The Worst Films, The Best Films and some Hidden Gems of 2024.

As the year comes to an end, Over the Shoulder wraps up with what films we found to be the worst, the best and some hidden gems for you to check out. The list could go on and on but here is a selection of standout moments, good and bad. 

So shall we get started, 

Worst Films: 

4) Mean Girls: Everyone loved the original so why base it on the Broadway musical based on the original movie? I get you are trying to keep it current and make it into a modern-day success, but it just doesn’t work. The storyline was just very flat and there was no chemistry between the characters. It was clever in one respect, making it from Damian and Janice point of view was a good idea. It was mediocre and lacked direction and purpose. It was not “Fetch” at all. 

3) Irish Wish: Lindsey Lohan is a very good actress but her choices in movies are just terrible. She should have known that this film was going to be awful. I really do like a Rom Com but the chemistry between Lohan and her male co-star was non-existent, and the script was unimaginative and predictable. The plot makes no sense at all and the build-up to the finale falls flat. I feel like this film was trying too hard. Given how bad her other recent movies have been, I don’t know why I expected more. I have learnt my lesson now!

2) Deadpool and Wolverine: This might be a controversial one. I didn’t like it. I liked the first two Deadpool movies and their ability to mix action and comedy.  Big production companies were constantly satirized too. This one did have a few funny moments, but I felt that the plot was lacking and personally I didn’t know what was going on much of the time. The cameos felt tired and were no more than fillers and not really part of the story. The two main stars did try very hard and there is no doubt they have charisma but without a coherent storyline it all felt a bit tired. 

1)Joker Folie a Deux: I didn’t want to be swayed by the social media hubbub about how bad this sequel was, but for once I totally agree with the fuss. Lady Gaga’s role was underwritten, and she did little more than sing a few songs and be the joker’s love interest. A real waste of a talented performer. Phoenix gave a solid performance and the same intensity that there was in the original was plain to see. I get that directors want to not make the same film twice, but this felt like a rogue production made by an artist who didn’t really want to be there.  An opportunity missed.

Best Films: 

4) Wicked Part One: I said in my full review (check out elsewhere on my site https://overtheshoulder.co.uk/2024/12/11/a-wickedly-great-production/) that I wasn’t particularly a fan of the theatre show, however I was pleasantly surprised. One small gripe, no one told me it was a two-part film, so towards the end I kept on thinking, “how are they doing to fit in the rest of the storyline in 30 minutes”. Apart from that, great sets, great costumes, great songs and effective performances from everyone involved. I loved it. 

3) Gladiator II: I know this might sound crazy, but I have never seen the Russell Crowe original. I didn’t really know what to expect but had the fear that it would be just way too long and a cringy “sword and sandals” soap opera. However, this was a movie with heart and intention, and I couldn’t take my eyes of the screen. Mescal as the hero made the part of Lucius his own and Denzel Washington was simply electric. Oscar glory surly on its way for him and I for one will be cheering him on. For more check out my exclusive interview with Alexander Karim (Ravi) and full review on Over the Shoulder https://overtheshoulder.co.uk/2024/11/20/gladiioter-what-we-do-in-life-echoes-in-eternity/.  

2) Challengers:  Zendaya has already expanded her portfolio with “Malcom and Marie”, and here she stretches herself even more in a tale of ambition, love and sporting dreams. Nominated for the Golden Globes this sleeper hit is a thought-provoking examination of the dynamics involved with elite sport and the complications of a love triangle. Oh, the tennis action is great too! https://overtheshoulder.co.uk/2024/06/15/challengers-ambitious-and-romantic-collide-in-this-grown-up-tennis-set-drama/

1)Emilia Perez: I don’t think that the story of a drug lord who decides to change gender identity would be anyone’s idea of a blockbuster hit, but this film is different in the best way. It boasts the star power of Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana, but most importantly, new to me Karla Sofia Gascon and Adriana Paz are a revelation. Oh, it is a musical and it’s in Spanish. Don’t miss!! https://overtheshoulder.co.uk/2024/06/15/challengers-ambitious-and-romantic-collide-in-this-grown-up-tennis-set-drama/

Hidden Gems: 

4) Will and Harper: This Netflix production is one of the most heartfelt and moving documentaries that I have seen this year. You get to see the heartbreak and reality of someone transitioning with all the hidden challenges that she must overcome. The friendship between Will Ferrel and his best friend Harper as they take a road trip across USA is a journey of discovery, enlightenment and most importantly friendship. Watch this and let your happy tears flow. 

3) Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes: This BBC documentary of the superstar actress is different because much of it is in her own words. Get to know the person behind the Hollywood glitter as this child star tells her story from MGM studio employee to independent movie maverick who became the first person to earn a million dollars for Cleopatra. You also get to know her as a mother and wife. She ended up having eight husbands which would make a great film all on its own. Great look into the Golden Age of movies.

2) The Women of the Hour: This Netflix Movie was directed by Anna Kendrick who got her break in the fun musical series Pitch Perfect. This is a much darker affair as Kendrick skilfully directs this true story of Serial Killer Rodney Alcala who appeared on the popular USA show The Dating game. A great look into celebrity culture and very very chilling.  Don’t miss the last scene in the car park to ensure you realise “don’t walk alone in the dark” is not just a saying. https://overtheshoulder.co.uk/2024/10/25/woman-of-the-hour-when-the-dating-game-becomes-a-matter-of-life-and-death/

1)The Wild Robot: I didn’t think an animated family friendly movie would be in my article but this one I couldn’t leave out. A Robot named Roz must learn to adapt to new surroundings, build new relationships with other animals and develop a parental bond with an orphaned gosling. This story touches on profound themes of community, belonging and it does it with grace. It also has stunning visuals, and the cast were superb, especially given they were alone in the voice booth when performing.

Hope you found these choices fun. Here is to 2025, and I hope we can continue our journey together next year, celebrating the world of movie magic.

Cheers. 

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