Somehow the first half of 2024 has already zoomed past us. With plenty of movies that made us excited to go to the theater to see, TV that made us want to watch one more episode, and music that made us want to dance and cry, 2024 had plenty in store to keep us entertained. Here are our picks for the best of 2024 so far!
Movies
Rudy: Challengers
“Challengers” succeeded in making tennis a theatrical experience. Centered around a singular challenger’s tennis game between former friends Patrick (Josh O’Connor) and Art (Mike Faist), director Luca Guadigno takes viewers past the court to the complicated love triangle with Tashi (Zendaya) as she watches from the crowd. “Challengers” was a complete sensory experience leaving viewers on the edge of their seat with every serve, hit and sweaty close-up. The soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross also serves killer dance beats that match the high energy of Patrick and Art’s tennis battle.
Read our review of Challengers here
Miranda: The Bikeriders
“The Bikeriders” was the perfect 1960’s nostalgic escape I didn’t know I needed. Beautifully narrated by Kathy (played by the insanely talented Jodie Comer), it’s her voice that carries audiences through the chaos, friendships, love, and heartbreak among the characters we can’t help but fall in love with. The film spans across 10 years and is action packed but never loses focus on the characters and their stories. This gives the film a solid grounding that is rare, and makes it a film that stands out among the rest!
Becca: Fancy Dance
Since the disappearance of her sister, Jax has cared for her niece Roki. Because of Jax’s criminal past, she is seen as unfit to care for Roki. Ultimately, Jax kidnaps Roki from her grandparents and flees with her niece. They set out in search of Jax’s sister in the hopes of finding her before the annual powwow. Lily Gladstone, in the role of Jax, gives a phenomenal performance that is not to be missed!
Rudy: Inside Out 2
Pixar movies succeed when they not only appeal to a younger audience, but a universal one as well. “Inside Out 2” succeeds as the film explains the messy transition from childhood to adolescence in a hilarious and heartfelt way that many would say is pretty accurate. Joy (Amy Poehler) and the other emotions from the first film must stop new emotion Anxiety (Maya Hawke) from completely controlling Riley’s mind. The Inside Out franchise has been a fan favorite for the clever way it explains how our minds work. This sequel is no exception and leaves the door open for a potential third movie to explain the qualms of adulthood.
Read our review of Inside Out 2 Here
TV
Madeline: The Good Doctor season 7
“The Good Doctor” just wrapped its final season, and even though I still have a few episodes left, this was one of their strongest seasons yet. I have never cried so much watching a TV show, but “The Good Doctor” has a way of tugging at your heart strings while also providing you with an aura of hope. I will miss this show SO MUCH and the feelings it made me feel.
Rudy: Abbott Elementary season 3
“Abbott Elementary” made its triumphant return this spring when Janine (Quinta Brunson) accepts an exciting opportunity to work at the Philadelphia school district. Despite the opportunity to make a difference, she feels constant conflict about leaving behind the students, teachers, and school she loves. The acclaimed series perfectly balances humorous situations with serious conversations about the challenges elementary schools and students face.
Miranda: Under the Bridge
As a lover of both true crime and crime show dramas, I had high hopes for this show, and it did not disappoint! What I loved about the show is that it highlighted how things aren’t as black and white as we’re taught to believe. It showed children making huge, life-altering mistakes and the surprising power of forgiveness in the most dire of circumstances. There were also two female leads at the forefront who brought complexity, discussions around racism in its many forms, and showcased how much socioeconomic status and privilege impact our judicial system and the people within it.
Music
Madeline: Taylor Swift-The Tortured Poets Department
The 31-song album brings you on a journey of heartbreak and letting go, but it isn’t all doom and gloom. There’s a spark of hope, as she realizes she’s found someone to take the pain away. Nevertheless, this album has its bops, and the ones that you just want to cry over, and that’s what makes it the best album of 2024 so far. And it’ll probably be my all-around favorite album of 2024.
Read our review of the Tortured Poets Department here
Rudy: Dua Lipa- Radical Optimism
Dua Lipa’s “Radical Optimism” ushered in the summer season with an album of beach-ready summer anthems “Training Season” and “Illusion”. Deeper cuts like “These Walls” and “Falling Forever” show depth while keeping the energy high. “Radical Optimism” succeeds in making healing sound like a good time.
Read our review of Radical Optimism here
Rudy: Billie Eilish- Hit Me Hard and Soft
On her latest album, Billie Eilish breaks out from her melancholic shadow and has a little fun. The hit song, “LUNCH”, sees Billie cleverly talk about her desires and cravings and not we’re not talking about food. Standout songs “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”, “CHIHIRO” and “WILDFLOWER” brings back Billie’s softer vocals while still experimenting sonically with her brother Finneas on production. True to its title, the album hits hard and soft, balancing devastating and hilarious and sees Billie more as a fully-fledged artist.
Read our review of Hit Me Hard and Soft here
Rudy: Charli XCX- Brat
If last year’s summer was defined by Barbiecore, this summer might be defined by “bratcore”. Charli XCX’s latest album “brat” is loaded with high-energy club anthems that are essential listening for letting loose amongst throbbing bass and nonstop energy. Plus, it takes a special kind of artist to bring out Lorde, and we are grateful Charli was able to do so on the remix of “Girl, So Confusing”. “Brat” is not only the perfect album for parties that go a little too late, but healing with your bestie.
Rudy: Beyoncé- Cowboy Carter
The second installment in Beyonce’s ongoing trilogy of albums, “Cowboy Carter” has all the swagger the Beyhive would expect from a Beyonce album that pays tribute to country music’s past while acknowledging its future. First announced at the Super Bowl, the two singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” demonstrate the range Beyoncé is able to execute flawlessly between an upbeat country-pop fusion and emotional ballad. With plenty of features and surprise guests, “Cowboy Carter” is Beyonce at her most versatile and a standout from this year so far.
Read our review of Cowboy Carter here
Theater
Becca: Cabaret
Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin star in the newest revival of Cabaret. Set in 1929–1930 Berlin during the Nazis rise to power, the musical focuses on the hedonistic nightlife at the Kit Kat Klub and revolves around American writer Clifford Bradshaw’s relations with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles, portrayed by Rankin. Redmayne portrays the Emcee and brings new life to the role.
Miranda: Danny and the Deep Blue Sea
Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott starred in this explosive play about two characters who were full of rage and at a crossroads in their lives. It centers around an unconventional love story that elicited audiences to have empathy and compassion for these complex characters with so much emotion inside that was bursting out, often in unfavorable ways. Both actors gave powerful performances and I left the theater in absolute awe of their talent.
