Films I have watched in 2024
The feature films and documentaries I have watched in 2024, listed chronologically:
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- DirectorLuca GuadagninoStarsZendayaMike FaistJosh O'ConnorTashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, turned her husband into a champion. But to overcome a losing streak, he needs to face his ex-best friend and Tashi's ex-boyfriend.05.04. Asker kino, Sal 3. First time.
This is a mess, but it is quite good in the parts that work. I think a lot of my issues with the film stem from the editing. The whole back and forth in time doesn't work, and I didn't really like the film at all until it jumped back to the beginning of the story. The actors and the film overall have a completely different energy in the earlier scenes that works very well, but all the present day stuff is a hodge podge that is impossible to engage with. The abrupt instances of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score almost never works, and feels extremely mis-timed and forced most places. Apart from the hotel room scene, which is the film's highest point. The cinematography is also very hit and miss, but mostly miss. All the "innovative" techniques to make tennis seem interesting are mostly gimmicky, but I did think the "camera" inside the ball they use at the end was actually exciting, unlike the first person angle and the constant hitting of balls right in your face. Having seen Guadagnino's underwhelming "Suspiria" last year as well, I'm starting to think "Call me By Your Name" was a flash in the pan and that what he's best at it making films that look intriguing, but aren't. 5.5/10 - DirectorRupert WyattStarsJames FrancoAndy SerkisFreida PintoA substance designed to help the brain repair itself gives advanced intelligence to a chimpanzee who leads an ape uprising.01.05. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.
I haven't watched this since before it had any sequels, and I think knowing that it's a beginning to its own series, and not just a prequel to the original really elevates it. I never went to see "Dawn" or "War" when they came out, but I look forwards to finally watching the rest of the modern "Planet of the Apes" films now! 7.5/10 - DirectorKelly ReichardtStarsMichelle WilliamsKristen StewartLaura DernThe lives of three women intersect in small-town America, where each is imperfectly blazing a trail.30.04. DVD on TV. First time.
The Cinematheque in Oslo did a series of Reichardt's films in April, and I missed them all, so I'll have to do it at home instead. The first segment with Laura Dern had a bit of a Jim Jarmusch vibe that I really liked, so the second two fell a bit short by comparison, even though I liked the mood of the last bit with Kristen Stewart and Lily Gladstone. 6.5/10 - DirectorDavid LeitchStarsRyan GoslingEmily BluntAaron Taylor-JohnsonA down-and-out stuntman must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend's blockbuster film.29.04. Asker kino, Sal 1. First time.
The cast are likeable and the stunts are fun, but overall the film feels flat and unengaging. They should have gone a couple of more rounds with the script, and they should definitely have gone more behind the scenes with the stuntwork within the film, because the highlight of the film is the behind the scenes reel that plays over the credits. 5/10 - DirectorDean ParisotStarsTim AllenSigourney WeaverAlan RickmanThe alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord.27.04. Netflix on TV. Second time.
- DirectorKaouther Ben HaniaStarsOlfa HamrouniEya ChikhaouiTayssir ChikhaouiBetween light and darkness stands Olfa, a Tunisian woman and the mother of four daughters. One day, her two older daughters disappear. Filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania invites professional actresses to fill in their absence.22.04. Vega scene, Sal 2. First time.
This is really,really good. Having the film be about the whole process of Olfa and her daughters working with the actresses portraying Olfa's lost daughters and Olfa herself, the film achieves a realness and honesty that you seldom see in any film, fiction or documentary. It's an incredibly strong portrait of family and a fascinating examination of the path to extremism. 10/10 - DirectorDev PatelStarsDev PatelSharlto CopleyPitobashAn anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systematically victimize the poor and powerless.20.04. Colosseum kino, Sal 4. First time.
Imagine if "John Wick" was about something. I read that Dev Patel wanted to make an action film and "infuse it with a little culture" and I think he really succeeds at that. Having a little political commentary just in time for the Indian elections is not a bad thing either. 8/10 - DirectorMaria FredrikssonStarsOlaug BakkevollKari KloMay-Elin StorslettenTwo pious sisters buy an apartment after having witnessed a divine sign - only to realize that the seller of the apartment looks identical to their other sister, who committed suicide some thirty years before.22.04. Klingenberg kino, Sal 2. First time.
I'm sorry to say, I did not get the hype. The story springs out of a big coincidence, but all that follows with twists and turns around every bend became too much. It might appeal to the true crime fans and the tabloid readers, but I lost interest. After a while there are so many story elements thrown at you, without all of them being followed up that I stopped caring. The post-credit cliffhanger really exemplifies this. There's also a discussion to be had about a director's role in a documentary like this, and I was surprised at the places she intervened underways. 5/10 - DirectorClaudia WeillStarsMelanie MayronEli WallachAdam CohenA photographer and her girlfriend are roommates. She is stuck with small-change shooting jobs and dreams of success. When her roommate decides to get married and leave, she feels hurt and has to learn how to deal with living alone.20.04. Cinemateket i Oslo, Lillebil. First time.
For the first five minutes or so, I thought I'd made a huge mistake by going to this movie, and I was not ready to sit through an hour and a half of this tedious student crap. But fortunately the film picked up rather quickly, and for the most part I thought it had a lot to offer. Afterwards, I learned that the first seven minutes were comprised of the original short film that the rest of the film grew out of, so just be warned - it opens as a terrible student film - but it gets better! 7/10 - DirectorDavid LeanStarsPeter O'TooleAlec GuinnessAnthony QuinnThe story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.19./21.04. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
I wanted a rewatch of "Lawrence" right now because of "Dune", but it was most interesting because of all the history of the Middle East, that I know I haven't appreciated to its full extent when seeing the film before. 10/10 - DirectorDag Johan HaugerudStarsThorbjørn HarrJan Gunnar RøiseAnne Marie OttersenFollows two colleagues who in different ways struggle with the same issues about their sexuality.17.04. Vika kino, Sal 4. First time.
Haugerud continues the art of the excellent dialogues in a very refreshing film. Despite the feeling that the film exists in its own universe that is slightly different from ours, I think it achieves something that is very true, similar to what modern Norwegian playwrights like Lygre, Brattberg or Fosse do in their plays. 8/10 - DirectorEmily Louisa Millan EideStarsWilliam HeimdalWilliam Heimdal is one of the most talented young painters in Norway, and wishes to master the old classic techniques, but feels he is misunderstood by society, and should have lived in another time. Is he complex, or is it everyone else?15.04. NRK on TV. First time.
I've seldom felt more strongly that a documentary subject should be protected from themselves than here. It feels so vulnerable watching this babyfaced brat go through his formative years, and it really feels like something that should have been too private for someone else to watch - but, of course, you can't look away. Odd Nerdrum's "school" of technically skilled, but ridiculously pretentious wannabes are always fascinating to watch. 6.5/10 - DirectorPete DocterBob PetersonStarsEdward AsnerJordan NagaiJohn Ratzenberger78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.12.04. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
I always knew this was going to hit harder and harder the older I got, and sure enough, this time I started crying before it even got sad. 9/10 - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametZendayaRebecca FergusonPaul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.08.04. Klingenberg kino, Sal 1. Second time. *Second time this year
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametRebecca FergusonZendayaA noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.07.04. HBO Max on TV. Third time. *Second time this year
- DirectorJonas ÅkerlundStarsJudith ArupaIannes BruylantBerit Einemo Frøysland06.04. Vega Scene, Sal 1. First time. Q&A with choreographer and producer before the film (The director was also on stage, but didn't get asked a single question!)
Apart from Wim Wender's "Pina", I think this is my very first experience with a dance film, so it was interesting to see! The expressive sculptures in the Vigeland Museum in Oslo was a good backdrop for something so physical, and some of the dances gained something from the medium of film, while others would probably look better seen on a stage. 6/10 - DirectorJean-Pierre JeunetStarsAudrey TautouMathieu KassovitzRufusDespite being caught in her imaginative world, Amelie, a young waitress, decides to help people find happiness. Her quest to spread joy leads her on a journey where she finds true love.05.04. DVD on TV. Somethingth time.
- DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsEllar ColtranePatricia ArquetteEthan HawkeThe life of Mason, from early childhood to his arrival at college.20.03. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.
Ten years on, its value as a time capsule has increased even further (especially to me, as those are my boyhood years too), but it also has that Linklater quality that captivates you from the get go and lets the movie fly by - just like life. 9/10 - DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.17.03. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
Since the last time I watched this, I've listened to the audio book, and can finally say what I always expected: The film is better. While it's almost always the other way around, in this case the book feels like a blueprint for the movie. Every iconic line, save one ("I'm really a very good man, but I'm a very bad wizard.") originates with the movie, and everyone has more character in the film. 10/10 - DirectorJuan Carlos FresnadilloStarsMillie Bobby BrownRay WinstoneAngela BassettA dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt.16.03. Netflix on laptop. First time.
From the opening line, I thought this was going to be more of a satire, and not the "Get Out"/"Tomb Raider"-"my first horror movie" that it was. Pity. 5.5/10 - DirectorWim WendersStarsBruno GanzSolveig DommartinOtto SanderAn angel tires of his purely ethereal life of merely overseeing the human activity of Berlin's residents, and longs for the tangible joys of physical existence when he falls in love with a mortal.13.03. Cinemateket i Oslo, Lillebil. Second time.
- DirectorPeter SohnStarsLeah LewisMamoudou AthieRonnie Del CarmenFollows Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, earth- and air-residents live together.10./11.03. Disney Plus on TV. First time.
The romance and immigrant aspects work fairly well, but the whole "Zootopia" rip-off in a nonsensical world does not. Should probably have been a short film, but I don't know if PIXAR are still doing those. 5/10 - DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsDavid ByrneBernie WorrellAlex WeirConsidered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time, the live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs.09.03. Vega Scene, Salongen. First/Somethingth time.
I've listened to the album countless times and I've seen almost all the numbers several times on YouTube, but I've never seen the film in its entirety before (and I still actually haven't, because I arrived late), BUT this was a fantastic experience! The film was shown on a big screen in a room where everyone were standing like we were at a concert - and it really felt like we were. I clapped, shouted and sang along and had a fantastic time and I really want to go to more screenings like this! 10/10 - DirectorDavid NovackStarsJewher IlhamAbduweli AyupAina ShormanbayevaSurvivors and their families risk everything to expose the truth of China's Uyghur detention and 're-education' camps09.03. Cinemateket i Oslo, Lillebil. Second time. *Q&A held by me **Second time this year
- DirectorSilje Evensmo JacobsenIn the Norwegian wilderness, a family seeks a wild free existence but a tragic turn of events shatters their isolation, compelling them to adapt to the demands of contemporary society.08.03. Vega Scene, Sal 1. First time.
- DirectorBenjamin ReeStarsZoe CroftKelsey EllisonEd LarkinMats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of 25. His parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated life, when they started receiving messages from online friends around the world.08.03. Klingenberg kino, Sal 1. First time.
- DirectorDavid NovackStarsJewher IlhamAbduweli AyupAina ShormanbayevaSurvivors and their families risk everything to expose the truth of China's Uyghur detention and 're-education' camps08.03. Screener on laptop. First time.
- DirectorRebekka NystabakkA small farm is about to change hands into a new generation, from father to daughter. A film about traditions, knowing when it's time to go on, to inherit, and other of life's big questions.06.03. Cinemateket i Oslo, Lillebil. Second time. *Q&A held by me **Second time this year
- DirectorYuval AbrahamBasel AdraHamdan BallalThis film made by a Palestinian-Israeli collective shows the destruction of the occupied West Bank's Masafer Yatta by Israeli soldiers and the alliance which develops between the Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval.04.03. Vega Scene, Sal 1. First time. *Opening of Human IDFF with producers present and video greeting from the filmmakers
- DirectorJesse PeretzStarsChris O'DowdRose ByrneEthan HawkeAnnie (the long-suffering girlfriend of Duncan) has an unlikely transatlantic romance with once revered, now faded, singer-songwriter, Tucker Crowe, who also happens to be the subject of Duncan's musical obsession.02.03. DVD on TV. First time.
I really liked the book when it came out, and I'm happy I finally got to watch the film version, because I liked this a lot as well. Ethan Hawke was not how I imagined Tucker Crowe when reading the book, but he fits the part very well, and the film has become a fun rom com that I will be watching again. 8/10 - DirectorStanley KramerStarsSpencer TracyBurt LancasterRichard WidmarkIn 1948, an American court in occupied Germany tries four Nazis judged for war crimes.26.02./01.03. DVD on TV. Second time.
I've wanted to rewatch this since I saw "Zone of Interest", and it was a very good rewatch. It is so good that this film was made, and at the time it was made. It's so solidly, honestly crafted that despite being a dramatisation, it almost feels like a historical document in itself. A very good and important film that I will be watching again from time to time from now on. 8.5/10 - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametZendayaRebecca FergusonPaul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.29.02. Klingenberg kino, Sal 1. First time. *70mm
Wow. I knew from the moment Part 1 ended right at "the beginning" that Dune Part 2 was gonna be a bigger experience, and holy moly, it was. Having a prophecy and its fulfilment at the centre of the story was way more interesting than just throwing it in halfway for good measure. (Looking at you, Harry Potter.) It's a lot to take in, but man, it's good! 8.5/10 - DirectorGreta GerwigStarsMargot RobbieRyan GoslingIssa RaeBarbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.28.02/01.03. HBO Max on TV. Second time.
Gerwig definitely should have been nominated for director. Apart from that very generic Chevrolet commercial in the middle, this is one of the most inspired visions of the past year. 8/10 - DirectorVittorio De SicaStarsEmma GramaticaFrancesco GolisanoPaolo StoppaAn open-hearted, unrelentingly energetic orphan struggles to make the best of his life on the streets of Milan.26.02. DVD on TV. Second time.
I'd seen this once many years ago, but I think it made a much greater impact on me this time. I really like the simple magic and imagination of the story. 8/10 - DirectorJean CocteauStarsJean MaraisFrançois PérierMaría CasaresA poet in love with Death follows his unhappy wife into the underworld.25.02. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
So this is where David Lynch got it all from! Even the floor in the Black Lodge. 7.5/10 - DirectorWim WendersStarsKoji YakushoTokio EmotoArisa NakanoHirayama cleans public toilets in Tokyo, lives his life in simplicity and daily tranquility. Some encounters also lead him to reflect on himself.24.02. Asker kino, Sal 4. First time.
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametRebecca FergusonZendayaA noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.23.02. Odeon Oslo, IMAX. Second time.
This was a very heightened experience on rewatch! All the action felt much more meaningful, and I'm really looking forwards to Part 2 now. Also, this is was my first good experience with IMAX, finally sitting in the centre of the cinema and not too close to the screen or far out on the side. 8/10 - DirectorRebekka NystabakkA small farm is about to change hands into a new generation, from father to daughter. A film about traditions, knowing when it's time to go on, to inherit, and other of life's big questions.21.02. Asker kino, Sal 5. First time.
A charming, educational portrait, and a guiding beacon for the kind of level headed farming we need more of in the future. Seeing the new farmer Rakel Nystabakk take over the family farm with realistic expectations and preparedness was very inspiring. 8.5/10 - DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsKenneth BranaghMichelle YeohJamie DornanIn post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.16.02. Disney Plus on laptop. First time.
Some really stunning images in this film. I love the mood they create for Venice. In addition, Kenneth Branagh works a lot better here than in his first outing as Poirot, so (without having seen "Death on the Nile") this is probably the best attempt he is going to make. Adapting a lesser known novel and going way off book probably helped a lot as well. 6/10 - DirectorYorgos LanthimosStarsEmma StoneMark RuffaloWillem DafoeAn account of the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter.03.02. Ringen kino, Sal 1. First time.
- DirectorAlexander PayneStarsPaul GiamattiDa'Vine Joy RandolphDominic SessaA cranky history teacher at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook and a troubled student who has no place to go.29.01. Asker kino, Sal 4. First time.
What Christmas at Hogwarts actually would have been like... Extremely good to see Alexander Payne back in form! 9/10 - DirectorBenedikt ErlingssonStarsHalldóra GeirharðsdóttirJóhann SigurðarsonJuan Camilo Román EstradaHalla becomes a determined environmental activist, but this threatens a long-held hope of hers.27.01. NRK on TV. First time.
- DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsAnnette BeningJodie FosterAnne Marie KempfThe remarkable true story of athlete Diana Nyad who, at the age of 60 and with the help of her best friend and coach, commits to achieving her life-long dream: a 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida.24./25.01. Netflix on TV. First time.
Classic, engaging biopic. Really liked the use of music, especially "Piece of My Heart". Foster and Bening are both very good, but I couldn't help seeing Benedict Cumberbatch playing Sherlock in Bening's performance! 7/10 - DirectorMohamed JabalyStarsMohamed JabalyIn 2014, the Palestinian director Mohamed Jabaly attended the film festival in Tromsø, while the borders to Gaza closed, stranded in arctic wintery Norway. Little does he know that it will be seven years before he can return to his family.24.01. Vega Scene, Sal 1. First time. *Director present and Q&A after
- DirectorJonathan GlazerStarsChristian FriedelSandra HüllerJohann KarthausAuschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp.22.01. Vega scene, Sal 1. First time.
- DirectorBent HamerStarsEric MagnussonNicholas HopeIngrid RubioAlmar is stranded on the shore of an island in the Mediterranian sea, when his ship leaves without him. There he befriends the somewhat dodgy vagabond Windy, and falls in love for the first time, in the local young girl, Marta.20.01. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
- DirectorAmanda Nell EuStarsZafreen ZairizalDeena EzralPiqaAn 11-year-old girl who is carefree until she starts to experience horrifying physical changes to her body.19.01. Vika kino, Sal 4. First time.
The only new "Mean Girls" movie you need to see. 7/10 - DirectorKen LoachStarsDave TurnerEbla MariClaire RodgersonThe future for the last remaining pub, The Old Oak, in a village of Northeast England, where people are leaving the land as the mines are closed. Houses are cheap and available, thus making it an ideal location for Syrian refugees.19.01. Gimle kino. First time.
Ken Loach keeps on making the films about the stories of today that really matter, and this is another one that hits hard. I love how this film shows the value of community, which is an ideal we should all strive for. It's an inspiring film, and I really want to take that inspiration to heart and actually do something good. 8/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenOrlando BloomA meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.16./17.01. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time. *Extended edition
- DirectorDavid LoweryStarsDev PatelAlicia VikanderJoel EdgertonA fantasy retelling of the medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.15.01. Blu-ray on TV. Third time.
- DirectorEspen EckboHenrik ElvestadMathis FürstStarsEspen EckboØyvind ThoenKaare Daniel SteenNorwegian mock-documentary following the trials and tribulations of boy-band Boyzvoice, their fans and management.14./15.01. TV2 Play. First time.
I was worried that I had missed the window to watch this film while it was still funny, but fortunately it has aged just fine, sending up the whole boyband phenomenon of the late 90's/early 00's with some very funny songs and awkward humor. 7.5/10 - DirectorAki KaurismäkiStarsAlma PöystiJussi VatanenJanne HyytiäinenIn modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles - from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.10.01. Asker kino, Sal 4. First time.
- DirectorJustine TrietStarsSandra HüllerSwann ArlaudMilo Machado-GranerA woman is suspected of murder after her husband's death; their half-blind son faces a moral dilemma as the main witness.08.01. Asker kino, Sal 4. First time.
- DirectorNora EphronStarsTom HanksMeg RyanRoss MalingerA recently widowed man's son calls a radio talk-show in an attempt to find his father a partner.04.01. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.