My Favourites of 2024

 

     Welcome to the year in review for 2024. As per the tradition, here are the films, TV shows and videogames that I have enjoyed most this year, out of this preview list of everything here.

 

      These are just my own views so if you agree, disagree or have your own favourites let me know! In no particular order:

 

 

Films

 

 

      The early part of the year saw The Holdovers, featuring a career best performance from Paul Giamatti. Not only for his lazy eye (that appears to switch between scenes deliberately to keep you guessing) but his wonderful performance as a curmudgeonly schoolmaster who comes up with some of the most epic putdowns aimed at his students. The film is also presented in this nostalgic haze that yearns for a more simple and innocent time, both in its presentation and subject matter.

 

 

 

     Similarly presented in an older format - and this time incorporating actual TV footage from the 80’s - is The Apprentice, which tells the story of the rise of young entrepreneur Donald Trump. It’s a fascinating look at how this man was formed by his ambitions and gradually moulded by his environs to the character we recognize today. Sebastian Stan is great in the role, capturing the essence without playing a caricature. However the real scene-stealer is Jeremy Strong as the ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn, who is mesmerising to watch whenever he is on screen.

 

 

       

     Yet another throwback movie was Late Night With the Devil which presents itself as a live airing 70’s talk show presented in (almost) real time. The production design and presentation are on point for a smaller budgeted feature and the creeping tension plays out similarly to something like BBC’s Ghost Watch from the 90’s, with the slow burn feeling of something just waiting to go wrong. Character actor David Dalmachian (who is often known for playing weirdo side characters) is also great as the lead.

 

 

     Similarly creepy was Longlegs, which - following the huge marketing hype - left some viewers feeling a bit non-plussed by the time the credits rolled. However this is very much on form for director Osgood Perkins whose films are often left without everything neatly explained and his endings being somewhat bleak. Though I would say that the stylistic flourishes here are absolutely what make the film, with a lingering sense of dread throughout and great cinematography. Even an empty section of the frame can unnerve, as you are never quite sure where the story is heading. Of course, much has already been said out there about Nicholas Cage just being allowed to act completely unhinged as the titular character - so there is no need to elaborate on that here further.

 

 

    

     Speaking of unhinged, Strange Darling falls into that category in respect of some of its characters but not necessarily in the way you think. The less said about the story the better as we wouldn’t want to spoil any of the surprises, so instead would just recommend going into this cold. Some of the music and cinematography leans heavily toward 70s and 80s exploitation movies and the presentation at times feels a bit inspired by Tarantino (who himself of course borrows liberally from many older films), but don’t let that sway you. It’s a thriller that continually flips itself and your expectations on its head. Kyle Gallner is great in everything he is in these days, but his co-star Willa Fitzgerald is the real standout. Also features the most ridiculous breakfast.

 

 

    

     Speaking of standouts, both Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are sure to be considered for some award for their roles in The Substance, a darkly comic social satire that is crossed with moments of extreme body horror. The experience is heightened, with much of it shot like a fever dream of a music video and several sequences are dialed up to 11 in how over the top it goes. Whatever your feelings on it, it's no wonder that it has been a talking point of this year given how off the rails it eventually goes. And that’s not even taking into account the grossest ever shrimp eating scene by Dennis Quaid.

 

 

    

     Kind of shrimp related are the killer space shrimp (okay maybe that’s a bit of a stretch) by which we are referring to the good old Xenomorph, back once again in the latest entry in the Alien series of Alien: Romulus. Whilst recent films in the franchise have mostly been misses rather than hits, this one nails the atmosphere and presentation with its excellent production design, special effects (both practical and CGI) and brooding music. The focus is harking back to the retro-futuristic chunkiness and tension of the original Alien and Aliens films, though sometimes to a fault. Whilst there are strange decisions that were made regarding overly keen callbacks to previous films (that absolutely did not have to be there) and a final sequence that feels kind of unnecessary, I’ll admit that watching this film in IMAX was an absolute blast.

 

 

    

     Also a blast was Thelma, a heartfelt comedy about a scammed grandma taking it to the streets to track down the criminals that wronged her and to claim recompense. The main hook is that many of the sequences are cheekily presented as if they are high-octane action sequences when in fact they are obviously anything but. June Squibb is amazing in the role (she is over 90!) and the film also features the final role of Richard Roundtree. Beyond the main conceit however, the film is surprisingly warm and bittersweet, especially when contemplating in its quieter moments how age will eventually catch up with us all.

 

 

    

     A smaller British film that I feel is worth a mention is Oddity, a creepy mystery that is best left unspoiled. What I can say is that it involves murder, revenge, strangers knocking on the door in the middle of the night, glass eyes, twins, ghosts, mediums, a mental asylum and a homunculus. The fun lies in watching the story gradually unfold. It’s creepy but also ever so slightly tongue in cheek. Recommended for horror fans.

 

 

    

     Finally is Conclave, which concerns itself around the space of a few days where all the Cardinals gather in Rome to lock themselves into isolation whilst they deliberate, debate and vote on who should be elected as the next Pope. Whilst that may not necessarily sound like many people’s cup of tea, it is in fact a riveting drama, interesting not only for the procedural aspect of it all but with great performances all around as we see the main candidates attempt to out maneuver, conspire and sabotage each others chances to get to be the next top dog. Also features gorgeous cinematography and music.

 

 

Honourable mentions

 

The Iron Claw – Unbelievable biopic of the Von Erich wrestling brothers. The ending in particular was heartbreaking.

 

Dune: Part 2 – Great sequel with continually masterful world building by Denis Villenueve. Just a bit too long for me to enjoy repeat viewings of.

 

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Long awaited follow up (or rather prequel) to one of my all time favourite films Mad Max: Fury Road. Not quite as impactful as the tight original, though this still impresses.

 

The First Slam Dunk – Released last year, otherwise would have featured in my top 10 this year. The animation is stunning and story heartfelt. Would recommend even if you are not particularly a basketball fan (ie: like me).

 

The Wild Robot – What could have just been a twee and purely slapstick animated kids film turns out to be surprisingly warm story about parenthood.

 

 

 

TV Shows

 

 

 

      Possibly the biggest surprise for me was House of Ninjas, which combines just the right balance of action, mystery, family drama and whimsy. All members of the secret shinobi family are relatable, as though they live their lives as skilled ninjas, they are also presented as your average Japanese family who are going through the normal struggles that families often encounter. The likeable characters keep you invested and whilst the overarching story features some anime-like twists and turns it doesn’t outstay its welcome. Here’s hoping for a series 2.

 

 

     

     Also of the Japanese persuasion was Shogun, which quite rightly deserves the many accolades it has garnered since its release. The writing, performances, production design and music are all stellar and considering more than half of the show is presented in historically accurate old Japanese makes it all the more impressive. The scale of it all is movie quality, however as a limited series it allows characters time to breathe and relationships to quietly develop amongst all the political jousting and power struggles going on in the forefront.

 

 

    

     On a similar vibe of power struggles, plotting and backstabbing, The Penguin was also surprising in that it eschews nearly all of its superhero trappings (being a spin-off of 2022’s movie The Batman) and instead focuses on being a grounded character study and classic mob drama. Colin Farrell is unrecognisable in his complete transformation (as he was playing the same character in the The Batman), but as the main character of his own series he truly disappears into the role. There are some contrivances to the story and maybe one too many crime family drama clichés popping up now and then, but this show is full of surprises right up until the end. Cristin Milioti is also great in this as Sophia Falcone.

 

 

 

      As Marvel have continually pumped out movies and TV shows in recent years, the superhero fatigue is indeed very real. However Agatha All Along was a breath of fresh air as it feels so different from anything else they have put out before, even WandaVision of which it is a (sort of) continuation The female-centric cast is refreshing, the writing is smart, the story will keep you guessing and the spooky vibes hit just the right spot upon its release around Halloween time. And not to mention that Katherine Hahn (at last) gets the starring vehicle she so badly deserves.

 

 

 

      And finally - I’m obviously somewhat late to the party but Jujutsu Kaisen (Series 1 and 2) had me enthralled. What appears to be a standard shonen battle manga by way of a twisted Harry Potter on first presentation, actually keeps you enthralled by the constant curveballs it throws at you. The power level differences of some characters are frighteningly apparent and no one is safe from a sudden grisly dispatch. The humour is also a surprise with moments of throwaway levity that constantly pop up when the show isn’t devastating you with its surprising harshness and philosophical matureness. For a TV show as well the animation is at times incredible, with studio MAPPA pulling out all the stops.

 

 

Honourable mentions

 

Baby Reindeer – Equal parts hilarious, shocking and heartbreaking. Starts off as a simple stalker story but ends up so much darker.

 

I Think You Should Leave – Surreal comedy sketch show that may not be for everyone but I loved it. Tim Robinson needs to be in more stuff ASAP.

 

Secret Level – I love short form storytelling and this animated anthology is the pinnacle, especially so if you are familiar with the various videogames each episode is derived from.

 

 

 

Videogames

 

  This year (or rather at the tail end of last year) I was drawn into the weird little fishing game that is Dredge (Switch). Windwaker-type sailing exploration meets HP Lovecraft eldritch horror with a satisfying feedback loop of bringing in your haul of fish to sell, in order to upgrade your boat to venture further out into the unknown waters each time. Addictive but short enough so that it doesn’t outstay its welcome. I finished it in a few sittings but it kept me hooked (pun intended) throughout.

 

 

 

      Yakuza: Like a Dragon topped last year’s list as the game I had sunk the most hours into and this year, its sequel Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PS5) did the same. Not only does it expand and improve upon its predecessor in almost every conceivable way, it now features a new city to explore in Hawaii - which is faithful recreation of much of Waikiki and its landmarks. I know this firsthand as I was lucky enough to go there a few months back and check out the locations used myself! Not only that, but the game also serves as a fitting send off to one of the Yakuza series’ main characters, and that is wonderfully presented as a nostalgic love letter to all of the earlier games in the Yakuza series.

 

 

 

      I am a huge fan of the ‘Souls’ series of games, ever since playing the original Demon Souls back on PS3 before the ‘souls-like’ genre was even known as a thing. Whilst the PS5 Demon’s Souls Remake (PS5) came out a while ago near the launch of the PS5, I only got round to playing it this year and of course I got sucked right back. Whilst some of the new music is not as haunting and impactful as the original, there are many quality of life improvements and the graphical overhaul makes this one of the better looking PS5 games even to this day. It was a nostalgic blast playing through this again – multiple times even - to get the platinum.

 

 

 

      A more recent Souls-like that I was equally enamored with this year was Lies of P (PS5), a twisted take on Pinocchio that features tight combat, fun customizable weapons and great boss battles. I enjoyed this so much that it was on balance perhaps my favourite game I played this year and I cant wait to see what the developer Neowiz comes out with next.

 

 

 

 

     Lastly, is a game I have dabbled with on and off this year but only recently put some time in and subsequently got addicted to. With deceptively simple graphics and controls, Vampire Survivors (iOS) may seem like a throwaway free mobile game but its surprising depth and satisfying trickle of unlocks keeps you coming back for more. Seeing new characters and items continually appear, getting further each time and unlocking new maps, surviving greater screen-filling hordes and raking in the cash for upgrades feels so rewarding and seriously addictive without doing so in any overtly manipulative way. Only the DLCs cost money and they are a few quid each – so I will definitely consider picking up some if not all in the near future. The Castlevania collab is a no brainer!

 

 

Honourable mentions

 

Sifu (PS5) – Hard to master, but you feel like a proper kung-fu master in an action file once you get into the flow. Pick up if you like a challenge.

 

Dead Space Remake (PS5) – Another quality next gen remake of a PS3 classic. Didn’t quite enamour me as much as the original did back in the day, but I did see it through to the end nonetheless.

 

Blasphemous 2 (Switch) – Excellent sequel to that one of my favourite metroidvanias of recent years. Tight combat, grisly pixel art and thick with atmosphere – what more can you ask for?

 

 

 

      So that’s a wrap for my favourites of 2024. What were your favourites? Catch you again next year!

 

 

 

22nd Dec 2024