Going to the theaters has always been my favorite pastime, from childhood to now. There is something about the cool theater air and the staggered seats that can put my mind at ease, even if for just a couple of hours. Each time I watch something on the big screen, I walk out feeling renewed and in each movie I feel that there is a lesson or message for me to take away. No matter how small or big it is, it’s something I know that has me leaving changed forever.

This year, I’ll say my list of movies watched in theater is quite interesting. There are many movies I missed and some that just weren’t showing in the theaters near me. (can we change this please!) I thought I could start my very own tradition of going through all the movies I saw at the theaters (no streaming allowed in this list!) and share my thoughts. Again, these are not meant to be reviews, so please don’t be so mean! I don’t really want to do ratings so I think I’ll give each movie one of these : Must Watch, Watch if you want, You can skip. How does that sound?

The Boy and the Heron by Hayao Miyazaki

The first movie I saw in 2024 was The Boy and the Heron by Hayao Miyazaki. This film came out in December of 2023, but my sister and I went to see it in the new year. We were back home in Guam and rushed out the door to make our movie time after hastily deciding to go see it at one of the old theaters we frequented as children (a Regal located in Guam Premier Outlets). Visually, you already know it was stunning, but it was also so heartbreaking. It didn’t only explore themes of grief and a sense of maybe losing control, but the story also seemed to be about someone trying so hard to find himself in others and can’t. I don’t want to speculate, but this film really did feel like a portrayal of feeling defeat in trying to continue an art form in a way that only one person truly knows how. Maybe there is a lesson in trying to accept that art and storytelling changes overtime, but that doesn’t mean it will never be great again.

Must Watch (if you’re a Miyazaki fan or a fan of animated movies, if not then I don’t think this would be your speed)

Dune Part II Directed by Denis Villeneuve

I am a big sci-fi fan, so there was no way I was going to miss Dune 2, despite missing some movies in Jan/Feb due to traveling, and I am so glad I didn’t. I really love the world that was built in these Dune films and think the cast does a great job at melting into the story. (We can agree to disagree here, but you’re wrong and I still love you!) I’ll be honest, I loved this more than the first Dune and I think that’s really because I’m not the biggest fan of any type of origin story, although I know they’re a necessity. Alas, Dune 2 did not disappoint me and I am really excited to see the next installment. My favorite part is the battle between Paul Atreides and Feyd-Rautha. May thy knife chip and shatter.

Must Watch (please watch Dune Part I first, though.)

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Directed by Adam Wingard

If there is anything Godzilla, I’ll be there watching it. (Minus One is a must watch btw!). I always walk into these big films with a bit of hesitance because I know there is a level of cheesiness to them, but I’ve honestly really learned to love that in these movies (and you should too!) I always think of these movies as just a pure fun watch and a way to get lost into a world that is completely different from this current one. It’s so fun to see a big creature destroying cities and fighting with other creatures. Like, where else can you experience that but in a movie?! It was way better than I expected and again it’s Godzilla and Kong so I don’t know why I would have doubted it in the first place. Also, zilla is so cute and would soo be my bestie.

Watch if you want, because I’m aware not everyone is into Godzilla and Kong but it’s so fun!

Inside out 2 Directed by Kelsey Mann

I was really excited about this because Inside Out was so good, but this one was underwhelming to me. There were time when I wished that there was just a little bit more in terms of the dialogue and when playing with the animations. There were many many good moments and I still enjoyed the movie, but I didn’t think much of it again after this watch.

Watch if you want

Despicable Me 4 Directed by Chris Renaud

These movies are so much fun and really dynamic! It feels like there is always so much going on but the chaos doesn’t feel overwhelming and I think that’s why people love these films so much. The voice acting is always impeccable and I love that they still find fresh stories to keep this world alive. I don’t know if it’s the best in the series, but it’s definitely worth the watch if you’re into the franchise or animated films.

Watch (if you’re into animation)

Touch Directed by Baltasar Kormákur

I don’t even know what I can say about this film except that it was lovely. It’s a beautiful story with characters that feel really engaging and rounded. It was a touching story about love and did a nice job at working with the modern world but also the time period of their past. It’s a reminder to hold on to those that you love and never give up on them, but maybe even if you did lose them to time or circumstance… it’s not too late. There was also some moments that touched on language barriers that, to me, really enhanced this feeling of being connected through things other than spoken word. Whether it’s through cooking, physical intimacy, or a simple glance of the eyes you could still feel love and understanding with another. At least, that’s one take away I got from it. This is one I’ll have to rewatch and revisit in another post, but yes I really loved it overall.

Must Watch

Twisters Directed by Lee Issac Chung

If I’m completely honest, I scoffed at this trailer multiple times whenever its preview would come up. Every time I see one of these reboots or continuations of films from so long ago, I always think “who asked for this?” I still would love to see this myriad of reboots and IP movies to die to original screenplays, but I understand it’s the world we’re living in. So yes, I didn’t really want to watch this movie but was convinced and I’ll admit it was a fun watch. It really did exceed my expectations that weren’t so high. I will say some of the dialogue had me cringing in her seat and I still don’t fully know what “Ever since she was a child, she’s always loved weather” truly means, but it’s out there. I don’t know what the takeaway of this movie is. Perhaps chasing tornadoes will find you a conventionally hot guy to take along with you?

Watch If You Want

Deadpool and Wolverine Directed by Shawn Levy

I think if you’re into the Marvel universe than you’ll know that this was a highly anticipated film after many mediocre and maybe awful? things that have come out from Marvel as of recent years. I thought it was actually really thoughtfully done and you can tell that this was some what of a passion project for Ryan Reynolds. These superhero movies are always tough for me to talk about because I think you either fall on one side of : not caring at all or being a fan! I’m a fan of these things, because ,well, it’s fun to like things. However, I do think this is a movie that many people can like, because Deadpool seems to be one of those characters that can walk the line on either sides. To me this falls in between:

Must Watch & Watch If You Want

Trap by M. Night Shyamalan

This one has be so conflicted because I equally like it and think it’s really bad at the same time. I think Josh Hartnett did a great job and overall, to me, the story was well executed. The premise was also intriguing and it was an interesting watch. However, there was just something about this one that felt forced or not fully realized. I guess I just personally didn’t feel any heart in it from a writing or directing standpoint, but again this isn’t a review and i’m not qualified for that. It’s also always so hard for me to connect to films that use social media as a main point within it, but I know it’s something that I might have to adapt to as it’s forcing its way into everything.

Honestly, you can probably skip this one if it hasn’t interested you at all.

Didi by Sean Wang

I knew from the first time I saw the trailer for Didi that I needed to watch it! This really is the type of movie I love and that feels so full of soul. I know it’s not just me because I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and that is truly well deserved. There were a lot of elements in it that made me feel seen, as someone of the same age as the creator, growing up in a similar time. It really touches on that awkwardness you feel when you’re growing up and entering a new phase of life. In a way it felt truly like a reflection of my life, where I’ve been, and where I’m going. It also was filled with some humor and lots of love, which always makes a movie feel whole. From cringing to crying, this was definitely one of the top films of the year for me soooo, definitely, I say

Must Watch

Blink Twice Directed by Zoë Kravitz

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie, but it was a lot better than I expected. Visually, I think it turned out beautiful which is such a massive contrast to the content it explores. I’m sure this is intentional and something that felt like a success within the story. There was something about the movie, once it started, that felt predictable but I do think Zoë did a nice job at giving it its own kick and twist. I’m excited to see more from her, because it felt like a somewhat solid start in my eyes as someone who is unqualified but likes to watch things.

Watch If You Want, but be aware that this movie may be triggering so take care and maybe research before watching.

Megalopolis by Francis Ford Coppola

I know i’m going to get flamed for this and this is where I’m going to lose a lot of people, but I loved this movie! I know it’s been getting so much hate and that the overall consensus was that it was a mess, which I understand. However, I had such a great time watching it and something about it actually blew my mind. Everything about it just seemed so unexpected and fresh after seeing so many franchise films and movies with similar themes. I thought the comparison of ancient Rome to the current state of the U.S. was interesting and there was a lot in there to explore. It’s something I feel like I want to revisit and study more, because truly it was a mind fuck. Maybe it’s the idealist in me, but overall I really liked it and I think everyone should see it just for the experience alone.

Must Watch

Venom: The Last Dance Directed by Kelly Marcel (Spoiler!)

This one makes me so sad, but I was very underwhelmed by this one! I’m a fan of the Venom series and it’s sad that it had to end like this. Abruptly and somewhat soulless? The way that it ended just left me aching for something more. I mean what happened to the connection between Eddie and Venom at the end? Just for Venom to give his “life” for everyone and for Eddie to barely shed a tear? It felt like something was missing or something was rushed. I don’t know, but I wasn’t feeling how I should for this type of film that’s supposed to end a series of movies. I know Venom will be back in some capacity, but I thought this had such a strong first 2 films and this one just didn’t live up to the rest.

Must Watch if you’ve kept up with the series, if not, then Idk lol

Heretic Directed by Scott beck and Bryan Woods

I was genuinely intrigued when I saw the trailer to this film and unsure of where it would take us, so I walked in being pretty excited. I do think if you’re into these modern horrors and A24 in general, then this something up your alley. I think what really carried this movie for me was the acting and the characters of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), Sister Barnes(Sophie Thatcher), and Sister Paxton(Chloe East). I do feel like it would be nice to see that developed a little bit more. I mean they all feel like they have such interesting back stories that I would love to be able to delve into. Plus the actors did such an amazing job that selfishly would just like to see them in these roles again. I think this movie is for a specific set of people, so I say

Watch If You Want

Wicked Directed by Jon M. Chu

Look, I don’t have to say much about this movie because you’ve probably heard it more than enough. So yes. It is that good and if you’re a fan of musicals, broadway, and Wicked in general then you’ve probably already seen this movie. This really transformed what we already loved and brought us even further into the world. This is the type of fantastical thing that you can get lost into and melt your problems away for a little, but all the themes in this movie have you leaving with the idea that you can handle it all.

Must Watch and if you don’t like musicals then I guess you can skip but maybe don’t because maybe this one will make you like them? They’re not for everyone so I understand, but maybe?? try?? haha

Gladiator II Directed by Ridley Scott

It was not bad. To me, it just seemed like a copy and paste of Gladiator but with new people and way more flashy. I get the Paul Mescal hype and I do enjoy what Joseph Quinn brings to the screen, so it was enjoyable. It had all the elements of the first one, so it was sure to be good but felt all too familiar in my opinion.

Watch If You Want

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Directed by

Whyyyy are these movies so good? Maybe there is something in that we are all a bit too nostalgic when these things come out, but it sure is fun. It feels witty and there definitely is heart and soul that the cast & crew brings to it all that I think does shine through. This is just a fun one to throw into the mix, but I don’t have too much to say about it and obviously the lesson is that we always need a team to defeat the world from evil???

Watch If You Want

Nosferatu Directed by Robert Eggers

This might have been my most anticipated movie of the year and leave it to me to watch it on New Years Eve, at the very last minute. This movie was a lot of things, and I think I loved it. It was gruesome and slightly grotesque, but in a way where only Eggers knows how to make it beautiful and atmospheric. I like Lily-Rose Depp in general, but her performance in this really solidified her as a true artist on the screen, to me. One thing I will say, is that this film leaned so far into her appearing orgasmic for Nosferatu even at parts it felt almost unnecessary. However, I think the struggle of overcoming your darkness or succumbing to it is apparent and something all of us can relate to. Overall, I thought the picture was stunning and there were amazing performances all around, so I’d say.

Must Watch

If you happened upon this 2024 round up, thanks for reading! What did you watch in 2024 and your thoughts? I’d love to know if you agree/disagree with me here and I’d love for you to stick around for more movie-related content and soo much more beyond that too!