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!
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