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Cinema is Back, and so is Matt!
Cinema is back! Deadpool & Wolverine brought in $205 million this weekend making it the largest opening weekend of all time for an R-rated movie.
Was it ever really gone? Should we focus on quality or box office results? Are we concerned that the top ten grossing films this year are ALL SEQUELS OR REBOOTS?!?!
How about we pause, have a cool beverage on these sweltering summer nights, and take a breath to enjoy the diverse bounty of 2024 films.
There have been plenty of highs and lows, both critically and commercially. The industry had its first billion dollar flick of 2024 (Inside Out 2) with another surely to follow soon (Deadpool & Wolverine). Indie and horror fare have graced us with their presence during this expected post-strike lull in programming. However, Hollywood has seemingly hit its stride with mainstream blockbuster features to beat the heat over the last month.
It’s midyear, so Matt at the Movies is making our list and checking Letterboxd twice. We reviewed our Spring picks and our Summer movie preview to create our midyear top ten. This is always a fun exercise to see what has legs with the Academy deep into awards season and what flames out. Some choices were no-brainers while others stuck with me for long periods of time. Before we get into the very official and totally serious top ten let’s also list some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut.
2024 Mid Year Honorable Mentions
The Beekeeper - Solid Jason Statham one man revenge action flick.
The First Omen - Plenty of secrets in Rome as we see how Damian is brought to life.
The Bikeriders - Follow a 1960’s motorcycle club from their highs to very lows.
Miller’s Girl - Jenna Ortega is on fire in this trashy but fun high school dark comedy.
Twisters - “If you can feel it, chase it!” Fun reboot with Hollywood darling Glen Powell.
And the Top Ten Are …
#10 - Deadpool & Wolverine (In theaters)
Matt at the Movies Score: 7/10
This was the funniest movie I’ve seen this year which is what earned it a spot on the list. Ryan Reynolds’ ability to deliver crude pop culture one-liners had me snickering for two hours. Hugh Jackman is too talented to be in these films, but bless him for going above and beyond as another iteration of Wolverine. The movie is able to laugh at itself through the fourth wall (including the film’s comic book movie structure and corporate obligations) was also quite charming.
Nevertheless, when all the laughs, gore, and silliness are stripped away there isn’t a whole lot left on the bone. The plot was paper thin and the story - about the potential destruction of a universe, mind you - had low stakes.
Since the Time Variance Authority entered the Marvel toolkit via the Disney+ series Loki, the “multiverse” is quickly becoming a cliched way to reboot the story. It comes off as cheap writing, solving all problems with a Nintendo-style reset button instead of new ideas and human creativity.
The same can be said for the constant dopamine hits of nostalgia as the film reintroduces old and obscure Marvel characters. They are fun to see, but add little to to the story. Like South Park’s Memberberries, the nostalgia is addictive without filling the viewer with anything of substance. This is fine; movies are meant to be fun experiences, but let’s hold off on even comparing this entry to a well-directed, acted, and unique comic book movie like 2017’s Logan.
Editor’s Note: 2013’s “The Wolverine” is the most underrated film with Hugh Jackman’s as the titular X-Man, and we’ll die on this hill.
Bottom Line: Did I laugh? Plenty. Did I have any regrets buying a ticket? I did not. Will I watch this again when the superior Deadpool and especially Deadpool 2 are there to stream? Probably not, and that’s ok.
#9 - Love Lies Bleeding (Streaming on MAX or V.O.D. streamers)
Matt at the Movies Score: 7.5/10
Categorized as neo-noir but feeling more like a fucked-up love story, this film features plenty of wild scenes as we go back in time to 1989 and rural New Mexico. Jackie, played by Katy O’Brian, is making her way to Las Vegas while training hard to compete in a bodybuilding contest. Lou, played by Kristen Stewart, runs her estranged father’s gym. The two hit it off and begin a heated relationship as Jackie pushes her body to the limit to hit perfect form. You can’t tell for sure if Jackie loves Lou, or is an opportunist who needs shelter, work, steroids, sex, and more to reach her goals.
Mix in a few undesirables like Lou’s scumbag brother in law (Dave Franco) or her psychotic father (Ed Harris), and things really start to fall apart. Like most A24 films, you get top notch performances, great cinematography that uses the southwestern landscape, and a handful of memorable violent exchanges to see if this white trash love story was meant to last. Crack a Lonestar, crank the Pat Benatar, and shimmy your shoulders for this fun ride through the desert.
#8 - A Quiet Place: Day One (In theaters or home V.O.D. streamers)
Matt at the Movies Score: 8/10
In the third film in the Quiet Place universe we go back to where it all began. Note: if you haven’t seen the previous films, this review may be very mildly spoiler-y.
We follow a hospice patient on her final days as she experiences the fall of Manhattan into chaos as the seemingly indestructible creatures that prey on the slightest sounds wreak havoc. As opposed to the first two films, we follow a single character who begrudgingly helps a distraught law student from the U.K. who stays by her side, forming a simple yet beautiful bond as they try to survive each day. Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o is wonderful as she accepts her mortal fate and the need to return one last time to her familial roots before meeting her end. She sees hope in Eric (Joseph Quinn), who will be in the upcoming Gladiator II, and wants to escort him to safety (along with her cat) to an evacuation site off the island.
This harrowing journey of survival was a wonderful follow up for director Michael Sarnoski after his critically applauded indie hit Pig from 2021. The creatures are more prominent yet less important than in either of the previous stories, as the main story focuses on the bond between these two characters. In a smart move, the film takes a step back from the monsters to unpack what defines our humanity. Though this is a common trope in the zombie/apocalypse genre, Sarnoski struck a wonderful balance that surprised me in its execution. I can’t wait to see what he has in store next.
#7 - Oddity (In theaters)
Matt at the Movies Score: 8/10
When I last caught up with Independent Picture House’s executive director Brad Ritter at The Giddy Goat coffee shop, I mentioned going to see a couple horror films. He gave me a look, asked if I’ve seen Oddity, and said to put it on my viewing list.
Hats off to you Brad, you know how to pick a gem! This film connected with audiences at its South by Southwest viewings, and hasn’t looked back since.
Set in Ireland, Oddity takes us to the rural countryside outside of Cork, where Dani, the wife of psychiatrist Ted, is restoring an old property the couple recently purchased. She gets an eerie vibe and creepy visitation that ends in tragic results.
One year later her twin sister Darcy, a medium who runs an oddities shop (think Needful Things) gets a visit from Ted, who gives her some relics from her sister's killer. She has an ability to view spirits' lives through their possessions, which will allow her to connect with her sisters' last moments.
On the one year anniversary of the murder, she invites herself to Ted’s house, the scene of the crime and the home of Ted’s new girlfriend.
Darcy does not come empty handed as a large wooden chest arrives with her. The contents include a wooden mannequin that is a key to helping solve her sister's murder. As the plot unfolds and new discoveries are made, we are deep into a paranormal mystery that wraps up in around ninety minutes.
This film became what Longlegs wanted to be. It builds tension, uses familiar but excellent horror tropes to cause dread, and provides plenty of “close your eyes” moments. Isolation, the rural cottage, and psychiatric wards are a wonderful concoction for spooky fun. Oddity is the best horror so far of the summer season.
#6 - Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (available at home V.O.D. streamers)
Matt at the Movies Score: 8/10
This film did not hit as well at the box office as its predecessor Fury Road, but make no mistake: the action set pieces left me in awe just the same. We follow Furiosa from her childhood and upbringing to her rise as Imperator, driving war rigs for Immortan Joe and The Citadel. Anya Taylor-Joy sets the mood as the titular character, but Chris Hemsworth steals the show as her keeper turned enemy Dementus, who wants to break the post apocalyptic ladder of power with chaos. Read our review here.
#5 - Kinds of Kindness (In theaters)
Matt at the Movies Score: 8.5/10
Absurdist? Yes.
An art house black comedy? Certainly.
Will you enjoy this film? Your mileage may vary.
If director Yorgos Lanthimos has ever scratched an itch on your brain you couldn’t shake for a few days, this film will be right up your alley. From The Lobster to The Killing of a Sacred Deer to The Favourite to last year's Poor Things, Lanthimos brings out the best performances from his actors. He allows them to embrace the strange and these three vignettes are a perfect platform for his stars to explore the space of his twisted mind.
Jesse Plemons has the most scenes to chew, but multiple Oscar-winner Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and friend of Y’all Weekly Margaret Qualley all work together as each story unfolds. The matter-of-fact, deadpan nature of each increasingly weird scenario was a joy to consume.
Power, sex, the occult, and a touch of cannibalism are just a few topics you’ll explore on this journey. Give this one a chance and succumb to the Lanthimos ethos with an open mind.
#4 - Dune: Part Two (stream on MAX or V.O.D. streamers)
Matt at the Movies Score: 8.5/10
It was interesting to read comments on social media about the similarities people felt between Dune and Star Wars, even though Frank Herbert’s novel was written over a decade before George Lucas’s epic hit the big screen.
Each film fully embraces the hero’s journey, but Dune has a little more grit or “spice” to it. Dune: Part Two is a continuation of the first film, and we see Paul Atreides rise through the Fremen from an outsider to the Muad'dib that leads them out of thousands of years of oppression by the galactic Imperium.
Denis Villeneuve uses all his powers both practical and digital to create a fantastical world with the best set pieces of the year so far. This is not only a visual feast as this tale also dives deep into politics, religious fanaticism, and destiny.
As Paul or Usil (his Fremen name) battles House Harkonnen and Corrino for control of Arrakis, we see his rise to unite his new planet lead to an all out holy war against the galaxy. With a razor thin margin for error, Paul must sacrifice everything, including love, for any chance at breaking the ten thousand year grip of the Imperium over the galaxy.
This film should contend for many below the line categories with the academy, but will it get the same response for major awards with a third film on the precipice similar to The Lord of the Rings trilogy? Time will tell.
#3 - Snack Shack (available on Sling TV and or V.O.D. streamers)
Matt at the Movies Score: 8.5/10
Set in Nebraska during the Summer of ‘91, the story follows two seemingly obnoxious fourteen-year-olds trying to scheme their way into quick cash and depravity in this coming-of-age film. A.J. and Moose (played by Gabriel LaBelle of Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans) work leads at OTB dog tracks, run an illegal brewery, and ultimately take over the snack shack at the local pool to maximize their disposable income.
Dodging their parents and soon-to-be seniors ready to dole out punishment on sight, they embrace the challenge of manufacturing every ounce of fun their small town has to offer. When a gorgeous neighbor moves in next door and starts working as a lifeguard, the two teens finally find conflict as their testosterone puts their friendship to the test.
This is a perfect summer tale that reminds you of a pre-internet, analog past. It hits the ground at one hundred miles per hour and reminds you how foolish you were to think you had all the answers as a teenager. They constantly hit snags in their plans, and with the help of a mentor from the first Iraq Invasion (played excellently by Nick Robinson) make their way through the often terrifying experience of becoming an adult.
The dialogue is often crass, but reflects the ridiculous bonds you forge with closest friends through thick and thin. The film washes over you like a warm bath and brings you back to a simpler time in your life.
#2 - Civil War (available at home V.O.D. streamers)
Matt at the Movies Score: 8.5/10
Many people wondered online if Alex Garland’s largest budget would equate to a war epic forecasting the future of the United States in our turbulent political times.
What they got was a road trip film featuring a group of war journalists who experience the subtle and crude nature of war from small towns to metropolitan cities.
By choosing not to provide the exposition as to “why” things got to this point we are able to sit in the intense moments with our characters. The film gives you chills throughout, while also featuring one of the most terrifying scenes of the year. During the siege of Washington, D.C., you hear some of the most realistic sound design in years, reminiscent of Michael Mann’s Heat.
What you leave with may be more questions than answers, but that seemed to be Garland’s goal all along. Read our review here.
#1 - Challengers (available at home V.O.D. streamers)
Matt at the Movies Score: 9.0/10
You can’t help but be dragged into Luca Guadagnino’s world whenever you view one of his projects. His ability to play on lust, insecurity, and human compulsion creates both intensity as well as drama that brings up the temperature with the audience.
Challengers was the most fun I’ve had at the theater so far this year. Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor have incredible chemistry that you can dive further into in my piece from earlier this Spring. It almost hit the 100 million dollar threshold, and could have some legs during awards season in the Best Supporting Actor category, as well as Best Score thanks to Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor’s soundtrack pulsing throughout.
Will there be finer films coming down the pipe? Sure.
Will you have as much fun viewing with your significant other? Doubtful.
What Comes Next?
So goes another midyear report on the current state of cinema. Plenty of solid tentpole films are still to come, including M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap (Aug 2nd), mind bending horror flick Cuckoo (Aug 9th), and the overbudget, star-studded video game adaption Borderlands (Aug 9th).
Over at the Independent Picture House, we have the Irish comedy Kneecap starring Michael Fassbender and the Georgian drama Crossing debuting on August 2nd. A coming-of-age western set on a queer ranch titled National Anthem drops on August 9th.
IPH is also featuring their 1984 Summer Series, as well as tribute films to recently deceased Hollywood icons. The sun is overrated and summer vacation is almost over. Go hit up the local theaters and enjoy what Hollywood and beyond have to offer us. See you next time at Matt at the Movies!