I watched a lot of movies this year. More than I have in more recent years mainly because I have been watching with my partner and everything is just more fun with a friend. But check out my Letterboxd if you want to stay up to date on my watchings.

DUNE Pt 2, 2024

This is the only movie from 2024 on the list and it easily goes down in the hall of best sequels ever made.

Villeneuve had his work cut out for him after the set-up that was Pt 1 but he delivers a sequel that not only did justice to the source material but elevates its predecessor.

The best part of this movie is how visual it feels. There is dialog in this movie but all I remember is the visual language of every shot.

So glad I saw this in a packed theater.

Blood and Black Lace, 1964

If I had to use one word to describe this movie it would be “Snazzy.”

From the opening credits, which features each main character posing in dramatic lighting, you know you are in for something different. Every frame oozes with style, it’s light mood of haughty scheming socialites is contrasted by shocking bursts of violence and terror.

Godzilla: Final Wars, 2004

If I had to pick my #1 movie I’ve seen this year it would be Godzilla: Final Wars.

It’s as if a movie took every action, sci-fi and kaiju movie trope, sprinkled in a little The Matrix, Y2K Japanese fashion stirred with bumping techno music and created this bombastic masterpiece. Practical effects and sets harken back to a time before egregious CGI and tickles the nostalgia parts of my brain.

I highly recommend regardless of your familiarity with the series.

Point Blank, 1967

I don’t think I’ve seen a cooler movie this year.

What could have been just a tropey double-cross revenge movie is elevated to art when every frame is so considered. Lee Marvin is cold and menacing, calculating to a fault as he tracks down the man who stole his money, stole his girl and left him for dead. What follows is a jumbled up and surreal recounting or foretelling of events that have happened or will happen.

Just a rad movie and really, I haven't seen anything the like.

Sweet Smell of Success, 1957

Quentin Tarantino said once that “Hollywood used to tell really good stories.” Though he does not mention any specific movies; He was talking about Sweet Smell of Success.

A story that follows a low-life who can only go lower as he makes Faustian deals with the devil in 1950s New York City. Gripping, beautiful and relevant to this day; All in 90 minutes.

See this movie.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture, 1979

This is the movie that has stuck in my craw this year; I can’t stop thinking about its relentless optimism and this line delivery from William Shatner.

“Will you pLEASE, sit dOWN?” I love it.

Ambitious, hopeful and pure escapism. A great movie for the holidays.

Next week

I’ll be closing out the EOY lists my Favorite Video Games of 2024. See you there!