So this isn't a list of movies that released in 2024 but its from the movies I watched in 2024. I think 2 years is definitely a golden milestone for new mothers, my viewing list jumped tenfold latter half of last year.
1. Family star - So let me start with this absolute mess of a movie. It surprised the hell out of me because after watching the 2.5 hours of so many faces, locations and songs, I sat and wondered. I wondered if there is a single moment in the movie that can shine. I am not looking for an entire scene, just a shot or may be a small micro expression from an actor or something. Like give me anything. Nope, not a single second of those 157 minutes. How did they manage that colossal waste? It reminded me of this old Telugu movie joke where a reluctant job applicant was asked to spell coffee by the interviewer who already decided to hire him and the applicant answers 'KAUPHY'. The interviewer is stunned to see that he answered in a way that not even one letter is matching.
2. Dune 2 - OK, the online film reviewers need to chill. I know movies are their passion but the reviews cannot be that always. Their love and hatred are equally scary. So I got so excited for Dune 2 because of the rave reviews that I watched Dune and then booked tickets in 4D. The first film and Timothy showed promise but didnt overwhelm me. The last desert climax was wonderful. So, the expectations were high. Boy, this one was OK. I dont know if anyone agrees with me but it was just OK. Timothy is consistent in acting. He seems the same as in 'The Little Women'. Zendaya was average at her best. Visuals and background score definitely impressive but they fall short of the praise they received. Is the bar this low now? Like did everyone decide and shift the bar, like insider knowledge? Where can I find out? Am I missing something?
3. La La Land - I know this is from 2016. As I said I was catching up. I have deliberately avoided this one, though its from Romance genre, a musical, an Oscar film and starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. I can go on. But I heard it has a tragic ending which made me postpone watching it indefinitely. So I watched it couple of weeks back and it confused me every ten minutes as I was waiting for the magic. Here, it would come, no may be here. And it never came. Dialogues, Music, Plot, nothing had a soul. I admit the cinematography is excellent. No complaints for Emma Stone's acting, she did justice for the character she was served. Ryan Gosling on the other hand was definitely shining more in Barbie compared to this one. It shocks me to think this was lauded and awarded and celebrated. Why? Even the most anticipated dance number with the leads was forgettable. I have watched the inspired one in Thiru which was far excellent with chemistry and life and what not. If you want me to feel nostalgic, just one reference to Casablanca isn't enough. If you want to show two passionate people, only one guy wearing his heart on the sleeve and raving about jazz isn't enough.
4. Gone With The Wind - Remember when we didn't know the running time of movies as there was no internet and we just went to the theatre not knowing exactly when we will come out. With reels and stories, I know my attention span reduced drastically. So when I looked at the running time of this movie, which is 4 hours, I was sure it would take me a week to complete this one. But I binged it, not even like Emily in Paris or Bridgerton where I skip a lot. But like 'Never Have I ever' with the whole thing. I had to take breaks with the kid and all but still done in half a day. So much is packed in the 4 hours that there isn't a single boring moment. And Vivien Leigh was a star, a real star. She shines so brightly and has a wonderful screen presence, you cant take eyes off her. For people who are trying to be politically right, this isn't easy to digest. Its from a bygone era, have to keep that in mind.
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