2024 is coming to a close and that means no more new movies until 2025! It's been a crazy year of record-breaking releases and critics disagreeing on just about everything! I've submitted all my votes and now I want to share my list of the Top 10 Films of 2024 plus some Honorable Mentions.
Top 10 Films Of 2024
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Exhibiting Forgiveness sees Kaphar paint a picture about generational trauma that is powerful, refined, and beautifully poignant. His intentions are not to give the audience heartfelt reconciliation nor a permanent falling out. But rather hope that by accepting the truth, as messy, triggering, and brazen as it can be, we can find a path forward to heal. Kaphar knows when to let moments breathe and when to tap into the raw emotions that can swell up when we come face-to-face with things we would rather forget. It's a testimony to the film's brilliance that so many will see themselves in Tarrell's struggle while also being encouraged to reclaim their mental wellbeing. He challenges us to sit with ourselves and determine where we go from here in our own journeys.
Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 is funny, heartwarming, and visually delightful. It feels like coming home as we step back into the world of Joy and all the other Emotions that live in Riley's mind. Like Riley, the story has grown up from the first one, tackling the complexities of figuring out our identities while tackling new emotions and changes that seem to come around every corner. It's a sequel that understands how to expand its universe in a way that is both compelling and convincing, to deliver something that is as affecting as its predecessor. Come prepared to laugh but have some tissues handy as well.
Sing Sing
This is the only film on the list I don't have a pre-written review for since I was unable to see it until FYC screeners were sent. However, I knew it was going to be special. This isn't just an uplifting story for those of us watching, it was uplifting to the men who lived it. Coleman Domingo always delivers a memorable performance and knowing the history behind this story, I was eager to watch. Domingo solidifies his status as a leading man (in case any doubters remain) while Clarence Maclin wows in his debut role outside the walls of Sing Sing. It is a breathtaking, achingly beautiful portrayal of rehabilitation and the transformative healing power of the arts.
Deadpool & Wolverine
A team up we've waited 15 years to see coupled with a moment 25 years in the making, sweet Marvel Jesus, it's beautiful. From frame one to the very end credit scene, Deadpool and Wolverine is fan-freaking-tastic. The trailers and TV spots have in no way prepared the world for what they are about to witness. What director Shawn Levy, Reynolds, Jackman, and the whole team pulled off is one for the damn history books. This movie is insane in all the best ways. Not only is it shocking, brutal, hilarious, sexy, and dirty but it also sneaks in some moments of genuine emotion. Everyone and everything is firing on all cylinders in what is one of the best comic book movies ever.
His Three Daughters
Azazel Jacobs' honest approach to grief in His Three Daughters is as refreshing as it is cathartic. It's not all doom and gloom, as he finds the natural levity that comes from interacting with family and all the drama that can cause. Purposeful camerawork, a tight script, and incredible performances work in tandem to draw you into this family and make you care about them. I found it to be equally heartwarming and heartbreaking, but despite the latter, I left feeling at peace with my emotions. Whether you have lost a parent or not, you will find yourself relating to one of these sisters, quietly reflecting on more somber moments in your own life. Tissues are definitely recommended.
Jim Henson Idea Man
Jim Henson was a singular kind of man. His genius, creativity, and childlike spirit has brought joy to all ages across the world. How do you capture that kind of lightning in a bottle magic that was this man? It's impossible really, but Ron Howard does his best. For fans, it's exciting to watch the famous creation of Kermit, thanks to a ping-pong ball and Jim's mother’s old coat, and laugh at the old commercials Henson put together. While it's also emotional to see the failures and the sadness that accompany them. But just like Jim Henson, “Idea Man” is full of opportunistic excitement and a strong belief that dreams can be achieved. Plus 108 minutes spent watching Muppets outtakes, vintage funny commercials, Sesame Street sketches, and hearing stories from both Henson and Frank Oz is time well spent.
Sonic 3
Sonic 3 is a total blast from start to finish. It balances humor with heart (Shadow's story will tug at your heartstrings regardless of how well you know it) all while serving up adrenaline-pumping action. The visuals have only gotten better over the three films with this entry truly capturing Sonic's speed and Shadow's chaos energy perfectly. This time around the stakes are higher, the trouble is doubled (Jim Carrey is brilliantly mad), and the needle drops coupled with the score are fire. I know you're waiting for that song and you won't be disappointed. We have been waiting for this showdown for a long time and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 delivers.
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot is a gorgeously animated, heartstrings pulling film about found families and adapting to life's changes. You are instantly drawn into this world that feels like a painting that has come to life. As everything unfolds, Sanders approaches Roz's story with kindness, humor, and a genuine curiosity about how life would be for a robot raising a gosling. It's an uplifting film about the lengths we go for the ones we love, communities/friends that come together in times of need, and a reminder to enjoy the ride that is our lives. Just don't forget your tissues, you're going to need them.
Speak No Evil
Despite the changes that were made to the source material, Watkins' Speak No Evil is still brutal, tense, and creepy enough to make your skin crawl. What he infuses into the story, wanton violence and macabre humor, allows this version to stand on its own, well outside the shadow cast by the original. The result is something engrossing, entertaining, and absolutely gnarly. McAvoy is a force of nature, reaffirming once again that he was 100% robbed of accolades for his role in Split. This is one of those horror films you're going to want to watch again because it doesn't leave you feeling defeated but amused. Maybe people do need to stop being so damn polite.
Heretic
Anchored by a Hugh Grant performance for the books, Heretic is a dark and foreboding psychological game of control and terror that will have you coming back for more. It doesn't matter that the slow burn of the first half ends up being more enticing than the more traditional action-led horror of the second. Beck and Woods keep your attention throughout the runtime with their clever choices and well-executed thrills. Like Barnes who asks Reed if he is playing checkers and chess, the filmmakers keep you guessing up until the end.
2024 Honorable Mentions
A Real Pain
Ultimately, A Real Pain is equally lighthearted and somber, funny yet heartfelt as it navigates familial relationships, complicated histories, and how we choose to deal with pain. It's also a gentle reminder that it is okay not to be okay and as we head into the holidays, which is admittedly a time many feel the pain of loss more acutely, it's a timely one. Both Eisenberg and Culkin deliver incredible performances that truly encapsulate the reality of growing up with this shadow of trauma constantly nearby and how life can pull us away from even those closest to us. Eisenberg also proves here that he is as much a talent behind the camera as he is in front of it, with a sharp eye for direction and an ability to pen a script that can be deeply affecting. Despite some shortcomings, A Real Pain is a healing journey that offers some poignant thoughts and lessons that will sit with you long after it ends.
Conclave
A gripping portrayal of the drama that goes on behind the sealed doors of the Vatican, Conclave is a classic whodunit set in the most unlikely of places. It is filled with intrigue, drama, and memorable performances, particularly by Fiennes. It's funny at times –even if the characters are not enjoying themselves– and damning at others with a twist that is sure to ruffle some feathers and inspire many think pieces both within and outside the church. It made me into a believer, of Berger's novel adaptation skills that is.
Nosferatu
Robert Egger's Nosferatu is an unholy, haunting nightmare that draws you into its hair-raising hellscape without any intention of letting you escape. Bill Skarsgård is utterly fascinating and grotesque as the iconic villain Count Orlok, disappearing into the prosthetics and performance to terrifying effect. Lily-Rose Depp is equally incredible, elevating Ellen from a damsel in distress to one determined to fight her inner demons. With gorgeous cinematography, a bone-chilling score, and a well-timed reveal of its true horrors, Nosferatu is stunning and unflinching in its quest to remind audiences vampires are scary as hell.
What was your favorite film of 2024?
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