The Optimist's Top Ten Films of 2024
So, one of my 2025 goals is to get back into posting movie reviews here. It's been so long, and truthfully I've missed doing it. Life tends to find a way to distract you from the things you love doing sometimes, but that doesn't mean I haven't been attending the cinema...because your boy totally has. In yearly fashion, narrowing down a top ten is always a difficult feat, and so it is with this year. I know I haven't seen everything that 2024 had to offer, but from the slue of films I DID see, I give to you my Top Ten Favorite Films of the year. It's not a "best of" but merely a list of favorites. Some of these I'm sure will be in the conversation come awards season, but until then, here ya go:
10. Rebel Moon: Parts 1 & 2 - DIRECTOR'S CUT
9. Joker: Folie a Deux
Yes, you read that right. Joker: Folie à Deux made the list and I'll tell you why. This movie, despite the critical poo-poo it received, is a mesmerizing sequel that dares to delve deeper into the psyche of one of cinema's most iconic characters. While critical perspectives may question the film's direction or its interpretation of mental health, it's more musical inclinations, or just it's overall existence, I found it to be a bold and exhilarating continuation of Arthur Fleck's story. It's a thought-provoking exploration of madness and societal detachment that resonates on many levels. The performances are nothing short of extraordinary, as to be expected. Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role with an intensity that leaves you breathless, skillfully embodying Arthur's torment and his transformation into, and conflict with, his alter ego, the Joker. Seeing his journey from the first film to this one feels grounded yet completely understandable, and Phoenix is just as captivating here as he was in the first one. The addition of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn adds a sense of unhinged electricity to the narrative, bringing both vulnerability and ferocity to the screen, not to mention her musical prowess that made every number she was in quite awesome. Their chemistry is palpable, creating a captivating relationship that challenges perception and morality. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes, marked by stunning cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful score. While some have critiqued its pacing or themes, I found that every element served to enhance the overall impact, allowing for a rich tapestry of emotions and ideas. Ultimately, Joker: Folie à Deux is a bold statement on love, madness, and the human condition. I know it will forever be compared to the first film, and I get that, but this movie isn't nearly has bad as most people have made it out to be. Todd Phillips' direction and vision here is really something special, and I hope that in time people will start to see that.
8. Alien: Romulus
Look, I'll be the first to say this movie was nuts. But if I'm being honest, I felt Alien: Romulus was a breath of fresh air in the Alien franchise, and I absolutely loved it. Sure, critics have been mixed, but honestly, the more I think about this movie the more I love it. The film takes us into a darker, grittier world, and I’m all for that. It’s not trying to be a carbon copy of the previous films; it stands on its own while still staying true to that Alien franchise essence—tension, survival, and fear of the unknown. It’s not as flashy or polished as some of the other Alien films, but that’s part of its charm. The sense of desperation, the fight for survival, and the ever-present terror of the xenomorphs, though a tried and true formula, really worked for me here with this new direction. Fede Alvarez was bold and risky with his vision and direction, and I was locked in with each and every frame. The performances were solid, and even though the script had its issues, it didn’t matter to me as much. The pacing was relentless, which kept me on edge throughout. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for me, it’s another strong entry in a legendary series. Maybe I’m just easily pleased, but I walked out of the theater loving every minute of it. (And that ending?! Pure chaos!)
7. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
As a die-herd fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's universe, and the cinematic retellings of these classic tales, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is an exhilarating addition that transports viewers back to the rich, mythic landscapes of Middle-earth. There have been a handful of wonderful animated movies this year, and War of the Rohirrim isn't the best of the bunch I will admit, but this isn't a list of what I thought was the best of the year, but merely my favorites. I unabashedly love this movie. This film shines a spotlight on Helm Hammerhand, the legendary king of Rohan, and delves into the storied history of the Rohirrim. From its breathtaking animated visuals to its sweeping storytelling, it was hard not to include this movie on this list. The animation is a stunning blend of artistry that pays homage to the original film trilogy while embracing that fresh, dynamic style director Kenji Kamiyama is known for. While some may feel it diverges from the epic grandeur of live-action adaptations, I found it to be a delightful exploration of a lesser-known tale that enriches the lore of Middle-earth.
6. Longlegs
It was the trailer for this movie that got me. The promise of something off, unsettling, and new was what eventually got me in the theaters, and I left the film having had an experience I hadn't had in a long time. Longlegs is a film that hit all the right notes for me, even though I can’t deny it left me feeling deeply rattled. It’s rare for me to watch a movie and not find something to appreciate, but Longlegs had me stewing in a seat of dread throughout. The film strikes a perfect balance between psychological horror and that creeping sense of dread, and it got under my skin in a way few movies have. The film follows an investigation into a serial killer, and taps into primal fears—of the unknown, of being watched, and of something unnatural lurking in the shadows. There’s a constant sense of tension, and even though I found myself feeling deeply disturbed, I couldn’t look away. The direction is brilliant, with slow, deliberate pacing that allows the story to unfold. The performances are great, with a standout bout from Mr. Nicolas Cage. If you haven't seen this movie, see it merely for Cage, because...my word! While Longlegs may not be for everyone—especially if you’re not into unsettling horror—I was completely hooked. It creeped me the freak out, and I left the theater wanting a palate cleanser for sure, but I appreciate movies that can do that.
5. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
I'll just come out and say it - Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is an absolute triumph in every way. From the very first frame, it pulls you into that brutal, dystopian world we were introduced to in Mad Max: Fury Road, while filling it with new, unforgettable characters, intense action, and an undeniable sense of style. Anya Taylor-Joy kills it as Furiosa, bringing so much depth and intensity to the character while still maintaining that sense of vulnerability we sort of see from Charlise Theron's portrayal of her. The film’s portrayal of Furiosa’s rise in a world dominated by chaos and violence feels empowering, and it’s impossible not to root for her. Chris Hemsworth gives, what I think, is his best performance to date as the villainous Dementus. He was so much fun to watch! Visually, the movie is a masterpiece. The desert landscapes, the insane vehicles, and the explosive action sequences all come together in a way that’s just as breathtaking and exhilarating as Fury Road was. The practical effects and stunts are jaw-dropping, and the film’s pacing never slows down, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I've been meaning to rewatch it for some time now, but there are moments that will live in my brain forever, and I simply cannot wait to see if we get more of this franchise moving forward.
4. Deadpool & Wolverine
2024 has been a year of transition and change for me, which in turn has taken up a lot more of my time. I'll admit that I haven't made it out to the movies as much this year as I've done in the past, but I will say that there were just a few movies that I found myself seeing in theaters at least three times, and Deadpool & Wolverine one of them. This movie was everything I could have hoped for and more. Seeing the iconic characters of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine together at last on the big screen was simply epic. I could write pages on this movie, but I'll do my best to keep it short. Is this the best MCU movie? No, it's not. But it's up there as one the most anticipated and epic films of the franchise. Beyond the flimsy story, the movie is packed with wonderful cameos, incredible character moments from long lost favorites and unimagined elements (I'm looking at you, Channing Tatum), with humor for days and a frenetic sense of action and violence that begins with arguably one of the BEST openings to a Marvel movie. The movie doesn’t shy away from the violence we’ve come to expect from both characters, but it also has a surprising amount of heart. There’s a real emotional depth to the story that I wasn’t expecting, from both characters. Look, this movie is simply great. It's a Deadpool movie through and through, but it's also a celebration of Hugh Jackman, the 20th Century Fox universe (RIP), and the fandom that has loved the good and the bad up to this point. Wherever the Deadpool franchise goes from here, I'm just so glad we have this trilogy of films. The story about this movie getting made is just as epic as the film itself, and the fanboy in me is just giddy it exists.
3. Dune: Part Two
I had a lot of trouble nailing down what could be in the top three here, and I had to finally just make a decision. You'll hear me say similar things about all of them, so I'll try to differentiate as much as possible. That being said, Dune: Part Two is a cinematic masterpiece, plain and simple. I could just end the review there. I was in pure awe for the entire runtime of this film. Denis Villeneuve has crafted a visually stunning and emotionally powerful continuation of the Dune saga that exemplifies the relevancy of the cinema, for to see this film anywhere else would never do it justice. The scale of this movie is vast, even more than the first, which is crazy to think when you consider that we stay in the same location for both movies. The visual effects are top-notch, seamlessly blending with the practical elements to create a world that feels both alien and familiar. This movie will arguably, and rightfully, get nominated for many awards, including all of the technical ones, and I wouldn't be surprised if it won them all. Timothée Chalamet continues to shine as Paul Atreides, bringing depth and complexity to a character who is navigating immense power and responsibility. I wouldn't say he is a commanding presence in general, but Chalamet is truly commanding here. Zendaya’s expanded role as Chani was a welcomed highlight, adding emotional layers to the story with her relationship to Paul. The pacing, while deliberate, is perfectly suited for the story. The political intrigue, action sequences, and philosophical musings all blend together seamlessly. There are moments, unforgettable moments, that have been seared into my brain forever from this film. Paul's riding of the sandworm being one of them, I just remember my eyes getting blurry not from crying but from not blinking the whole time! Pure brilliance - that is this movie.
2. Nosferatu
Robert Eggers has quickly become one of my favorite filmmakers working today. He has yet to make a stinker, and with each and every film you can tell he's honing his craft more and more. His passion project is finally here for us to see, a retelling of the monster classic Nosferatu. Let me just say I had a really hard time NOT putting this as number one. Eggers' vision here is perfect. The movie is haunting, chilling, scary, moving, romantic, and captivating. The cinematography is downright gorgeous; the way Eggers uses shadows, lighting, and surreal imagery manages to create a mood that’s both timeless and terrifying. Bill Skarsgard is making a name for himself as a premiere character actor, having already given us an iconic portrayal of Stephen King's Pennywise; he now delivers an unforgettable performance as Count Orlok. There's an unsettling physicality to the character that’s both grotesque and strangely captivating. I was glued to the screen whenever he was on, drawn into the dread and mystery surrounding Orlok’s presence, purpose, and desire. The cast across the board is phenominal, including wonderful performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Nicholas Hoult. But the true standout in this film was Lily-Rose Depp. She gave a truly mesmerizing, raw, and incredible performance that I feel should earn some sort of award praise. The movie is a slow burn that pays off in spades, delivering a deeply unsettling and unforgettable experience. When I think of "cinema" I think Nosferatu. And at this stage of the game, Robert Eggers now feels synonymous with "cinema" as well. Truly fantastic.
1. Wicked
I wasn't lying when I said that either of my top three could be in the number one spot, and for a while it was Nosferatu. But I came back to Wicked because no other movie this year really gave me that magical mix of joy, upliftment, and wonder as this movie did. I've seen the Broadway musical once, and it blew me away. I found the story really engaging as it explored the universe of the Wizard of Oz in a darker, detailed way. The musical numbers were not only catchy, but they hit with resounding emotion and purpose. The film adaptation of Wicked is a dazzling, magical ride that not only pays homage to the play, but becomes it's own thing. The cast is incredible—Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is a revelation. Her voice is a powerhouse, and she brings so much emotion and depth to Elphaba. Her rendition of Defying Gravity gives me goosebumps each and every time I hear it. Ariana Grande as Glinda is a perfect match, delivering both the charm and complexity needed to make the role her own. She brings so much more humor than I anticipated, and as someone who doesn't really listen to her music much, I was blown away by the range of her voice. The chemistry between Erivo and Grande is undeniable, and their dynamic is the heart of the film. Visually, Wicked is nothing short of awesome. The use of practical sets was brilliant, the costumes were on point, all coming together to create a vibrant, fantastical world that immerses you completely. The magic feels real, and the world of Oz has never looked so vivid. At the end of the day, I found this movie to be a joyous, emotional, and utterly entertaining experience. In a world fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and sadness, art can be so rejuvenating, and that's why this movie inched its way to the top. This was one of the few movies I saw at least three times in theaters, and they were magical viewings each and every time. I whole-heartily plan on ending 2024 with a rewatch of Wicked now that it's available to stream from home, and the anticipation of this rewatch is just as palpable as it was before the first viewing.
Well, there you have it. I hope you all enjoyed your movie-going experience in 2024. I can't wait to see what 2025 has in store!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Fall Guy
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
We Live In Time
Spaceman
Civil War
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