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

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While many blockbusters 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 You Should Watch These Films

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, is a stylistic triumph. Inspired by 1970s talk shows, it transcends the genre, exploring fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who incorporates the occult into his show in a desperate bid to boost ratings, revealing how entertainment and technology can shape our perceptions.

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-packed adventure sees them battling a formidable crime syndicate and navigating internal corruption within the Miami police force. The film's success has sparked rumors of a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a gripping psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the world of tech mogul Slater King, uncovering dangerous secrets in the process. The film boasts a stellar 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 Mumbai-inspired city, the story follows Kid ("Monkey Man"), an underground fighter who seeks revenge on corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. The film is praised for its thrilling action sequences and powerful social message.

The Beekeeper

This action thriller features Jason Statham as Adam Clay, a former agent who returns to his dangerous past to take down a cybercrime network responsible for his friend's suicide. Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and boasting a $40 million budget, the film showcases Statham's commitment to the genre with his own stunt work.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The narrative 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

This legal thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, follows Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who harbors a dark secret: he's responsible for the victim's death. The film explores Justin's moral dilemma as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.

The Wild Robot

An animated adaptation of Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. This visually stunning film explores the relationship between technology and nature, showcasing Roz's adaptation to the wild and her interactions with the island's animals.

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 consciousness-swapping device, leading to unexpected and perilous 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 of interconnected stories exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal aspects of daily life. Each story offers a unique perspective on human nature.

Why Watch These Films?

These films offer more than just entertainment; they delve into complex human emotions, deliver unexpected plot twists, and provide fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They represent the cinematic gems often overlooked amidst the mainstream hype.