My Top 5 Films (And Recommended) Of 2024 At Six Months

Top 5 films that I have seen in the first 6 months of the year and maybe a book and album recommendation!!!

Well let me get started...in no particular order...

THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

Based on a true story. I imagine loosley..very loosely...based, still this film is a lot of fun, with a lot of action.

The film follows the story of British military recruits a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike German soldiers behind enemy lines during World War 2.

This film has a lot going for it:

Guy Ritchie knows how to do action/slapstick films.

The cast is perfect:

Henry Cavill

Alan Ritchson (Reacher show)

Eiza Gonzalez

And so many more..

It is just a fun action film that really..kinda happened.

The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare is available to stream

DRIVE AWAY DOLLS

Directed by Ethan Coen, and if you do not like the Coen brothers films, well, maybe this may not be for you.

The film follows Jamie and Marian on a roadtrip to Tallahassee, where they cross paths with some inept criminals.

An odd film, yet its often funny, often very strange; but it's Cohen.

Drive-Away Dolls is available to stream

YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA

Another "Based on a true story". 

This is the story of Trudy Ederle,who, in 1926, attempted to swim across the English channel.

Directed by Joachim Ronning and highlighted by a fantastic performance by Daisy Ridley.

Loved how the film not only covers her attempt but also time and place. How dare a woman even swim in a pool with men!!?? Time and place is so important here, and Ronning does an excellent job covering the look and feel in this film.

This is a wonderful story that should be seen.

Young Women And The Sea is available on Disney + 

INSIDE OUT 2

There is nothing more I can add to what you already know.

Riley is becoming a teen which leads to new emotions: Maya Hawke as Anxiety; Adele Exarchopoulos as Ennul (Who is my favorite); and Ayo Edebiri as Envy.

Is the film as good as the first? I do not think so, however this movie is still very good. Also this film is perfect for the theater. It's a communal experience. You hear people talking about anxiety while leaving the theater. The film is well written, showing us that anxiety is not bad, it just needs to not take the forefront constantly, and if it does, that is when you breath and talk to others.

Inside Out 2 is in theaters and will be on Disney + in October. However, go see it in the theater!

DADDIO

Sean Penn plays Clark the cab driver. Dakota Johnson plays "Girlie" his customer. So they drive. That is the story. They talk.

How can this be so good??!! Yet, it works. Both performances are fantastic, and, for sure, that helps.

Directed and written by Christy Hall. She keeps the dialog, and just as important the quiet times in the cab mesmerizing. 

I loved this film, and I did not want the cab ride to end.

At Oscar time I hope it gets remembered.

Daddio is still in theaters, but I imagine the film will be available to stream in a couple of weeks.

If you don't mind a "Talkie"...do not miss this film.

Well there you go!! My top five films that I recommend so far!

My favorite book so far.......

Andrew McCarthy

Walking With Sam

A Father, A Son, And Five Hundred Miles Across Spain

McCarthy and his son Sam tackle the Camino De Santiago.

The book describes wonderful landscapes; honest, frustrating, funny conversations as they walk; Flaming Hot Cheetos; many characters met along the way. Just a fantastic journey filled with learning. love, and hope .

I am always in awe of people who have tackled the Camino. Maybe one day, if I ever become brave enough, and or have time, but for now...this book will do. 

You will love it..oh Sam can be a handful...he never gets up on time lol.

Best album release:

Deeper Well Kacey Musgraves

She is her own Genre. She is not country. She is not pop. She is not rock. 

She just writes like it is coming from...well a deeper well. Her inner thoughts. It comes out almost like therapy, with the Kacey gorgeous voice. She is almost like a modern day Joni Mitchell. 

This album is highlighted by the songs:

Deeper Well

Sway

Dinner With Friends

The Architect

Grab that Andrew McCarthy book, turn on Deeper Well, and have a quiet night at home.

Well there you have it. Top 5 films so far this year. Plus my book and album recommendation.

As always thanks for your time...from the shadows

 

OSCAR WEEKEND!! WHO WINS! WHO SHOULD WIN! WHO GOT SNUBBED!

So here I go. Last year my predictions were mostly ..well..I failed.

I trained hard in the off season so.....

It will be better this year.

BEST ACTOR

Bradley Cooper, "Maestro"

Colman Domingo, "Rustin"

Paul Giamatti, "The Holdovers"

Cillian Murphy, "Oppenheimer"

Jeffrey Wright, "American Fiction"

Winner and Should Win

Cillian Murphy

The battle here is between Giamatti and Murphy. I think Murphy has gained ground in the last month after Giamatti won earlier awards, Murphy just picked up the SAG award. Which tells me , it is close, but he will edge out Giamatti.

Snubbed

Barry Keoghan for Saltburn

I would replace Colman Domingo with Barry Keoghan from Saltburn. Saltburn got completely snubbed by the Oscar voters. I think it was so disturbing and odd they said, well NO. Still, Keogan is amazing and just the dance at the end should get him something. It is well...murder on the dance floor.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Sterling K. Brown, "American Fiction"

Robert De Niro, "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Robert Downey Jr., "Oppenheimer"

Ryan Gosling, "Barbie"

Mark Ruffalo, "Poor Things

Winner And Should Win

Robert Downey Jr

This is an easy one. Who would have thought Ironman wins an award for being an old crooked politician. In fact there is no snub here. I would not replace anyone on this list. This is Jr, hands down for the win.

BEST ACTRESS

Annette Bening, "Nyad"

Lily Gladstone, "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Sandra Hüller, "Anatomy of a Fall"

Carey Mulligan, "Maestro"

Emma Stone, "Poor Things"

Will Win

Lily Gladstone

Like the Best Actor race...this is close and maybe closer.

Emma Stone has won most of the awards this season. However Gladstone just won the SAG Award. This may be a hint of Oscar night. Will the votes come from the heart (Gladstone) being the first Native American to receive a nomination. Or the brain Emma Stone. Throw in Stone already won an Oscar...so..they may lean toward Gladstone because of this.

Should Win

Emma Stone

Just this dance should win her the Oscar! I noted before, she gives the best performance in years. Plus, please note, Gladstone has less lines than any Best Actress Nominee in years. She should have been in the  Best Supporting Actress category.

Snubbed

Greta Lee In Past Lives

I would definitely replace Annette Bening with Greta Lee. In fact I would rank her performance at number 2 of best performances by an actress in 2023. As Nora, she says so much with just a look and her eyes.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Emily Blunt, "Oppenheimer

Danielle Brooks, "The Color Purple

America Ferrera, "Barbie

Jodie Foster, "Nyad"

Da'Vine Joy Randolph, "The Holdovers"

Will Win And Should Win

She has won every award this award season, deservingly so. Just the kitchen scene alone. She is the heart of The Holdovers. Putting on the show, while being in sooo much pain.

Snubbed

I would replace both Daniel Brooks and Jodie Foster, I think both were just okay performances, with:

Viola Davis in Air

As Deloris Jordan she steam rolls through the film. She is the heart. She is almost comical. 

Minami Hamabe in Godzilla Minus One

As Noriko she almost steals this film. She is tough yet caring. She also has a look for the big screen, like an old time movie star which is very evident in this film.

BEST DIRECTOR

Jonathan Glazer, "The Zone of Interest"

Yorgos Lanthimos, "Poor Things"

Christopher Nolan, "Oppenheimer"

Martin Scorsese, "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Justine Triet, "Anatomy of a Fall"

Will Win And Should Win

Christopher Nolan

Nolan is a lock here. It is hard to believe he has never won an Oscar. With Oppenheimer Nolan gave us a sweeping historical story. It just looks fantastic just like all his other films.

Snubbed

Cord Jefferson

I would replace Scorsese with Jefferson. Scorsese ruined a true story while Jefferson took a story and made this satire speak out loud, looking at our often ridiculous modern society. Hard to believe this was his first film he directed.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

It Never Went Away" from "American Symphony"

"I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie"

"What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie"

"The Fire Inside" from "Flamin' Hot"

"Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" from "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Will Win And Should Win

What I was Made for from Barbie sung by Billie Ellish

I hate it when production grabs a big singing star to sing a song for a movie and they throw it in at the end of the film in hopes to get a nomination. Even though the song has nothing to do with the film.

Here the film is perfect. It fits the film, and Ellish's voice is almost haunting.

The only competition she has is I'm Just Ken, just because it is funny and they want to answer a so-called Barbie backlash. Still I think Ellish's song is close to a lock.

Snubbed

Steal The Show from Elemental

Sung by Lauv. A great catchy song, that fits in wonderfully during the film. I would replace The Fire Inside with Steal The Show.

NOW!!!!!!!! BEST PICTURE!!!!

"American Fiction"

"Anatomy of a Fall"

"Barbie"

"The Holdovers"

"Killers of the Flower Moon"

"Maestro"

"Oppenheimer"

"Past Lives"

"Poor Things"

"The Zone of Interest"

Will Win

OPPENHEIMER

This is a lock. I already noted too much about this film. It is close to perfect...yet a bit long..I have no problem with this film winning.

Should Win

POOR THINGS

I understand this film is not for everyone. I do appreciate Yorgos Lanthimos took chances and made this odd lovely and great looking film. I think it should win the Oscar. It has no chance lol.

Snubbed

Are You There God? It's Me Margaret

I would replace Barbie with this other female led film. In fact I just read an article about how voters got it wrong giving this film no nominations. This even got shut out of Adapted Screenplay. How?

Air

I would replace Killers Of The Flower Moon with Air. If you read my awards show...and you should...you know what I think of that film.

Air is factual and highlights the real star Deloris Jordan.

Well there are my Oscar picks. 

Enjoy the show...and as always

From the shadows thanks for your time.

The Shadow Awards For 2023!!!!

Welcome one and all to The Shadow Awards!! You all look lovely in your gowns and tuxedos. I know you are excited, I mean this is the most prestigious awards ceremony in the country. All awards are voted on by ME!! Sooooooo it is very prestigious. Over the years this award ceremony has expanded to all forms of entertainment be it movies; books; and music!  

Enough talking lets get to the awards. Envelopes please!!!

The WORST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Jason Momoa in Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom

In my worst film of the year he mailed it in and even doing that his performance was worse than mailing it in. He often looked lost, his eyes and his tone was saying get me out. If he had a funny line it was delivered like he was reading them, often in a monotone voice. He was just bad.

THE BEST ACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Matt Damon

Damon had a very good year being in two acclaimed films in 2023 and was a huge part of Air and Oppenheimer.

THE BEST ACTRESS OF 2023 AWARD

Sandra Huller

Yes Emma Stone gave the best performance in years, However if I take the year as a whole. Sandra Huller was the star in two Oscar nominated films. Quite honestly she could have been nominated for both her films.

In Anatomy Of The Fall speaking French, we like her as Sandra Voyter. However, did she kill her husband or did he fall?

In Zone Of Interest speaking German as Hedwig Hoss. She Is just pure evil, living 100 yards from where jews are being killed and checking out jewelry and clothing that the now dead jews that her husband  helped killed were left behind. She is awful.

Yes two great performances, speaking in two languages

THE COMEBACK OF THE YEAR AWARD

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett does not work too often any more. He prefers to live with his family away from Hollywood,

This year he returned with two wonderful roles:

A small role in Oppenheimer, yet a very important role as Ernest Lawrence

In Operation Fortune as Danny he is kinda funny. He is constantly stealing scenes

It is great to see him back on the scene.

FAVORITE CHARACTER AWARD

Bella Baxter

How can you not like Bella Baxter? She is child like; yet becomes mature and very bright. Often funny, without knowing she is funny. We have never had a Bella in the cinema before.

THE WHY JUST WHY AWARD

Killers Of The Flower Moon

It is sad this was nominated for an Oscar.

It is a disgrace what they did to this story.

Scorsese obviously focused on his two stars and ignored the real story here. He focused more on the bad guys and not the hero, which the book did. That is the story.

Did you know many investigators were killed or disappeared at the time while looking into these killings?

Which leads to the story of Tom White, who came into this town risking his life and his family's life. He also brought his own men who mingled undercover in this town to find answers, risking their lives! Not in the movie. THAT IS THE STORY!! Tom and his men were persistent and saved these innocent people. Oh, did you know there was another major player in these killings? Ignored in this film. Why? Tell the story!!!!!

THE I STILL DON'T GET IT AWARD

Barbie

Now I am not saying I hated the movie, I gave it 3.5 of 5 stars. However ...the love for this is silly. I really think it is a film that people are told they most love it or you don't belong.

I will say it is one of Greta Gerwig's worst movies. I think the editing is piss poor with odd breaks. The change in mindset in characters with no basis is questionable. The ending was bad, almost like saying ..okay that is enough let's end it. I don't get the crazy love for it. Oh, and lets we have a dance scene, lets throw it in here. Ugh.

You may say: You are not a woman you don't get it. Well I got Gerwig's Little Women. I got God It's Me Margaret; Waitress The Musical. So...

Yes I laughed and sometimes felt the emotions, but still not an Oscar best picture.

THE AWARD FOR FUNNIEST FILM

No Hard Feelings 

A raunchy funny film!!! Jennifer Lawrence was all in,,, see the beach scene...for the laughs. 

Lawrence plays Maddie Barker who is desperate for a car and money, so she takes on a strange job. The job is to loosen up Percy Becker before he goes to college. Oddly she is hired by Percy's parents (an unrecognizable Matthew Broderick in a ridiculous wig). So many funny moments! Lawrence is so funny and Andrew Barth Feldman who plays Percy is a fantastic straight man to her crazy.

THE AWARD FOR BEST SCENE

So many options:

Washington and Fanning table scene in Equalizer 3

Lawrence scene at the beach

The train scene in MI Dead Reckoning

The spider scene in Anyone But You

The crying scene in Past Lives

I went with this sweet scene we call Maneater from No Hard Feelings. You can see it in Jennifer Lawrence's eyes....The feeling of...what am I doing???!!

Well it is the entertainment awards so let's go beyond movies....

THE TOP THREE ALBUMS I PLAYED OVER AND OVER AWARD

Samara Joy Linger Awhile

I know I was late to this game but Samara Joy is a find. This album has her new stuff highlighted by Guess Who I saw Today. Then she has classics like Someone To Watch Over Me. Every song on this album should be on repeat.

Old Dominion Memory Lane

Just wow. This band has grown so much. This album is near perfect highlighted by Easier Said With Rum and the catchy How Good Is That

Emily Kinney Swimteam

None as more of an Actor but this is a breakout album singing about lessons learned from a breakup and moving on. The highlight is B Or C For Effort and Untitled. Love this album

THE AWARD FOR TOP 3 BOOKS

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo

Taylor Jenkins Reid

I love Jenkins Reid and she delivers again.

Secrets of old time Hollywood and a twist at the end,

Hollywood please dont mess this film up!!

Pack Up The Moon

Kristan Higgins

Think of the film PS I Love You but better.

A 26 year old space designer loses his wife to an illness and has to figure out how to go on. Unknowingly his wife left him things to do each month to get him to move forward. Surprisingly funny,and sad at the same time. A wonderful book.

Every Summer After 

Carley Fortune

This book goes back and forth in time told over 6 years and one weekend as we try to figure out where this book is going and what really happened between Percy and Sam. People want a part 2!!!

Lets finish up the awards back at the movies...

THE AWARD FOR BEST NEW STAR

Abby Ryder Fortson

She is in every scene of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, She knocks it out of the park. Perfection.

Well there is the end of the awards!!

We will serve Chick Fil A because we are fancy at this award ceremony.

Thanks for showing up.

Oscar predictions are coming tomorrow!!

From the shadows thanks for your time!