(This article is part of our Best of 2024 series.)
It’s that time of year again to look back at our top five films. Overall it was a mediocre year if you ask me, but here’s my picks for the year. Check out my letterbox (K_Alvarez), to get a better feel for what I like. Or don’t, whatever.
Caddo Lake
This was one film I was planning on skipping. I just didn’t think it would be for me. But, my wife likes mysteries about missing people a ton, so we watched it. The film is NOT what I expected and I dug it. Nothing in it is particularly new to me, but I was glad that it wasn’t just a straightforward missing-person film. There’s a twist to it and when you realize what it is, you are either all in or all out and I’ll leave it at that.
Dune: Part Two
I really enjoyed Part One when it went straight to MAX and was bummed I didn’t see it in theaters (thanks Covid). But, this time around I wasn’t making that mistake. My wife’s nephew was visiting us and wanted to see it as well, so we picked good seats and went to an early showing down the road. The film delivers on all that the first film set up and then some. I really do hope they make a third to follow up on it. Which reminds me, I need to start the prequel TV show one of these days.
Civil War
I enjoyed the hell out of this film. Mostly because of the focus on the photojournalists in it and not forcing a left-wing/right-wing war on us. It’s an interesting little film that shows us how crazy things are in the world and what these photographers will do to get that perfect picture for all to see. I loved the music throughout the film as the songs actually felt like part of the script. And the cinematography is just outstanding. I loved seeing the live-action turn into photo stills. It’s just all so visually stunning.
Saturday Night
I was less than two months old when NBC’s Saturday Night first aired. Hell, I don’t even remember it not being called Saturday Night Live. As a kid, I used to love watching Saturday Night Live. I loved how they broke character and spoofed everything. It was great. I still watch clips of it all the time. I just don’t watch the newer seasons like I used to. But, this was an interesting take on the BTS of the show. I loved how it’s just the 90 minutes leading up to the premiere of SNL and how much drama there was on set. The cast is great, the score is great, and it’s a fast-paced movie that keeps you entertained throughout. I loved realizing who certain background characters were as it played out.
Juror #2
Ok, this one came as a surprise. I heard Warner Bros. wanted little to do with it and barely promoted it. So I practically wrote it off. But, it really is a solid film overall. It’s got a strong cast that keeps you engaged. It’s basically a 12 Angry Men knockoff with a twist. And if Zaslav wanted nothing to do with it, it had to be good or at least interesting, because that dude has no taste. Hell, the first scene in the jury room, during selection, mirrors almost word for word the same scene as 12 Angry Men. And I love that film. So all in all, I gotta say that Clint did a fine job with what will be his final film as he retires.
Honorable mentions: Furiosa, Deadpool & Wolverine, Joker: Folie à Deux, We Will Dance Again, and The Fall Guy.
What are your thoughts on the movies that made my top five? Share them down below!
