The end of the year is here once again and it is now time for the best films of 2024. This year was an extremely busy year for me so while I saw a lot of movies, I didn’t have the chance to review a lot of movies. Hoping this will be better for the next year but nonetheless here films that I thought were the best from the year. These are not reviews of the film, although if I did review the film I did link it below. Without further ado, here we go:
Honorable Mention: Inside Out 2
5. Deadpool and Wolverine
Full Review: https://rajreviews.com/2024/08/02/deadpool-and-wolverine-review/
Easily my most anticipated movie of the year, the return of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool and Wolverine delivered on the most promising aspect of the film: the chemistry and humor. This film was a joy to watch in theaters from the hilarious opening sequence, to the surprising cameos, to the comics-accurate costume this was a true treat. Many of the jokes get funnier on repeat viewings and the way Reynolds and Jackman bounce off of each other in annoyance is a one of a kind duo. While Marvel Studios still has a lot to prove and work up to before they could ever achieve the hype and excitement from the earlier films, this was undoubtedly a step in the right direction or at the very least a nice one-off adventure to close a cinematic chapter.
4. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Full Review: https://rajreviews.com/2024/05/26/furiosa-a-mad-max-saga-review/
An extremely slept on film from this year due to poor box office performance, this cinematic adventure never really got the love its previous film received. From stunning action spectacles with a 30 minute extended convoy chase through the dessert, to the cinematography, to the zany performance by Chris Hemsworth, this is a film I absolutely adored seeing in theaters. Moreover, this is also one of those theatrical experiences that can only be truly lived in on the biggest screen possible. I was fortunate to see this in a 70mm IMAX theater that truly elevated the film to another level and immersed myself in yet another George Miller wasteland epic.
3. The Wild Robot
The only film on this list that I didn’t have a chance to review but my goodness was this an excellent film. It was a movie about community, growing up, the lessons learned in being a child and a parent, and the emotional journey it all takes you through the joys and lows. There was not a dry eye in the house when seeing this film as it invests you in its characters and feel the genuine bonding of their relationships. The animation is also absolutely stunning evoking some of the best work from Dreamworks I have seen since Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. The movie is now on streaming and I highly advise you check it out with your family and friends as soon as possible.
2. Wicked
Full Review: https://rajreviews.com/2024/11/26/wicked-review/
A fantastic musical that guides you through the wonderful world of Oz and alongside fantastic characters. This was a film I originally didn’t have on my radar and it blew me out of the water. The catchy musical numbers that I have not stopped listening to on my way to and from work, to the touching story of two witches finding their way, to the stunning amount of work and effort into the sets and scale of the film, this undoubtedly what going to the movies is made for. It is also one of the few films that does the whole Part One/Part Two well, ending on a cliffhanger but having a grand sense of finality that holds me over to the next year. But given that it is a Part One, I am still awaiting the ultimate payoff that holds it back from the number one spot this year.
1. Dune: Part Two
Full Review: https://rajreviews.com/2024/02/29/dune-part-two-review/
The second part to Denis Villeneuve’s epic science fiction adaptation absolutely delivered on the spectacle and grandiose cinematic scale it was intended to. The story was enriched with new characters and dynamics culminating in a dramatic confrontation that had me on the edge of my seat. The 70mm experience allowed the immersion to Arrakis and feel the power of the dessert from the sandworms to the huge scale battles. It also is a film of pure escapism, allowing you to be transported to another world and feel like you’re visiting a different planet and environment, Furthermore, the film ends on a satisfying note and concludes Frank Herbert’s first novel in spectacular fashion. Even though Villeneuve is making Dune 3 sometime soon, this one was the Empire Strikes Back of his saga. LISAN AL GAIB!!!!
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