December 28th 2024.
As we bid farewell to 2024, it feels like the right time to acknowledge that not all of our movie experiences this year fit into the typical "best-of" list. In fact, we'll even take a look at the worst movies of the year, guaranteed to undo any good karma we may have accumulated. So, goodbye 2024. And a special shout-out to all the hardworking cinema workers, archivists, educators, theater managers, and projectionists in Chicago. Let's also not forget the venues that serve real butter on their popcorn, not the kind that tastes like it came out of an Amazon packaging envelope.
One of my most memorable screenings of 2024 was "The Art of the Benshi" at the Gene Siskel Film Center in April. It was a series of programs featuring Japanese silent films presented in the nearly lost art form of the benshi, where live performers stood by the screen, providing vocal characterizations and historical context. The experience was a unique blend of cinema and live theater, accompanied by a talented quartet of musicians. The Chicago run sold out quickly, but I was lucky enough to catch it at the Brooklyn Academy of Music during one of its four US tour stops.
Speaking of unique performances, let's give a round of applause to Dick Van Dyke, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and director Spike Jonze. By now, you've probably seen the heartwarming music video featuring the 98-year-old Van Dyke dancing to Martin's "All My Love." This tribute to the beloved American entertainer and Danville, Illinois native came at a time when our hearts needed it most in 2024.
On a lighter note, I finally discovered the comedic genius of Elle Cordova this year. Her short-form videos featuring unlikely subjects such as Mother Nature being interviewed on a podcast and dinosaurs in their final moments on Earth have been circulating on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for years. And let's not forget her clever and imaginative songs, created with collaborator Toni Lindgren, featured on five albums to date. It's never too late to appreciate the younger generation's humor, and Cordova's content is proof of that.
Now, let's get to the not-so-great films of 2024, in alphabetical order, of course. "Argylle" was a frantic and overly complicated action film that failed to impress. "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" had a redeeming moment at the end, but otherwise, it couldn't make up for the other 111 minutes. The nostalgia-fueled sequel "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" fell flat, and "Deadpool & Wolverine" was a disappointment compared to its predecessors. While the chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman was still there, the movie relied too heavily on fan service.
"Kinds of Kindness" was a dull miss from director Yorgos Lanthimos, following his previous successes. "IF" was overly saccharine and lacked any real depth, and "Red One" suffered from a lackluster script. Even the star power of Demi Moore couldn't save "The Substance" from being a cliché and predictable film. However, I will give credit to writer-director Coralie Fargeat for the intense and prolonged final bloodbath scene.
And there you have it, the best and worst of 2024 in the film industry. Despite some disappointments, the industry remains resilient, and we can only hope for better movies in the years to come. Michael Phillips, Tribune critic, signing off.
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