2024 showcased a mix of cinematic gems and misses. The hosts reflect on listener insights and highlight pivotal films like 'Inside Out 2' and 'Dune.' They explore emotional depth in performances, especially in horror, and share personal anecdotes from memorable screenings. A spirited debate arises over the impact of streaming versus theatrical releases, revealing frustrations and delights. The conversation wraps up with rankings of the year's top films, emphasizing the importance of originality amidst a landscape full of sequels.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast begins with a humorous discussion about the joy of meals, illustrating how simple pleasures like breakfast rank highly among the hosts' favorite moments of 2024.
The hosts engage with listener questions to highlight the diversity of films in 2024, emphasizing how audience favorites shape discussions around various cinematic genres and styles.
In analyzing the film industry's successes and failures, the hosts reflect on Disney's profitable year versus the struggles of other studios, underscoring changing audience preferences and the rise of independent cinema.
They discuss box office trends, noting how anticipated films sometimes underperform while others, like Inside Out 2, exceed expectations, hinting at a need for studios to adapt their strategies.
The hosts conclude with their personal picks for the year's top films, fostering lively debates that celebrate the artistic qualities seen in their favorites and anticipate future cinematic experiences.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Good Breakfast
The podcast opens with a lighthearted discussion about the significance of meals, specifically a recent fry-up enjoyed by the hosts. They humorously debate the merits of different sauces, with one of the hosts emphatically advocating for HP sauce over generic brands. This sets a playful tone for the episode as they reflect on how simple pleasures, like a good breakfast, rank among their favorite moments of 2024. Their banter seamlessly transitions into a deeper conversation about the podcast's focus on reviewing the year's highlights.
Listener Questions and Film Reviews
The hosts dive into listener questions to frame their discussion about the year's best films. They explore various genres and styles, highlighting listener favorites while discussing notable entries in cinema for 2024. The conversation shifts toward specific films, including the lighthearted Wallace and Gromit, catapulting discussions about animation and short films. Their insights reveal not only the breadth of their film consumption but also their enthusiasm for engaging with their audience's perspectives.
The State of the Film Industry
In examining the winners and losers of the film industry in 2024, the hosts dissect the varying success rates of studios and films. They highlight Disney's profitable year with major blockbusters like Deadpool and Wolverine, while noting the struggles of other studios such as Warner Bros. Their analysis underscores the shifting landscape of cinematic releases, pointing to a resurgence of independent films that garnered attention amidst the spectacle of major studio projects. This discussion highlights the diverse tastes of viewers and the implications for future film productions.
Box Office Trends and Surprises
The conversation shifts to box office statistics, revealing that several anticipated films did not perform as expected. The hosts discuss how well-known franchises like Despicable Me 4 failed to break the billion-dollar mark, surprising many after projecting high earnings. They note that Disney managed to triumph with Inside Out 2, which exceeded expectations and achieved impressive box office numbers. The hosts speculate on how these trends may shape the industry moving forward, emphasizing the need for studios to adapt to changing audience preferences.
Revisiting Personal Milestones
As they reflect on their own experiences in 2024, the hosts share personal anecdotes of stress and achievements, including new book releases. They touch on the balance between managing personal responsibilities and pursuing creative endeavors, illustrating how their careers have evolved throughout the year. One host discusses the challenges faced while writing and the emotional toll it can exert, adding a relatable dimension to their conversation. This segment serves as a candid moment, demonstrating their humanity amidst the film-related discussions.
Cinematic Experiences That Stand Out
The hosts reminisce about the most memorable cinematic experiences of the year, emphasizing the impact of collective viewing. They recount special screenings that stirred emotions among audiences, highlighting the significance of atmosphere during certain film showings. These moments capture the essence of cinematic storytelling, revealing how shared reactions can enhance the individual viewing experience. Their reflections celebrate the power of film as a communal art form, reinforcing its ability to forge connections.
The Impact of Streaming on Film Distribution
An exploration of the current landscape indicates a growing concern regarding the dominance of streaming services over traditional theatrical releases. The hosts discuss how films like The Beekeeper and others that received limited releases may have slipped under the radar despite potential quality. They express their frustration over missed opportunities for original films to gain traction and audience attention. This candid assessment raises critical questions about how films are marketed and distributed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Dissecting Cultural Commentary in Film
As part of their deeper analysis on the films of 2024, the hosts delve into the cultural commentary present in several recent releases. They examine how films address relevant social issues, particularly regarding representation and identity. Highlighting major films like American Fiction and Civil War, they articulate how cinema can reflect societal challenges. This critical reflection illustrates the power of storytelling as a tool for fostering discussions on important cultural themes.
Anticipating Future Cinematic Releases
The hosts conclude their review by looking ahead at anticipated future releases and what those could mean for the cinematic landscape. They express curiosity about how trends established in 2024 may carry over into 2025, signaling a shift towards new storytelling styles. The discussion explores the potential for original content and the responsibilities of filmmakers and studios to fulfill audience expectations. This forward-looking perspective offers hope for innovative narrative experiences in the coming year.
Top Films of the Year
Finally, the hosts reveal their top films of the year, leading to lively debates about their personal favorites and those they felt were overlooked. Each host presents their top picks, proudly sharing their reasons for selection. They discuss the artistic qualities demonstrated in their favorite films, showcasing their passionate responses to the cinema they experienced. The episode closes with excitement for the future of film and the adventures awaiting viewers in the months to come.
So, 2024: a year of cinematic highs, lows, and bits in the middle. And in the annual tradition that is our Review Of The Year podcast, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer drill deep into them all (time allowing, of course), answering questions from listeners on a vast array of topics, before running down Empire's Top 20 films of the year. It's a bumper-sized one, folks, just the thing to see you into 2025. Happy New Year to all our listeners — enjoy!
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