"Best & Worst Films of 2024" with Alexei Toliopoulos
Dec 25, 2024
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Comedian and film buff Alexei Toliopoulos, host of 'The Last Video Store,' joins to exchange spirited takes on 2024's best and worst films. The duo waxes nostalgic about classic and modern horror, debates underrated gems, and rips into overrated titles, including a misused Beatles song. They explore the themes of beauty and aging through a surreal lens, critique the adaptation of 'Wicked,' and shine a light on independent films like 'Bird Eater' that tackle toxic masculinity. It’s an entertaining dive into cinema's highs and lows!
The First Omen impresses as a horror prequel, utilizing tension-building craft to transcend typical genre limitations and engage audiences.
The Substance boldly explores beauty and addiction through a surreal narrative, prompting viewers to reflect on societal beauty norms and personal self-worth.
Civil War presents a dystopian vision of societal breakdown, emphasizing the universal consequences of factionalism without locking into explicit political narratives.
Deep dives
Underrated Horror: The First Omen
The First Omen is presented as a sleeper hit within the horror genre, surprising audiences with its quality amidst a market flooded with legacy sequels and remakes. This film, a prequel to a famed horror franchise, revolves around a young nun who experiences a terrifying event that connects her fate to that of an ancient evil. Unlike typical entries in the genre, it employs skilled craftsmanship and tension-building techniques that elevate its narrative beyond standard horror fare. As a directorial debut by Akasha Stevenson, the film showcases significant potential and invites viewers to appreciate its intricacies over more mainstream offerings.
The Substance: A Fearless Exploration
The Substance is described as a daring and surreal take on themes of beauty and addiction, focusing on a Hollywood starlet who undergoes a bizarre transformation via a neon green injection. This metamorphosis leads her to confront her perceptions of self-worth while navigating the extremes of beauty and the consequences of her newfound allure. The film cleverly uses its outrageous premise to delve deeper into addiction, exploring how the allure of an idealized self can lead to dangerous decisions. Audiences are invited to reflect on the cost of societal beauty standards and the lengths individuals go to maintain their self-image in a fast-paced lifestyle.
Civil War: A Bold Cinematic Statement
Civil War confronts the audience with stark imagery and thought-provoking themes, presenting a dystopian vision where American unity collapses amidst factionalism. The film eschews political partisanship, suggesting that civil war and societal disintegration are issues that can affect any nation without boxing itself into a specific political narrative. Through its powerful set pieces and gripping storytelling, the film aims to remind viewers that the decline of societal bonds is a universal concern. Critics may argue that its portrayal lacks depth, but many agree that its lack of explicit partisanship enhances its overall message, allowing various interpretations.
Bird Eater: A Fresh Take on Masculinity
Bird Eater is recognized for its unique storytelling, depicting a Bucks weekend getaway with a couple where the bride joins the traditionally male celebration. The film tackles themes of toxic masculinity in a nuanced manner, allowing viewers to engage with its narrative while reflecting on contemporary issues surrounding masculinity and societal expectations. It skillfully intertwines tension-building with intimate character moments, resulting in a fresh commentary on male dynamics. With strong performances and a solid directorial vision, the film stands out among recent Australian cinema, inviting audiences to appreciate its relevance and artistry.
Argyle: A Missed Opportunity
Argyle fails to impress with its convoluted plot and lack of coherent storytelling, frustrating viewers who expect a gripping spy thriller. The film revolves around an author whose pulp spy fiction oddly predicts real espionage events, leading to a series of questionable plot twists that defy logic. This narrative confusion ultimately detracts from character development and viewer engagement, leaving audiences feeling unsatisfied by the film's resolution. Despite its ambitious premise and promising cast, Argyle serves as a reminder that effective storytelling should prioritize internal consistency while likely disappointing many filmgoers.
It's one of the biggest weeks of the year at the box office. What's your most overrated and underrated movie of the year? Today, comedian and film buff Alexei Toliopoulos joins secret cinema nerd Josh Szeps to reveal which flicks to delight in and which to avoid. Plus, honourable mentions, the worst film of the year, and what to look out for from Hollywood in 2025. Merry Christmas, humans.
Check out Alexei’s podcast ‘The Last Video Store’ HERE
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