Favourites of 2024 – Are You Not Entertained?

Another year is in the books, and time surely does fly when you spend it drinking a thousand gallons of soda, eating popcorn and watching movies. Like any movie going year we had some incredible highs, I’m looking at you Dune 2 and we have some terribly low lows, I’m looking at you Gladiator 2. Comic book movies across the board were just god awful, seriously, this could have been the worst year ever for comic book movies. Some star making performances from Mikey Madison, Ariana Grande and Timothee Chalamet. Overall, I’d say this was a great movie going year for those who seek out flicks, but for the average movie goer, it feels like somewhat of a downer year. So these are the movies that I liked the best in no particular order,

Since I didn’t write reviews for any of these, I’m going to score them for ya.

Alien Romulus. Director: Fede Alvarez. Box Office: 350 Million

Xenomorphs are so fucking back. This franchise is so fucking back. Feels like I’ve been waiting my entire life for this movie. Seeing how I haven’t truly enjoyed an Alien movie since the 90’s. Arguably my favourite franchise, probably neck and neck with the Predator franchise, this was just such a breath of fresh air, that showcased two awesome performances from Cailee Spaeny and David Johnson. A ton of nostalgia, that wasn’t for everyone, but enough new awesome Xenomorph action to satisfy just about anyone. A step in the right director for this franchise that almost felt dead in the water, can’t wait for sequel and the inevitable encounter with the Predator.

Alien Romulus = 86/100

Strange Darling. Director: JT Mollner. Box Office: 3.8 Million 

Saw the poster and this movie just called out to me. Went in completely blind, didn’t even watch the trailer and let me tell you, this movie knocked me on my ass. Imagine Pulp Fiction but it’s kind of a sexy thriller? That would be the best way to describe Strange Darling without spoiling anything, let alone talk about the movie itself. The surprise hit of the year for me, that left me thinking about it for weeks afterwards. Two dynamite performances from Kyle Gallner Willa Fitzgerald, who had some insane onscreen chemistry. All I can really say is, you should watch this movie.

Strange Darling = 81/100

Dune 2. Director: Denis Villeneuve. Box Office: 714 Million 

For me, the movie going experience of the year. No doubt in mind, a science fiction epic that will stand the test of time. The score, the imagery, the performances, shout out Austin Butler for villain of the year as Feyd-Rautha. Just an epic science-fiction sequel, that proceeded its predecessor in almost every aspect. More action, more at stake and bigger and bolder than part 1, Dune 2 kind of flew under the radar the entire year. It honestly feels like this movie came out 2 years ago. This was the movie that made me realize just how special Timothee is as a movie star. His presnce in this movie is unmatched.

Dune 2 = 95/100

Wicked. Director: Jon M. Chu. Box Office: 643 Million (and counting)

Okay fine, I loved this movie. Can’t believe it. I saw this trailer 15 times this summer, and I thought to myself, I have no desire to see this thing. So once I sat down and this thing started, within about 10 minutes, I knew I was going enjoy the shit out of this thing. Ariana Grande was miraculous, the breakout performance of the year. Her singing, her comedic timing, she was the total package, and probably a shoe in for best supporting actress at the Oscars. The songs pop, the colours pop even harder, it’s just such a fun movie. I legit can’t wait for Part 2, but seriously FUCK Madame Morrible, more like horrible am I right?

Wicked = 90/100

 

Anora. Director: Sean Baker. Box Office: 30 Million

Straight away, hats off to the two leads in this thing, Mikey Madison and Marl Eydelshteyn, just magnetic energy and chemistry between these two. Perhaps the sexiest movie of the year? A sad look into what life can be like, but ultimately what life actually is. Such a fun and wild ride with terrific performances all around, and by far the best needle drop of the year. Perhaps the current leader in the clubhouse for best picture and best actress winner at this years Oscars? Only time will tell, but insanely bright future ahead for both Sean Baker and Mikey Madison.

Anora = 88/100

The Substance. Director: Coralie Fargeat. Box Office: 77 Million 

Craziest movie of the year? For some people yes, but also one of the most beautiful movies of the year. Holy shit do Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley bring it. Such an unique idea for a movie that worked so well for me, until the very end. It fails at the finish line for me, which was such a shame, because there was such a badass and cool movie going experience here and the end just ruined it for me. Not completely but enough for me to leave the theatre with a sour taste in my mouth. Production design, make-up and cinematography is among the best of the year. Also Dennis Quaid is involved in the creepiest and grossest movie scene of the year, if you know, you know.

The Substance = 83/100

Challengers. Director: Luca Guadagnino. Box Office: 96 Million 

Just an absolutely banger of score. It’s without a doubt, score of the year. It elevated this movie to high levels, and in my opinion complimented a movie better than any other musical score last year. When you toss in 3 hardcore performances, we had ourselves a sexy and fun sports movie. Luca somehow managed to flip tennis scenes on its head and put a fun and unique spin on them, which made for an exhilarating third act of this movie. A movie that will get buried when award seasons hits, and that wont sit right with me.

Challengers = 81/100

Furiosa. Director: George Miller. Box Office: 173 Million

Shame on every single one of you for causing this movie to bomb. Arguably the biggest bomb of the year, because coming off Fury Road, this was destined to be huge. I don’t know what happened, either people missed the boat, or it came out at the worst possible time. Anya Taylor Joy is badass as the lead, and Chris Hemsworth sheds is Marvel skin and embraces a villain role for the ages. You just can’t go wrong with this franchise, and for me, it was right up there with the best of the year.

Furiosa = 84/100

Published by Wannabe Movie Critic

Hey Guys & Girls.

Ever since I can remember, I have loved movies, pop culture and everything geek and nerd related. So I have decided to start writing my thoughts on things that I love.

Just a wannabe movie critic, trying to make it big

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