THE BUTCHER’S BOX

In addition to a top ten list I am giving my thoughts on other aspects of films I saw during the year, as I normally do.  I just decided to get a bit creative with the title of the section this year. 

WORST FILMS (this is the only worst portion of the list, everything else is the best of the year);

The Crow (2024), Harold and the Purple Crayon, Miller’s Girl, Skincare, Unsung Hero

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY:  

American Fiction

(I publish this list on New Years Eve, there are always films from the year I have not seen that are missed from consideration.  Often there is one that I would of out on that list.  That is why I created this category.)

FAMILY FILMS: Imside Out 2, My Penguin Friend, Young Woman and the Sea

SOCIAL CONSCIENCE FILMS: I Saw the TV Glow, The Monk & The Gun, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

INDEPENDENT FILMS:

Babes, National Anthem, Prolenista, The Sweet East, Widiw Clicquot 

MOVIES THAT WERE JUST FUN TO WATCH:

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Fly me to the Moon, Wicked Little Letters 

REPERTORY FILMS: Harold and Maude (1971), The Last Picture Show (1971),  Going in Style (1979), Do the Right Thing (1989), License to Kill (1989 – Is anyone reality surprised that a 007 film was seen on the big screen and made it pin this part of the list? ),  Teen Witch (1989), The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2 (2011/2012)

and now for MY TOP TEN FILMS  OF 2024:

10  KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

 – This was the film I was looking forward to the most in 2024.  I had such a fun time watching it from my favorite seat.  I needed out with the throwbacks to previous films and enjoyed being entertained throughly by the story.  This was exactly the movie I wanted it to be.

9 BABES

 – I laughed incredibly hard at this movie when I went to see in theaters. So much so I was confident I missed small parts of the movie.  I can’t recall the last time a comedy did that for me.  I know it’s rare and when it happens I absolutely am in love with that feature film.

8 SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY

  – Christopher Reeve is a personal hero of mine.  It seems fitting that his documentary be on my 2024 list.  Yes the movie can be viewed  as a fluff piece but I really do not care. I idolize the man and the film showcases everything I idolize about him: his strength to overcome his very public personal tragedy, how he championed others, and stood up for what he believed in to name a few.

7 THE MONK & THE GUN

  – When I decided to see this film it was solely based on the title. I new nothing about the actual movie.  Let’s be honest, I have seen far worse for the exact same reason. The film is simultaneously moving and intriguing. The story could have gone many different ways but the way it did was a very pleasant surprising.  It’s a

political story with a point and in todays world that is a very rare movie. 

6 THE OLD OAK

 -In addition to being an incredibly powerful film I love how this one created an intimate moviegoing experience.  I alwats enjoy sharing the thrills of an action film, the laughs of a comedy, and the scares of a horror film with my fellow cinema lovers.  What The Old Oak created in its intimacy.  

5 SING SING

  – Setting aside what an incredibly powerful film Sing Sing is, which  is one of the reasons I hold it high regard, I am in awe of the fact that so many of the people involved with the true story play themselves.  Other films have done that in the past but not have worked as beautifully as it did with Sing Sing.  I was expecting Something more in line with The Shawshank Redemption when I took my seat to this feature. I a, more then pleased to get a film that stands on its own and is just as compelling, if not more so.  This is one that has stick with me long after exiting the theater.  

4 THE BIKERIDERS 

    – I was captivated immediately by this film.  I fell in love with the story amd for me the genesis for any for is its story. I loved seeing Tom Hardy and Austin Butler interact together. I was fascinated by the culture portrayed in the film.  The 116 minute runtime west by in a blink of an eye and all of that added up for a cinematic experience that felt like a true cinematic experience.

3 SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE

-This movie is uncomfortable in the same way Spotlight is uncomfortable.  That did not stop me from thinking highly of it.  The dark tones and slow burn provided for an eerie atmosphere setting.  Combine that with a premise that intrigued me from start to finish and you are going to get a movie I a, going to love.  Also the film is anchored by an incredible performance by Cillian Murphy. I keep wondering why Oppenheimer has been his on,y trip to the Oscars but that’s another issue

2 MY OLD ASS

– I love the sense of humor that this film has, absolutely love it!  I also love the unique story that the film told!  It took it self seriously enough with its message and story but not seriously enough with its honor to insult my intelligence. Plus there is one scene towards the beginning the my middle aged ass considers his favorite of the entire year and for those who have not seen this movie I am not going to spoil it!

1 NATIONAL ANTHEM

 – When I saw National Anthem back in July I immediately knew it would be number one on this list, this year. I had a rare and instant emotional connection with this film.  I connected with the central character, Dylan.  There was a point in my life I felt that same loneliness and isolation he was going through.  Though our pathways away from the loneliness and isolation  differed, it hit me very hard the struggles of finding your spot in the world.  National Anthem is a small film that I can not recommend enough. 

Until next year I will see you at the movies!