Isaiah's top 3 theatrical recommendations for this year
We are officially in the month of April for 2024. Here are my recommended takes for this year in cinema.
Depending on what the future holds, these picks are based on my opinion with their current standings. There are myriad interesting releases on the horizon I am sure will change these rankings. However, these are what I recommend for the viewing audience interested in quality features.
1. "Dune Part II"
Based on the late Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novelization. My expectations for "Dune Part II" were massively high. I read the book during my first year in high school and fell in love with the lore, characters, unique imagery and various political, military and historically inspired themes. Denis Villeneuve returned to the director's chair in bringing this mystical, mesmerizing sequel to life with the ensemble cast of Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista and Zendaya reprising their characters. The purpose of the sequel is to improve upon its predecessor by expanding upon the lore, intensifying the character development and honing the rich, mythological nature that the cinematic world of Dune offers. It is truly a science fiction masterpiece destined to become an all-time classic. "Dune Part II" is the perfect science fiction film.
2. "Late Night with The Devil"
I had no interest in this release after watching the trailer and seeing the poster. Admittedly, curiosity won in the end. This film is deserving of massive praise and adulation for its method of executing its innovative and creative format. David Dastmalchian portrays Jack Delroy, a late-night talk show host in the '70s competing with Johnny Carson to achieve ratings superiority. Jack's popularity and fortune begin to decline with Carson continuing his dominance. One strange night for Jack's final show transforms into a syndicated visual perspective of confusion, dark humor, horror and tragedy. The intentional method of capturing the atmosphere of late-night '70s talk-show excitement was brought to life in absolute perfection. Everything from the fashion to dialogue, music, world changing events, and commercials of that period gave the viewer a sense of living in that period. This was a pleasant surprise on a cinematic level with realistic, raw and thought-provoking performances. I had a challenging time determining whether this or "Dune Part II" would win the No. 1 spot.
3. "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire"
Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Grace McKenna reprise their roles from the previous "Ghostbusters" film. Joining them are original actors Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson, continuing the traditional journey of "Ghostbusters." The story picks up after the events of "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" with the Spengler family combating and studying the paranormal. After a series of unfortunate events causing a trail of accidental destruction, the Ghostbusters are facing the reality of becoming a relic of the past. Combining elements of traditional practical effects, innovative visuals and deeper character development, the film serves as a healthy reminder of the brilliance of "Ghostbusters." While nothing will ever recapture what the first two features brought with the true essence of magic in a bottle, I have to say its exploration more into ancient evil rather than ghostly entities was a breath of fresh air. What I appreciated most about the direction of the story is the obvious intent of introducing the concept of "Ghostbusters" to a new audience. Rudd, Coon, Wolfhard and McKenna once again display amazing comedic, emotional and organic chemistry with their acting performances. Filled with nostalgic memories, suspenseful action and quirky images, it is another terrific addition to the "Ghostbusters" franchise. Also, it never gets old hearing the charging of the proton packs or watching Murray, Aykroyd and Hudson work their magic on the big screen.
To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.