Through 2024, I kept track of what movies and TV shows I watched. For entertainment purposes, please enjoy my yearly review of media I consumed (yum yum). As a director, it's important to watch with a critical eye (as others will also watch my work with a critical eye). I am an optimist, so I do rate things rather high, but that doesn't mean I don't have opinions. This was a way to practice vocalizing my opinions through compassionate critique. Happy Reading! What were the movies you watched this year?
Avatar The Last Airbender | Live Action: RATED: PG
Maddie Rating: 6/10
"A young boy known as the Avatar must master the four elemental powers to save the world, and fight against an enemy bent on stopping him."I enjoyed it, but as it was so close to the original animated series, it made me want to watch that version again. This was one where expectations were high, so I applaud the creative team for what they did on this. Recreating a beloved show is difficult and my rating reflects that. The actor who played Zuko was a particular joy to watch as he balanced childhood angst, his self image issues, and the wish to be accepted very well in every scene - in a way the animation could not do.
Petit Maman: Rated: PG
Maddie Rating: 9/10
"Nelly has just lost her grandmother and is helping her parents clean out her mother's childhood home. She explores the house and the surrounding woods. One day she meets a girl her age building a tree-house." I have a soft spot for magical realism. It romanticizes the mother-daughter relationship, while also not being fluffy nor lacking serious plot points.
Move to Heaven: Rated: MA
Maddie Rating: 10/10
"Working as trauma cleaners, both Gu-ru and Sang-gu uncover various stories of the deceased while experiencing different emotions and sentiments toward life, death and family." This piece was very emotional, focusing on loss and the things we leave behind in death. Being very poetic, I was still surprised by the twists and turns of this piece.
BodiesBodiesBodies: Rated: R
Maddie's Rating: 9/10
"When a group of rich 20-somethings plan a hurricane party at a remote family mansion, a party game turns deadly." I loved this piece! It took a moment to get invested, but when the games began, I couldn't help but watch. The mystery was filled with paranoia and I equally gasped and laughed out loud throughout this campy, satirical, yet serious and surprising horror piece.
Theater Camp: Rated: PG-13
Maddie's Rating: 10/10
"The eccentric staff of a rundown theater camp in upstate New York must band together with the beloved founder's bro-y son to keep the camp afloat." I think this piece hits too close to home for any theater-person. I laughed, I cried, and the main theme is still stuck in my head. I would definitely say this is for adults who were theatre kids once upon a time.
Train to Busan: Rated: R
Maddie's Rating: 10/10
"While a zombie virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan." This is a layered piece of horror that you will be thinking about for the rest of your life. Stemming from the true history associated with the start of the Korean War, blended into a science fiction tale, this piece will haunt you for days to come. I gasped, I looked away, I said 'well, I didn't see that one coming,' and I cried.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Rated: PG-13
Maddie's Rating: 8/10
"Evelyn, an ordinary housewife, visits a nursing home and befriends the old lady Ninny. Together, they bond over stories from the past about two intrepid women of Whistle Stop Cafe." While I believe that you can tell this piece was made before the year 2000, I can see why this piece is powerful and important to queer cinematic history. I've had a few people tell me I look like Mary-Louise Parker in this film, and to be honest I can see it. It's odd to watch someone who looks so much like yourself. In regards to public acclaim, I can see how some brush this movie off and others find subtlety. However, I don't believe that it should be brushed aside, much like how modern-day hatred should not be brushed aside. There are themes of characters tackling racism, sexism, and homophobia. I think it's a good piece to reflect and unpack with our modern lens vs. the lens of the 1990s.
Jim Henson: Idea Man: Rating: PG
Maddie's Rating: 10/10
"This documentary features interviews of fans of Jim Henson's work, interspersed with footage from his works, including Wilkins and Wontkins Commercials, that were previously lost." An inspiration. A joy. As an artist, this piece will most likely make you want to create more and tell your story. It goes well with the documentary, 'Becoming Elmo.'
The Dark Crystal: Rating: PG
Maddie's Rating: 8.5/10
"On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and to restore order to his world." I feel like there was something in the 1980's psyche that lived to tell stories about gems sucking the life out of people. It happened in this AND Sailor Moon. I can see why 'The Labyrinth' was more successful and I can see how Jim Henson struggled with this piece, but I can also see how it has become a cult classic.
Queen Charlotte: Rating: MA
Maddie Rating: 10/10
"Betrothed against her will to King George, young Charlotte arrives in London on her wedding day and faces scrutiny from the monarch's cunning mother." I cried in the last scene. This piece was beautiful and deep. I enjoyed it a great deal. I feel like the throughline was strong, yet the plot was surprising.
Chidera: Rating: Not Rated
Maddie Rating: 9/10
"A coming of age story of a teenage girl bound from birth to a higher calling, but as the traditional ceremony looms she struggles to choose between her destiny and the freedom she yearns." A powerful piece about the black experience through a magical realism lens. I can see how this could become a feature film.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Rating: PG
Maddie Rating: 7/10
"Lloyd Vogel, a cynical journalist, gets acquainted with a kind-hearted television presenter, Fred Rogers, while writing an article on him. With time, the two strike an unlikely friendship." Some parts made me emotional, while other parts didn't quite sit well for me. Overall a very sweet feel-good piece while still taking into account the seriousness of the world. I think I should compare it with the documentary about Fred Rogers that I have yet to watch. I also understand that as a child who watched Mr. Rogers and as a Pittsburgh native, my bar was very high in a way that is difficult to reach.
If: Rating: PG
Maddie Rating: 8/10
"A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone's imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up." After thinking of my childhood and my aunt who recently passed away, this piece made me cry and feel many different emotions. In discussing this film with friends I noticed that it's difficult to scrutinize imaginary friends as we all create our own worlds as children. That makes it a difficult film to make! Understanding that, it is difficult for me to scrutinize this film. I would have designed some things differently, but that is simply a reflection of my childhood, my creativity, and my fears, hopes, and dreams as a young girl. So, I ask myself: is there a study about how we as humans form imaginary friends? How does our childhood creativity reflect our world? How do we create imaginary friends as we first learn how to identify ourselves? Do our imaginary friends begin our reach for parasocial relationships as adults? If there isn't a study, there should be! This piece made me think about all of this.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo: Rated: TV-14
Maddie Rating: 10/10
"Follows the brilliant attorney Woo Young-woo, who tackles challenges in and out of the courtroom as a rookie at a prominent law firm and a woman on the autism spectrum." This piece was recommended to me by a friend and I am so grateful. In looking at the reviews, I can see how important this is as a TV show that represents those on the spectrum, but not confining someone to that label. Attorney Woo has a full life. There are themes that address ableism, mental health as well as friendship, and romance.
The Idea of You: Rated: R
Maddie Rating: 6/10
"Solène, a 40-year-old single mom, begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet." Something in this movie I didn't believe. There was something in this movie that didn't sit right with me. Maybe it felt too beautiful, too outlandish, too exact. I would have liked to see the characters be more regular and more human. Famous people are human too. However, the film is fun, lighthearted, and feel-good.
Everything Everywhere All At Once: Rated: R
Maddie Rating: 9/10
"A middle-aged Chinese immigrant is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led." I loved how this film was made. It was so creative and grounded, but complex. I feel like I need to watch this film again to take it all in a bit better.
Splash: Rated: PG
Maddie Rating: low
"A young man is reunited with a mermaid he briefly encountered as a boy and falls in love with her without knowing her secret." It made me think about how I wanted to watch the cult-classic 'Aquamarine.'I don't think this movie was made for me in mind.
Aquamarine: Rated: PG
Maddie Rating: 7/10
"Two teenage girls discover a mermaid in their beach club's swimming pool." I think this film was made for me as an audience member and in hindsight I see how it became considered a cult-classic. It's light and silly and fun. Nothing serious, but made to not be. I can see how some part of this team wanted to rewrite a mermaid narrative.
Clemente: Rated: Not Rated
Maddie Rating: 9/10
"A feature-length documentary that explores the life, career, and legacy of Roberto Clemente." I don't care for sports, but this film is so well-made that I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary.
Twin Reflex: Rated: Not Rated
Maddie Rating: 7/10
A journey through an early David Altrogge Film. Themes of identity in late 20's. This piece was educational for me because I can see how David Altrogge grew as a filmmaker. It's important to create stories and learn while being hands on with a tale. In this way, this piece is thought provoking.
Young Woman and The Sea: Rated: PG
Maddie Rating: 9/10
"The story of competitive swimmer Gertrude Ederle, who, in 1926, was the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel." This film was inspiring. This is a part of history that I never learned, so it was interesting on an exploratory level as well. You can do anything you put your mind to! Live your dreams!
Queen of Katwe: Rated: PG
Maddie Rating: 10/10
"Living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende, a missionary who teaches children how to play chess." This film was powerful and important! The ending made me cry. I think it is particularly inspiring for young people.
Tick Tick Boom: Rated: PG-13
Maddie Rating: 8/10
"On the brink of turning 30, a promising theater composer navigates love, friendship and the pressure to create something great before time runs out." I did cry. This piece also made me greatly miss Stephen Sondheim once more, even though I'll never meet him. I think any artist can connect with the fears of inadequacy as well as the fears of the spotlight. Some pieces were incredibly emotionally intimate, but there were some wide shots and songs that kept me equally at a distance emotionally. However, it's clear that Jonathan Larson kept himself at a distance from those he loved most at the time that inspired the musical, so one could argue that the camera angles are a foil of that. The good and the bad of a hungry artist is seen in this piece.
Wicked Little Letters: Rated: R
Maddie Rating: 10/10
"When people in Littlehampton--including conservative local, Edith--begin receiving letters full of hilarious profanities, the rowdy, Irish migrant, Rose, is charged with the crime. Suspecting that something is amiss, the town's women investigate." This piece was fun and classy. It's very smart. It speaks on language, classism, sexism, and being a girl's girl (or not). Laugh out loud and beautifully shot.
The Miracle Club: Rated: PG-13
Maddie Rating: 7.5/10
"There's just one dream for the women of Ballygar to taste freedom: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes." Overall enjoyable and a feel-good movie. The men in this film struggled so much that it was a bit difficult to watch. The film was a little slow, but Maggie Smith shined bright.
Alien: Rated: R
Maddie Rating: 10/10
"After investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin, the crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform." Honestly, I really enjoyed this film. For an old film, the cat was iconic and the women empowerment felt timeless. This film aged well.
Hot Frosty: Rated: PG
Maddie Rating: 8/10
"Widow Kathy magically brings a snowman to life. His innocence helps her heal and find love again. They bond before the holidays, but he's doomed to melt." I would like to make the argument that this film was so bad it's good. This film would be enjoyed best with a glass of wine and a group of friends, however. It's not deep at all but it wasn't made to be. The most enjoyable part of it is that it makes fun of itself.
Fantastic Fungi: Rated: Not Rated
Maddie Rating: 10/10
"Fantastic Fungi is a descriptive time-lapse journey about the magical, mysterious and medicinal world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth that began 3.5 billion years ago." Mushrooms are fascinating and this documentary film is as well.
Wicked: Rated: PG
Maddie Rating: 9/10
"Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads." Everyone deserves a chance to fly! The last time I watched 'Wicked,' I was 13 and got tickets to a touring production with friends. It was impactful and we got signatures from the actors on our playbills in Pittsburgh. It was a teen era where we crushed on Aaron Tveit and Fiyero. We sang the whole way home. Even in joy, like Elphaba, we could never see ourselves fit in through our teen lens. (It's okay to not fit in). Back to my thoughts: As an adult, I see more of Wicked's depth. In reading the book when I was older (young readers, wait until you are older), I definitely have thoughts and questions on a few parts of this film and it's creative process, but overall I'm gushing about the talent behind and in front of the screen. It's difficult to make a film that already has a nostalgic connection for people. Now I anxiously await Act II!
The Feast of the Seven Fishes: Rated: Not Rated, But Some Language and Mature Topics
Maddie Rating: 9/10
"A slice of life story that follows a large Italian family on Christmas Eve as they prepare for the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes, reminisce about the past, and seek love in the future." At first I was uncertain, but it is a feel-good movie that feels homey. Yinz hear that? My family isn't close to this family, but there is enough that's relatable. Although personally relatable for me, I think most people would enjoy and find it heartwarming. Buon Natale!
What traditions do you have at the end of the year? What dreams are you afraid to speak on?
That's all, folks! I wish you an incredible new year with good stories to tell.
Much love,
MDJ
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