So usually I do a couple of end of year posts, one about superheroes where I ramble a lot and people don’t read it, and this one, where I cover other movies I liked and life things that happened. This’ll be a weird one because it was a weird year for movies. Anyway, there’s not much that I loved this year. Nothing like last year where the top two superhero movies and top two normal movies changed my life. There are a few I want to watch that I haven’t been able to yet that I suspect will top the list. Anyway, let’s do it. This’ll be fairly brief I think, for me standards. 2024. There’ll be no comic book talk here, by the way. I already did that post.

The Ten Most Memorable Movies I Watched In 2024

10. Megalopolis
Fuuuuuck. What a shitty movie! I reviewed it, you can go take a look, but it’s certainly more memorable than most of the movies I watched this year. There’s not much more to say. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and they can like what they like but if your justification for liking this movie is “It’s saying something deep and meaningful and Coppola is a master who intricately wove together a fascinating fable with breathtaking visuals about our modern society” you’re just wrong. He’s a creepy old man who spent most of his time on set saying they’d do the effects later on and had the cast improv their lines. He didn’t know what he was doing or saying. There is factual evidence supporting that you are wrong. Like it if you want, I personally think it’s an ugly bloated offensive turd, but don’t pretend you know what you’re talking about if you haven’t read too many articles like I did.

9. The Beekeeper
I wanted this to be funnier and weirder and more “So bad it’s good” than it was, because on paper it really should be. Jason Statham plays one of the millions of “Former special ops/assassin/spy/big fight dude does a normal job but then his past catches up with him and he has to big fight again” that we are getting in every movie at once. He used to be a British assassin in the Beekeeper division and now he’s a British guy with a bad American accent who is an actual beekeeper living on Phylicia Rashad’s property. She gets scammed out of all her money by annoying douchebag scam artists in dumb suits, so Statham kills a bunch of them and vows to kill the King Douche, Josh Hutcherson, who is also the son of the President. That should be funnier. But it’s a David Ayer movie and David Ayer exclusively makes boring bad movies. I am however excited for Statham and Ayer reuniting in A Working Man which is the same movie except he’s a former military guy turned construction worker and it doesn’t look as dumb. I just want them to keep making these and the backstory and current career to get increasingly more mundane until he’s just a telemarketer who used to know some karate. Heh.

8. Drive-Away Dolls
This movie was fine. It’s not great but it isn’t terrible, it’s just not that funny or interesting. If you don’t know, it’s a lesbian road trip crime movie directed by Ethan Coen and written by Ethan and his wife, Tricia Cooke. Now I’m only mentioning this movie because of how I saw it. I knew the pitch that it was two friends who are also lesbians, and I knew it was a crime movie made by one of the Coen’s and a lot of actors I like were in it. So I did no further research because I didn’t want spoilers. I was home and Dad asked what movie we should see and our options were this or the Bob Marley movie which I heard was boring. So I insisted we watch this to avoid the Bob Marley movie and right away at the beginning of the movie there’s a sex scene. There were at least three more throughout the film, and there’s a reveal that the mystery briefcase the main characters accidentally stole contains molds of Matt Damon’s penis that were made by Miley Cyrus years ago.
We’re very repressed Midwesterners, Dad and I, and he was so incredibly uncomfortable the entire time. I couldn’t help but laugh at the ludicrous scenario. When we left I thought he would be mad at me, and he was flustered, but he mainly was just surprised I didn’t know that might happen because I do my research. I can confidently say now, as uncomfortable and anxiety inducing as that was, I’m so glad we watched that. I’d rather say “I accidentally watched movie porn with my Dad” than “I watched another generic musician biopic”. So if you’re reading this, Dad, I’m sorry, but also that was fucking hilarious. Anyway, the movie is a 6/10.

7. Hit Man
I need to rewatch this. It’s good, but I don’t think it’s what I expected. I thought it would be more of an action movie but it’s just kind of a fun weird movie about the personas we adopt and what we want to believe about the people we love and ourselves. There’s some good romance, Glen Powell is being a charismatic fun man. Retta is there. Shout out to Retta for being a legend. It got dumped on Netflix and opinions are divisive, probably because it’s Richard Linklater and the execution is different from what the premise might imply. But it’s fun. I like it. It wasn’t a fantastic year for movies, there was a stronger lineup last year and I didn’t watch 10+ legacy sequels and reboots, so this makes the cut.

6. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
This was interesting, I wanted it to be more high octane action like Fury Road, but it’s just a meandering sandy odyssey with a fun Chris Hemsworth performance. And that’s not bad, just different. Anyway, the movie wasn’t overly significant, I liked it and I’m bummed it bombed at the box office, I wanted more Mad Max. This is here because I have another story to tell.
I saw this with my friend Andrew Pontious, who helped me build this blog. We met in the fifth grade and he realized he got a lot of joy out of gaslighting me and making me feel stupid. He tricked me once into thinking that the book The Princess Bride had four sequels but you couldn’t find them online. This is irrelevant, but the people deserve to know.
So we were walking into the movie theater and the women at the front desk looked at me and said “Hey, are you-? Never mind.” I said “No, what?” She said “I mistook you for someone else. I thought you were Paul McCartney’s son.”
I can’t stop thinking about this interaction. First of all, google Paul McCartney’s son. He’s 47 years old. He looks like shit. We don’t look alike. I’m not a fan of my physiology and I’m working on it, but come on. At the time I was flattered because I look better than him but now I’m just irritated. Also, what made her think that the son of the world’s most famous British musician, who still lives in London, would go see a movie at the Marcus Theatres in Oakdale Minnesota? I’m so confused as to what brought her to that conclusion? Has she met James McCartney before? It’s just… fascinating.

5. Dune: Part Two
I need to rewatch this too. I saw it once in the theater and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a different filmgoer when I saw the first one, so I should revisit it, but on initial watch I enjoyed this one more, probably because I saw it in theaters first rather than on Max day in date. Denis Villeneuve is an incredible director. I am conflicted because I enjoy these but I would like to see him do another movie like Sicario or Prisoners. But I think even after he makes Dune: Messiah, he’ll still be the big sci-fi guy and probably keep doing big budget extravaganzas. Again, not complaining. Arrival and Blade Runner: 2049 are fantastic. Anyway, the movie itself is awesome. The fight scenes, the visuals, seeing Javier Bardem become a hype guy for Paul. From memory there’s not as much Stellan Skarsgård, which is a bummer. I don’t mind though, when you get shots like the giant ship being held in place and engulfed in flames because it’s still burning up in the atmosphere. Good stuff.

4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
This is an example of marketing that works. I always liked the idea of these movies but I never sat down to watch them. Then I see the trailer for this one, and the villain shouts “OH WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY” in his big booming voice, and for some reason that got me on board. I got my friend Katy to see this with me and I just sat there awestruck at the worldbuilding, the texture, the adventure, the story. It’s so much fun, this film. Of the modern movies I think it’s on par with two and three and leagues better than the boring origin with James Franco stinking up the screen with his shitty acting. I also had an epiphany watching this. This is my Avatar. The technology and effects are obviously impressive, but the story and theme is actually deep and not “DESTROYING ENVIRONMENT BAD” and I don’t hate the look of the characters. They’re monkeys! They look awesome! Way better than creepy blue weirdos. I can’t wait for the next one. I’m an ape maniac!

3. Boy Kills World
This movie understandably didn’t do very well. It’s too weird and bloody. It’s also really fun and mean. I feel if I’m talking about bloody action movies that Sharlto Copley was in this year, I should also mention Monkey Man, which was a great directorial debut from Dev Patel. Love that guy. But this one stuck with me more. Here’s the pitch: A nameless boy who is deaf and mute stands up against a totalitarian regime that kills members of the populace in cereal company sponsored live telecasts. He seeks to avenge his family. But also he’s insane. And his internal monologue has the voice of a character from a video game he loved as a kid, which is the voice of H. Jon Benjamin from Bob’s Burgers. It’s a funny, ludicrous, stylistically insane action film styled after video games, comic books, and probably several other things. I love fucked-up action that makes me wince because I’m a psycho, and this has it in spades. There’s also incredible performances from Bill Skarsgård, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Andrew Koji, and Famke Janssen. Everyone understood the assignment and nailed the cartoonish insanity. I loved this. I’d highly recommend it, but if it’s not for you, you’ll know pretty quickly.

2. A Complete Unknown
I went back and forth on whether I give the number two spot to Nosferatu or this. In the end, I really enjoyed Nosferatu, it’s beautiful and great, but this one stuck with me for longer. I’m pretty tired of musician biopics. Most of them are incredibly formulaic. Just watch Walk Hard instead of watching any of the straight biopics. That one says everything those movies try to, but it’s genuinely funny and interesting. You won’t get that from Bohemian Rhapsody or Elvis. This one isn’t a copy-paste cradle to grave story where you learn nothing you couldn’t Google. It focuses on a specific period of Dylan’s life. Now, if you know a lot about Dylan and this time period and you’ve read the books and seen the documentaries, I imagine there isn’t much here for you. I don’t know anything about him really, I’ve never gone out of my way to listen to his music or learn about him. I honestly thought he was dead.
But I found this movie really interesting. Chalamet is a good actor, he slips into the persona well. I think I was just fascinated by the way they made this. All the actors portraying famous musicians made sure to sound enough like them when singing but not enough that it felt like a beat for beat copy, which is really hard to do. I don’t know how they did it. So I don’t mind some of the inaccuracies or moments that were played up to be more cinematic. I enjoyed the ride. It was a good character study. I just wish they hadn’t recast Nick Offerman.

1. The Substance
Here’s another weird and bloody one. Except this got nominated for Best Picture. It’s weird, I’m almost reluctant to enjoy this. I don’t know how to explain that. I enjoyed it. A lot. It’s not my go-to kind of thing. I’m not a huge body horror fan. I only watched this because I’d heard so many great things about it. I went in mostly blind, the trailers didn’t reveal anything massive, which I appreciated, and I found myself having similar reactions to when I watched Everything Everywhere the first time. “Holy shit, I can’t believe this is in a movie I’m watching”. And like Everything Everywhere, it didn’t feel like there was a missed opportunity. They fully ran with the premise. There was no moment where my jaw wasn’t on the floor or when I thought “What if they did that?” I was just gobsmacked and feeling my entire body shiver the whole way through. It’s a very visual and funny movie. So I don’t know where my reluctance comes from. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think my brain is just more mainstream and wants to see The Brutalist really bad because it’s probably great.
Oh also kudos to all the incredible performances. Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid, Margaret Qualley, all terrific. And kudos for being bloodier and weirder than Boy Kills World in just one scene.

TV I Enjoyed In 2024
I just included this to remind my brain to rewatch Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It’s really good. I binged it in one night. I love Donald Glover. He’s a great writer. Atlanta is an incredible TV show. Watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith, please. Oh, and I really enjoyed Bad Monkey. Apple TV+ is fairly consistently a great streaming service and it was a wonderful surprise to see them adapt one of my favorite books this year. I’m skeptical that it’s been greenlit for a second season that won’t be based on any of Carl Hiaasen’s novels. That’s a very risky choice. It’s been long enough since I read the book that I didn’t 100% remember how much was changed, but I could feel the additions and removals, and while I get that the sequel is weirder and maybe not as good, they can still give it a shot. Anyway, we’ll see. TV!

Great Comics of 2024
I want to talk about other stuff and the word count is too high as it is, but Ultimate Spider-Man had a great first year and I really like what Hickman is doing with it. Also Ryan North’s Fantastic Four and Jed MacKay’s Moon Knight runs are consistently great.

2025 Stuff I’m Most Excited For

6. Severance (Season Two)
I delayed this post in the hopes I could see The Brutalist and write about it, but it didn’t work, so we’re now four episodes in, time of writing. When it premiered three years ago, Severance instantly became my favorite TV show, starring one of my favorite actors. The music, the cinematography, the dialogue, it’s insane how good it is. Finally season two is here, and it’s as good. I’ve had some doubts, the pacing has been odd and slow, but I have full faith everything will come together in the end. As long as I get answers to these three questions by the end of the season, I’m fine.
What is up with the goats?
What is Lumon having the severed employees do?
Where is Gemma and what is going on with her?
Beyond that I’m along for the ride. I am curious based on all the massive changes that have already happened before the halfway point what the show will look like by the end of the season, let alone going forward. We shall see. The waiting is maddening.

5. Paul Rudd
2025 is a big year for Paul. We’re getting two A24 movies with him two months in a row come April and May. First Death of a Unicorn, the horror comedy about ethics, pharmaceutical executives, and unicorns. Then we’re getting Friendship the cringey dark comedy that’s being pitched as “If I Love You, Man was a thriller” where Tim Robinson gets obsessed with Paul Rudd. And on Christmas The Anaconda arrives, a semi-reboot of a giant snake horror movie. We may also be getting the musical comedy Power Ballad with Paul and Nick Jonas this year, which would make for a four movie year. I am slightly bummed though, if they clear out his upcoming movie slate I’ll have nothing else to look forward to. Sad face.

4. Mickey 17
Weird comedy sci-fi by the legendary director of Parasite, starring Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo in an array of wacky hairdos. I don’t have much else to say. It looks really fun and I can’t wait.

3. Daredevil: Born Again
Do I have to say it? I’M SO EXCITED!!! IT’S DAREDEVIL!!! HE’S MY FAVORITE SUPERHERO, TIED WITH THE FLASH, AND WE WON’T GET A FLASH THING ANYTIME SOON BECAUSE THEY RUINED IT, SO NOW IT’S DAREDEVIL TIME! WILL IT BE GOOD? WILL IT HONOR THE TV SHOW, WHICH WAS REALLY GOOD?! I DON’T KNOW, I REALLY HOPE SO! The main thing I’m excited for with this besides the return of my favorite character played excellently by the incredible Charlie Cox is the introduction of Muse, the Banksy style serial killer. I always loved the concept of that villain, a street artist who uses bodies of his victims to make art. Boy, I’m learning a lot about myself this week, aren’t I? I’m a creep! Anyway, I’m excited.

2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The trailer just came out. The 60’s vibes in this are wonderful and gives this movie a great standalone vibe. If the casting rumors are true, this movie will also bring in a few random one-off adventures against weird supervillains. And that’s all I want. We never get superhero movies where they just have a fight against a known comic villain that doesn’t tie into the greater plot in some way. It’s usually a nameless mercenary. I just want the FF to beat up the Red Ghost and the Mole Man and then go home and do science stuff. OR! Even better! Fight the Frightful Four. We never get supervillain teams either. Anyway, it looks awesome. I love the Fantastic Four. And I love the score.

1. Superman!!!
I mean, it takes the number one spot so easily. I love Superman. Like the Fantastic Four, he’s a great simple character with such clear values. What he represents is so wonderful and joyous and hopeful. But if a writer doesn’t understand Supes or the FF, the comic or movie or TV show will be dreadful. It’ll feel wrong. When they get it, it’s the best thing ever. I don’t always love James Gunn’s writing, but I have a colossal amount of faith that he got it right. I’ve watched that trailer so many times. The costume is awesome, the inclusion of Krypto is wonderful. I love everything about it. I’m skeptical about the Engineer being in this, but mainly because I’ve never read any Authority comics. I don’t know. Maybe I’m wrong. But I want a good Superman movie. A great one. That fully encapsulates and embodies the version I see in the best Superman comics. Christopher Reeve was incredible. The writers were not. They did not understand that universe or his abilities and had clearly never read a comic book. And Zack Snyder… well. We haven’t gotten that, is my point. And I’m psyched as hell.

Well, there we are! 2024 is over. 2025 may not be the best year in terms of reality or politics or anything meaningful. But at least a lot of cool movies are coming out. So. Bye, I guess. Yeah. Thanks.