THE 2024 SHADOW ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS!!!!

I know!! Settle down!! Put on your tux. Put on your gown. Don't drink too much. Get in your limo. You are going to the most important awards show of the year. The Shadow Awards. Chosen by the wisest voting block...ME!!

If you disagree with the awards. That is unacceptable. 

And remember ...starting last year I gave a book and album awards.

So heeerrre we go!!!!!!!!

The Shadow Award For Worst Performance In A Film

JUSTIN BALDONI in It Ends With Us

I promise you this has nothing to do with the lawsuits between him and Lively. In fact I think they are both a bit wacky. I am just judging by performance. He is just not believable here. I can't tell if it is because I read the book and I expected something else, but he is stiff and not as loving as he is supposed to be and not threatening as he supposed to be. It's like he was reading his lines. I think his ego got in the way. He directed the film and cast himself...it does not work.

The Shadow Award For Best Actor Of The Year

TIMOTHEE CHALAMET

Two wonderful performances by Chalamet this year in two films.

First Dune 2..it was a good film I gave it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. He was fantastic in many awful film locations.

Then in A Complete Unknown which I also gave 3 1/2 stars. He not only sings but he acts his ass off as Bob Dylan. He is fantastic. 

This all earned him the Shadow Award as the BEST ACTOR OF 2024

The Shadow Award Best Actress Of The Year Award

MARGARET QUALLEY

Margaret Qualley hit the trifecta this year with three great performances.

She started the year with Driveaway Dolls. Just a very funny performance with a great accent.

Then in a very odd film, in a small part, Kinds Of Kindness, she maybe gives the best performance in this over the top film.

Then she finishes the year with the horror film The Substance, where she acts without saying hardly anything. She is relying on her eyes and facial expressions, and she is fantastic.

This all earned, the daughter of Andie MacDowell, Margaret Qualley The Shadow Award for Best Actress Of 2024.

The Shadow Award For Best Comeback Of The Year

DEMI MOORE

Demi Moore gives a very good performance as Elisabeth in the horror film The Substance. I was not a huge fan of the film but her performance was outstanding. Which earns Demi Moore The Shadow Award for Comeback Of The Year.

The Shadow Award For My Favorite Character Of The Year

ANI in Anora

Ani played by Mikey Madison. She is a slight scammer. She is a hustler. She is in love. She is in over her head. And in the end...you want to hug her. Ani is The Shadow Award winner for My Favorite Character of the year.

The Shadow Award For ANew Christmas Classic

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

No...not Red One.

Well you can see by the trailer what it is about. Pageant is highlighted by really good performances by Molly Belle Wright as Beth; Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, and Judy Greer as Grace. What a fun sweet Christmas film. Directed by Dallas Jenkins and based on the classic book by Barbara Robinson..earning The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Award for New Christmas Classic.

The Shadow Award For I Don't Get The Love Award

We Have A Tie!!!!

CHALLENGERS

I do not get it...

1- Premise...a battle over the love of Tashi Donaldson (Zendaya) , between  Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zwieg (Josh O'Connor). All three are tennis players. They say this..."She is the hottest girl". Really? Right there I thought ummmmmm. I mean Zendaya is very pretty, but falling over each other for her. Really?

2- The trailer makes it seem like this film will be so steamy, you will feel it come off the screen. Again, no. I have yet to see Zendaya do a "steamy" scene, ever. This is just a movie about mind games., that needed an editor.

3- I know, this is a pick on Zendaya post. She is acting against two great broadway actors, and she is kinda exposed for...well her poor acting. Look at that picture above, both actors are taking chances, she takes no chances and she is so stiff. They act circles around her the whole movie.

4-The ending. It is so unrealistic. And the tennis looks so fake.

SUBSTANCE

I get the love for Dermi. She is very good in this film. I also understand the storyline of the way women get treated in society, and the extremes they feel they have to go through to feel accepted.

However the giant hole, she gets nothing out of this miracle medicine, she has no involvement or mindset while Margaret Qualley is, well, her. So she gets nothing. There is the plot hole. She gets no joy out of the situation. Is she addicted to the drug? Why, it gives her nothing?

So..the award for I Don't Get The Love goes to Challengers and Substance.

The Shadow Award for The Funniest Film Of The Year

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 dry and funny, often very strange; but it's Cohen.

The Shadow Award For The Best Love Story Of The Year

TOUCH

Well read my top ten of the year. You have not. What is wrong with you??!! Read the blog!!!

The Shadow Award For Best Love Story Of The Year is Touch

The Shadow Award Fort The Best Action Film Of The Year

THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

Casting is perfect, and was my 2nd choice for the funniest film of the year.

Please read that blog with my top ten of the year. You should.

The Award For The Biggest Tearjerker Of The Year

WE LIVE IN TIME

Oh my. We follow the lives of Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and Almut (Florence Pugh).

You can tell by the trailer where this is going. Garfield and Pugh act their asses off here.

I was not a fan of the editing, time jumps, but it was in my just missed list. 

Grab a tissue and see We Live In Time which is The Shadow Award For Tear Jerker Of The Year.

The Shadow Award For The Best Scene Of The Year

ELPHABA'S DANCE

There is a little bit of behind the scenes of that great dance at the Ozdust Ballroom.

It is one of the few scenes that works better than the stage show, I think it's because you can get close ups.

You learn a lot here...

It changes the relationship between Elphaba and Galinda

It shows that maybe Elphaba is not as hard on the inside as she appears.

We see Nessarose do nothing...I will leave that there

The Shadow Award For The Best Scene Of The Year Goes to The Wicked Dance Scene

The Shadow Award For Best Newcomer Of The Year

MAISY STELLA IN MY OLD ASS

So many options

Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt from White Bird

Katherine Mallen Kupferer in Ghostlight

Ariana Grande in Wicked

Miko in Touch

Mikey Madison in Anora

All good choices but I keep going back to Maisy Stella.

She is so good here, she is so funny yet she can show true feelings and tears will roll.

The movie would not work without her wonderful performance.

The Shadow Award For The Best New Comer Maisy Stella

Here are my best 3 books of the year I highly recommend.

THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Alison Espach

Emotional, Dark, and often funny.

Phoebe, after many bad things happen to her, she decides to check into a hotel to kill herself.

Enter a Bridezilla, who is having a wedding in the hotel, and she is very upset that Phoebe is going to kill herself, it could ruin her wedding.  That is when the fun starts...

TOMORROW TOMORROW TOMORROW  by Gabrielle Zevin

I know nothing about video games but still looooved this book.

Hold on to your heart. The book follows the lives of Sadie and Sam..a friendship or maybe more. Yet they go into business together.

That is all I will tell you. It follows a wide time span...it will be a movie or TV show for sure.

WALKING WITH SAM  by Andrew McCarthy

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 lo

AND FINALLY

TOP ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

Not a great year for Albums but I have two:

DEEPER WELL by 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

WICKED SOUNDTRACK

Well you know the songs, but Erivo; Grande ; and Bailey

Well the Shadow Awards are over. Get in your PJ's and throw the gowns and tux's on the floor.

My Oscar predictions are next !!

From the shadows as always thanks for your time

FROM THE SHADOWS.... MY TOP TEN OF 2024...NUMBER 1 FILM OF 2024

Before we look at my number 1 film of 2024 ...lets look back at last years top ten and see how they hold up:

10 Anyone But You

9   The Holdovers

8   Elemental

7   Air

6   Are You There God It's Me Margaret

5   Past Lives

4   Oppenheimer

3   Godzilla Minus 1

2   American Fiction

1   Poor Things

I really like my top ten here...to be honest I would probably move Godzilla Minus 1 to 2 and Past Lives up also.

Now for a list of almost made the list....

Driveaway Dolls

Bad Boys Ride Or Die

Quiet Place Day One

1992

Wild Robot

We Live In Time

Christmas Pageant

All really good movies, but just missed my top ten.

Her is my top ten so far

10   Ghostlight

 9    Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare

 8    Inside Out 2

 7   White Bird

 6   Touch

 5   Wicked Pt 1

 4   Anora

 3  Young Woman And The Sea

 2  My Old Ass

 

And now my number 1. It is for sure a polarizing film. Some say: Why did I watch this? Nothing happened!  When I ask some...What did you think of the movie? Well, I am glad you liked it. LOL.

Yet I have seen this movie in other top ten films of the year and I have seen it at number 1 on one list.

So My number 1 film..............

1

DADDIO

Shades of Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise trilogy...where Jessie and Celine walk around all night and talk....

Here in Daddio, directed and written by Christy Hall, Dakota Johnson as Girlie and Sean Penn as Clark drive around in a taxi and talk. You do not want this to end. It is mesmerizing. It's like listening to a conversation at the airport, you can't stop listening. Here, I can't stop watching.

Just watching two talented actors, acting their asses off. These two , you feel, are going beyond the words on the script. The quiet times are just as important as the conversation. It is mesmerizing.

Fun facts:

Filmed in 10 days

Originally conceived as a stage play in 2017

Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson are neighbors, and Dakota showed him the script

2017 won blacklist number 1 most liked unmade script

The film was made and shot in chronological order

Its...Ones And Zeroes as they say.

It is available to stream...if you like "Talkies", or if you loved Before Sunrise,  you will love my number  1 film of 2024....DADDIO.

Well there you have it...

My Shadow awards and Oscar Picks are coming up next!!

As always thanks for your time from the shadows.

FROM THE SHADOWS...TOP TEN OF 2024....4-3-2

Alright. As I get to the final four I know some will disagree. "This is your final four? Really?!" Yes it is. I have recommended these films to friends and I find you love it or you just don't get it. No in between. That is okay. However trust me...all four of these films took chances and have soooo much heart. Please look for them and take a watch. 

4

ANORA

Directed and Written by Sean Baker

Anora (Mikey Madison), a young sex worker from Brooklyn, impulsively marries a son, Ivan ( Mark Eydelshteyn), of an oligarch. Once this news reached Russia, her fairytale starts to crumble as the parents to get the marriage annulled.

Oh my...this Oscar nominated film I have seen twice. It has two different themes. The first half is a sexy, comedy, love story sort of. The second half is very tense and dark, as Anora fights for the relationship, which may have been just a fairytale that has hit midnight. 

This works because of the outstanding performance from Mikey Madison. She is fantastic in the funny/love story; and the switch to a more dark 2nd half. That ending...oh my, you want to hug her. She just did not understand what she got herself into.

Then there is a fantastic quiet performance by Yori Borisov as Igor, the muscle or messenger, or...I don't know what his job is. There is a reason why he got an Oscar nomination. He says so much by just his expressions. We love him and Anora can't see what he offers.

A wonderful surprise. Such a fun film that also brings a lot of anxiety.

My number 4 film of 2024..Anora. This is available to stream.

3

YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA

Directed by Joachim Ronning

Screenplay by Jeff Nathanson and Glenn Stout

Another "Based on a true story". 

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

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. I did my homework here, I find that Disney kept this film pretty much true to life only messing with time not story.

I think it is a fun and interesting watch. I have watched it a couple times and it does not lose its luster and tension and excitement even on the second watch. It is that good.

 My number 3 film of 2024 ...Young Women And The Sea ...it is available on Disney + 

2

MY OLD ASS

Directed by Megan Park and also written by Megan Park

A mushroom trip during a night camp out with friends brings Elliot (Maisy Stella) face to face with her older self (Aubrey Plaza).When her "old Ass" delivers some warnings, and some advice to her younger self, she has to rethink everything about her life and family. And...who is Chad.

An outstanding script by Park, bringing laughter and tears and love (One misstep Justin Bieber ugh cut that scene you could have been my number 1!).

A spot on perfect performance by Maisy Stella. She just picked up the award for best newcomer performance of the year. Well deserved.

Aubrey Plaza...what can I say. She was in the film for maybe 10 minutes and stole every scene she was in! She should have gotten a Best Supporting Actress Nomination for this role. Sadly you will find out...for Audrey life imitates art sadly.

Then there is Percy Hynes Whitemas Chad. Oh how we love Chad. But...why stay away...???

Then throw in a really quiet lovely performance by Maria Dizzia who plays Elliot's mom, with pin point perfection!!

SEE THIS MOVIE AND KEEP TISSUES FOR THE END!!

My number 2 film of the year is MY OLD ASS

This  film is available on Prime.

So now it is down to 1..

From the shadows as always thanks for your time.

FROM THE SHADOWS...TOP TEN FILMS OF 2024 7-6-5

So, back to my top ten of 2024. Remember, many of these films are small films , many of the big budget films kinda sucked in 2024. Just trust, look for these films, and stream them. If you disagree....what is wrong with you?! 

7

WHITE BIRD

Directed by Marc Forster

Screenplay by Mark Bomback and R.J.Polacio

Oh my. What a wonderful film.

This is almost a PT 2 of the film Wonder. However you do not have to have seen Wonder to love this film. Based on the Polacio's graphic novel of the same name, Julian is back from Wonder. This time he is forced to face his behavior (bullying) by listening to a story of his Grandmother's (Helen Mirren) past. We then get to see the amazing story, of Sara (Ariella Glaser) a young Jewish girl who is hidden away from the Germans. Hiding away in a small French Village with help from a young boy named Julien Beaum (Orlando Schwerdt) who was an outcast at the school they attended. 

This film is so tense and exciting, and also lovely and sad. It would not have worked if it was not for the two leads. Great believable performances by Glaser and Schwerdt. Their chemistry is fantastic and really pushes the movie through. 

Yes this film was a YA graphic novel, and yes it comes across very PG and light, yet it really works. The film feels like one of those historical fiction novels that are really popular right now. This film delivers exactly as the trailer promised.

My number 7 film....White Bird which is available to stream.

6

TOUCH

Directed by Baltasar Kormakur

Screenplay by Olaf Olaffson and Baltasar Kormakur

A romantic and thrilling story that spans decades and continents. TOUCH follows Kristofer's journey to find his first love from 50 years ago, before his time runs out.

You want an unforgettable love story? Well here it is. I cannot tell you much, I do not want to spoil it, but I can tell you why it works.

Egill Olaffson as the older Kristofer is soooo good here, You have to cheer him on.

The chemistry between the two young lovers..young Kristofer played by Palmi Kormakur and Miko played by Koki is off the charts and both characters are soooo likable. We cheer them on. WHAT HAPPENED???!! My heart!

Available on Prime to stream

My number 6 film TOUCH

5

WICKED PART 1

Directed by Jon M Chu

Screenplay by Winnie Holzman; Dana Fox; and Gregory McGuire

This is the true story of Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west.

Wait! Yes I have said many times that I think Wicked the stage musical is the best piece of entertainment ever. So why is it so low here in my top ten?

It is hard to rate this film, because I go back and forth:

Is it fair to compare the film to the Broadway show? Probably not, but it is hard not to.

So..here is what I think is the bad that jumps out at me....

-Costuming at the dance. We have people with multicolored hair and outfits...yet they laugh at Elphaba and her hat? It was just odd. If the costuming at the dance was more or less out there..it would have made more sense. It is a beautiful scene, ruined by costuming.

-I don't want to spoil it but I will say the two surprise stars they pop up in OZ was cringe. For me it's hard to watch. That scene was not needed for a film bloated at 2 hours and 40 minutes.

- Jeff Goldblum..well...

-Defying Gravity...oh boy. A big moment on stage where Elphaba and Ga-linda have to make a heartfelt decision is a big moment. Emotional. We lose this in the movie. Cho stretched Defying Gravity out for 15 minutes by starting and stopping the song while showing other scenes. It sucked the life out of the moment. Just a bad decision.

But wait. All these problems, why is it in your top 10?

Well..there is a lot of good overshadowing the bad:

The practical sets, and the fantastic story still works on the big screen.

Casting of Cynthia Erivo; Ariana Grande; and Jonathan Bailey ,make this film work. Their voices and performances are spot on wonderful.

Well...bring on the darker Wicked For Good!!!

My number 5 film Wicked Part 1...it is available to stream.

So...there is my 7-6-5 best films of 2024...2 small films and 1 big one

More to come..

From the Shadows, No One Mourns The Wicked

Thanks for your time as always!

My Top Ten Of 2024 10-9-8

I know. Settle down.

Newcomer? Where have you been? Well, to let you know, I sit in the shadows and give you, most likely grammatically incorrect anti-critic film reviews for the common movie goer. Was I entertained? Maybe learned something? Did the film deliver what it promised? I start with these questions and go from there.So my top ten this year, looks nothing like the Oscar nominated films. My thoughts on this year's Oscars will come on a later blog.

So this years 10. I have to say that this year's films were ....lacking...for sure...but I do have 10.

3 Oscar nominated films

5 female led films

1 animated film

1 nomination from last year that hit our shores this year.

Only 2 of these films were wide release films. Which will make you search out these movies. I promise you, I did not go after small films. I promise I am not trying to prove myself as a film snob hating big movies. I really wanted the bigger films to be wonderful and sadly, I often walked out of the theaters disappointed. 

I also think, in 2024, there is so much garbage on line, I find myself attracted to films that were uplifting, hopeful. It's not what I sought out, it was just place and time.

And now my top ten......... trust me!!

10

GHOSTLIGHT

Directed by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson

Screenplay by Kelly O'Sullivan

When Dan, a construction worker, stumbles on a local theater production of Romeo And Juliet, he decides to join in. Unknowingly, the production starts to mirror his life.

A fun and moving script by O'Sullivan. With fantastic performances by Keith Kupferer as Dan and Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Yes, Keith's real life daughter) as Daisy.

The film touches on many themes, family: dreams; love; and forgiveness. There is also a theme thrown in there, kind of slipping through the back door of love for small theater, which I appreciated.

This was a wonderful surprise. Touching, yet often funny. The trailer says it all.

This film is available to stream.

My number 10 film of 2024 GHOSTLIGHT

9

THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Screenplay Paul Tamasy; Eric Johnson; Arash Amel

Based on a true story, probably very loosely based, about a secret World War 2 organization. Founded by Winston Churchill. This group has a mission to go behind the German line possibly change the direction of the war.

A fantastic action comedy by Ritchie. Ritchie movies get better and better as he matures.

Fantastic casting highlighted by:

Henry Cavill 

Alan Ritchson

Eliza Gonzalez

All are perfect in this film.

This movie lacked marketing, I mean it is the perfect action film, yet no one knew about it. Still, I am finding it on many top ten lists. It is just a missed opportunity by the production company. Still, it is available to stream and it is, like noted before, filled with action, excitement, and humor. By the way, this group gave birth to our modern day Black Ops.

My number 9 film of 2024...

THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE.

8

INSIDE OUT 2

Directed by Kelsey Mann

Screenplay by Meg LeFauve; Dave Holstein; Kelsey Mann

Well Riley is now a teenager. The film follows her as she tries to fit in while not losing who she really is.

We get new emotions highlighted by Anxiety.

The film is beautiful to look at. The story is touching, and almost too true, often hard to watch.

Many people think Wild Robot is the better animated film, however I really thought that Wild Robot had trouble closing the story, while this film has an almost real tear jerking finish. 

I wanted to throw this out there:

I know anxiety is the star of new emotions but I get a kick out of Ennui, I love how she does not care, and is bored with it all. Too funny.

Hey Disney did something right!!! Yes I have a Oscar nominated film on my list!

Inside Out 2 can be seen on Disney Plus and is my number 8 film of the year.

Okay...7....6....and 5 they are coming next.

From the shadows as always thanks for your time!