Best Picture Power Rankings and the Winners and Losers of Movies in 2024. Plus: ‘Superman’ Is Here.
Dec 20, 2024
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Join film critic Joanna Robinson from The Ringer and visionary filmmaker RaMell Ross as they dive into the highs and lows of 2024's movie landscape. They discuss the buzz around the new 'Superman' and explore the unique style of Ross's 'Nickel Boys'. Robinson and Ross share insights on evolving film trends, the impact of adaptations, and the shifting dynamics of celebrity culture. Their engaging conversation also touches on personal artistic journeys and how sports influence storytelling, offering a refreshing take on the intersection of cinema and life.
The podcast reveals that the current film industry faces a mixed outlook, with significant disappointments alongside stronger upcoming releases.
A concerning trend is noted where high-grossing films primarily consist of sequels or prequels, stifling original storytelling in Hollywood.
There is optimism around anticipated films like James Gunn's 'Superman', highlighting the ongoing demand for innovation in the superhero genre.
The success of stars like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively underscores the critical role of star power in driving box office returns today.
Cultural narratives in films significantly impact representation, demonstrating cinema's power as a platform for political commentary and social change.
Deep dives
Hollywood Insider Conversations
The podcast highlights the insider discussions surrounding Hollywood dynamics, particularly focusing on the monetary factors and power shifts within the industry. Real Hollywood insiders share their perspectives on significant events, such as sudden cancellations of popular shows and the tumultuous state of various streaming platforms. These conversations reveal much about which studio presidents might be at risk of losing their positions and how current industry sentiments affect project sustainability. By shedding light on these topics, the episode provides a glimpse into the often opaque dealings that influence the entertainment landscape.
Health Benefits of Film Industry Trends
The episode raises important questions about the overall health of the film industry, particularly in the aftermath of strikes and box office fluctuations. Surprisingly, it notes that the box office only dipped around 10% from the previous year, suggesting that audiences continue to engage with cinema despite some major releases faltering. The connectivity of films that have unexpectedly succeeded, such as 'Inside Out 2', creates a narrative that cinema may still be flourishing in its own right, revealing a resilience in audience appetite for film. This juxtaposition of strong franchise performances against perceived cinematic downturns creates a tension worth exploring.
Franchise Film Evaluation
A significant point of discussion in the podcast is the performance of franchise films in the current landscape, noting a shift where only a few originals are achieving significant box office success. The analysis points to a concerning trend where a majority of high-grossing films are sequels or prequels, leading to a perceived stagnation in innovative filmmaking. Despite solid performances from these franchise-related films, the truth remains that the lack of originality may hinder the diversification of cinematic storytelling. By recognizing this pattern, the episode provokes thought on the future direction of film and the overall implications for creative risk-taking in Hollywood.
Hope for Upcoming Projects
Looking forward to future releases in 2025, the podcast showcases excitement over highly anticipated films, such as James Gunn's 'Superman', generating lively discussion about its potential impact on the superhero genre. The teaser captures the attention of the hosts, who express optimism and intrigue about how it might differ from prior iterations of the character. Mentioning a blend of nostalgic themes and a fresh visual approach, the conversation weaves between hopefulness and skepticism about the film's direction. This illustrates the community's ongoing investment in blockbuster storytelling while grappling with the demand for innovation.
Top Performers in the Film Year
The podcast also dives into the standout performers of the film year, singling out Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively for their success with 'Deadpool 3' and 'It Ends With Us', respectively. Their combined efforts not only highlight individual talent but also showcase the broader implications of star power in today's cinematic landscape. The episode reflects on how their careers have managed to thrive amidst industry turmoil, pointing to the lucrative nature of their projects and the strategic marketing surrounding them. Such insights underline the significance of actor influence in driving box office success and audience engagement.
Changing Dynamics of Awards Season
As the awards season approaches, the podcast contemplates the shifting perspectives around various films vying for top honors. It debates the potential for significant contenders like 'The Substance' and 'Dune Part 2' to secure nominations, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by newer releases. The need for films to resonate not just critically but also commercially emerges as crucial in determining their awards potential. This multifaceted discussion emphasizes the complexities of navigating awards season in an era where both audience preferences and industry politics play critical roles.
Cultural Commentary through Cinema
Many conversations throughout the podcast revolve around the impact of cultural narratives conveyed through film, especially regarding the representation of marginalized communities. The insights on how historical context and personal experiences shape the storytelling process make a strong case for the essential role of thoughtful filmmaking. By analyzing how these narratives speak to broader societal issues, the episode reinforces the idea that cinema is a powerful platform for political commentary and social change. Such discussions illuminate the responsibility that filmmakers might feel to represent their communities authentically and thoughtfully.
The Role of New Filmmakers
In the podcast, there's also a reflective discussion about the emergence of new filmmakers and their relationship with Hollywood traditions. Many of these creators grapple with the challenges of innovating within an established industry framework while trying to carve out their unique artistic voices. The conversation emphasizes the potential of fresh perspectives to invigorate cinematic storytelling, contrasting with the hesitance from studios to fully embrace untested ideas. It serves as a reminder of the dynamism in independent film and showcases the importance of supporting new narratives and voices within the industry.
Navigating Fan Expectations
Throughout the episode, the podcast delves into how filmmakers might navigate fan expectations while staying true to their creative visions. As movies increasingly find themselves under the spotlight of audience scrutiny and fervor, the conversations around popular franchises heighten the pressure to deliver. This dynamic creates a sense of tension as creatives aim to satisfy both loyal fans and new audiences without compromising their integrity. By highlighting the dual responsibilities filmmakers face, the episode crafts an enriching dialogue about balancing artistic freedom with audience anticipation.
Sean starts the episode with a monologue about the up-and-down state of the movie release calendar after a handful of extremely disappointing movies like ‘Kraven the Hunter,’ ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ and ‘Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim’ hit theaters recently, before they give way to stronger films like ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Nosferatu,’ ‘A Complete Unknown,’ ‘Babygirl,’ and more (1:00). Then, he’s joined by Joanna Robinson to talk about the winners and losers, broadly, of the year in movies (6:00). They then share their latest Best Picture power rankings (1:08:00). Finally, Sean is joined by ‘Nickel Boys’ director RaMell Ross to discuss the revolutionary style and vision of the film, adapting Colson Whitehead’s novel, his path to becoming an artist, and more (1:25:00).
