It is clear that we are feeling the true effects of last year’s strikes.
I supported the strikes, but as a cinephile it came at a cost: This year’s movies would not be strong. As of this writing, I’ve seen just under thirty movies that were released this year (I have yet to see certain titles such as Challengers and Kinds of Kindness), and none of them were five stars (though some were close).
Still, I have hope, as the second half will give us the likes of Deadpool & Wolverine, Twisters, Sing Sing, Longlegs, Alien: Romulus, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and plenty more (I don’t care what the reactions were at Cannes; I am still stoked for Megalopolis.)
The movie showing franchise fatigue…
I’ve stated before how my dad got me watching the original from 1962, and while I was a fan of the 2021 film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire offered nothing new. All it offered was visual proof the actors are getting more bored than I was.
Movie showing that the franchise is still strong/Best Sequel so far…
Some of the sequels this year (mainly Inside Out 2) were worthy additions in there own right, but come on, you know Dune: Part Two is still tops.
Movie about a guy going on a killing spree that I wanted to be good… but wasn’t (and is now basically forgotten)
The title is cut off, but this is to remind me in the future that Boy Kills World was a movie I saw once.
Movie about a guy going on a killing spree that I wanted to be good…and was!
Actor Dev Patel’s directorial debut Monkey Man shows he has some true promise as a film maker, as well as showing he has absolutely zero body fat.
Most forgettable Horror film so far
Abigail did have a bit of an interesting premise (and talent actors) but it changed its tone so drastically by taking itself seriously, resulting in a film that tasted very stale and mundane.
Most unforgettable horror film of the year so far…
I’m not sure where to begin on this, but if you have seen The Coffee Table (available to rent on Amazon), you know why I have it here.
Holey Moley, this film is not for the faint of heart. I went in cold on this, and twenty minutes in…well, see for yourself if you dare. It is not for everyone, and will linger with you for a very long time after the credits are done rolling.
Best movies from Sundance I’ve seen so far…
I saw Fancy Dance at Sundance in 2023 and Suncoast at Sundance in 2024 (via rental on the website). Both were released this year and offered their own unique take on young woman growing up in challenging times.
Most underrated film of the year so far…
Based off a book of the same name, I would hope you would not let a title like Turtles All the Way Down turn you off. This is a really well made intimate look at a young teenager coming to grips with life in a brilliantly charming coming of age tale.
Worst of the Year so far…
As a society, I thought we reached as low as possible (especially IP wise) with Madame Web. That is, until Jerry Seinfeld (unquestionably one of the most important comics in history) came along with Unfrosted. Both are going to be fighting for worst of the year for me the next few months (it would take something truly special to suck more than these two do).
Best of the year so far…
Part of me is still thinking that Dune: Part Two is better, but since I already discussed that above, I’ll go here with Civil War.
If it were not for Alex Garland, this film could have gone wrong on so many levels. While it is somewhat obvious, it is still worth repeating that the thrills of the film are when you realize we as a country are sadly closer to events like this happening. No other film has hit closer to home this year so far.
Nothing else to say 