Missed Movie Gems: Your 2024 Catch-Up Guide

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several underappreciated films deserve recognition. This list highlights ten underrated movies from 2024 that offer unique perspectives and compelling narratives.

Table of Contents

• Late Night with the Devil
• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Blink Twice
• Monkey Man
• The Beekeeper
• Trap
• Juror No. 2
• The Wild Robot
• It's What's Inside
• Kinds of Kindness
• Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, stands apart with its innovative concept and 1970s talk show aesthetic. More than just scares, it explores fear, group psychology, and the influence of mass media, showcasing how entertainment can manipulate consciousness. The plot centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, attempts a ratings-boosting occult-themed episode.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This action-comedy thriller features the duo battling a dangerous crime syndicate and navigating internal corruption within the Miami police department. Its success has sparked rumors of a fifth film.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of tech mogul Slater King, only to uncover perilous secrets on his private island. The film boasts a strong cast, including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in Monkey Man blends action and social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai, the story follows "Kid," a fighter who seeks revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. The film is praised for its thrilling action and impactful social critique.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows a former agent who returns to his dangerous past to take down a cybercrime network responsible for his friend's suicide. The film, shot in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, showcases Statham's commitment to action with his performance of many stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The film centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a notorious criminal. Shyamalan's signature cinematography, storytelling, and sound design create a gripping atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, presents a compelling moral dilemma. Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial, realizes he's responsible for the victim's death. He must choose between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing to his own crime.

The Wild Robot

Based on Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot is an animated film about Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. It explores the relationship between technology and nature as Roz learns to survive and interact with the island's wildlife. The film's unique animation style is a highlight.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends uses a device to swap consciousnesses, leading to unexpected and dangerous consequences. The film explores identity and relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents Kinds of Kindness, a triptych film exploring human relationships and the surreal aspects of life through three interconnected stories. These stories delve into themes of obedience, loss, and cult life.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films offer more than just entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives and unexpected twists, offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes and demonstrating that cinematic gems can be found beyond mainstream releases.