The Porter Report: 2024 Year End Special

Hello, everyone. Welcome to The Porter Report Year-End Special. Though it might be hard to believe, we are just mere hours away from the end of 2024. So much has happened over these 12 months, but now is the time to look forward to what is on the horizon for 2025. But before we do that, I feel that it is appropriate to reflect on the year that was, specifically the year in film. It’s no secret that this was an eventful year at the movies. Many of you will have your own standout cinematic moments spanning multiple films but the main takeaway that connects us is finding joy in experiencing these stories. With that in mind, I wanted to take this opportunity to close the book in 2024 by celebrating my favorite films from this year. Let’s begin this 2024 epilogue in our annual wrap-up featuring my top 5 films of the year. 

Top Takeaways from 2024

After a tumultuous 2023 that saw box office revenue take a significant hit thanks to the writer and actor strikes, 2024 saw an important bounce back. Several movies reached high financial marks, resulting in the industry’s most profitable year in a while. This is a welcome sign for the theater industry, which continues to want to entice viewers to invest in the theatrical experience. It’s a small step but progress nonetheless. 

 

The horror genre had one of the best years in recent memory. Several of the year’s most talked-about films thrilled audiences as the genre saw blockbuster numbers and quality content across the board. From the intergalactic mayhem of Alien Romulus to the bone-chilling, psychological terror of Smile 2 to the gothic eroticism of Nosferatu, Horror fans had a lot to be grateful for in these past 365 days.

While Marvel and DC prep for a resurgent return to form next year, 2024 saw the conclusion of several eras of blockbuster filmmaking that will be more remembered for their shortcomings than their triumphs. Sony closed the book on its Spider-Manless Shared Universe with Venom The Last Dance, Madame Web, and Kraven The Hunter with the latter 2 guaranteed to be a blemish on the 2024 cinematic slate. As for DC, the sequel to the controversial 2019 crime thriller Joker ended the pre-James Gunn DC era with a loud thud in a follow-up that is a mixture of false advertisement and false promises. While the future is looking bright for both Marvel and Sony, 2024 will definitely be one to forget in terms of cinematic installments involving comic heroes and villains. 

Two films that captivated audiences this year showed the industry what a large-scale cinematic event can look like with the right people in place. The crazy part is that they’re about as different as you can get. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part 2 set a crazy high bar for all the following films thanks to its stellar cinematography, action set pieces, and vastness of the world it brought to life. Jon M. Chu brought a similar gravitas to Wicked behind some of the most stellar practical set designs seen this year coupled with cinematography and choreography that truly immersed audiences within the world of OZ. Both of these movies are textbook examples of what having the right talent in front of and behind the camera can do for the art of visual storytelling as a whole.

Before I reveal my top picks, I always want to make an effort to do a runner-up list proceeding with it. These movies didn’t quite make the top five but I still wanted to give them their flowers and acknowledge them for being among some of the year’s most entertaining films. Keep in mind my selections for the runner-up list do not diminish the enjoyment you got watching any of these movies if you saw them. These are just films that I still consider good, just not quite as good as my top picks. So, with that all said, let’s give appreciation to these flicks before we get into the main players. 

Here is The Porter Report runner-up list for 2024.

In an industry that is ripe with individuals who seem to diminish the importance of the hard-working people behind the scenes, it is wonderful to know that a simple action rom-com reminds us that they are just as important as the ones who speak the lines. The Fall Guy was a funny and hilariously heartfelt love letter to the art of blockbuster filmmaking in addition to delivering the top-notch stunt work and action that Leitch is known for. A movie that sets out to entertain audiences while making it its mission to honor those who put their lives on the line to create the “wow” moments on screen 

In a film that delivered loud thrills and quiet chills, A Quiet Place Day One really does a fantastic job at expanding the world while still managing to create engagingly relatable characters. For a film about deadly alien monsters, the Quiet Place series is a collection of wonderfully crafted drama thrillers about the power of genuine human connection. Day One is no different as the tandem of Lupita N’yongo and Joseph Quinn bring an emotional groundedness to the chaotic surroundings on screen. The series continues to move in the right direction as it slowly becomes one of Hollywood’s most consistent gems of the sci-fi survival genre.

Though many people could have predicted the cultural impact of the first R-rated MCU film, not many were prepared for the lunacy-laced chaos that unfolded in Deadpool and Wolverine. For fans of Marvel and the X-Men franchise, this was the team-up that many fans have been waiting for since the announcement of the X-Men’s inevitable arrival in the MCU. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are a foul-mouthed and blood-laced match made in heaven in a film that is crawling with cheer-inducing cameos, sharp-tongued humor, and some of the most brutal violence that the Marvel heroverse has ever seen. Do I feel some are overpraising it at times due to the jaded and cynical viewpoints of the current state of the MCU? Yes. Is it still one of the most deliriously fun and entertaining entries in the Multiverse Saga? Also YES!! Not devoid of heart, the team-up of the Merc With The Mouth and Weapon X is the ultimate gift for the heroverse and a much-needed shot in the arm as we head toward the culmination of this new batch of phases

The cinematic portfolio of Transformers films has really been a see saw amongst critics and fans for over a decade now. But recent releases show there is still a spark of hope for the robots in disguise. Transformers One delivers the cinematic scale story that fans have been begging for. Focusing solely on the bots this time around, Transformers One delivered the vibrancy of the cartoon of old while telling a story of how one goes about changing their world. The film does an incredible job of adding incredible depth and context to Megatron’s character while also reminding us why we love Optimus as a character so much. The film definitely deserved more love than it received and if this film is any indication, the Transformers films in the hands of the right storytellers can show that stories about the Autobots and Decepticons can be more than meets the eye.

There is no doubt a stigma when it comes to Disney’s live-action adaptations of their classic films. The live-action adaptation of The Lion King drew significant criticism for playing it very safe and being a retread of the iconic moments of the series but with a different skin. Mufasa The Lion King benefits from a semi-blank canvas as it tells a new story within the mythology. The visuals are just as incredible as the 2019 predecessor but its narrative offers more in terms of adding context to the world and characters that reside within it. One has to think about what the reception would be like if this film had come out 5 years ago as opposed to the remake. Regardless, this does rank as one of the better Disney live-action films for me and is a solid addition to the beloved franchise whose characters and messages continue to captivate 3 decades later.

Despite these movies not making my top five of the year, I still got so much enjoyment out of these movies and I hope you did too if you made time to see them. But now, the time has come to reveal the 5 best movies of the year. My picks for my top 5 will potentially be vastly different from yours and that is to be expected. Celebrated even. Remember, the main purpose of this is to spotlight the films that we all enjoyed in 2024. Celebrate what you love regardless of what anyone says. And now, without any further delay its time to see what my best cinematic experiences of the past 365 were. Ladies and gentlemen,... 

Long Live The Fighters

If I'm being honest, the second chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Hubert’s novel had a tall hill to climb given how unimpressed I was with the preceding chapter 3 years prior. Thankfully, Dune Part 2 delivered exactly what was needed as it ramped up the action, stakes, the development of its characters, and further expanded this universe’s deep and thought-provoking mythos. The pointed commentary about the dangers of religious weaponization and the fixation on prophecy at the cost of free will made each set piece both intensely powerful and hauntingly foreboding, especially concerning where the story could potentially lead in the inevitable next chapter. The immensely staked cast of talent was strong throughout with Timothee Chalmet cementing himself as one of the industry’s most talented leading men while Zendaya captivated audiences in her own right in her expanded role as Chani. The film truly showed that this franchise is worth getting lost in, with many, including myself, regarding this film as one of the best sequels ever produced. We very well may be witnessing one of the great modern sci-fi epics thus making the second half of this cinematic adaptation of Hubert's acclaimed work of sci-fi one of the year's top-tier cinematic ventures.

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A Wonderful Day

It truly is remarkable that a 50-plus-year-old film series that predates some of today's modern franchises can still manage to be relevant in the current cinematic landscape. The 2010 Planet of The Apes trilogy was a gem of cinematic excellence as they pushed the boundaries of performance capture technology while delivering a compelling story and beloved characters that feel real in their arcs and on screen. Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes continues the franchise’s stellar track record of nuanced characters, incredible visuals, and a simplisticly effective narrative that breathes life into its on-screen setting and digital players. Director Wes Ball leads the cast of fully fleshed-out characters whose decisions and circumstances drive the action and further reveal the morally grey layers of this world that set up intriguing trajectories for this new section of the timeline. So much can be said about what the art of performance capture and visual storytelling done right can do for the enhancement of immersion as the latest installment of this sci-fi franchise continues to honor the past while looking toward a bright future.  

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Sense of Self

Ever since the release of the first film in 2015, the world of Inside Out has resonated with so many fans for its incredible characters and poignant commentary on the emotional pitfalls of growing up. Inside Out 2 ups the ante by adding new obstacles for Riley and her emotions to overcome as they grapple with the realities of puberty and teenhood. The returning cast of characters Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust all made spirited returns, with each of them displaying refreshing layers of newfound depth. Additionally, the newer emotions add a humorous and at times all too relatable level of mayhem to the narrative with the skittishly chaotic Anxiety being the obvious standout. Like its beloved predecessor, Inside Out 2’s vibrant visuals and quick-witted humor are coupled with a thematic framework that brings thought-provoking nuance to the world on screen. So much of the film touches on the themes of doubt, fear of the unknown, and the realization that you are more than just one thing. All in all delivering an all too timely message explaining that while you can’t stop some emotions from being there, it’s vital that you make sure that some of them never take the “controls”. This movie lovingly captured the hearts and minds of everyone making it no surprise that the second trip inside the mind of Riley is one of 2024's most joyful cinematic outings.

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Call Me ROZ

I honestly can’t say enough about what an emotionally jubilant experience was to see what I can only describe as one of the greatest examples of artistry in motion. Dreamworks’ talented pioneers have delivered iconic cinematic stories throughout its 30-year history. But their latest contribution, The Wild Robot, is truly something special in ways that have to be seen firsthand. Director Chris Sanders and his team spared no expense when it came to creating a film that feels like an immaculate canvas come to life from the first shot to the last. Add on to the fact that the voice cast features a plethora of top-tier performances from talent such as Pedro Pascal, Cathrine O'Hara, and newcomer Kit Connor all while the film’s leading lady Lupiuta Nyong’o becomes a vocal revelation as ROZ. All the boxes were checked as this film became a must-watch for those who relish in the art of visual vibrancy and emotional nuance. One simply cannot deny the incredible impact of one lost android's unforgettable journey making Dreamworks' latest masterpiece one of the year’s best displays of animated storytelling.  

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Unlimited

Crafting a film adaptation of a Broadway production is a tall task for anyone to undertake. Even more so for a production as beloved as the Untold Story of the Witches of Oz. It requires the right director and the right on-screen talent, all of whom have to understand the importance of the material in addition to having the passion to make sure they get it right. Thankfully, Wicked Part 1 has all that going for it and more. Director Jon M Chu delivers a masterclass adaptation of one of the crown jewels of Broadway behind top-notch cinematography, stellar production design, and unforgettable performances featuring acting moments that are emotionally engrossing and musical sequences that chill you to the bone. Ariana Grande’s hilariously chaotic energy makes her portrayal of Galinda a scene-stealer from start to finish, while Cynthia Erivo becomes a cinematic revelation as Elphaba in a star-making performance that cannot be missed. Every element worked for the good of the first half of this sprawling musical epic that leaves the audience salivating for next year's second chapter. With passion spanning every frame and a soul-lifting aura that bear hugs its audience, Wicked Part 1 ascends to cast a spell on the industry and quickly become one of the decades' best musical victory laps. 

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Let me just preface this by saying putting together a top five best films of the year list is never easy. This selection process was tough because so many films were worthy of a spot on the list, but only a select few could hold the title as the year’s best. I sincerely hope you got just as much enjoyment out of these films as I did if you saw them and even if you didn’t see them I pray that whatever movies you loved throughout the calendar year brought you joy in whatever form that takes.

Now the time has come to give YOU guys the chance to show some love to your favorites of the year. Post your top five best films of 2024 down in the comment section below. 

2024 was a great year at the movies and the best part we got another year of cinematic goodness on the horizon and it all begins in a matter of hours. I hope everyone has a safe and blessed New Year’s Eve and I’ll see you all in 2025!!!