Dealing with some stuff at this moment, so no review or Trailer Talk today, but I have prepared this list of my favorite films of the year so far. We’re now halfway through 2024, and what a year it has been. Lots of great movies so far, and while I still have some films I need to catch up on, of the 80 or so films I’ve seen, there’s still a lot of great ones to choose from. I was originally going to do 15, but you know what, I felt like I had a really strong list of 20, so 20 it is! Presented in alphabetical order, and with any reviews linked directly on the titles.

A very strong biopic that says a lot about the nature of music and its relation to the community, and how much impact music, or really any artistic pursuit can have, when spoken from the truth of our collective shared experience. Gut wrenching, but riveting.

Very stylish and oozing cool in every frame. The action really hits, and the leads are as entertaining as they have ever been.

A thoroughly compelling adult drama, the likes of which we don’t get too often these days, and the three lead performances are terrific.

A thrilling yet haunting film about the nature of dehumanization and the aestheticization of violence and its relation to the media. A lot about this film has stuck with me.

A very silly and very gay movie that evokes the early, wackier works of the Coen brothers. I had so much fun with this.

A masterful action epic that takes a slower and more moody approach similar to the first Mad Max. Easily my favorite of the year, if I were to rank these.

An impeccably scripted comedy with a wildly charismatic lead performance from Glen Powell that really cements his place as a rising star.

A very impressively crafted silent comedy. The kind of film that makes you want to grab a camera, go out with your friends to make a movie.

A beautiful and dreamy film that practically left me speechless when it was over. It’s a film that I’ve been thinking about a lot since I saw it, and I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it for quite a while.

A gnarly slasher with a fun and distinct visual conceit that separates it from your usual horror fare. This was a blast to watch.