From the lowest depths of moviemaking to first-quarter blockbusters, 2024 has been a mixed bag so far in the world of film. There are usually a few standouts in the early months, but the first part of the calendar year typically holds the weakest releases.
This year, January and February dropped some truly abysmal films. In addition to flicks like “Argylle” and “Madame Web,” duds like “Night Swim” and “Imaginary” quickly came and went from theaters. Sequels “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” attempted to fit too many characters and storylines into their respective 115-minute run times.
Throughout the drudges, however, there have been some major high points, and things are starting to look up for theatrically released films.
As I noted in last month’s issue, “Dune: Part Two” is my favorite movie of 2024 so far, but several other films have highlighted the first part of the new year, including actor Dev Patel’s long-awaited directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” which was released on April 3.
Widely compared to John Wick (which the film name-drops) and movies from the legendary Bruce Lee, the revenge tale draws on his Indian roots and brings a more spiritual focus to the action genre. Working on the project for over 10 years, Patel stars in the film as well, and there’s just as much passion in his filmmaking as there is weight in the punches thrown by the lead character.
While it likely won’t crack my top 10 list at the end of the year, Michael Keaton’s hitman thriller, “Knox Goes Away,” was a pleasant surprise leftover from the 2023 festival circuit. And although I haven’t had the chance to see them yet, other strong releases from the year include a crime thriller in “Love Lies Bleeding” and an ode to 1970s horror in “Late Night with the Devil.”
Looking toward the rest of 2024, a year full of sequels and prequels continues with the likes of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” “Inside Out 2,” “Twisters,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Alien: Romulus,” “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “Gladiator 2” dropping throughout the year.
I’m excited for other films that were originally slated for a 2023 release as well, including “The Bikeriders” – a crime drama that follows a 1960s Midwestern motorcycle club that was filmed around my hometown of Cincinnati – and “Challengers” – a drama starring Zendaya set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis.
Additionally, Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded project, “Megalopolis,” will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and may be my most anticipated film coming up.
As packed as last year was with projects from renowned directors, I doubt 2024 will be on the same level. With that being said, I still can’t wait to see what films delight audiences this year.
TheKil! 