RJ Writing Ink’s Picks for the Best Movies of 2024
The year 2024 is almost in the books, and what a good year it has been for the movie industry. From adapting one of the greatest sci-fi novels of all time to the long-awaited sequel to a hit film from the 80s, there was no shortage of good movies to see in theaters. With the year all but wrapped up and everyone settling in for the holidays, now is the perfect time to look back on the best that cinema has to offer this year. I’m RJ Writing Ink for The Game of Nerds, and here are my picks for the best movies of 2024.
Dune, Part Two
Starting off our list, we have the second half of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune. After his father was murdered by the Emperor and the Harkonnen’s, Paul Atreides and his mother are forced to live with the Fremen people of Arrakis to survive. Whereas the first film showed the betrayal and fall of House Atreides, this film is about how Paul rises to power as leader of the Fremen, launching a bloody war to retake Dune from its oppressors.
While it doesn’t remain wholly faithful to the book and changes some key things with certain characters, Dune: Part Two remains an absolutely phenomenal movie. Everything that made the first part great gets cranked up to eleven in this film. Despite many considering Dune to be impossible to perfectly adapt, Denis Villeneuve came closer than anyone ever has.
Deadpool and Wolverine
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Ask anyone this time last year if seeing Deadpool using a dead man’s skeleton to kill a bunch of soldiers while dancing to “Bye Bye Bye,” they’d think you’re crazy. But that was only the opening minutes to this absolutely insane team-up between Deadpool and Wolverine. When Deadpool’s reality is threatened with being erased from the MCU multiverse, he drags a version of Wolverine on a quest to save his home. And also make every fan of the X-Men happy beyond measure.
Where do we even start with how amazing this movie is? Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman bringing Deadpool and Wolverine and thus the X-Men films, into the MCU proper? All the memes that the film inspired? The fact that it’s a swan song and love letter to the Fox era of Marvel films? The answer is all of the above. If this movie doesn’t win anything at the Oscars, it will be a crime.
Inside Out 2
Nine years after the first movie came out, Pixar continues the story of Riley and her emotions with Inside Out 2. Now entering puberty, the Emotions in Riley’s head find everything they know upended by the arrival of even more Emotions, led by Anxiety. When Anxiety usurps control of Riley’s mind in a misguided attempt to better herself, Joy and the others have to make their way back to try and set things right.
Pixar struck gold with this juggernaut of a movie. Seeing the impact that Anxiety had on Riley struck a chord with the audience, with many calling the anxiety attack she goes through during the climax to be a tearfully realistic depiction of what it’s actually like to experience it. Inside Out 2 has not only become Pixar’s highest grossing film and the highest grossing film of the year. It’s become the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
The Wild Robot
Speaking of epic animated films, Dreamworks also struck gold this year with their animated adaptation of the book The Wild Robot. When a robot named ROZ finds herself stranded on an island populated by only animals, she struggles to find purpose. It’s only when she becomes the adoptive mother to an orphaned gosling that she begins to break out of her programming and truly become her own person.
This film is Dreamworks magnum opus, no question about it. The stunning visuals, the superb voice acting, the poignant storytelling. Despite its main characters being a robot and animals, The Wild Robot is a thoughtful look at what it means to be human and the importance of the bonds we forge. If you haven’t seen it yet, go rent it the first chance you get.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
It took thirty-six years, but the juice is back, and as crazy as ever. It’s been decades since Beetlejuice first menaced the Deetz family, and the trauma of what happened, combined with the loss of her husband, has left Lydia estranged from her daughter, Astrid. But when Astrid is tricked into entering the Netherworld, she has no choice but to turn to Beetlejuice to help get her back. And that’s only the basic plot of the film.
Fans waited decades to see the return of Beetlejuice, with it looking like it may never happen. Once it does, though, it becomes clear that Michael Keaton hasn’t lost his touch as the Ghost with the Most. While there are elements of the plot that were unnecessary at times, Tim Burton’s sequel to the film that became his big break is still a fun watch. If only because it gives us an excuse to see Beetlejuice being his creepy self!
Gladiator II
Another film that fans waited decades for, Gladiator II is the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s historical epic of revenge. Years since the death of Maximus, Lucilla’s son, Lucius, is now living a peaceful life in North Africa. However, that peace is shattered when the Romans invade his adoptive home and kill his wife. As a result, Lucius winds up going down the same path of revenge as Maximus did before him.
Fans have been wanting a sequel to Gladiator for years now, but what we got was a mixed bag. On the one hand, the film ups the action and spectacle. On the other hand, some critics and viewers feel like it’s simply remixing the plot of the first film too much. It should also be pointed out that while the first film had some basis in historical accuracy, there still wasn’t a secret plan to restore the long-dead Roman Republic. Not to mention the climatic battle at the end feels very underwhelming compared to the original film.
Wicked
At long last, the Witch of the West is getting her due. Based on the Broadway musical that’s based on the book of the same name, Wicked tells the origin stories of Elphaba and Glinda, the future Witches of the West and the North. Meeting at university and forced to become roommates, the two form an unlikely friendship, only to be cruelly forced apart as they take different paths in life. Elphaba would become the ultimate rebel against the corrupt regime that runs Oz, while Glinda is forced to become a part of it because she’s too afraid to follow her friend.
Like the Broadway Musical its adapting, Wicked has become a massive success. With the additional runtime and budget befitting its movie status, the film manages to bring the world of Oz to life in a way that few thought possible. The musical numbers are superbly choreographed, the sets are breathtaking, and the actors are giving it their all in their performances. In addition, recent events have made the film a refuge for those weary of what’s happening in the world of politics. Some even see that the story’s message of defying tyranny and being yourself to be more important than ever. One thing’s for sure, though: Wicked is going to be a major contender for next year’s award season.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Rounding out our list, we have the video game movie that fans have been waiting for years to see, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In the film, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles fight the powerful Shadow, an alien Hedgehog who’s just as fast and powerful as Sonic is. Already outmatched by the vengeful Hedgehog, things get even more complicated when Dr. Eggman returns alongside his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik to cause even more mayhem. With the fate of the entire world at stake, Sonic finds himself being pushed to his limits as he threatens to go down the same path that Shadow did.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is still out in theaters, but it’s already cemented itself as one of the year’s best movies. The largely faithful adaptation of Sonic Adventure 2, the return of Jim Carrey as both Robotniks, Keanu Reeves as Shadow, and the grand scale make it the movie Sonic fans have always wanted to see. It’s pretty much Christmas coming early for Sonic fans, and one of the best movies of the year.
