2024---Best and Worst Films and Best Independent Films
Best Films of 2024 in Alphabetical Order
A Real Pain---R--- Witty and yet sensitive, a movie of two cousins trying to like each other after years apart. Stars Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin.
Bonhoeffer---PG 13---What happened to Germany when Hitler came into power and this film goes into the religious aspect of the Nazi regime when ministers began to revolt. Tale of courage and moral strength. Stars Jonas Dassler.
Conclave---PG---The theme is about when it is time to elect a new Pope and this film, adapted from the book, stars Ralph Fiennes as he goes through the process of this religious election and the secrets of it all.
Dune 2---R---Part Two of Frank Herbert’s masterpiece work and we follow the Atreides family as they struggle in a new world for them and their psychic powers. Beautiful cinematography and stars Timothee .Chalamet.
The Iron Claw---R---Early in 2024 and a film about the wrestling profession and the family who were trained to be winners in this sport. Stars Zac Efron
Juror 2---R---Clint Eastwood may be in his nineties, but he can still direct a film. This stars Nicholas Hoult as a man conflicted with emotion about an accident and the law.
The Piano Lesson – Coming from a stage play to the cinema, this tale of what to do with a valuable musical instrument when its owner dies. Emotions run deep. Stars Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington.
Twisters---PG 13---This film came in mid-summer and in time for the storms around the U.S. Cinematography is fine and if you like storm-chasing, see the first “Twister” and know what storms cellars are. Stars Glen Powell. White Bird---PG 13---Adapted from other material, this is a story of a young girl's escape from the Nazi Regime in WWII and the people who hid her. There are prices to be paid. Stars Helen Mirren.
Wicked---PG---The wonderful stage production is now on the screen and this is Part One. Music will have toes tapping, but is 160 minutes long. Part Two comes next year. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Also Ran:
Double Down South---PG 13---Kim Coates in a film of who is the best card player a man or a woman. I think you know the answer already.
The Nickel Boys---R---What happens to young black men who are sent to juvenile institutions as punishment. Stars Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson.
Treasure Trackers---PG---a mid-teen girl has to move to a new town and finds friends with the same quirks as she has, and then the fun starts. Stars Charity Rose, Sean Jay and Amelia Salazar.
The Worst Films of 2024 in alphabetical order as compiled by Marie Asner
Alien Romulus---R----another version of the “Alien” creature and they can pop up just about anywhere.Why? Just asking. Stars Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson.
Between Temples---no rating---this film doesn’t know what direction to go. Story of a cantor who loses his voice and the friends who try to help him, Amen. Stars Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane.
Challengers--- ---Over-rated with a loud soundtrack and a storyline that limps along. Tennis is the sport. Stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist.
Deadpool and Wolverine---R---Characters from comic books and Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman should have known better.
Furiosa---R---trying to capitalize on the “Road Warrior” series but failing to be furious enough. StarsAnya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth.
Kraven, The Hunter---R---what happens when the storyline goes over the hill and leaves the actors adrift. Stars Russell Crowe.
Maria---PG 13---Angelina Jolie tried hard to be the world’s best operatic soprano, but is miscast in this film about the last days of a star.Sling Shot---R---shot right out of the theater, down the road and into another universe. So much for science fiction. Stars Casey Affleck and Laurence Fishbourne.The Bee Keeper—R---Jason Statham just keeps on making action films with various themes. Now that he is finished with bees, what is next?
The Heretic---R---Hugh Grant in a horror film that goes nowhere except down.
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Best Independent Films of 2024 as reviewed by Marie Asner in alphabetical order
The Philadelphia 11--no rating-a documentary on ordaining women in the Episcopal church as ministers. The “only men can do it” theme is crushed.
In The Rearview--no rating but could be PG 13----documentary on helping people escape from the Ukraine via transport cars. What you see and hear is interesting and the people have stories to tell.
The Neon Highway--PG 13---Beau Bridges is a master guitarist who has hidden himself, but when found, decides to go back into music.
Stay With Us---PG 13---The story of a man who wants to experience another religion that is different from what he was brought up in. Told with humor and understanding. Stars Gad Elmaheh.
