Other Highlights Of The First Half of 2024
From unique concepts, surprising sequels, or productions that didn’t have enough peers to warrant a list, these are our last highlights of the first half of 2024.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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I Love You So Much I Could Die – Unique Concept
Months since watching this live, I’ll admit I barely remember a line from any song in “I Love You So Much I Could Die,” and my grasp on the story has loosened to only knowing there is a love story in there which includes the COVID-19 pandemic happening. However, the use of Microsoft David to tell the story, the actress and playwright having their back to us as the story is told, or they played music, it was different.
Not different in that weird, “This is New York (or LA), so I can be different and obscure and still have a career.” It was different in that there is more than one way to tell a story and recognizing that a lot of people have a story to tell, they just don’t know how to deliver it, “I Love You So Much I Could Die” found a way that could leave an impression on you.
For, again, I may not remember the songs. I may not have a strong memory of what the story was. Still, I know, even without reading the review, I enjoyed it, and like Jenna Ortega and a few other performers, if I see Mona Pirnot’s name attached, I’m instantly giving whatever she wrote/is performing in a chance because of how good “I Love you So Much I Could Die” was.
Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey II – Best Sequel
With trying to be more consistent in creating “Best of” lists, one of the things we feel needs to be addressed is “Best Sequel.” After all, Hollywood, and beyond, like to milk original, sometimes good concepts, until eventually the franchise flops – only to revive it once they think the audience has an appetite again.
Bringing the conversation to “Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey II,” what needs to be celebrated is that the film went deeper. As one of the first major films to take advantage of Disney’s copyrights expiring, “Blood and Honey” seemed like it would be the type of franchise that rested on what was built and making it twisted.
In many ways, “Blood and Honey II” is still very much twisted, but by modifying Pooh and his friends’ origin stories, giving the film some kind of heart, you see the rare sequel that justifies its existence beyond its predecessor being a hit. There was a story to tell, characters worth introducing, and depth that could be added to make this far more than exploiting people’s childhood memories for a buck.
Civil War For Sound Design
As someone who has watched violent movies for decades, whether we’re talking about with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, or even sexual violence, I believe I’ve built up a tolerance. However, sitting on the side of the room, in a Dolby Theater, as guns go off in “Civil War” reminds you of how terrifying guns are.
Watching “John Wick,” or a lot of the action movies out there, make guns look cool. Seeing Sci-Fi epics like “Star Wars” makes guns appealing to children, and toys that look like guns not seem like a big deal for gifts. However, not having the gun sounds lessened but amped up, if not given their due as a means of killing another human being? “Civil War” may not have lived up to its title, but it presented a sound design that could horrify you more than the idea of some monster chasing you or a serial killer on the loose.
Cast of The Effect – Music and Performances
The shared work of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Tayor Russell, Paapa Essiedu, and Michele Austin made it so you understand why many think “Best Ensemble or Cast” needs to be part of the awards given at major awards shows. On their own, everyone is good, but together, they are absolutely remarkable. But what adds a notable touch is the music.
As noted with highlighting “Challengers,” the music, this industrial rock, takes you places, gets your heart racing more than the creepy sounds of a horror movie, and allows you to feel the effects of the love drug we’re told the characters of “The Effect” are on. It’s intoxicating and makes you want the soundtrack or to just dive into Trent Raznor and Atticus Ross’ discography to move beyond getting a taste and fully getting your fix.
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