Key Takeaways:
- The year in moviegoing was marked by a mix of original films and adaptations, with "Sinners" being the only non-franchise film in the top 10 highest-grossing movies in the US.
- Several lesser-known films, such as "Bring Her Back", "Elio", and "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You", deserve attention for their unique storytelling and outstanding performances.
- Documentaries like "John Candy: I Like Me" and "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)" offer a glimpse into the lives of iconic figures and the music industry.
- Animated films like "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and "Elio" have become global sensations, with catchy soundtracks and engaging storylines.
- The year also saw the release of highly anticipated adaptations like "Wicked: For Good" and "One Battle After Another", which have sparked discussions and debates among audiences and critics.
Introduction to the Year in Moviegoing
The year in moviegoing can be summed up by the fact that "Sinners" is the only film in the top 10 highest-grossing movies in the US that isn’t based on existing IP or part of a popular franchise. This is a notable achievement, especially considering the dominance of franchise films in recent years. However, it’s not just "Sinners" that made an impact – several other original films, such as "Bring Her Back", "Elio", and "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You", have also garnered attention for their unique storytelling and outstanding performances.
Standout Films of the Year
One of the standout films of the year is "Bring Her Back", a Southern Gothic horror film that tells the story of a foster mom who summons a demon to bring her deceased daughter back to life. The film features a bone-chilling performance from Sally Hawkins and has been praised for its portrayal of grief and the all-consuming emotions that come with it. Another notable film is "Elio", a Pixar animated film that follows the story of an 11-year-old boy who becomes obsessed with life in outer space and gets abducted by aliens. The film has been praised for its smart and heartwarming storyline, as well as its relatable characters.
Documentaries and Music-Driven Films
The year also saw the release of several documentaries that offer a glimpse into the lives of iconic figures and the music industry. "John Candy: I Like Me" is a tear-jerker that paints a portrait of the hilarious and kind actor-comedian John Candy, while "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)" explores the life and legacy of Sly Stone, the frontman of Sly & The Family Stone. Another music-driven film is "Songs From The Hole", a documentary that tells the story of formerly incarcerated musician JJ’88 and his journey to forgiveness and redemption through music.
Animated Films and Adaptations
Animated films like "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and "Elio" have become global sensations, with catchy soundtracks and engaging storylines. "K-Pop Demon Hunters" follows the story of a K-pop supergroup that must protect their fans from a supernatural threat, while "Elio" tells the story of a young boy who becomes friends with an alien prince. The year also saw the release of highly anticipated adaptations like "Wicked: For Good" and "One Battle After Another", which have sparked discussions and debates among audiences and critics.
Horror and Thriller Films
The year also saw the release of several horror and thriller films that have left audiences on the edge of their seats. "Weapons" is a terrifying horror mystery that follows the story of a town where 17 elementary school children disappear, while "The Long Walk" is a gruesome adaptation of a Stephen King novel that follows a group of young men who are forced to participate in a deadly contest. Another notable horror film is "On Becoming A Guinea Fowl", a dark comedy that explores themes of grief, trauma, and identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the year in moviegoing has been marked by a mix of original films, adaptations, documentaries, and music-driven films. From the standout performances in "Bring Her Back" and "Elio" to the catchy soundtracks of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and "Elio", there’s something for everyone in this year’s crop of films. Whether you’re a fan of horror, comedy, or music, there’s a film out there that’s sure to captivate and entertain.