Best and Worst 2024 films - Price Prediction

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours in darkened cinemas, I can confidently say that the year 2024 was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with highs that left us breathless and lows that made us question humanity’s collective taste in cinema.

On the bright side, we were treated to some truly exceptional films that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects. However, there were also some duds that would make even the most die-hard moviegoers question their love for the silver screen.

One of the shining stars of 2024 was the much-anticipated prequel to Charlize Theron’s iconic character, Furiosa. Titled “Furiosa: Rise of the Warrior Queen,” this film promised to deliver the same thrilling action and captivating storytelling that made Fury Road a global phenomenon. And while it did not disappoint in terms of visual flair, the plot lacked the same level of originality and excitement as its predecessor. It was like being served a gourmet meal with all the right ingredients but missing that certain je ne sais quoi that makes a dish truly unforgettable.

On the flip side, there were some films that left us scratching our heads in disbelief. One such film was “The Mouse Trap,” which took the beloved Mickey Mouse and turned him into a murderous maniac. This film was an exercise in futility, with little to no tension or gore to speak of. It was like watching a mouse play hide-and-seek in a field of daisies – not exactly the thrilling cinematic experience we were hoping for.

In conclusion, 2024 was a year that tested our patience and our love for cinema. While there were some truly exceptional films, there were also some that left us wondering if Hollywood had run out of ideas entirely. But as film fans, we persevere, always holding out hope for the next great cinematic experience.

As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. And in this case, the silver lining is that I can now afford a new popcorn maker after all those failed cinema trips!

As a movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours in dark theaters, I must say that the year 2024 was quite the rollercoaster for me – a mix of disappointments and delightful surprises. Just like any other year, there were films that didn’t meet expectations and some box office bombs that left us scratching our heads, but there were also unexpected hits that blew everyone away.

Now, I’d like to share my personal list of the best and worst 2024 films. Please note that these are my favorites, not necessarily the objectively “best” movies of the year, as some titles may have eluded me due to scheduling conflicts or simply being overlooked. For instance, the much-anticipated film “Anora,” I’m still waiting for a chance to catch it!

Let us begin with the best films of 2024 and kick things off with our number one pick…

Alien Romulus

The Alien franchise, which began in 1979 with an acclaimed first film and its equally successful sequel, has had a rather uneven trajectory since then. However, when Ridley Scott returned to direct Prometheus and Covenant, it failed to revitalize the series. Fortunately, a new perspective was provided when writer-director Fede Alvarez was permitted to create a seventh film. It was reassuring, then, that his movie provided the franchise with a much-needed revival by setting a story between the first two films while also incorporating several references back to them. At the same time, it stood on its own enough to attract a new audience, earning an impressive $350 million at the box office and securing more installments in the future. Read our review HERE

Fede Alvarez chatted about the making of Alien Romulus …..

All of us Strangers

In 2015, director Andrew Haigh impressed us with the outstanding movie ’45 years’, featuring Charlotte Rampling in one of the year’s top performances, culminating in a powerful and striking final scene. Fast forward to 2024, Haigh delves into love stories again with ‘All of us strangers’. This film stars Andrew Scott as a screenwriter who revisits his childhood home after starting a relationship with a neighbor residing in the downstairs flat, played by Paul Mescal. Adapted from a book by Taischi Yamada, the on-screen narrative unfolded into a tender and emotional love story that garnered Mescal several nominations. However, it was Scott who truly stole the show, yet surprisingly did not receive any award recognition. The film was indeed the standout movie of 2024, justifiably receiving all the praise and six BAFTA nominations, although unfortunately, it went home empty-handed. Check out our review HERE

Civil War

British screenwriter Alex Garland, known for penning scripts for several films directed by Danny Boyle like “The Beach,” “28 Days Later,” and “Sunshine,” has recently been producing more captivating and unnerving works, as demonstrated in “Ex Machina,” “Annihilation,” and “Men,” which he also directed. His upcoming work, titled “Civil War,” would have potentially been prophetic if Trump had lost the 2024 US election. This film, set in a dystopian future, features Kirsten Dunst as a photographer (loosely based on war journalist Lee Miller). She journeys across the United States amidst what appears to be civil unrest, aiming to reach the White House for an interview with the president. The movie, accompanied by an impressive soundtrack and a striking scene featuring Jesse Plemons as a volatile soldier, is definitely worth watching. Despite being A24’s most expensive production to date, their $50 million investment proved profitable at the box office, with the film earning $126 million. Read our review here

Heretic

In the past, I’ve been known for my work in romantic comedies, but some felt I had overstayed my welcome. However, in 2016, I starred opposite Meryl Streep in Florence Foster Jenkins, a true-life comedy that served as a refresher on my skills as a light comedian. My captivating performance in Paddington 2 further solidified this. In recent years, I’ve continued to steal the spotlight in movies like The Gentlemen, Dungeons & Dragons, and Wonka. But it was Heretic that truly elevated things. As Mr Reed, I welcomed two young evangelists into my home to discuss their faith. In a striking scene, I deconstructed world religions, revealing a character that was as menacing as any screen villain. My seemingly amiable demeanor concealed a disturbed, unsettling, and ultimately highly dangerous individual. Grant once again proved his mettle in this role, leaving audiences and filmmakers alike awestruck, reminders that beneath my humble self-deprecating interviews lies an immensely talented actor. Don’t forget to check out our review HERE.

In a Violent Nature

Chris Nash, with a special effects background and a fondness for the banned “video nasties” from the 1970s to early 1980s in the UK, made his feature film debut with ‘In a Violent Nature’. This movie drew inspiration from those video nasties, featuring an undead and decaying killer named Johnny who rises from his grave and hunts down a group of young people to reclaim a locket that belonged to his mother. The camera perspective mimics a first-person video game, following Johnny as he stalks through the forest, brutally dispatching his victims in shockingly gruesome ways, with the ‘pretzel kill’ being particularly noteworthy. Despite its brutal nature, it stands out in a sea of often dull studio horrors. It’s no surprise that a sequel is already in production for a killer who will soon join the ranks of other screen maniacs. Read our review here

Longlegs

In a subtle yet powerful presentation, featuring an impressive poster and chilling trailer, the movie emerged as the standout horror film of the year. Crafted by Osgood Perkins, it featured Maika Monroe in her role as a novice FBI agent tracking down a serial killer with occult ties. At first glance, this may seem reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs; however, this villain was far more unsettling and remained largely unseen until deep into the film. A shocking revelation was that Nicolas Cage, almost unrecognizable, played the killer, utilizing all his eccentricities and twisted line deliveries to create a screen antagonist rivaling Hugh Grant’s portrayal in Heretic as the most terrifying on-screen lunatic. Given Perkins’ lineage, being the son of Anthony, one of Hitchcock’s iconic screen killers in ‘Psycho’, it seemed fitting that we were witnessing a director learning from the best. Read our review [here]

Origin

In a world where accusations of racial insensitivity are often carelessly thrown by those who lack knowledge, Origin stands as a compelling watch. Directed by Ava DuVernay from her own novel, this thought-provoking production offers a profound examination of the subtle structures that have molded America, examining not only white supremacy but also delving into the Indian caste system and Nazi regime to shed light on the complexities and universality of racism. Origin is highly recommended viewing. Read our review HERE

The Substance

Filmmaker Coralie Fargeat masterfully directed the feminist revenge thriller ‘Revenge’, a gripping and violent movie that left a lasting impact. Her subsequent film, titled ‘The Substance’, promises to elevate this concept even further. The film stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley as two aspects of the same character, Elizabeth and Sue, who is a once-popular Hollywood actress experimenting with a black-market drug that splits cell matter, creating a temporary younger version of herself. This thought-provoking tale serves as a harsh critique on the pursuit of eternal youth, with both actresses delivering exceptional performances, particularly Moore in her bold comeback role, demonstrating her potential as a skilled actress. Laden with intensifying disturbing scenes that culminate in a shocking Grand Guignol finale, it has left audiences stunned, with some even reporting fleeing during screenings. Rightfully nominated for the Cannes D’or, ‘The Substance’ earned Fargeat a Best Screenplay award. Don’t miss out on this gripping watch; although it may be challenging to stomach at times, it is certainly worth your time. Read our review here

…….Take a look at our Substance instagram reel HERE

And so to the very worst of 2024……

Borderlands

Translating video games into films can be quite challenging, as evidenced by successes like Sonic the Hedgehog, Resident Evil, and Pokemon Detective Pikachu (and I’m eagerly awaiting a sequel!), but also failures such as Alone in the dark, Hitman, Assassin’s Creed, and now Borderlands. The signs were ominous when the film had been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years, and when it was finally released, the public showed little interest, opting instead to watch whatever movie was playing in the adjacent theater. Co-written and directed by Eli Roth, known more for his work in horror than video game adaptations, the film struggled to make an impact and was widely panned, earning just $32m effectively ending any discussion of a sequel. Read our review HERE

Janet Planet

In her first directorial venture, Annie Baker crafted a movie set in rural Massachusetts during summer 1991, focusing on an 11-year-old girl’s experiences as three men become part of her mother’s life. However, the film, devoid of much cinematic appeal, gradually became monotonous, with a scene that showcased a microwave cooking food in real time. The talented young actress Zoe Ziegler’s performance was commendable, but it couldn’t break the sense of tedium that pervaded the film. To read our review, click HERE.

Joker Folie a Deux

Anticipations ran high for the follow-up to the Academy Award-winning Joker, one of the top films of the year. However, the sequel fell far short of these lofty expectations. Reports of it being a musical were partially accurate, as Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix contributed, but it was not the continuation that anyone anticipated, even the studio financing it to the tune of $200 million, hoping for similar box office success as the original, which grossed over a billion dollars. Instead, it flopped with audiences, notably those at our screening who left in droves. Some directors, such as Tarantino and Coppola (who after the failure of Megalopolis was not in a position to defend it), spoke in its support, but at best it was a letdown, and at worst, a disaster that failed to recoup its budget, effectively ending this version of Joker’s story. Read our review HERE

Harold and the Purple Crayon

As an ardent cinema enthusiast, I must express my disappointment in the recent adaptation of Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” The potential for enchantment mirroring the books was palpable. However, the filmmakers opted to portray Harold as a grown man (played by Zachery Levi), a choice that followed his second consecutive flop after Shazam 2. Regrettably, the movie only sporadically seemed to animate, mainly thanks to Jemaine Clement’s scene-stealing performance as the villain. Unfortunately, audiences generally gave it a wide berth, with the film grossing just $32m – a far cry from recouping its budget. Check out our review HERE

The Mouse Trap

After the unexpected success of the low-budget horror movie “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey,” which transformed a cherished character into a ruthless serial killer, it seemed like anything was possible in terms of reimagining beloved children’s characters. When the copyright for Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse expired, filmmakers seized the opportunity to produce another horror adaptation, initially titled “Mickey’s Mouse Trap.” However, this title was quickly changed to simply “The Mouse Trap” following the release of the first trailer on January 1st, 2024. The response was generally indifference, and this attitude persisted when the film was finally released.

Surprisingly, an arcade owner decided to adopt the persona of a homicidal Mickey Mouse and began murdering his staff and their friends during a surprise birthday party at the arcade. Few were interested in downloading the movie, and although Blood and Honey had grossed $5 million, The Mouse Trap barely managed to surpass £60k. Given that it was devoid of tension and largely lacking in graphic violence, it is not difficult to understand why this film failed to captivate audiences.

You can read our review HERE.

Mickey Mouse in The Mouse Trap – director Jamie Bailey & star Simon Phillips takes us BTS……

Megalopolis

Titled either “Francis Ford Coppola’s Folly” or “The Misadventure of Francis Ford Coppola,” this production would undoubtedly find its place among the nominees for Disappointment of the Year. Financed by the director himself to the tune of $120 million, it afforded him creative freedom in what was intended to be an epic and potentially his final film. The narrative unfolds in New Rome, where we witness a conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), an artist advocating for a utopian future, and the avaricious mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito). Caught in the middle is Julia Cicero (Ntahalie Emmanuel), whose allegiances are torn between her father and her beloved.

The cast boasted some big names like Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, and a brief, seemingly unnecessary appearance by Dustin Hoffman. Unfortunately, the film turned out to be a nearly incoherent jumble with rare flashes of brilliance that left critics baffled and audiences uninterested, resulting in a dismal $13 million gross at the box office. Read our review HERE

And the disappointment of the year goes to…….

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself grappling with the choice between Joker: Folie à Deux and Furiosa because the former was such a colossal letdown, but it being truly awful made it lose the “disappointment” category to Furiosa. Following the phenomenal Fury Road, which was both a commercial hit and garnered numerous Oscar nominations, expectations for the sequel were sky-high. This prequel, featuring Anya Taylor Joy as Furiosa in an origin story, came after Charlize Theron’s portrayal in Fury Road. As expected, it boasted the visual grandeur typical of George Miller, the writer-director behind it, and Chris Hemsworth delivered a commendable performance as the antagonist. However, it lacked the novelty and unparalleled stunts seen in Fury Road, and it seemed audiences felt the same, as the film failed to recoup its budget and likely marks the end of further Mad Max installments. Read our review HERE

Having lived through numerous years and experienced a variety of events, I must say that my personal list of best and worst moments in the year 2024 has been quite eventful. On one hand, there were instances of great joy and triumph, such as the successful completion of a long-awaited project or the birth of a new family member. On the other hand, there were times of hardship and disappointment, like the loss of a loved one or a professional setback that seemed insurmountable at the time.

As for my best moment in 2024, I would have to say it was the day I finally saw my novel published after years of writing and rewriting. The sense of accomplishment and validation was indescribable, and I will always cherish that memory. On the flip side, my worst moment of the year was undoubtedly the unexpected illness of a close friend, which served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we love.

I encourage others to share their own best and worst moments of 2024 in the comments section below. It’s always interesting to hear about other people’s experiences and learn from them.

2024-12-31 03:25

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