As we kick off 2025, let’s look back at the past year and some of the most enjoyable films of 2024!
5) A Complete Unknown (4 Stars)
On the surface, A Complete Unknown is your standard musical biopic. What sets this one apart is an all-time performance by Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan which helps it rise above what is typically seen in this formulaic genre and makes for a rousing watch in the process. The story follows Dylan as he arrives in New York City in 1961 and rises to stardom while crossing paths with numerous other rock-and-roll icons of that time, notably Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook), and Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). The story is a straightforward, yet is amplified by the acting prowess of everyone involved. Chalamet’s talent and dedication are on full display as the rising superstar learned to play guitar for the role and fully embodies Dylan from his singing voice, right down to his mannerisms. It’s a magnificent transformation that will leave viewers in awe. Chalamet is the headliner, but still cedes some scenes to Barbaro and Holbrook as Baez and Cash, a testament to how impressive they are as well. The scenes where these historic figures interact are electric and prove to be the highlights of the film. Fans will surely see A Complete Unknown for the music (which is amazing by the way) but they’ll remember it for the performances. The film offers an interesting look at a famous musician that is easy to enjoy and could very well result in a Best Lead Actor Oscar for Chalamet.
4) Twisters (4 Stars)
Twisters is a perfect example of a classic summer blockbuster which we don’t get enough of anymore. It swirls together dazzling special effects, thrilling set pieces, and another big-time performance from Glenn Powell to provide a spectacular ride from start to finish. The film follows a meteorologist (Daisy Edgar-Jones) returning with a friend (Anthony Ramons) to Oklahoma and the world of tornado chasing that she had left behind years ago, while also crossing paths with a self-proclaimed “tornado wrangler” (Glenn Powell) in the process. Kicking things off in riveting fashion, the film grabs hold of the viewer immediately and never lets up. Glenn Powell continues to prove he’s the next A-list megastar as he oozes charisma in every scene. Daisy Edgar-Jones manages to hold her own here, playing opposite Powell, and is great in her own right as the two display wonderful chemistry as the central figures. While requiring some suspension of disbelief (as most action flicks tend to do), this is easily forgiven due in large part to the sheer amount of amusement the audience will be having. Twisters is an old-school adrenaline-fueled blockbuster that will get hearts racing and leave people with a smile on their face as the credits begin to roll.
3) My Old Ass (4.5 Stars)
My Old Ass is the tale of Elliot (Maisy Stella), a teenager who meets a 39-year-old version of herself (Aubrey Plaza) following a mushroom trip with her friends. The film serves as a misdirection in a variety of ways; what presents itself as a drug-fueled teen comedy is really a trojan horse for a genuinely heartfelt coming-of-age story. The big name on the poster belongs to Plaza, but the film itself belongs unequivocally to Stella, who delivers a star-making turn here as the central protagonist. It’s not about what she does onscreen so much as how she does it, portraying Elliot as she goes through tremendous growth in the most authentic manner. She is believable every step of the way, embodying what feels like the most real character in the most real movie of the year. While Plaza does not carry the story, she is always looming over it. She is up to the task, successfully dialing back her natural eccentricities to provide a more reserved and sincere portrayal. The world created feels truly lived in, with every character given depth and possessing their own unique traits. With the creative premise also comes the need for some suspension of disbelief, but overall, the story works marvelously with themes that are sure to resonate with viewers. My Old Ass expertly navigates the dual ambitions of a sincere coming of age story and a modern stoner comedy and succeeds in both respects.
2) Snack Shack (4.5 Stars)
When it comes to capturing a particular moment in life, no movie does it better this year than Snack Shack. 1991 Nebraska City serves as the backdrop for a summer of shenanigans between 14-year-old best friends, AJ (Conor Sherry) and Moose (Gabriel LaBelle) as circumstances lead to them running a swimming pool snack shack. With a screenplay that seems to have its finger firmly on the pulse of what it means to experience one of those memorable teenage summers, the film flourishes. The story isn’t as much in a hurry to take the plot somewhere in particular as it is to let the audience bask in the feeling of what it was like to be at that time in their life. The two leads serve as the crux of the storyline, but everyone in this ensemble is bringing their A game, notably, Mika Abdalla as a potential love interest and Nick Robinson as a big brother figure. The standout here though is Gabriel LaBelle, as he is an absolute force to behold. He owns every scene he is in as that particular kind of friend that everyone has had for better and worse. After breaking out in The Fabelmans, and now delivering two more dynamic performances this year in this as well as in Saturday Night, Labelle should quickly become a household name. This isn’t an overly showy movie, but it doesn’t need to be to successfully engage audiences and evoke emotion. Snack Shack expertly blends bro-ey humor with heartfelt sincerity, culminating in an instant addition to the Mount Rushmore of coming-of-age classics.
1)Wicked (4.5 Stars)
Wicked is not only the movie event of the year, but also delivers the performance of the year. The story is a familiar one to fans of Broadway, as it is based on the hit stage musical that follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, during her time growing up and attending school with none other than Glinda (Ariana Grande), the Good Witch. Clocking in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, the story is objectively long, but this is never really felt over the course of the watch. The story is expertly paced, allowing the land of Oz to be established as a fully realized world with impeccable production design. The craftmanship on display is remarkable with vast set pieces and glorious costume design. Then there is the choreography during the musical numbers which is on another level. The attention to detail is evident, allowing this world to become fully realized and is then inhabited by two powerhouse performances serving as essentially dual leads. Cynthia Erivo is clearly the central figure, driving the story forward the whole way through. She is phenomenal at every turn, fully fleshing out a previously well-known figure with an added layer of intelligence and sly humor. It is the more subdued of the two lead roles, but when provided the opportunity Erivo still shines, notably in her singing scenes which are remarkable. While Erivo is excellent, the question of who wins the movie is still not even close, as Ariana Grande walks away as the emphatic MVP of the film in what is the standout performance of the year. She manages to put a new spin on a classic character and exhibits all her acting skills in the process. She is able to convincingly make the viewer laugh, cry, and roll their eyes throughout. Grande excels playing a seemingly one-note character with way more depth than necessary and creates an impressive arc of character development that never feels forced and is enthralling every step of the way. The remaining ensemble are mostly able to hit the marks required of them while never standing out although, in fairness, with the power of the two leads not much is really required of the rest. Jeff Goldblum feels slightly miscast as the Wizard, but he still manages to bring forth his own unique charm that he’s well known for. This is Part 1 of a larger storyline and with that comes the fact that not every story thread is resolved, which may be bothersome to some. Nevertheless, the climax is a thrilling one and leaves the viewer craving more, while still concluding in a mostly satisfying place. Wicked isn’t just a glossy musical, it’s a full-blown spectacle. The performances and songs will stick with you long after the viewing has ended. It’s a true cinematic experience that transcends the genre and should be sought out by all.
Bonus- Since I did not release a list for last year here are my top 5 films from 2023 as well. Enjoy!
1)Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (5 Stars)
2) Flora and Son (4.5 Stars)
3) Oppenheimer (4 Stars)
4) Barbie (4 Stars)
5) Nimona (4 Stars)
-Matt Chouinard
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