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