Pre-Covid, I loved going to the movies. Post, not so much. In fact, not only am I not munching on popcorn and watching the credits roll on the big screen, I’m not watching very many movies period. I’ve turned into a TV watcher instead–the fabulous app, TVTIME, confirms that, yes, I enjoyed lots of mysteries and thrillers in 2024. I haven’t kept track of the films (new or old) I saw, but I suspect it’s less than a couple dozen. Of those, what did I love? (And here, I’m listing films that were new to me, not beloved gems we rewatched–let me tell you, The Terminator really holds up well as does Mulan. Also recommend Diner, Mystic River, and any of The Hunger Games films.)
I adored Memoir of a Snail. I don’t usually love stop motion, but this film, oh, it stole my heart. This tiny film, about a set of twins that are separated as children, is intellectually dense, believably joyful, and startlingly moving. If you like animation, this one is superb.
We recently watched, for the first time, both Dune movies and found them quite good. Dune Two, is, to me, the better of the two simply because it tells a story in a way the first, a film designed to set up the story, does not. The cinematography, sound, and acting are all top-knotch in Dune as are its piercing allegory to our time.
Though I found Twisters a slog, I do love me some Glenn Powell. Hit Man, a wry and wily tale by indie fave Linkletter, that showcases all of Powell’s many talents, is an utter winner. This is a sexy, funny, and winning film and I loved it.
Wicked–and, yes, I’m still irked it’s a two parter AND I think Erivo and Grande are a bit old for their roles–was transportive. I’m so happy I actually WENT to the movies and saw it on the big screen. I suspect I’ll love Part Two less–the play’s plot has never matched its music–but I give Part One high marks for sheer enjoyment.
It was a rife year for rom coms and I really enjoyed Upgraded. Sure, it’s just a rom com but this one stays in its lane beautifully, has two great actresses (Lena Olin and Marisa Tomei) helping the plot along, and treated its audience as brainy. What more could you want from the genre? (Not as good, but better than I expected is Find Me Falling.)
I didn’t watch The Holdovers–a 2023 release–until this year and I loved it so it’s on my list. This, nominally, holiday film should become a classic. It’s smart, insightful, and–and this is my jam–celebrates caring for one another without mawkishness. The three leads are excellent in their roles and the setting is dead on. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
Again, I don’t know why Anna Kendrick isn’t a bigger star. She’s just so good. Here, she directs and stars and nails both roles. This is a film that knows EXACTLY what it’s like to be a woman walking to her car in a deserted parking lot after dark–you’ll find yourself clutching your keys between your fingers–or smiling prettily as you outsmart a sexist man who’s sure you’re a pushover or just not very bright. The fact that this is, mostly, a true story gives the film a stronger punch.
As I said, I’ve missed many films this year–I have a list I’ll stream when they drop! What should be on it? What were your favorite movies of 2024?
I saw A Complete Unknown yesterday and really enjoyed it, but I’m a Dylan fan so I understand it might not be some people’s cup of tea. Actually the best movie I saw this year was Thelma, about a 90 something year old grandmother who is scammed out of her life savings by a phone scam. With the help of her grandson and a friend in an assisted living home who has a motorized scooter, she plays detective to hunt down the scammers. It was delightful and was based on a true story. It also featured the late great Richard Roundtree (the original Shaft) as her friend with the scooter.
I found Gladiator II disappointing, but enjoyed the Deadpool and Wolverine movie. The Fall Guy was fun, as was The Hitman. In general, this year wasn’t really that great for movies but there were a couple gems here and there. I highly recommend Thelma.
Thelma is on my list! I liked but didn’t love The Fall Guy.
Thelma might be my favorite movie of the year, too, though I also have a soft spot for A Complete Unknown. Emilia Perez and Anora were both good as well. Emilia Perez will be a hard sell because it’s a musical, but kind of a song-spoken musical (unlike Wicked, which was also enjoyable – helLOOO Jonathan Bailey!), but I liked it a lot. Anora is about a sex worker yet kind of surprised me with how much sex there was. All I know is that I want to read the fanfic for this movie, leaning in to the romantic elements. IYKYK.
I have a list of Oscar-buzz movies I am working through. We saw Conclave as well – also good. My husband is out now seeing Nosferatu, which is a movie that does not appeal to me.
I just saw A Complete Unknown and liked it too. I remember that time and the music. I wonder if Chalamet will get an oscar.
It would be, in terms of effort, deserved. He’s been working on his voice and character since he was cast, in 2018!
My favorite shows in 2024 were Twisters, Monsieur Spade Series – a mystery in the beautiful French countryside, Only Murders in the Building Season 4 (best season so far), Lincoln Lawyer – this season (3) is the best. Great British Bake Off (season 15) – I like Alison, the new host with Noel plus there were fun contestants, Eugene Levy in The Reluctant Traveler Series – the scenery is gorgeous, Vera, Bad Monkey (wacky show, first episodes were the best, loved the scenery around Key West), Juror No. 2 (Clint Eastwood directed, inverse of 12 Angry Men), Fall Guys, The Amazing Race (I liked 2023 a little better because it went to beautiful Slovenia). In 2025 I’m looking forward to a new Knives Out and Project Hail Mary with Ryan Gosling.
I’m going to do another column for TV!
I did not love Juror No. 2–I found it unconvincing and–this is a small thing but still–the Southern accents of many were a joke. It was distracting!
I really liked “Conclave” and “Small Things Like These.” I saw them both in the theater. And I rarely see serious movies in the theater. (“Small Things Like These” had such a limited run, so it was a real challenge to catch it!)
That means the next movie I see in the theater has to be fun and fluffy. But I also want to see “Nosferatu,” so… 😐
The Substance, full stop.
I hate horror so that’s not for me!
Enjoyed SATURDAY NIGHT, the movie based on the first episode of SNL. Also enjoyed THELMA; any movie headlining a 94 year old actress earns my applause. But my favorite movie was GHOSTLIGHT. The actors who play the mother, father, and daughter are mother, father, and daughter in real life, and their comfort and chemistry with each other add to the film. It’s sad and funny and hopeful, it made me think about Romeo & Juliet in a new way, and I left the theater more moved than I’d been in a long time by a movie.
Thank you for reminding me about Ghostlight. It caught my eye when it came out but I’d forgotten about it.
I have not been to a movie theater in years. The movies I saw and liked were streamed but had theatrical releases: Past Lives; How to Make Millions Before Your Grandma Dies; Philomena (a decade old movie, seeing for the first time, Judi Dench is terrific); an Indian language film
called Lapataa Ladies (I don’t watch Indian movies but this one was absolutely charming, a serious message conveyed with light touch).
Mr. Caz hates going to the cinema because other cinemagoers treat it like their front room and behave as though they’re at home! And paying ridiculous prices to have someone munching popcorn in your ear or rustling sweet wrappers … just no. I like the cinema experience, but I can’t be bothered to go on my own. (And the poor behaviour drives me nuts as well.)
I’m completely out of touch with what films are about these days – the last time we went we saw Despicable Me 4 – we were in London with Cazlet #1 for the day and it was on at the local cinema to her, so we went. That was in the summer.
Other than Wicked, I can’t think of any films that have come out this year that I’m desperate to see (although I freely admit that may well be because I just can’t remember the titles!) – we generally wait for the films we want to see to be available to watch at home.
Me too. I find the rude behavior of people in the film combined with the trend of turning theaters into places to (loudly) dine obnoxious. We stream almost everything.
I don’t go to the movies anymore, and rarely watch them even on streaming, but I would like to see The Complete Unknown. Bob Dylan was one of the first big music influences in my life. Being the youngest of three, I was listening to, and being influenced by my older siblings’ music before I was 10. I was also lucky to have parent that had eclectic tastes in music and so our (the kids’) music dominated our family stereo. Along with the burgeoning rock genre, folk music was front and center in my home, including Dylan and Joan Baez. I still feel privileged to have grown up in the 60’s and experiencing all the incredible music first hand.
Folk was big in my house too. My first listens were my parents’–I’m the oldest–and by 4th grade (1969) I was allowed to use the record player on my own. I listened to, again and again, Simon and Garfunkel, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the soundtrack from Jesus Christ Superstar.
It’s a fantastic movie. Tim Chalamet and Monica Barbaro really deserve Oscar nominations for their portrayals of Dylan and Baez.