12 Comments

Awesome list. We have our #1 film of the year in common, but there's more than a few on here that passed me by that I'll be checking out in the weeks to come.

I'm curious, did either you or Keith happen to catch Just A Bit Outside, a documentary about the 1982 Brewers? I saw it in a theater in Green Bay, but maybe it just got a regional release. It made my top 5.

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Interesting list but the sad thing about it is that only TWO of the 15 played in the city where I live (Wichita, not huge but not a backwater either). There is hope that “The Brutalist” and “Nickel Boys” may still come. And yes, I can stream the others but I regret the loss of that theatre experience in spite of their drawbacks (phones, chatter). I guess that’s the one good thing when Hollywood does its job right (and doesn’t screw it up like WB did with the excellent “Juror #2).

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I wish Red Rooms had gotten more attention. What made it my favorite of the year was all the subtle clues to why Kelly-Anne behaves the way she does: her darkweb handle is Lady of Shalott, a reference to a poem about the dangers of isolation. Don't think it's a coincidence that her best friend is a robot.

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That HIT MAN scene would be on my shortlist of the year's best too

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I haven’t seen any of Victor Erice’s work, but am now very curious about CLOSE YOUR EYES. Would it benefit to watch his other films before diving into this?

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I would definitely see THE SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE first. It’s not only one of the greatest films ever made— at least according to the Sight & Sound poll—but it establishes his sensibility and offers some thematic links that will help bring the new film to life for you.

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Excellent. Thanks!

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Did you see SING SING? Definitely one of my top films for 2024.

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I saw it by myself six months ago and left the theater stunned. FEELINGS. Something I’ve wanted to share with others. Realizing I love rehabilitation through art narratives. Have wanted to tell others to see it, but it’s been out of circulation since then. Maybe they’ll do a rerelease soon? I’m almost afraid to revisit it because of how strongly I responded to it the first time. If it’s in theaters again, I’ll be sure to bring others along.

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My understanding is that this one is getting a rerelease to some theaters later in January. I loved the movie and am hoping to introduce some people to it.

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Really need to check out RED ROOMS. Wasn't on my radar at all, but it seems like it's zeroing in on that Fincher sicko energy I love. Looking forward to some good bad vibes.

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Thanks to both Scott and Keith for putting 'Between the Temples' on my radar. Fantastic stuff and what fun to watch Carol Kane in such a meaty role.

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