Time to return to the screen: Movies you missed in 2024

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. This curated list highlights 10 underrated movies deserving of your attention.

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, boasts a unique premise and striking 1970s talk show aesthetic. It transcends the typical horror genre, exploring themes of fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media. The filmmakers masterfully illustrate how modern technology and entertainment can influence human consciousness.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

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

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment. The narrative follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of tech mogul Slater King, only to uncover dangerous secrets. The plot has drawn comparisons to recent real-life events, although no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in Monkey Man blends classic action with modern thriller elements. Set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (reminiscent of Mumbai), the film follows "Kid," aka Monkey Man, an underground fighter seeking revenge after his mother's murder. Critics have lauded the film for its action sequences and insightful social commentary.

The Beekeeper

Jason Statham stars in The Beekeeper, a thriller written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and directed by [Director's Name - Information not provided in original text]. The film follows Adam Clay, a former agent who must confront his past to dismantle a cybercrime network responsible for his friend's death. Statham's commitment to the role is evident in his performance of many of the stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The story 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 cinematic style and sound design create a gripping atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, Juror No. 2 is a legal thriller. Justin Kemp, an ordinary juror, faces a moral dilemma when he realizes he's responsible for the crime the defendant is accused of committing. The film is praised for its intense plot and masterful direction.

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. The film explores the relationship between technology and nature, showcasing how they can coexist. The animation style is unique, blending Roz's futuristic design with realistic natural landscapes.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, combines comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends uses a device to swap consciousnesses, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. The film explores themes of 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, morality, and surrealism. The film comprises three interconnected stories with distinct narratives and themes.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films offer more than simple entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives and unexpected twists, exploring familiar themes from fresh perspectives. They are a testament to the fact that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.