It feels like it’s been a strange year for movies! It reminds me a little of what cinema was like for me in 2016. In 2016, there was a whole host of movies in the first six months, and then absolutely nothing worth seeing until the following November. In comparison this year has been relatively simillar in one respect (the top 3 on this list being released in the first six months), whilst in another respect, theres been quite a few to consider watching, but nothing that really shouted out (in a Jeremy Clarkson fashion) ‘WATCH THIS!’
That’s not to say there’s been nothing worth watching either, but we have somehow entered this state where some films barely get a week to be seen at the cinema, before being released on home media, or streaming services a few months later. Quite a few films that were released this year, that I did get to see, I actually saw at home during my Sunday movie watching; either via DVD, or via streaming services.
And then there was one or two that I didn’t get to see at all, that I genuinley wanted to watch, but didn’t; particularly Joker: Folie à Deux, but I had just returned from a holiday to Rotterdam, and was too tired to go see a movie. So yeah, it just feels weird and strange how the year has gone by for movies released this year.
But I do still have a Top 5 to share. Although this time around, I won’t be doing the list of others that were good enough for a mention, not because there weren’t any, but because there was only one other standout. I did see plenty of other major releases, but some were pretty disappointing (Deadpool & Wolverine, and The Boy and the Heron to name but 2). But anyway, that other noteworthy film was…Next Goal Wins!
And so without further ado, here are My Top 5 Favourite Films, that I saw at the Cinema (Films I watched at home on Sundays that got released this year may appear on my Sunday Movie Watching Top 10 in the next few days…stay tuned), in the Year historians will simply call 2024; Enjoy!
5. Kung Fu Panda 4 – Kicking off this year’s (that would have been a great opener if I chose Next Goal Wins instead of Kung Fu Panda 4) selection of good films, is this rather fun animated movie. I like the Kung Fu Panda films in general, as they are often very fun, but pack a great story, with some real heart-warming moments. This one though is a bit trickier to define than the previous three, due to the lack of Tigress, choosing to run with a new character, than continue the great development, as well as potentially awkward future relationship between a Tiger and a Giant Panda. Kung Fu Panda 4 though was still a fun, and frequently camp film, whilst featuring the magnificent return of Tai Lung, played by the always great quality Ian McShane!
4. Transformers One – Originally I wasn’t going to see this, as it looked a bit ridiculous; so I’m rather glad I changed my mind. Transformers One was a superb animated movie, with great animation, as well as a cool origins story, and some genuinley funny moments of comedy. The story is excellent, highlighting the story of how Optimus Prime and Megatron went from being two close friends, to mortal enemies, whilst also showcasing more of the world of the Transformers, that Michael Bay‘s series chose to hide. I know the likelihood of a sequel now seems likely impossible, but I hope the producers change their minds, as this definetely deserves one!
3. Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes – I had high hopes for this one going in, and thankfully, it did not disappoint. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a continuation of the last Planet of the Apes trilogy, and it was placed in the unenviable position of following on from War, which is the best one to date (in a series featuring a very long name title). Kingdom though is less concerned with trying to do better than War, and more about making both a good film, and starting a new series; which it does rather well. It features a cool new cast of characters, an excellent villain, and an interesting story; whilst also setting up a potentially terrific new trilogy of Apes based movies!
2. Monkey Man – Monkey Man is rather easy to sum up for someone who hasn’t watched it. Basically it’s John Wick, meets The Mask of Zorro, with hint of Icarus. It tells a modern day version of the story of Hanuman. Monkey Man is basically a film about a rogue martial artist, who becomes a modern day folklore legend, standing up for the downtrodden people of India, against the wealthy taking their land and homes for the purposes of profit. The film tells an intricate and precise story, as the legend of Hanuman awakens inside a young kid, who grows up, and uses his strength to fight back. It features some great chase scenes, as well as excellent fighting, and is a film that you will definetely want to see again, and again!
1. A Quiet Place: Day One – A Quiet Place: Day One tells the story of the first few days of when the world went quiet, following the appearance of Aliens that hunt with accute hearing (what sadly it doesn’t do is tell an origins story of the aliens themselves). Day One though tells a rather unique story though, of a terminally ill woman, who probably won’t get to see the end of the apocalypse. So instead the film tells the story of someone who is doing their best, just to try and live their last few days, how they want to. So even if the end of the world has come, you can still live life to the full. To this end we have this rather lovely story, with a such a happy ending for a film about the end of the world. Also there’s a wonderful Cat seen through the whole film, which gets bonus points for inclusion!
Things I Like 
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