We are over halfway through 2024. My top 5 favourite films of the year so far (in alphabetical order):
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Those with BBC iPlayer (or whichever catch up service you have), you should watch the Paris Olympic opening ceremony. It is sensational! As I watched the first two hours live, I was blown away. Original, imaginative, artistic, progressive, ambitious, dazzling. What a clever and exhilarating showcase of Paris, and France’s contribution to world culture. 
 TWISTERS ★½☆☆☆ A blockbuster of ham-fisted set pieces. The story touches on climate change and post-disaster exploitation, but does too little with either. An annoying combo of histrionic urgency, and painfully tinny dialogue and characterisation.   NEVER LOOK AWAY ★★★★☆ Actor Lucy Lawless' feature directorial debut. A moving and inspiring documentary about war camera-person Margaret Moth. Moth is shown in heartbreaking fashion to combine bravery, confidence, determination, and expertise. Journalists can be heroes; Moth epitomises this. NEVER LOOK AWAY would make a gripping double bill with Alex Garland’s CIVIL WAR.  GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS ★★★★☆ The truncated aspect ratio is usually grating. Is rare for me to think films benefit from it. This is an exception. The drama is so gripping as to forget about the hemmed in screen, while also adding to the tension and claustrophobia. A consummately acted coming-of-age movie from India.  HANDLING THE UNDEAD ★½☆☆☆ Lumbering Scandi arthouse zombie horror. Derivative. Monotonous. Lethargic. Adapted from a novel by the same author as LET THE RIGHT ONE IN - read that instead of watching this. There was the potential to make this a thoughtful study of grief.  I SAW THE TV GLOW ★½☆☆☆ Kept waiting for this to ramp up. It never does. A tedious nod to BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THE MATRIX, etc. Fans of David Lynch’s storytelling style, this is for you. Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine are not utilised. There are hints of humour and intrigue, but go nowhere.  KNEECAP ★★★★★ My favourite film of 2024 so far. PINEAPPLE EXPRESS meets 8 MILE meets BRAVEHEART. About Irish language rappers, this is a heady mix of unrestrained energy, hilarity, and politics. If TRAINSPOTTING was about colonialism, you’d get close to what this is like. Out next month. My review, click here.  MY OLD ASS ★★★★☆ The lead is about to head to university, but encounters her older self (Aubrey Plaza). A lovely comedy, with a winning mixture of deftly handled laughs, romance, charm, and emotion. My review, click here.  DIDI ★★★★☆ A growing pains movie evolving from the funny to the cringe to the poignant. The lead manufactures awkwardness on an industrial scale. The performances are universally top-tier. A film full of empathy, compassion, and amusement. My review, click here.  |
This website is written by Hemanth Kissoon.
Filmaluation is dedicated to arts culture, with a particular focus on film. I care about intelligence, quality and entertainment. Need some movie and TV show recommendations? See the drop down to the right of the Home tab. Enjoy. The vital ambitions of art and entertainment: - Perceptiveness - Illumination - The unexpected - Innovation Brains and soul are key; but adrenaline junkies do not fret, there is also much love for an experience that delivers a sucker-punch to the guts via stunningly delivered thrills. Noun, “filmaluation”: The evaluation of a film Verb, "to filmaluate”: To evaluate a film I am well aware how difficult it is to make a film, put on a stage play, create a television show, write a novel, let alone make something of note. (That appreciation doesn’t stop me from having high standards though.) This online magazine is edited by Hemanth Kissoon. Filmaluation is owned by Filmaluation Limited (Company number 8549302. Registered in England and Wales) Archives
September 2024
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