My Top 5 Movies of 2024

With the end of the year next week, I decided to talk about my top 5 movies I’ve seen this year. Though I haven’t seen many the ones I have are definitely really good ones. There are movies I wish I’ve seen but didn’t get around to it like The Substance, The Piano Lesson, Blitz, and Lee. If you’ve seen these let me know what you thought and if you’ve seen the movies I mention on my list let me know what you thought about these movies as well.

5: Bikeriders

This movie directed by Jeff Nichols was a good time. It was an interesting film because it didn't go into a movie about bike riders from the pov of a bike rider but from one of the member's wife (played terrifically by Jodie Comer). So the wife is the audience surrogate and it works for the film. Though I wish we got more into the bike rider lifestyle and what they did more than we did in the movie, it was great for what we got. Everyone was great, and I now understand why Austin Butler (who we will talk about again later) is such a nominated actor. For the few lines he has he makes them into such an interesting character, one I wish we got more of an insight into. Also, it's my first time seeing Tom Hardy on screen, and I really liked his work here. I didn't know he was British! 

There is an attempted SA scene that people who could be triggered by that should be aware of, but overall I recommend it.

4: Inside Out 2

When a piece of media makes me have anxiety or makes me want to cry you know it is a fantastic piece of art, and Inside Out 2 made me experience both. Riley's growth from a pre-teen to a teenager and her old emotions fighting against her new ones is such an experience. I'm the odd man out because I thought the first Inside Out was just meh. I don't like it as much as everyone else on the planet does, so I was very happy and excited when I heard that Inside Out 2 was fantastic and those who didn't like the first loved the second more. If you somehow have not seen this yet, go to Disney + or buy the DVD because physical media is dying, and experience it yourself.

3: Conclave

This movie. *Phew* I went into this knowing what it would be, and I got so much more when I came out. Everyone in this movie should be nominated for awards, even those who only got two scenes. This movie about the upheaval of a papal conclave after the pope dies is captivating for those who like political and social intrigue.

Ralph Fiennes has been applauded for his role in this movie, and yes he may get that long-awaited Oscar, but, everyone is overlooking three actors: Stanley Tucci who plays a left-leaning cardinal, Sergio Castellitto who plays an alt-right conservative cardinal, and Isabella Rossellini who plays a devout yet mind-speaking sister of the papacy who only wants what's best for the religion and everyone who follows it. There's another actor, Carlos Diehz who plays a cardinal who comes in as the audience surrogate character, and I dare not say what role he plays in this movie, but he’s another one I hope gets more good acting work on screen. The thrill around this 12 Angry Cardinals movie is exceptional, and I implore all of you to go and see this movie and if you can see it in theaters go see it. The cinematography especially is theatre-worthy.

2: Wicked

Oh My Oz You Guys! This movie is magnificent! All of the praise it’s been getting is all true. The acting, singing, dancing, cinematography, all of it! It’s soo good. I think we all know that Cynthia was going to eat, but even though I knew of Ariana’s background not only with musical theater but also being as close to Kristin Chenoweth as she is, I still was skeptical. I didn’t know if she could act outside of Nickelodeon since she hasn’t acted since then. Well, she proved me wrong. She may get typed-cast as Glinda types but I hope she branches out. She’s very very good. Another person who surprised me was actually Peter Dinklage and his singing voice. He doesn’t sing sing but he does more than Michelle Yeoh (who is fantastic) and Jeff Goldblum (who is good but also feels like he’s just there.) Peter Dinklage is so good in this movie. He makes me want to have a whole prequel around Dr.Dillamond. If you haven’t seen this movie go see it especially in AMC Dolby. It’s gorgeous to the eyes and ears.

1: Dune Part 2

What can I say about Dune Part 2 that no one else has said already? Though it came out at the top of the year the magnitude of the movie has left an everlasting impact on me. It's the second part of a political space opera and the Dolby experience I had watching it was impeccable. Timothee Chalamet is amazing, and Austin Butler is great. I wanted more of his character. Rebecca Ferguson especially better be nominated for a Golden Globe at least! The only nitpick I have is that I wish Zendaya had a Fremen accent like the other actors who played Fremen did. She sounds just a bit out of place, and since we don't know what part of Arrakis Chani is from, the American accent is just weird placing. But overall, if you haven't seen it go and see it. It's phenomenal!