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Last week TV, this week movies. My choices for the Best Films of 2024 ... So Far lies within

I can guarantee that my film picks below are not as shocking as whatever Drive-Away Dolls’ Marian and Jamie have discovered in that briefcase. At least I hope not.

The year in film is off to a pretty good start. There have been a number of terrific films hitting cinemas and streaming with even more to come. Luca Guadagnino, Richard Linklater, Alex Garland, and Alice Rohrwacher are just a few of the names who have gifted us with new movies during the first six months of 2024.

If there is a genre that you adore, chances are excellent that you found something to make your heart sing. One thing that made me happy is having Josh O'Connor pop up in two flicks this spring. Another is the number of quality horror movies that have hit screens. The Watchers or The Strangers: Chapter One notwithstanding as I have yet to see either.

Below are my picks for the best films from the first half of the year. Take a look. Hope your faves made the list ... or that you discover some movies to check out!

Challengers

An immensely satisfying love triangle where each of the points has a real emotional stake in the romantic tennis match/power play they have been participating in for the past decade. Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor score as the trio of tennis players who have been intertwined since the night they met. Throw in a driving synth score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, plus inventive camera work by director Luca Guadagnino and you get a visceral experience that will have your adrenaline spiking like you just finished a set at Wimbledon.

Civil War

Alex Garland's latest has a strong whiff of prescience about it that makes the potent film harder to shake off months after an initial viewing. The band of journalists making their way from NYC to DC bear witness to a mélange of horrors, some of which have a more immediate impact. We're in the trenches with the core four of Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson: dynamic tour guides who navigate us through the front lines while keeping their eye on the prize — interviewing the President.

Drive-Away Dolls

Husband and wife duo Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke hit the gas on a hilarious crime caper that's one helluva ride. Lesbian pals Jamie and Marian (Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, both outstanding with amazing chemistry) hit the road for a fresh start, agreeing to deliver a car to Tallahassee, FL, only to have a pair of hapless goons on their tail for what's stored in the trunk of their ride. The trademark quirk and shady dealings notable in Coen's work with brother Joel are present and accounted for here to terrific effect. 

Dune: Part Two

The blockbuster sci-fi epic chronicles Paul Atreides further aligning himself with the Fremen rebels while attempting to understand his visions and quench his desire to avenge his family. Denis Villaneuve's second installment expands its focus to include more of the Harkonnen family, as well as introducing other high ranking clans and additional members of the Bene Gesserit. An intelligent script paired with arresting visuals and phenomenal performances assure the film's place as one of the best films of the decade — alongside Part One.

Heeeere’s Johnny! In a Violent Nature’s revived boogeyman can’t stop, won’t stop slaughtering anyone who gets in his way.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Though not an instant classic like Mad Max: Fury Road, this prequel is sensational in its own right. Anya Taylor-Joy assumes the title role from Charlize Theron and the transition is seamless. She’s formidable throughout, holding her own against Chris Hemsworth’s bumbling yet effective warlord, Dementus. With eye-popping stunts and gorgeous cinematography enhancing the satisfying origin story, franchise overlord George Miller proves there are still miles to go with him in the driver's seat.

Hit Man

Philosophy professor by day. Fake hitman for the police when he's not in class. Not only is Richard Linklater's latest based on a true story — the real Gary Johnson worked for the Houston police during the '80s and '90s — it’s also whip smart, charming and very funny. The insanely charismatic Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the script with Linklater, takes the lead and is surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast including Retta, Austin Amelio, Sanjay Rao, and Adria Arjona. Pair this with Linklater’s other true crime dark comedy, 2011's Bernie.

How To Have Sex

Three teenage girlfriends have an island adventure filled with drinking, dancing, and hooking up. Only what starts out as a fun summer getaway becomes a reality check for one of them. Writer-director Molly Manning Walker’s docufiction approach grounds the raw, emotional film while effectively placing the viewer alongside the girls. Mia McKenna-Bruce gives a knockout performance as Tara, who’s body language reveals more about her inner emotional life more than almost anything she says.

In a Violent Nature

Think Friday the 13th if it was experienced from Jason Voorhees’ POV and with the Calm app as its soundtrack. A necklace stolen from his final resting place awakens a vengeful spirit named Johnny, who will stop at nothing to take back what’s his. Brutal, tense, and with an emotional thrust that gives the proceedings an unexpected jolt of humanity. Writer-director Chris Nash delivers a killer slasher flick that surprises even while hitting the expected beats.

Undead and loving it: Lisa has found the reanimated paramour of her sweetest nightmares in Lisa Frankenstein.

Inside Out 2

Leave it to Pixar to craft a sequel that is just as engaging as the original. Riley’s life is going really well: she has two best friends and is a star player on the hockey team. So it’s only natural that puberty arrives in time to make things hella awkward. That goes double for the gang in charge of Riley’s emotional state — especially when Anxiety (Maya Hawke, the film’s MVP) and her crew show up and take over. While there is a bit of redundancy in relation to the first film, the honesty and relatability of the screenplay more than make up for it.

La Chimera

A sensational Josh O’Connor gives Lara Croft a run for her money as a tomb raider looking in all the wrong places for his own Chimera — something that is wished or hoped for yet impossible to achieve. For O’Connor’s Arthur, it’s his lost love Beniamina. Director Alice Rohrwacher, who also co-wrote the script, builds this world so fully and completely that you can feel the grit of the dirt that Arthur and his cohorts dig through inside the tombs as acutely as you can feel Arthur’s palpable grief.

Lisa Frankenstein

It's love at first (lightning) strike when a goth girl (a delightful Kathryn Newton) meets the undead guy of her dreams (Cole Sprouse, perfectly cast) in this glorious dark romcom. Zelda Williams makes an auspicious debut as her directorial sensibilities pair wonderfully with Diablo Cody's sweet yet spiky killer (pun intended) script. Shout out to the needle drops throughout that imbue the film with even more attitude. It’s Heathers meets Tim Burton. If that's your jam, then you are in for a bloody good time.

Love Lies Bleeding

Domestic abuse. Family secrets. Steroid use. An unexpected romance. When bodybuilder Jackie walks into the gym managed by Lou, neither woman is prepared for what happens next in this 1980s-set surreal neo noir. Electrifying turns from Katy O’Brian and Kristen Stewart make every one of their scenes crackle with undeniable power. Clint Mansell’s provocative score dazzles. With this sensational sophomore feature, director Rose Glass — she also co-wrote the screenplay — solidifies herself as a singular talent.

A Quiet Place: Day One

Writer-director Michael Sarnoski effectively mixes mounting tension and jump scares with well-earned character beats in this superb prequel. A nicely matched Lupita Nyong’o (in a bravura turn) and Joseph Quinn navigate through New York City at the start of the alien invasion. Spoiler (not!): They are upstaged by an adorable feline named Frodo, the emotional support animal of Nyong’o’s character. Huge props for bringing back Djimon Hounsou, whose character’s storyline was one of the best things about Part II.

Best of the Rest

Abigail; Babes; The Bikeriders; The First Omen; The Idea of You; Immaculate; Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes; Late Night With the Devil; Monkey Man; and Stopmotion.

The Josh O’Connor Appreciation Society is now in session. Enjoy this still from La Chimera with my compliments.

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