I'll take this opportunity to pump up your books again Sheils! Boston and Beyond from 2024, and The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women. Also a couple of Simon Dillon's novels - Ravenseed from this past year, and Peaceful Quiet Lives which people who watched Civil War will surely enjoy.
For TV, there were a few that I want to add that I watched during the back half of Dec 2024 after I already published my top boob tube post - Dune: Prophecy and Squid Game S2. Also Pop Culture Jeopardy hosted by Colin Jost!
I’ve never really been big into Batman et.al. (Although my son-in-law literally as drawn him et.al. for Marvel and DC), but I will say I became quite a fan of the Penguin. Thought it was fascinating
I’ve always enjoyed the Batman-verse over most of the Marvel stuff in general, but wouldn’t say I’m any kind of die hard fan. But I think they really did something unique with The Penguin series. It sort of nods toward the comic book aspects of the source material, but the characters and plot lines are very grounded in what feels like a modern reality. I’m excited to see where they take it next season.
That , and I just thought Colin Farrell created quite a fascinating character (again I’ve never known any of the storylines or bat-verse. But I do know some of the behind the scenes stories about drawing the books 😉)
He sure did! Watching Colin Farrell in this role has been quite astonishing. It’s definitely a career resurgence for him I think. He plays it like it’s for the big screen and it shows. I was happy to see his Golden Globe win. Really deserved!
Eric, another comment (sorry). Just to say I completely agree re: Mission Impossible. That series is great fun and they have been more consistently entertaining than Daniel Craig's stint as James Bond.
Sheila, sorry I've nothing to add on your side of things. I'm mostly in the film and literature world, so TV seldom features in my entertainment choices (give or take Doctor Who, and anything that my wife tells me is definitely worth my attention). :)
Also, a quick point to add for you both - if cinema isn't exciting you at present (generally speaking) I recommend looking beyond mainstream Hollywood. The film scene in the rest of the world is as exciting, vibrant, and incisive as ever (and much of the US indie scene is too). :)
Hi Eric - You know this already, but film wise, my ten best films of 2024 (based on UK release dates, not US) are:
10. Conclave
9. Wicked: Part I
8. All of Us Strangers
7. My Favourite Cake
6. The Zone of Interest
5. The Holdovers
4. The Substance
3. The Wild Robot
2. Anora
1. Dune Part Two
For anyone reading this other than Eric - Full details and commentary on these (and what narrowly missed out) in my related article on Substack and Medium (also in Fanfare). :)
Mike Birbiglia is an exposed but hidden gem. The combo of stage and stand up is a lane he has gotten a miraculous hold on. I will watch whatever he puts out when he gets to it.
YES!!! Because I put myself on an intense Master Class in Birbiglia with my binge, I could SEE his evolution from special to special. I think what he’s doing is truly unique and such good, good art. I saw how he must have inspired Mulaney’s Baby J special. I also love his podcast-I listen with my notebook handy. I can’t wait to see him live-my first time. I’m sure I’ll report back!
Not that anyone asked but my top five would be Shrinking, Hacks, The Penguin, Dune Part Two, and Chappel Roan's album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
I am probably the last person on earth to give TV/Movie recs, but I really enjoyed The Bear & Las Azules and finally (finally!) got on the White Lotus bus. I'm currently binging "Elementary," and still working my way through the original run of "Dallas"- 9 seasons down, 5 to go at this point.
The Yacht Rock "dockumentary" Sheila mentioned is well done & well worth one's time. As for the cinema? well, 2024 marked another year where I didn't set foot in a theater...
I'll take this opportunity to pump up your books again Sheils! Boston and Beyond from 2024, and The League of Extraordinarily Funny Women. Also a couple of Simon Dillon's novels - Ravenseed from this past year, and Peaceful Quiet Lives which people who watched Civil War will surely enjoy.
For TV, there were a few that I want to add that I watched during the back half of Dec 2024 after I already published my top boob tube post - Dune: Prophecy and Squid Game S2. Also Pop Culture Jeopardy hosted by Colin Jost!
I'll second that vote for Boston & Beyond!
Chuffed, chuffed, chuffed. 🥰
I massively appreciate the shout here. Thank you, Marmi. :)
My pleasure Emperor!
I’ve never really been big into Batman et.al. (Although my son-in-law literally as drawn him et.al. for Marvel and DC), but I will say I became quite a fan of the Penguin. Thought it was fascinating
I’ve always enjoyed the Batman-verse over most of the Marvel stuff in general, but wouldn’t say I’m any kind of die hard fan. But I think they really did something unique with The Penguin series. It sort of nods toward the comic book aspects of the source material, but the characters and plot lines are very grounded in what feels like a modern reality. I’m excited to see where they take it next season.
That , and I just thought Colin Farrell created quite a fascinating character (again I’ve never known any of the storylines or bat-verse. But I do know some of the behind the scenes stories about drawing the books 😉)
He sure did! Watching Colin Farrell in this role has been quite astonishing. It’s definitely a career resurgence for him I think. He plays it like it’s for the big screen and it shows. I was happy to see his Golden Globe win. Really deserved!
The Penguin redefines what a superhero adaptation could look like. Truly exceptional.
That! That’s what I sort of had a hunch about, not being familiar with the genre
Eric, another comment (sorry). Just to say I completely agree re: Mission Impossible. That series is great fun and they have been more consistently entertaining than Daniel Craig's stint as James Bond.
Sheila, sorry I've nothing to add on your side of things. I'm mostly in the film and literature world, so TV seldom features in my entertainment choices (give or take Doctor Who, and anything that my wife tells me is definitely worth my attention). :)
HA! I’m grateful for your cinematic prowess—you might put Eric and I out to pasture should you ever switch focus!! 😉✌🏼
I can't see that ever happening, and besides, you and Eric have that covered superbly, so anything I add would be superfluous to requirements. :)
We’ll see about that! We’ll yank you into our pop circus nonsense in 3…2… 😉
Also, a quick point to add for you both - if cinema isn't exciting you at present (generally speaking) I recommend looking beyond mainstream Hollywood. The film scene in the rest of the world is as exciting, vibrant, and incisive as ever (and much of the US indie scene is too). :)
Thanks Simon! I know you are 100% right. Trying to get a bit more film under my belt is on the to do list this year. 💥
Hi Eric - You know this already, but film wise, my ten best films of 2024 (based on UK release dates, not US) are:
10. Conclave
9. Wicked: Part I
8. All of Us Strangers
7. My Favourite Cake
6. The Zone of Interest
5. The Holdovers
4. The Substance
3. The Wild Robot
2. Anora
1. Dune Part Two
For anyone reading this other than Eric - Full details and commentary on these (and what narrowly missed out) in my related article on Substack and Medium (also in Fanfare). :)
Mike Birbiglia is an exposed but hidden gem. The combo of stage and stand up is a lane he has gotten a miraculous hold on. I will watch whatever he puts out when he gets to it.
YES!!! Because I put myself on an intense Master Class in Birbiglia with my binge, I could SEE his evolution from special to special. I think what he’s doing is truly unique and such good, good art. I saw how he must have inspired Mulaney’s Baby J special. I also love his podcast-I listen with my notebook handy. I can’t wait to see him live-my first time. I’m sure I’ll report back!
Not that anyone asked but my top five would be Shrinking, Hacks, The Penguin, Dune Part Two, and Chappel Roan's album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
I did ask for lists at the end! So thanks for sharing! Great list. 🤓
These are all tremendous! Are you watching the Dune series? I’m behind, but think it has potential
I am watching it! The first episode was very disturbing.
It is...it does shift around a bit...very Game of Thrones in terms of the political power plays....
I love Hacks, too. Still on Season 1.
It gets better and better. You are in for a treat!
I am probably the last person on earth to give TV/Movie recs, but I really enjoyed The Bear & Las Azules and finally (finally!) got on the White Lotus bus. I'm currently binging "Elementary," and still working my way through the original run of "Dallas"- 9 seasons down, 5 to go at this point.
The Yacht Rock "dockumentary" Sheila mentioned is well done & well worth one's time. As for the cinema? well, 2024 marked another year where I didn't set foot in a theater...
I've heard a lot of good things about Elementary!