Best of 2019: On the Small Screen and Big Screen Favorites

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Whether or not I’m ready for it, the end of the year is rapidly approaching and I’m in awe. Not the good kind, you know the sort, the awe that takes your breath away, but rather the kind that makes you get a tiny bit annoyed and say, stop! Where does the time go?

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But I digress. We’re here to bring a Finding Wonderland “tradition” to publication which is a “best of” round-up of the films and TV shows I saw in this past year. Not all of these will be productions produced in 2019, but they are titles that did make an impression on me during my last year of entertainment choices. Therefore these will be a ‘best of 2019: movies’ list; and as a disclaimer, as usual, most are of the “silly” variety because I am not a depressing story movie-goer.

What I do notice about this list is how small it is, and how incredibly hard it was to even come up with these. Either I’m not seeing as many movies (which I don’t think is the case) or I’m too easily distracted and binge-watch Hallmark. The latter being a scenario that’s entirely possible. BEST OF 2019: MOVIES

There’s endearing heroes and heroines; unexpected, but loveable heroes; period drama bliss; fun new crime dramas; and one of two new dramas sure to tug on the heartstrings. In a nutshell, hopefully there’s a little bit of something for everyone. It’s time to present the…

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Best of 2019: Movies and TV Shows

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FILMS

A collection of movies that while not “the best” by industry standards, made me laugh, cry or impressed, and for me, that’s enough. Here we go with a ‘best of 2019: movies’ title list.

1: Aladdin (2019)

Fun and adventurous, this one is heavier on romanticism than I anticipated, but I love it.

2: Avengers: Endgame

This is pretty much everything you’d want the ‘endgame’ of this phase to be. Am I sad that this is the end of an era of Avengers? Heck yes. But do I really believe we’ll not see any familiar faces in future Marvel (MCU) movies? Nope.

3: Dare to Be Wild

This is an oldie title that I was able to review for Silver Petticoat this year, and it quite impressed me. I didn’t anticipate liking it as I did, and while it’s never going to be a re-watch-a-million-times favorite, it is a well-made, solid production that inspires the creative mind.

4: Downton Abbey (2019, feature film)

I mean, it’s a given this one would make my list, right? I cannot tell you what sheer delight it was to revisit this family, the home, and hear that iconic theme song again. When can we go back?

5: Dumbo (2019)

This film didn’t receive much love (that I saw), but it 110% deserves to. This animated Dumbo was compared to a villain character on a popular show (I mean, look at his little face…!), and for some viewers, the topic affected them. But for me, this film is so good. It’s timeless in ways I didn’t anticipate, and it again proves Disney knows what its doing in their live-action re-makes (at least so far, I may still change my mind!).

6: Instant Family

Yes, here we have a 2018 release that I finally saw this past year, and again, Instant Family is underrated, but it’s so lovely. Emotional, complex, funny and heartwarming. All around, an A+ must-see in my assessment! best of 2019 movies

7: Ladies in Black

I’d read about this one quite some time ago, but hadn’t seen it until this past year. It’s a gorgeous albeit quiet 50s or 60s era period drama set in Australia.

8: Little Women (2019)

I have thoughts about this adaptation. But for now, I’ll just say, it’s an impressive production.

9: The Space Between Us

Another I saw (after months upon months saying I plan to rent it) and reviewed for the Silver Petticoat archives; this one is a teen romance that while not revolutionary somehow feels genuine and all the more heartwarming because of this impressive balance between otherworldly and realistic.

What’d I Miss? Titles like Five Feet Apart; Knives Out; The Sun is also a Star; Tolkien; X-Men: Dark Phoenix; Yesterday; Where’d You Go, Bernadette?; and others were on my high-priority list. Alas, I just didn’t seem to make time for them. I’m not sure why, but when it comes to box office films, I missed a lot this year. What should I start with in 2020??

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TV SHOWS

Now that I’ve shared a few ‘best of 2019: movies,’ let’s look at some TV! Sharing new favorite network TV, and streaming newbies (though I always omit Hallmark in these lists because we’d be here for days!), most of which are silly movies because, what can I say? I’m an easy-to-please girl!

• 1: Bletchley Circle: San Francisco | Finally saw the third (or is it a new start?) series in this wonderful British series! Definitely one to add to your must-see list if you like British drama.
• 2: Bluff City Law (NBC) | Entertaining with a unique family dynamic. Haven’t watched an episode for a while, but I do plan to return.
• 3: Falling Inn Love (Netflix) | I mean, this one is too cute not to include. Find on Netflix
• 4: The Knight Before Christmas (Netflix) | Vanessa Hudgens returns for a new 2019 Christmas romance, and I’m always HERE FOR IT! Find on Netflix
• 5: My Life is Murder (Acorn TV) | Discovered this one through Acorn TV this year, and ohmygoodness, it’s so good.

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• 6: Newton’s Law (Acorn TV) | Another Aussie drama that’s quirky, but so fun. Also, this one is in part produced by creators of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, so yeah, it may be a contemporary, but it’s good!
• 7: Private Eyes | Discovered season one of this Canadian show this year, and it’s so much fun! Reminds me of Castle down to the letter, but I miss the ABC dramedy, so I don’t mind. best of 2019 movies
• 8: The Unicorn (CBS) | I underestimated this heartwarming dramedy that follows a newly widowed father of two daughters. It’s so sweet and charming and all the good things.
• 9: Virgin River (Netflix) | Binge watched this one (in record time?) with my mother when it released, and while it’s imperfect – what isn’t? – it’s always delightful. There’s something for everyone (drama, romance, mystery), and the cast is not too shabby! Plus for once a show I’m newly addicted to earns a second season. Find on Netflix

On the Fence! One of the shows I did watch the first 3-4 episodes of is A Discovery of Witches. I wrote an entire publication here on the why I do and don’t like the show. BUT where I last left these characters, I’ll admit, I was kinda into what was starting to blossom. Whether or not I’ll feel the same when I revisit it (I’ve been way too into Christmas stuff just now), we’ll see! What are your thoughts on this show?

Keep an eye out for our Best of 2019 books list; it’s coming in the next 24 or so hours!

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Best of 2019: On the Small Screen and Big Screen Favorites. Talking the Best of 2019: Movies (and TV/streaming titles!) I enjoyed this past year. #Bestof2019 #Favoritesof2019 #Movies #Romance Share on X

Tell me, what did you see in 2019? Which ones do you count as “best of 2019: movies” (or TV!) titles on your list? Have you made a list – and where can I see it? Let me know if you’ve seen any of these, or which 2019 productions I should add to my must-see list to carry into a best of list for this New Year! Comment all of your thoughts below.

Thank you for visiting!