Adventure Movies of 2024
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*)
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*)