Dec 19
What Were the Best Films of 2024?
Frank J. Avella READ TIME: 10 MIN.
"Wicked"
Jon M. Chu's glorious, perfectly cast film version of "Wicked: Part One" is not just a celebration of the wonders of a stage musical adaptation when it's done with reverence to the source material, but also reconceived for the visual medium, it's also a warning to a society ready to silence those they disagree or find fault with. "Wicked" also happens to be a potent film about female friendship boasting a fab ensemble led by the commanding Cynthia Erivo, the splendi-fabuous Ariana Grande-Butera and sexy-pants himself, Jonathan Bailey.
"September 5"
It's no easy feat to take a story that's been dramatized many times and give it a fresh and timely spin, but German writer-director Tim Fehlbaum's "September 5" does just that and more by trapping us in an intensely claustrophobic environment and forcing us to sit with our own prejudices and meditate on the continuously chaotic and horrific state of the world. It's a sobering experience. And the cast features outstanding work by Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro and the quietly breathtaking Leonie Benesch.
Frank J. Avella is a proud EDGE and Awards Daily contributor. He serves as the GALECA Industry Liaison and is a Member of the New York Film Critics Online. His award-winning short film, FIG JAM, has shown in Festivals worldwide (figjamfilm.com). Frank's screenplays have won numerous awards in 17 countries. Recently produced plays include LURED & VATICAL FALLS, both O'Neill semifinalists. He is currently working on a highly personal project, FROCI, about the queer Italian/Italian-American experience. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. https://filmfreeway.com/FrankAvella https://muckrack.com/fjaklute
