Best of 2024

In the late-nineties and early 2000s, I think I watched a movie a week, if not two. Was there more choice, more quality films? Maybe I’m getting too picky with my movie choices now. When I’m only watching twenty films or so a year, it’s hard to create a comprehensive list of the best films. I also blame the higher quality of television that keeps me home. Anyway, here’s my list of the best of 2024. Enjoy.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2024

1. SATURDAY NIGHT
Plot: It’s an intense ninety minutes before the first Saturday Night Live.
Why: Even when the show is not at its best, I am a forever fan of Saturday Night Live. I am enjoying the celebrations around this landmark series 50th year including this cinematic gem. I love the way Jason Reitman directs the chaos behind the premiere of SNL despite some far fetched moments. Condensing the mayhem to a tight ninety minutes got my blood pumping as I watched the cavalcade of actors take on the real egos and anxieties of the Not Ready for Primetime Players. 
MVP: Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) – the determined visionary ringleader
Highlight: Andy Kauffman distracts the execs and ignites a drive to the end
Full Review: Click here

2. WICKED: PART ONE
Plot: Glinda befriends the green Elphaba before Dorthory arrives in Oz.
Why: Some musical adaptations do not work but this one blew me away. I love the stage musical and this one hits all the right notes from singing to production design. While it is lengthy, there is not much I would remove. I can forgo worrying about the lesser second part for now. This sweeping musical epic was definitely worth waiting for.   
MVP: Galinda (Ariana Grande) – a chip off the Chenoweth with a hair toss
Highlight: “What Is This Feeling” is a classic musical crowdpleaser
Full Review: Click here

3. A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
Plot: Bob Dylan breaks into the folk scene before transitioning to electric.
Why: I wouldn’t call myself a Bob Dylan fan but I was very impressed with this film’s storytelling and the acting chops of Timothee Chalamet. This guy can do anything. As I get older, I appreciate folk music more than I thought I would. This film got me to nod my head as I listened to the rich lyrics, the perfect strumming, and distinctive vocalizations. I also really liked the production design too.
MVP: Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) – simply electric (pun intended)  
Highlight: The Newport Folk Festival where Dylan takes a stand
Full Review: Click here

4. CONCLAVE
Plot: The selection of a new pope leads to power struggles and secrets.
Why: Love a behind the scenes story. Looking at the election of a new pope is intriguing and I was riveted to the power plays among the cardinals. Not only is there a thriller tone to this film but it also has one heck of a twist I did not see coming. I hope more people give this film a chance.  
MVP: Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) – his quiet leadership has such intensity
Highlight: Every secret ballot is filled with edge of seat anticipation
Full Review: Click here

5. THE FALL GUY
Plot: A stuntman must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend’s film.
Why: I’ll admit that I ranked this higher initially but I think that was because I was finally having some fun watching a film. It was a pretty lackluster beginning of the year with the exception of Dune. Gosling is so charming as Colt Seavers, he gets the great lines, the stunts and the girl. The script is a tad bloated but one cannot deny the enjoyment on screen. Maybe it is their dips into cartoonishness that kept it from being a blockbuster.
MVP: Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) – a great follow-up to Ken
Highlight: Tom Ryder’s bevy of Post-It Notes at his apartment
Full Review: Click here

6. INSIDE OUT 2
Plot: Riley's a teenager dealing with new emotions, friends and hockey.
Why: I loved the first one and didn’t think this sequel was necessary. However, they still did a dynamite job with it. Riley is older and has new emotions but it gets a little crowded in her brain. I will always appreciate the clever use of puns and other word play which this film is chock full of. Please don’t try for another sequel though; we’re good.  
MVP: Anger (Lewis Black) – I love that there is a role for him to shine in
Highlight: Sarcasm – so clever.
Full Review: Click here

7. BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE
Plot: Mike and Marcus are wanted men when they defend their dead boss.
Why: I like the way Will Smith and Martin Lawrence interact with each other. It’s their comradery that makes this franchise work. The storylines are getting more far-fetched and the choices are more questionable but I am still along for the ride. They need to stop attempting to retire though.
MVP: Reggie (Dennis Greene) – the verbally abused son-in-law packs heat
Highlight: Will Smith getting smacked in the face a number of times
Full Review: Click here

8. DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Plot: Deadpool needs Wolverine to leave retirement to save his world.
Why: It’s hard to get invested in a fight scene where both members are able to regenerate but I’m still on board. The story weak but there is enough humour and violence to keep things chugging. There are also a lot of wink, wink scenes and stuff that only appeals to those who research Marvel, like me. I will credit some fine music choices to accompany the many fight scenes throughout.     
MVP: Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) – he is a Marvel messiah with great lines
Highlight: Chis Evans is not the cameo we expected and what a rant
Full Review: Click here

9. BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F
Plot: Axel returns to Beverly Hills when his daughter’s life is threatened.
Why: Yup, it is all nostalgia and comfort food. I’m the intended audience so I am done for it this time. The storyline has some gaping holes but is still enjoyable. This is really just an excuse so Eddie Murphy can leave us with a better Axel Foley that their third installment (which does get made fun of).
MVP: Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) – he doesn’t run but he can still talk fast
Highlight: Nasim Pedrad’s real estate agent trying too hard to sell a house
Full Review: Click here

10. DUNE: PART TWO
Plot: Paul Atreides avoids leadership but seeks to avenge his family.
Why: Not quite the Empire Strikes Back of this trilogy but still an epic romp. While this film could be tighter and shorter, there are a lot of great action sequences and dramatic tension. The cast is superb. The sandworms bring up more questions than answers but at least are entertaining to watch.
MVP: Stilgar (Javier Bardem) – “Lisan al Gaib”
Highlight: The Fremens emerge from the sand for an epic fight scene.  
Full Review: Click here

Again, no network shows this year. The streamers have tighter seasons and stronger casting. I am hoping that these shows don’t go the Stranger Things route of making me wait multiple years for the next season. Thankfully, Slow Horses is constantly releasing their stuff. Others should take note. As usual, most of my choices are based on how eager I was to watch the next episode whether is be a binge on Netflix or week by week on Apple TV+. These are the shows that kept me wanting more this year: 

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2024

1. RIPLEY (NETFLIX)
Why: I was riveted by the subtle acting of Andrew Scott and the gorgeous black and white cinematography in this slow-burn thriller.
MVP: Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) – he is masterful in his manipulations
Best Episode of 2024: Lucio (S01E05)
Freddie’s arrival may ruin Tom’s perfect life in Rome. The verbal dynamics and the complicated disposal are done to perfection. Chef’s kiss.

2. SHRINKING (APPLE TV+)
Why: A marked improvement over last year’s season. This season may have been all about forgiveness but it was also full of funny lines and moments. The supporting cast really steps up this year.    
MVP: Derek (Ted McGinley) – the quiet husband stepped up with funny this year
Best Episode of 2024: Last Drink (S02E08)
There’s a great flashback to what lead up to Paul’s wife’s death. Paul giving up drinking, Derek learning the truth and Jimmy confronting Louis are full of heart, sadness and humour; it’s an intoxicating mix.

3. SLOW HORSES (APPLE TV+)
Why: Binged the first three seasons in time for this fourth season. While not my favourite of the series, it is still full of sharp spycraft, intriguing characters, and rude smells and comments from Jackson Lamb.
MVP: Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) – the smartest man in the room but smelly
Best Episode of 2024: Hello, Goodbye (S04E06)
There are some great reveals throughout the season and River’s grandfather gave an awesome performance but this season ender has lots of great moments from a shoot-out at Slough House to a great chase.

4. ENGLISH TEACHER (FX/DISNEY+)
Why: Scored with awesome eighties tunes, this school comedy made me laugh a lot. While I like the teacher comradery, it’s their interactions with the students that are hilarious. Way more relatable to me than Abbott.
MVP: Jeff (Ben Bondurant) – my favourite student with pitch perfect line delivery
Best Episode of 2024: Powderpuff (S01E02)
While the gun safety episode and class trip are funny, Gwen’s ‘coaching’ of the girl’s football team is cluelessly awesome. Evan getting the players to do full-drag cheerleading is also amazing. The students steal the show. 

5. NOBODY WANTS THIS (NETFLIX)
Why: There is just an utter adorableness to this rom-com. Kirsten Bell and Adam Brody’s chemistry is a stand-out but the ‘supporting’ siblings are also bringing lots of humour to this sweet show. The title is lame though.  
MVP: Noah Roklov (Adam Brody) – his OC charm is on full display in every scene
Best Episode of 2024: Obliterated (S01E04)
While the last-minute sex toy shopping as a first date is a little too sitcom-y for me, the dialogue is fun and endearing. This one also has Sash helping his teenage daughter with boy issues while on mushrooms. Fun stuff.

6. THE DIPLOMAT (NETFLIX)
Why: I was sad this season was only six episodes long. I have enjoyed all the reveals of who was behind the bombings and other political intrigues. The addition of Allison Janney (CJ on West Wing) was great stunt casting.
MVP: Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell) – he’s charming, conniving and make mistakes
Best Episode of 2024: The Other Army (S02E04)
I would say this episode carries on to the end of the season in a breakneck pace. This episode has the fun of all the machinations needed to get a read on the prime minister when he hears what really has been going on.

7. THE BEAR (FX/DISNEY+)
Why: Not my favourite season but that is mostly because it seemed like a placeholder for the next season. Nothing really gets resolved. However, a less than perfect Bear season is still better than a lot of stuff out there.
MVP: Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) – he’s back to petty but more watchable
Best Episode of 2024: Napkins (S03E06)
This is the episode that Liza Colon-Zayas mistakenly won an Emmy for when the ep is eligible for next year. She gives an awesome performance in a flashback of her finding Original Beef of Chicagoland.

8. BLACK DOVES (NETFLIX)
Why: A late-comer to a television season full of spy shows. I’m a big fan of the Kiera Knightley and Ben Whishaw. I enjoyed the tie-in to the Christmas season. There’s a little too much relationship stuff over spy stuff but oh well.
MVP: Sam (Ben Whishaw) – great ruthless assassin with a soft heart
Best Episode of 2024: The Coming Night (S01E03)
There’s a great scene where Sam tries to shield his partner from the gun play surrounding them – it’s beautifully done. This episode also feature a flashback of why Sam’s past is coming back to haunt him.

9. HACKS (HBO MAX)
Why: I do like a look at the comedy industry from behind-the-scenes. I like that Ava got along well with Deborah for most of the season. The B storylines were also working better this season.
MVP: Jimmy (Paul W Downs) – This exasperated agent trying to get stuff done
Best Episode of 2024: Bulletproof (S03E09)
I really wanted to choose the roast episode but this season finale just had more going for it. The rift between Ava and Deborah creates an awesome conclusion that makes me excited about the next season.

10. PRESUMED INNOCENT (NETFLIX)
Why: I love the Harrison Ford movie more but I was still drawn to this series. I like a good courtroom drama although the family stuff was creepier and darker than the film version. I was still eager for each episode though.
MVP: Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard) – so smug and sickly looking against Rusty
Best Episodes of 2024: The Witness (S01E07)
Like I said, I love the courtroom drama. The ep before is also filled with great cross-examinations and a thrilled conclusion, but this one has Rusty doing something more unorthodox when having to change his strategy.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2025 Preview

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2024?