"2024's Must-See Movies: Back to the Cinema"

2024 has been a remarkable year for cinema, with a diverse range of films hitting the screens. While many have celebrated the big releases, there are several underrated movies that deserve your attention. Here’s a curated list of 10 films that flew under the radar but are definitely worth watching.

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

Late Night with the Devil

Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil is a unique horror film that blends the eerie atmosphere of 1970s talk shows with a chilling narrative. The story centers on a late-night show host struggling with declining ratings and personal loss, who decides to host a special episode on the occult. This film is not just a horror movie; it's an artistic exploration of fear, collective psychology, and the influence of mass media.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment in the beloved franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die sees detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, played by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, tackling a dangerous crime syndicate and corruption within the Miami police department. Framed and forced to operate outside the law, the duo delivers a mix of action, humor, and a compelling storyline that continues to captivate fans. Rumors of a fifth film are circulating, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Blink Twice

In her directorial debut, Zoë Kravitz presents Blink Twice, a psychological thriller about Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of tech mogul Slater King. As she uncovers dark secrets on his private island, the film, starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Some have noted similarities to recent real-life controversies, though no direct connections are confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel steps into the director's chair with Monkey Man, an action thriller set in the fictional city of Yatan, reminiscent of Mumbai. Patel also stars as Kid, aka Monkey Man, who seeks to dismantle India's criminal underworld after his mother's murder. The film is lauded for its action sequences and its deep sociopolitical commentary.

The Beekeeper

The Beekeeper follows Adam Clay, a former agent turned beekeeper, played by Jason Statham. When his friend falls victim to online scammers, Adam returns to his past to take down the cybercrime network responsible. Written by Kurt Wimmer and shot on a $40 million budget, the film showcases Statham's commitment to the action genre.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan's Trap follows firefighter Cooper, played by Josh Hartnett, who takes his daughter to a concert that turns out to be a setup to capture a notorious criminal. Known for his unique storytelling and cinematography, Shyamalan delivers another original and intense thriller.

Juror No. 2

In this legal thriller directed by Clint Eastwood, Nicholas Hoult plays Justin Kemp, a juror who realizes he's responsible for the crime being tried. Faced with a moral dilemma, the film explores themes of guilt and justice, earning high praise for its gripping narrative.

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. As Roz adapts to her environment and forms bonds with the wildlife, the film beautifully explores the relationship between technology and nature. Its unique animation style and profound themes make it a must-watch for families.

It's What's Inside

Directed by Greg Jardin, It's What's Inside is a sci-fi thriller that blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends at a wedding use a device that allows them to swap consciousnesses, leading to unexpected and dangerous consequences. The film delves into identity and human relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos's Kinds of Kindness is a triptych film that explores human relationships, morality, and surrealism through three interconnected stories. From an office worker taking control of his life to a cult searching for a girl to resurrect the dead, the film offers a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films offer more than just entertainment; they provide deep insights into human emotions and feature unexpected plot twists. They challenge conventional storytelling and remind us that some of the most compelling stories are found outside the mainstream.