Yesterday I focused on critically-lauded 2021 films, and today I’m swinging in the opposite direction, highlighting the year’s best action movies.
That’s not to say the movies below were poorly reviewed. Some did quite well with critics. But these are movies that don’t require much deep thought, ones best enjoyed with a bucket full of popcorn.
Here are the ones I liked most, in alphabetical order:
Black Widow
The first of four 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe releases. Long-awaited, much-delayed, this was somehow both underwhelming and a pleasant surprise. Florence Pugh, of course, steals the show.
Eternals
Far better than the critical drubbing would suggest, but still rather forgettable. Chloe Zhao followed her historic Best Director win with a beautiful, ambitious superhero film that didn’t quite connect.
Free Guy
An inventive blast that smartly employed its video game setting while taking time to make us care about the humans outside the game.
Ghostbusters Afterlife
A sweet bit of nostalgia that didn’t have the laughs of the original but opted instead for warmhearted fan service. Some see that as a capital crime. I’m fine with it so long as it doesn’t dominate the movie landscape.
The Harder They Fall
My favorite of the films on this list, and the one closest to cracking my top ten. This stylish Western has the year’s most stacked ensemble, a who’s who of exciting Black talent.
Jungle Cruise
A fun throwback adventure that coasts on the chemistry of its charming leads, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
No Time To Die
Daniel Craig’s final turn as James Bond was equal parts thrilling and touching, and refreshingly unafraid to break the franchise’s rules. Also, a reminder to put Ana de Armas in everything.
Nobody
My family’s first time back in a theater after a year of pandemic isolation. Bob Odenkirk was the unlikeliest star to try his hand at the John Wick formula and he nailed it.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
My favorite of the year’s four MCU films, Shang-Chi was an unexpected delight. Terrific stunt work, big laughs, and a wonderful villain turn by the legendary Tony Leung.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
The year’s biggest box office hit by far, Tom Holland’s third Spider-Man movie turned into a celebration of every iteration of the beloved character.
The Suicide Squad
Writer/director James Gunn brought the same irreverent wit he showcased in the Guardians of the Galaxy films to this DC property, with the added freedom of an R rating. A gory, hilarious good time.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
I never saw the first one, but the sequel was a blast. I didn’t know Tom Hardy had these comic chops, and I enjoyed the brom-com vibe.
Avalon be damned
Venture foreign lands
I laid my sword in the sand
I’ve made my peace with man
They lay a violent feast
As far as my eyes can see
I seek a Golden Fleece
One day you’ll make your peace, so
[Chorus: Kid Cudi]
Don’t tempt my hand, I’m just a man
A deadly scene, a weathered bein’
Men must cry where soldiers lie on threatened land
My guns go bang
I can make the guns go bang
I make all the guns go bang
I can make the guns go bang
I make all the guns go bang
[Verse 2: JAY-Z]
Dot seventeen with the switch, it’ll change you
Mama always said you was an angel
Papa got ghost but these doors, he never came through
He got ghost but those walls, he never came through
Stain glass windows on the church, I hope they stain proof
‘Cause when the tides change, I’m tryna stain you (Woo)
Plottin’ for revenge, dig your grave too
Whatever you want engraved what your tombstone gon’ say too
Crosses on the head of an angel
Sins of the father darken the doorstep, I became you
Faithful to the end, woo, uh
Bullets with your names drew, cock back, aim, shoot, bang
[Verse 3: Kid Cudi]
Forever tries the fool
There’s nothin’ no one can do
Just holdin’ on when they lose
I’m makin’ red of the blues
I dilate the stream
Flyin’, livin’ the dream
Nothin’ is quite what it seems
I’m in a sky mezzanine, oh
[Chorus: Kid Cudi]
Don’t tempt my hand, I’m just a man
A deadly scene, a weathered bein’
Men must cry where soldiers lie on threatened land
My guns go bang
I can make the guns go bang
I make all the guns go bang
I can make the guns go bang
I make all the guns go bang
[Bridge: Kid Cudi]
Nigga come alive when the guns go (Yeah)
Aim ’em high, let the guns go (Get ’em, get ’em)
A nigga come alive when the guns go (Yeah)
Aim ’em high, let the guns go (Get ’em, get ’em, get ’em, get ’em)
Get, let the guns go (Rah, rah, rah)
Aim ’em high, let the guns go (Woo, woo, woo)
Uh-ah, let the guns go (Woo, woo, woo)
Nigga aim ’em high, let the guns go
[Outro]
Fragile life
A reflection of the past we leave behind
For sake of something new
Fractured smile
Open windows to the wounds we try to hide
Engraved in shadowed rooms
Bird in flight, bird in flight
Meet Me In Montauk 
Of these films, Nobody and Spider-Man would merit top ten consideration were I to compile such a list.
For me No Time to Die and Nobody are the two I’ve seen and really enjoyed. Saw Nobody twice actually 😊
So much fun going through this list and recalling these films.. Nobody and Free Guy are my favorite of the films not to feature a superhero, but I’d watch almost all of them again in a second. Still need to get around to rather first viewing of The Harder They Fall.