A Film Critic’s New Year’s Resolution List for 2019

I often find resolutions a bit hollow. I always chuckle to myself when I see all the resolutioners quickly begin to disappear from the gym by the third week of January, never to return until maybe the following year, only to repeat the cycle over again. But the change to the next calendar year can have a good effect for those that can stick to their changes or improvements. And as a critic, there’s always a need to improve, to broaden one’s horizons and seek out new types of films and perspectives. I plan to do exactly that this year.

See More Foreign Films

I feel like this task is always on the new year’s resolution list for film buffs. It’s not enough to see what Hollywood proper has to offer every week; the world is full of great films that tackle many issues that Hollywood normally attempts to avoid. When you see films from around the world, it offers a new perspective on things, a lens into how others operate or see certain items.

But not only that, you can be the first to call the inevitable American remake of a foreign classic “unnecessary.” Think of the brownie points you’ll get on Film Twitter!

As for what constitutes “more” foreign films, that’s a bit of a nebulous distinction. In my mind, I see it as seeing a far more substantial amount of world cinema in whatever capacity, whether it be seeing more 2019 releases that are foreign films or seeing more classic foreign films. (You’ll notice that a lot of these resolutions overlap in one way or another.) The main idea is simply to make a concerted effort to see more.

I’ve already started this resolution by seeing The Intouchables for the first time in preparation for The Upside. (While still a solid flick, I’m not sure what all the fuss is about for this French film). Please send over your recommendations in the comments below!

It’s not exactly the greatest film ever, but hey, seeing all types of new films is a process! image via IMDb

View More Classic Films

I’m coming for you, Once Upon a Time in America! (And Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, Casablanca, etc.) The point is, I’m a bit of a youngin’, and with the amount of new films I see now, it’s sometimes difficult to go backwards and fill in any gaps that I might have. (Not to mention that everyone plays the game of naming about 1 million films to see if they’ve seen a movie that I haven’t — I’m clearly not bitter about it.)

Just like with my first resolution, the idea here is simply to do more. I have a few embarrassing holes in my movie knowledge that I need to fill. Hopefully by the end of the year I feel less embarrassed! Not to mention that these classics influenced the generation that came after — it’s like a history lesson that’s also entertaining! (Again, you’re encouraged to leave your recommendations below!)

I’m coming for you, Once Upon a Time in America. image via Mental Floss

Watch 200 New Films

You read that correctly!

Honestly, I lost track of how many 2018 films that I saw in the same calendar year after I surpassed the 150 mark. My quick estimate with zero time or research put into it leaves my year-end total — not including 2018 films that I eventually saw at the start of 2019 — around 160-170. So what’s 30-40 more?!

Well, that’s a lot more when you think about it. With this goal, there are more days when I’d see a film than not. But like I said above, I’m a youngin’, so I should have the energy to get it done. In 2017 — my first full year as a critic — I saw 115 films in the calendar year, making this year’s total at least a 45-film jump. You could say that I’m just getting started. It’ll help that I’m headed to Sundance for the first time this year! (I might vomit from excitement in anticipation of going.)

I just realized that this means I’ll have to see more films that have more in common with Show Dogs than any film of that has some semblance of quality in it. Excuse me while my life force slowly slips away…

Of all the 2019 films I plan on seeing this year, I’m the most fascinated by Scorsese’s The Irishman. image via IMDb

Relax on Film Twitter

While Twitter is enjoyable, can we all agree that it’s a cesspool of awfulness that brings out the worst in people? One second, I’m posting a 50-character thought on something; A second later I’m questioning every life choice I’ve ever made because someone came back with enough fireworks to put the Walt Disney Pictures intro out of its misery. The point is, Twitter is like walking constantly on eggshells.

I’d like to think that — as a team — MovieBabble doesn’t contribute much to some of the gross talk on Twitter, but let’s see if we can be a net positive to it all. There’s enough anger already. We don’t need one more source of it!

Thank you for reading! What are your new year’s resolutions for film this year? Comment down below!

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to MovieBabble via email, to stay up to date on the latest content.

Consider supporting MovieBabble on Patreon by clicking here. We truly appreciate your support!

What movie topic should I discuss next? Whether it be old or new, the choice is up to you!