop, soul, R&B, and Funk. He truly is a jack of all trades whether he’s rapping, singing, or playing the variety of different instruments he is skilled in. For those new to his music I highly suggest going to YouTube and looking up his “NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert” to get a great first look at how talented he is.

Hillary Harper – Director of Visual Arts

Brittany Howard – “Stay High”

Love everything this musician is involved with. This song is just a chill and pretty ditty, and the music video with Terry Crews is a piece of gold.

Nicole Dotta – Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships

Kelsea Ballerini – “homecoming queen?”

Kelsea Ballerini’s single “homecoming queen?” is an incredibly raw and vulnerable song about a homecoming queen who can’t show her true self. In a day and age when there is so much pressure on young women to look a certain way and to filter who they really are, Kelsea shares that it is okay to not be okay. We all have bad days, moments we don’t feel good enough and surely have had the words of others hurt us. While the song is instrumentally very simple, the power of the Kelsea’s vocals and sheer emotion has made this song a hit and my favorite song of 2019.

Kimberly Koehler – Partnership Activation Specialist

Khalid – “Talk”

This year was jam-packed of great songs so trying to pick a top song was pretty tough but something about “Talk” by Khalid just spoke to me. Khalid was my top played artist of the year and his album Free Spirit is the reason why. This album absolutely fantastic from the midtempo grooves and smooth synthesizers complemented by an inescapable & lovely voice to relatable and memorable lyrics. “Talk” begins with a very catchy hook which follows into soft and sweet lyrics that allows for several replays. This 17 track album has so many amazing songs and I would highly recommend giving Free Spirits a listen. Also, I did want to give a shout out to my 2019 runner up “Only Human” by Jonas Brothers because #JONASBROTHERSAVED2019

Jacob Rivera – IT Assistant

Lil Nas X Feat. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road Remix”

This song is truly lit fam! Like Straight Fuego! And it has Billy Ray Cyrus!! That guy’s a legend!! On a serious note, the song itself is pure genius. It fuses Hip-Hop Trap music and Country music beautifully. It also sparked up some controversy when it was removed from the Billboard’s Hot Country chart. If this song doesn’t make you head nod, tap your cowboy boot or shake your rump, then I’m convinced that your laugh-box is the same size as Squidward’s.

Coryna Barberis – Volunteer Programs Assistant

AJR – “100 Bad Days”

For the second year in a row I chose a song from the brothers, Adam, Jack and Ryan better known as AJR. Honestly any song on their 3rd album Neotheater could be a favorite for me but this song was the song that got me through most of 2019. Just a reminder that even some crappy stuff happens for a good reason. Extremely upbeat and fun, you can’t help smile when you hear this song. BONUS: I got to see AJR live in Philly with my family and they put on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Connecting to music with my teenagers is no easy feat but AJR brings us together.

Alli Poczak – Performing Arts Assistant

Tennis – “Runner”

“Runner” is the first single off Tennis’s upcoming 2020 album Swimmer. This song is mystical and groovy and puts their 70s influence on display. Aliana’s vocals flow in and out of the melody and this coupled with the smooth rhythm guitar makes the song easy to love. Anytime I hear Runner (or any song by Tennis) I feel like I’m on a mini-vacation from the world around me. Do yourself a favor and take a listen.

BONUS PLAYLIST!

Listen to all of these 2019 tunes in one awesome playlist…

Previous end-of-year staff picks:

2018
2017
2016
2015

Ho-Ho-Holiday Events at SteelStacks

By Kayla Arestivo, ArtsQuest Marketing Intern Photo: Wendy Jamison

Give me an H! Gimme an O! Gimme an H! Gimme an O! Gimme an H! Gimme an O! What’s that spell? HO-HO-HOLIDAY CHEER!

Christmas bells are ringing in the Christmas city! Kick off the joyous holiday season at SteelStacks with events like Christkindlmarkt, exciting concerts, heartwarming movie screenings, and hilarious comedy shows.

Don’t miss out because there’s no place like Bethlehem for the holidays!

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Christkindlmarkt– 11/22 – 12/22 – buy tickets

Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial is a one-of-a-kind family event that brings the spirit of Bethlehem alive with the season.

Concerts · Ticketed

The Squirrel Nut Zippers Holiday Caravan– 12/8 – buy tickets

The Holiday Caravan features holiday hits and classics, selections from the Squirrel Nut Zipper’s holiday album Christmas Caravan which sold a quarter of a million copies, and the finest new and old Squirrel Nut Zippers music.

CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION! Featuring The Beautiful Distortion– 12/21 – buy tickets

Join The Beautiful Distortion, Lehigh Valley with Love and the Women’s Business Council in a Christmas variety show for the ages, featuring music, magic and comedy – you don’t want to miss this!

Twelve Twenty-Four – The Holiday Rock Orchestra– 12/22 – buy tickets

Twelve Twenty-Four presents a high energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert featuring everyone’s favorite rock-edge holiday music as well as their own holiday creations.

Films · Special Screenings

The Polar Express– 11/30 – buy tickets

The Polar Express is an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Elf– 12/4 – buy tickets

After accidentally falling into Santa Claus’ gift sack, a human baby is raised at the North Pole, growing up to believe he is an elf. Due to his large size, the “elf” causes chaos in Santa’s workshop, forcing Kris Kringle to send him on a mission to find his human roots.

White Christmas– 12/5 – 12/7 – buy tickets

Two talented song-and-dance men (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. One winter, they join forces with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) and trek to Vermont for a white Christmas.

Black Christmas– 12/7 – buy tickets

One part frosty Xmas atmosphere, one part stalk ‘n’ slash magnificence and all parts awesome, BLACK CHRISTMAS is a timeless, terrifying and demented holiday tradition.

Die Hard– 12/11 – buy tickets

NYPD cop John McClane (Willis) goes on a Christmas vacation to visit his wife Holly (Bedelia) in Los Angeles. When a group of bank robbers led by Hans Gruber (Rickman) take control of the building and hold everyone hostage. John is forced to take matters into his own hands.

The Thin Man– 12/12 – 12/14 – buy tickets

Between cocktails and the first course of a society dinner, urbane, dry-witted detectives and sophisticates Nick and Nora Charles will show the police the holes in their investigation, unmask a brutal murderer and solve the mystery behind the disappearance of The Thin Man.

Trading Places– 12/12 – buy tickets

What happens when you combine the comic genius of Eddie Murphy with Dan Aykroyd and director John Landis? You get a timeless comedy classic laced with sidesplitting, satiric humor.

A Muppets Christmas Carol– 12/14 – Free

The crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge is an old miser who could care less about Christmas and the joy the season brings. After he’s visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge turns over a new leaf and becomes the most generous and celebratory person in town.

Gremlins– 12/14 – buy tickets

“Don’t expose him to bright light. Don’t ever get him wet. And don’t ever, ever feed him after midnight.” This sage advice is ignored midway through Gremlins, with devastating results. This comic Joe Dante effort is set in a Norman Rockwell-esque small town at Christmastime.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (30th Anniversary)– 12/18 – buy tickets

As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (D’Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly.

It’s a Wonderful Life– 12/19 – 12/21 – buy tickets

Voted the #1 most inspiring film of all time by AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Cheers, It’s a Wonderful Life has had just that. With the endearing message that “no one is a failure who has friends,” Frank Capra’s heartwarming masterpiece continues to endure.

Santa Claus Conquers The Martians– 12/21 – buy tickets

Renowned as a holiday cult classic, SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS is one of the most amusing films ever made. Filled with kitschy set design, outrageous costumes and amiable acting, it’s nonstop fun is worthy of its status as a holiday staple.

Comedy · Shows

Spoiler Alert: Jack Frost– 11/29 – buy tickets

Comedians Matt Candio and Jon Lunger take you on a journey through the ridiculousness of modern cinema in a hilarious send-up and take-down of one of Hollywood’s most legendary and/or notorious films.

The Sequel Show: Holiday Edition– 12/13 – buy tickets

The Sequel Show: Holiday Edition, directed by Anthony DeSanctis, is a film-centric improv comedy show that creates sequels/post-credit scenes to some of cinema’s greatest offerings!

Holiday Lip Sync Battle– 12/22 – buy tickets

Come see your favorite local comedians, actors, and others who can’t get enough of the stage, battle it out, lip sync style!

What’s in the Box? The Holiday Game Show– 12/22 – buy tickets

“What’s In the Box” is the world’s only* game show inspired by an equal combination of the holiday season and the end of David Fincher’s 1995 neo-noir serial killer thriller SE7EN!

Eight Crazy Gifts– 12/23 – buy tickets

A game show based on everyone’s favorite 8-day holiday, Hanukkah/Chanukkah/HanUKAH/chhhhaaaaanuukuah! The audience has the chance to compete for 8 prizes given away through 8 miraculous games! All chosen people and goys are welcome! Co-hosted by your favorite gentle non-gentiles Aaron Alkasov & Ben Youngerman.

The Home for the Holidays Standup Show– 12/26 – buy tickets

Born and bred in the Lehigh Valley, these comedians have gone on to make a name for themselves in New York and Los Angeles. But they’re home for the holidays and ready to make you laugh!

For a full list of events at SteelStacks, CLICK HERE!

Hippo Campus’ 5 Biggest Festival Appearances

By Keanna Ghazvini, ArtsQuest Public Relations Intern

Hippo Campus, the inspirational indie-rock band from Minnesota, epitomizes a quintessential emotional vocal experience executed with raw vulnerability. What started out as a joyful band with pure passion and creative musical talent has notoriously evolved over the past six years. The 4-person band made up of 22 year-olds is interestingly comprised of skilled musicians who never finished college. Hippo Campus members include vocalist Jake Luppen, guitarist Nathan Stockar, bassist Zach Sutton and drummer Whistler Allen.

Since the band formed in 2013, the they’ve has had the opportunity to play at some of the most well-known festivals in the world. Before Hippo Campus and special guest The Greeting Committee rock the Musikfest Café prestented by Yuengling on Tuesday, Nov. 5, check out their top five festival appearances:

Lollapalooza: Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois

South by Southwest (SXSW): Austin, Texas

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee

Summerfest: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Reading and Leeds Festivals: Reading and Leeds, England

Hippo Campus with special guest The Greeting Committee
Tuesday, November 5
Musikfest Cafe pres. by Yuengling

Buy Tickets

Hanksgiving: 5 Tom Hanks Films Worth Celebrating

By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager

If Tom Hanks were a member of your family, he’d be the one your grandma won’t stop bragging about during Thanksgiving dinner.

Hanks is perhaps the greatest movie star of all time, combining great comedic instincts with powerhouse acting chops (with 2 Academy Awards wins to prove it).

To pay tribute to all of the smiles and quality entertainment the living Hollywood legend has given us, we’re celebrating Hanksgiving at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas this November with five of Tom Hanks’ most memorable films. If you come to these movies, maybe it’ll become a new, official American holiday…

Forrest Gump (25th Anniversary) – 11/3 – buy tickets

Winner of six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Actor (Tom Hanks) and Director (Robert Zemeckis), the generation-defining film is a stunning journey through some of the most memorable events and cultural touchstones of the later 20th century, courtesy of Forrest and the powerful cast of characters.

Sleepless in Seattle – 11/6 – buy tickets

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in Nora Ephron’s wonderfully romantic 1993 comedy about two people drawn together by destiny.

Splash – 11/9 – buy tickets

Don’t let this spectacular film be the one that got away! Tom Hanks stars as Allen Bauer, a workaholic who’s convinced he can’t fall in love. That is, until he’s mysteriously rescued at sea by the mermaid of his dreams!

The ‘Burbs – 11/23 – buy tickets

Tom Hanks portrays suburbanite Ray Peterson, whose plans for a peaceful vacation are disturbed by a creepy new family on the block, in this outrageous suspense-comedy directed by Joe Dante.

The Polar Express – 11/30 – buy tickets

The Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) reunite for The Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – COMING SOON! – coming soon

Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. (Check back soon for official opening date.)

We’d be T.Hankful to see you soon for Hanksgiving at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas!

via GIPHY