Adventure Movies of 2024
2024 Oscar Adventure Films
An overview of the dozen adventure films on the 2024 Oscar list and a look back at the best from 2023.
Barbie (2024.4, Terrific , Energy )
So far, at least, this is my favorite picture of the year. Full of sensory and storytelling delight. (5*)
Elemental (2024.14, Disappointing , Light )
Elemental is top-notch creative world building on top of a mundane story! (3*)
Godzilla Minus One (2024.29, Lots-of-fun Smash )
Godzilla Minus One is a monster movie but it is also a surprisingly good personal drama that tells us much about Japanese national character. (4*)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 (2024.33, Just Good, Jam Packed )
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 is a VFX masterpiece and the last in a trilogy of super-hero movies that are actually relatable and human scaled. Still, it isn’t as good as the last one.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2024.36, Creaky , Not Today)
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an attempt to recreate the feelings of the old franchise. But, without the Spielberg magic, it feels stale and old. (2.5*)
Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning (2024.30, Thrilling , A Blast)
Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning is an action-packed thriller with everything you’d expect from the IMF. It is also an endurance test of adrenaline production. (4*)
Napoleon (2024.32, Stunning , But Bad)
Napoleon is visually stunning but fails to tell an emotionally engaging and understandable story. (1.5*)
Nimona (2024.13, Good , Little-Known )
Nimona may not be the best in animation, but it tells an important message about gender identity. (3.5*)
Society of the Snow (2024.15, Uncomfortable , Value )
Society of the Snow is a very difficult film to watch, but it is probably an essential one. It effectively makes you ask what you would do when faced with these choices. (4.5*)
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse (2024.12, So-So , Hero )
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is a sequel and like the original, it isn’t for everyone. If you are into comic book action heroes go for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of other movies to see. (3*)
The Boy and the Heron (2024.28, Interesting , Spirit )
The Boy and the Heron is beautifully crafted, but the musings of a man contemplating the end of his life and what it means to him. Not for everybody. (3.5*)
The Creator (2024.31, Pale , Not Good )
The Creator is a disappointing science fiction movie that could have had a great story but instead gets lost in the special effects. (2.5*)