MY TOP FILM OF 2024-

A Complete Unknown- James Mangold directs an Amazing Timothee Chalamet leads a fantastic cast in recreating the rise of Bob Dylan during the 1960's.

Emilia Perez- Totally original and surprising musical crime drama from Mexico.

Dune Part Two- Spectacular Sci-Fi.  A sequel that build beautifully upon the first film.

Nosferatu- While not scary in the classic sense, it is a work of "horror" art.

The Promised Land- Terrific Danish period film starring Mads Milkensen.

Anora- An electric, star turn by Mikey Madison as a Brooklyn Stripper who gets involved with the son of wealthy Russian Oligarchs. 

Longlegs- The creepiest, most disturbing and unnerving serial killer film in a long time.

Wicked Little Letters- A 1920's period English black comedy with a wonderful cast.

Inside Out 2- Wonderful animation, intelligent and very entertaining.

Wicked Part One- Very entertaining film version of the Broadway show. Works on all levels.

HONORABLE MENTION-

Origin- an incredible and important film based on the book "Caste".

September 5- Intense recreation of the ABC Sports team covering the Israeli massacre at the 1972 Olympics.

Blitz- Incredible survival drama in war torn London during the Blitz. Elliot Heffernan is amazing.

A Real Pain- Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culken play to their strengths in this comedy/drama.

Oddity-an original horror movie that actually scares you. Very well done.

Knox Goes Away-  A terrific performance by Michael Keaton, who also directs, as a criminal dealing with rapidly developing dementia.

BOTTOM FILMS OF 2024-

Less said the better of all of these-

MaXXine

Wolfs

Trap

Drive Away Dolls

Challengers

Joker: Folie a Deux

I.S.S.

Fly Me To The Moon

Borderlands

The Instigators

A Complete Unknown

 

         Co-written and directed by James Mangold (based on the book "Dylan Goes Electric!" by Elijah Wald), this new drama is just sensational (even if you're not that familiar with Bob Dylan). It is magical in it's depiction of a time and place in American history, telling the story of Bob Dylan's rise to fame during the 1960's.

          Timothee Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan and while he may not sing exactly as Dylan, nor look exactly like Dylan, he does a wonderful job of channeling Dylan's essence to the point you believe his portrayal. Beyond Mr. Chalamet, the co-stars are simply terrific as well. Edward Norton plays Pete Seeger without a false note. Elle Fanning plays Sylvie Russo (a renamed version of Susie Rotolo), his girlfriend through most of the early to mid 60's. Monica Barbaro plays Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook plays Johnny Cash, and Scoot McNairy plays an older, sick and debilitated Woody Guthrie. They are all perfect.

         Also co-starring are Dan Fogler as Albert Grossman, Norbert Leo Butz as Alan Lomax, Will Harrison as Bob Neuwith, Charlie Tahan as Al Cooper, Eli Brown as Mike Bloomfield, Ryan Harris Brown as Mark Spoelstra ad Eriko Hatsune as Toshi Seeger. It is really a sensational cast.

        Mr. Mangold and his team faithful recreate the turbulent '60's and multiple performances at the various village clubs and Newport Folk Festival. While timelines may not be exact and situations and people may have been altered to fit the script, for the most part, the film seems a pretty accurate describing Mr. Dylan's emergence in the folk scene and eventually achieving stardom. It culminates in his decision to go "electric" at Newport alienating many of his fans.

        While super fans and music historians may find fault with any inaccuracies, Mr. Mangold has still managed to capture Bob Dylan's mystique and squeeze a great deal of story into a two hour and twenty minute film, anchored by an electric (no pun intended) performance  by Timothee Chalamet.

Nosferatu

 

     Written and directed by Robert Eggers, this is a remake of the 1922 silent film, and it is a masterful achievement. Mr. Eggers doesn't bother with "jump-scare" tactics but rather creates a world of building dread and unease. 

      The film runs long, two hours and twelve minutes and additional editing would have tightened the story. The atmospheric sense of horror prevails over every aspect of the film. Working with cinematographer, Jarin Blaschke, Mr. Eggers blends the visuals, art direction, sets, music, and of course the acting into a master work of horror.

      The terrific cast includes Bill Skarsgard as Count Orlock/Nosferatu (he's quickly become the go to actor for horror characters), Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter,  Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter, Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding, Emma Corrin as Anna Harding, Wilem Dafore as Professor Albin Eberhart, Ralph Ineson as Dr. Wilhelm Sievers and Simon McBurney as Herr Knock. All the characters are doppelgangers for the characters in "Dracula".

      Ms. Depp is exceptional as Ellen, possessed early on by Count Orlock. Mr. Hoult is terrific as the tortured realtor who also falls under the Count's spell. Mr. Dafoe could have easily gone over the top but shows restraint in his character. Mr. Ineson (so good as the father in Mr. Eggers film, The Witch) has a commanding presence as always and Mr. McBurney is perfect as the crazed servant of Count Orlock. And even under quite a bit of makeup, Mr. Skarsgard still makes Nosfertu his own with a powerful performance

       The lighting, use of shadows, depth of color as well as lack of color heighten the already mentioned aspects of the film.  And while you may or may not be actually "scared" during the film, it does add up to the stuff of nightmares that may haunt your dreams for some time to come.

Babygirl

 

       Written and directed by Halina Reijn, this is an erotic thriller about sexual politics and exploring one's unfulfilled sexual urges. Nicole Kidman stars as Romy, a high-powered CEO whose new intern unlocks her submissive desires. Harris Dickinson plays Samuel, the young intern that recognizes something in Romy that he exploits into an unusual affair.

         Antonio Banderas co-stars as Romy's husband of 19 years that is unaware of her desires, believing instead, that they have a very satisfying sex life. Their two teenage daughters are played by Esther McGregor and Vaughan Reilly. Sophie Wilde plays Esme, Romy's assistant, who has her own agenda when she learns of the affair.

         Ms. Kidman, no stranger to daring parts, is at her most uninhibited in a complicated role that requires a great deal of honest acting. Her chemistry with Mr. Dickinson is magnetic and early on, the film is at its most provocative. After a while however, I found myself becoming bored with their games and the direction the film was headed. Samuel's motivation is never clear and even he describes their affair as "kids playing games".

          This film is a little bit "50 Shades of Grey' mixed with "Secretary". TV show and films seem continually convinced that most people in high powered positions secretly want to be dominated in private. Maybe that's true but I'm no therapist. I will say that in this case, Ms. Kidman certainly does, and she gives a truly bold performance.

Mufasa: The Lion King

 

      The original "Lion King" was a wonderful film spawning sequels and a Broadway show. Did the world need a prequel? Probably not but Disney saw a cash grab for the holidays and went for it with a high-profile director, Barry Jenkins, a strong vocal cast and songs by Lin Manuel-Miranda.

       Does it work? I guess so but it's not as good as the original and the story told in flashbacks gets confusing at times. What is amazing is the photorealism animation. The visuals are just incredible.

       Since it's a prequel, screenwriter Jeff Nathanson needed a way to work favorite characters from the first film, Pumbaa and Timon into story. Having Rakiki tell the story of Mufasa to Kiara, Simba's daughter with both Pumbaa and Timon listening as well, was the best way to do it. Although the back and forth storytelling will definitely be confusing to smaller children. It does, however, give Pumbaa and Timon a chance to add all the adult humor to the film with some good one liners and self effacing jokes.

       As for Mufasa's story, he spends a great deal of time underwater for various reasons. He also grows up with Taka, who eventually feels betrayed and ends up as "Scar" from the original film. There is ongoing danger as the lions are stalked by a group of nasty white lions known as "The Outsiders", led by Kiros. It's pretty obvious that at some point Kiros will square off against Mufasa. In many scenes it's actually hard to tell the lions apart. A little girl next to me kept asking, "is that Mufasa?" pointing to various lions.

       The vocal talent includes Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, John Kani as Rifiki, and Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, the lioness. Other high profile vocals include Seth Rogan as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, Beyonce as Nala, Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, Keith David as Masego and Lennie James as Obasi.

       Lin Manuel-Miranda's songs, lyrically are pleasant enough but musically sound like outtakes from "Hamilton". Nothing comes as close to "The Circle of Life" as memorable.

        The film is being shown in Imax, Imax 3-D, Real 3-D and Digital. Save your money and watch it at home with the kids on Disney +, where it will end up sooner than later.

      

Red One

 

         Just when you thought a new concept for a holiday movie couldn't be found, we have this new action packed story of a kidnapped Santa (aka "Red One").

         One of its main themes is adults finding their inner kid again and if you are an adult, you will find that inner kid again watching this silly but fun adventure. For small kids, there are some violent moments (although no blood is spilled, just snow), a bit of cursing and a "scary" witch towards the end but otherwise, it's a high concept romp with a wisecracking Chris Evans and a very serious Dwayne Johnson.

          J.K. Simmons plays a trim and frankly, buff Santa. Lucy Liu plays the Director of North Pole Operations, Bonnie Hunt is Mrs. Claus, and Kiernan Shipka plays Gryla, The Christmas Witch and the main villain. Mr. Johnson is Head Of Security and takes his job very seriously although his character is also very disillusioned about the holidays and ready to retire. Mr. Evans is Jack O'Malley, a cynical tracker who sets things in motion by revealing Santa's whereabouts to Gryla but then is enlisted to help find him. 

         The film also co-stars Kristofer Hivju (under lots of makeup ) as Krampus, Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Olivia, Jack's Ex, Wesley Kimmel as Dylan, Jack's son and Nick Kroll in a cameo.

         The CGI is spotty, great at times and poor at other times. The action sequences are fun and the cast is committed to making it work. In the end, attitudes are adjusted and of course Christmas is saved.

         While not everything makes perfect sense (fighting Snowmen in Aruba), it's still an entertaining holiday film for the right audience. And that might also be it's biggest problem. It's a little too smart for little kids and a bit too goofy for adults but pre-and young teens will definitely enjoy it and as I mentioned, adults who just want a little holiday cheer for their inner child will find it satisfying.

          The film is in theaters and also now available on a major streaming service.

September 5

 

     Co-written and directed by Tim Fehlbaum, this new drama is based on the real life massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich Germany. What's different about this film it that it is told from the perspective of the ABC Sports crew covering the ordeal as it's happening in real time.

     Peter Sarsgaard stars as Roone Arledge but it is John Magaro who really shines as Geoffrey Mason, who is left in charge of the control room by Arledge. Ben Chaplin co-stars as Marvin Bader, Mr. Mason's direct boss and they, along with the other technicians, reporters and cameramen faithfully recreate the controlled chaos of reporting the horrible events happening around them.

    The film also co-stars Leonie Benesch as Marianne Gebhardt, a German translator pressed into more than she bargained for, since she's the only staff member who speaks fluent English and German. Benjamin Walker does a good impression of Peter Jennings, the news reporter on the scene and actual footage of Jim McKay, the ABC Sports Olympic anchor, is also used strategically throughout the film.

    To realistically recreate the TV control room, all analog equipment was used without the use of CGI. The editing by Hansjorg Weibrich and music by Lorenz Dangel work together to keep the tension high and nothing is wasted in the ninety five minute runtime.

    The film raises many moral and ethical questions about reporting tragic events live as this was really the first of it's kind, watched by 900 million people around the world in real time. Questions that still exist today.

    As you watch the film, even if you remember the outcome,  you will still feel the suspense and tension, almost hoping for a different result. It's a sad reality that tragedies like this continue today.

    

Carry-On

 

       In the tradition of "Die Hard", but nowhere near that standard, comes this holiday action thriller starring Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman.

       Mr. Egerton is Ethan, a TSA agent who is blackmailed into letting a lethal nerve gas pass through airport security on Christmas eve. Mr. Bateman plays against type and is the villain behind the blackmail. With a plot that throws logic out the window, the two adversaries do manage to keep things interesting and fairly exciting, despite some ridiculous dialog.

        The film co-stars  Sofia Carson as Ethan's pregnant girlfriend put in harm's way (of course), Danielle Deadwyler as Detective Cole who has a very impressive fight scene, Theo Rossi as Mr. Bateman's colleague who knows, incredibly, just where to park a van just to point a rifle, Dean Norris as the unsuspecting TSA supervisor, and Curtis Cook in what amounts to a cameo as an airport security cop.

        Despite all the illogical plot points, the film creates a fair amount of tension as we watch Ethan race against time to stop the deadly plot. 

        Wisely not released in theaters, the film is available exclusively on a major streaming service.

Kraven The Hunter

 

      Poor Sony Pictures. Even with a collaboration with Marvel, they just can't pull off a successful comic adaptation (ok, they've had minor success with Venom). This new super "anti-hero" film has not one but three Spider-Man villains but without Spider-Man, it just doesn't work. Yes, there is a clever in-joke regarding spiders but even that doesn't help.

      Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Kraven and he is just not buff enough and too good looking to play this Spider-Man villain. It's almost sad to see him running around on all fours, using his "animal instincts" to hunt his prey. The film has a notable list of co-stars that will unfortunately have to be associated with this film. Russell Crowe plays Kraven's father, who meets his demise by a Grizzley bear and I'm not quite sure who was bigger, Mr. Crow or the bear. Ariana DeBose has a ridiculously written role and disappears completely in the last act. Fred Hechinger plays Kraven's brother (and in a strange universe, is in "Gladiator II" as one of the nasty emperors which is connected to the original "Gladiator" starring Russell Crowe, who now plays his father). His outcome in this film is important but not really explained well. Alessandro Nivola plays "The Rhino" another Spider-Man villain who shouldn't be fighting Kraven but rather working with him, and Christopher Abbott plays "The Foreigner", a rather strange villain.

      The CGI is sloppy but there are a few good action sequences, not quite enough to save the film though. The end sets up a potential sequel but I think Sony Pictures has had enough of these secondary characters.

       

The Outrun

 

        Saoirse Ronan stars in this highly moving drama about one woman's battle with addiction. The script is based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

        Ms. Ronan plays Rona, an alcoholic living in London, who decides to return to her childhood home on the Orkney Islands (north of Scotland) to try to get sober. The story is told in a non-linear fashion and jumps around in time. It takes a minute to adjust to the time lines but soon becomes easy to follow,

        Rona's parents are separated and live on different parts of the island. She spends time with both but for most of the film, she lives in isolation in a small shack on a tiny part of the north island. She walks the beach, swims in the frigid water, listens to her favorite music and contemplates her life. She does interact with some of the local folk and takes a solitary job studying an elusive native bird. As usual, Ms. Ronan is wonderful in a heartbreaking and raw portrait of addiction.

       The cinematography is fabulous. Having actually been to the Orkney Islands, I can honestly say Yunus Roy Imer's camera captures the raw beauty of the land and the surrounding sea. It can be a very harsh landscape, especially in winter and Ms. Ronan braves the weather admirably. The very last scene in the film is so perfect.

       The film is in limited theatrical release and currently on demand.

Emilia Perez

 

        Written and directed by Jacques Audiard, this is one of the most original films you will ever see. It is a Spanish language, musical, crime story with a transgender plotline and it's as fascinating as it's entertaining.

         When a wealthy Mexican Cartel boss decides to transition, he hires a lawyer to facilitate the process. Years later, with a new identity and purpose, Emilia sets out to help victims of cartel violence but some things can't remain in the past.

         The film stars Karla Sofia Gascon as Juan "Manitas" DeMonte/Emilia Perez, Zoe Saldana as Rita Mora Castro, Emilia's lawyer, and Selena Gomez as Jessi, the wife of Manitas and mother of his children. The film also co-stars Adriana Paz, Edgar Ramirez and Mark Ivanir. The three leads are just wonderful. Ms. Saldana and Ms. Gomez have never been better and Karla Sofia Gascon is a revelation.

         Mr. Audiard brilliantly stages many unusual musical dance numbers throughout the film, including a standout number by Zoe Saldana performed at a gala. Characters break into song when you least expect it and yet it all works filling out the story in a very original way.

         Ultimately a story of love, acceptance, family, and high drama, "Emilia Perez" will move you in unexpected ways.

         The film is in a limited theatrical run and currently streaming.

The Order

 

       Based on a true story, this is a somber but gripping drama about the FBI's efforts to stop a white supremacist terrorist group known as "The Order". 

        The year is 1983 and FBI agent Terry Husk (played by a stoic Jude Law) is investigating a rash of bank robberies in the Pacific Northwest. He believes the robberies are being committed by a radical group building a war chest rather than ordinary criminals. Nicholas Hoult is the charismatic leader of "The Order", a radical splinter group from Aryan Nation. The two play a dangerous game of cat and mouse. 

       Co-starring are Tye Sheridan as a local deputy assigned to the manhunt and Jurnee Smollett as a no nonsense FBI agent. Marc Maron also has a small part as radio host Alan Berg.

       This is a tense story made all the more unsettling as you watch, realizing these groups are still out there sowing the seeds of hate across America. One can only hope as our government changes hands that law enforcement will continue to be vigilant and prevent the potential for greater violence.