2024 was 'Wicked' good fun in film
Happy New Year! As we welcome change into our lives, let's look back at the best 2024 had to offer!
Andrew Garfield (left) and Florence Pugh could make even the toughest skeptics fall in love with the rom-com genre in 'We Live in Time.' (Courtesy photo | A24 Films)
The past year has come and gone. There were both good and bad things that happened this year, especially for movies.
Before we say hello to 2025, let’s look back fondly at the best 2024 had to offer in terms of cinematic entertainment.
As you all know, you are entitled to your own opinion ... as am I. This is just a fun list to celebrate all the fantastic cinematic experiences we received this year!
Without further delay, here’s my top five movies of 2024:
5. "Wicked: Part 1"
"Wicked" was the biggest surprise of the year for me. I went into the movie expecting a half-baked adaption of a beloved musical, and what I got was an exhilarating, joyride of a film that fully encapsulates the feeling of being at the theatre and watching magic play out right before your eyes.
I loved all the performances, especially the ending sequence, which blew my mind. This movie was a thrill ride in every way possible, and I was overjoyed to have experienced it on the big screen.
4. Deadpool and Wolverine
As a huge comic book fan, this was everything I wanted to see from a Marvel movie this year: Two characters against the odds taking on the multiverse with no cares given.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have the best chemistry. I loved all the different cameos, and the soundtrack was amazing. I really enjoyed Cassandra Nova as the villain. it was great to see Shawn Levy direct with such passion for not only the characters but the actors, too.
Timothee Chalet plays Paul Atreides and Zendaya portrays Chani in Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures’ action-adventure “Dune: Part 2.” (Courtesy photo | Niko Tavernise | Warner Bros. Pictures)
3. Dune: Part 2
The “Dune” franchise has had held me it’s grip, ever since “Dune: Part 1” in 2021. It was great to finally revisit these characters after two long years of patiently waiting for their continuation. Timothée Chalamet continues to be outstanding as Paul Atreidies, as does Zendaya as Chani.
Denis Villeneuve is a master behind the camera. Every shot of this movie, I could make the excuse to have as a poster. This movie is like going through a sci-Fi art gallery. Cinematographer Greg Fraser also does an outstanding job with the color grading, especially on the Harkonan home planet.
This movie has cemented itself as one of the greatest Sci-Fi movies of all time and is always on the back-burner in my mind.
2. The Wild Robot
One of the most emotional movies of the year, any parent can relate to this heartfelt film about the stages of parenthood. Roz was great anchor for the audience, as we see the world through her eyes and analyzation of the situations she comes across. This is an emotionally charged story with a devastating conclusion that will leave you sobbing for more.
Something I didn't mention in that I previously wrote for cmlife is the animals characteristics are all based on what kind of creature they are. I thought that was clever and made all the characters feel real and endearing. This would have been my number one if not for one movie.
1. We Live In Time
This movie was deeply personal to me. The amazing chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh was like watching an electric storm of love. Their deep, complicated emotions being conveyed through illustrious acting was like watching fireworks collide to make the most beautiful colors.
The directing was great at making the movie feel like a distant, long-forgotten memory that comes by once in awhile to remind you that you are alive and full of emotion.
Movies like this are why I yearn to go to the theaters and experience life through a different lens (pun intended). It is the best movie 2024 had to offer.
Carter Salley is a junior majoring in Media Arts. He is the co-host of Central Michigan Life's pop culture podcast "Raving Geeks."
