Deadpool & Wolverine

The 10 BEST Movies I Watched for Each Year I’ve Done This Blog

Posted on by Jack Drees

Hey everyone, Jack Drees here… Ten years later. Who would have thought? As of March 2nd, 2026, Scene Before is now in the double digit ages. I have thought long and hard about what exactly I should do for a post on the blog’s 10th anniversary. After all, I have some film reviews lined up, a lot is happening in the film industry, especially with the fate of Warner Brothers, and past anniversaries have seen me basically doing a greatest quotes recap. For this post, I am going to keep things simple, but sweet. I am going to list my favorite movies I saw from each year I did this blog.

For the record, if you have seen my top 10 BEST movies countdowns I have done, you might have some idea as to what these movies could be. Spoiler, my number one film has changed for some of these years. For some years, they change quite often. There is one year in particular where the movies I put down for #2 and #1 go back and forth at supersonic speed. I am going to list each movie in order, for every year I have done this blog, except 2026. It is still too early. Also, I did review all of these movies, so I will have links to those reviews if you want to check them out. With that said, let’s talk about some of the best movies I have seen since I started doing Scene Before!

2016: Arrival

Starting off this short but sweet 10 year journey is “Arrival.” I am a sucker for science fiction, and few directors have handled the genre as well in recent years as Denis Villeneuve. This is a movie that builds intrigue from the moment it starts. It delivers an incredibly emotional couple of minutes. I can recall one or two times watching the film and nearly tearing up at the introduction. As the film dives into its main story, which follows a linguist who is tasked with communicating with aliens, I found myself immersed. This starts off almost like an alien invasion film such as “Independence Day,” but there is a lot less of a focus on destruction and despair, and more on understanding the other side. The film is full of killer performances from Amy Adams to Jeremy Renner to Forest Whitaker. Technically speaking, it is stupendous. The sound design in “Arrival” is not only audible, but uniquely chilling, particularly when it comes to showcasing how the aliens communicate. The movie is a non-linear gem that becomes more palatable by the minute. Denis Villeneuve’s resume has remained consistently grand from this point on with the “Dune” movies, and long before that, “Blade Runner 2049.” That was almost my favorite film of 2017… As for the film that was my favorite however, that one was directed by Nacho Vigolando…

2017: Colossal

Some could argue this is a 2016 movie, but I first saw it during its U.S. theatrical release in 2017, rather than a festival, so I am proud to say that “Colossal” is one of the best monster movies I have ever seen. “Colossal” is one of the raddest concepts I have seen for a creature feature. Sure, it has the typical idea of a monster causing havoc in a major city. In this case, the city happens to be Seoul, South Korea. But it is much more than meets the eye. The idea of the film is that a monster shows up in Seoul whenever Gloria steps into a sandbox in her hometown. As if that idea were not crazy enough, the movie ultimately becomes a commentary on the dangers of drinking. When she moves back to her hometown, Gloria ends up working in a bar, which triggers her alcoholism. We find out she is not the only one in town who is dealing with this issue, as her friend Oscar, who hired her to work at said bar, starts drinking too much and losing control. This leads to a struggle in their real life relationship, as well as trouble for the city of Seoul. This is a clever idea of a flick that had me dropping my jaw by the time it was over.

2018: Avengers: Infinity War

2018 was a great year for comic book movies between “Black Panther,” “Aquaman,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse…” But the one I continue to think about most fondly is “Avengers: Infinity War.” I had the chance to watch the first screening of this film on the biggest IMAX in New England, and it was one of the most gigantic doses of utter euphoria I have had the privilege of experiencing. This was not a movie, it was an epic. It was the culmination of a decade of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We got to see our favorite heroes take on Thanos, the leanest and meanest purple dude ever conceived. Many Marvel movies show their flaws when it comes to showcasing villains, but not “Infinity War.” Thanos, particularly in this movie, is the best showcase of a Marvel villain I think the world has ever seen. Not only is he powerful, but the movie fleshes him out so much and presents his plan so brilliantly to the point where I can sort of understand and relate to the character. The movie is chock-full of moments that make you want to stand up and cheer, followed by an ending that if you are a die-hard fan, could leave you with a pit in your stomach. This movie had such a massive hype train behind it, and somehow it exceeded the hype. It is easily my favorite film in the MCU. As for my thoughts on “Endgame,” I think it is an awesome movie and a cinematic experience like no other, but “Infinity War” is the better of the two for me.

2019: Ready or Not

I saw the trailer for “Ready or Not” and immediately wanted the movie in my mind afterwards. Having seen it, I am proud to report that this film has surpassed my supersized anticipation I had for it going in. No, seriously. What a thrill ride! I still have chills thinking about it to this day. I first watched this movie at a press screening in Boston, and I was laughing nonstop. This movie introduced me to Samara Weaving, and I fell in love with her diabolical performance. She plays a protagonist named Grace. She goes through so much trouble, faces great pain, and has to face off against the weirdest family she has ever seen in her life. She is so easy to root for. The concept of this movie had me hooked. Basically, a woman gets married into a family who has a tradition of playing games whenever someone new joins said family. The bride ends up drawing the death card, which is “Hide and Seek.” What seems like an innocent, child-friendly game, turns out to be a scary good race against time. Weaving excels as the lead. The dialogue is brilliant. And the ending is utterly satisfying. If you have never seen this movie, you are not ready for the final five to ten minutes.

2020: Over the Moon

Everyone has that movie. The movie in which they feel like they are the only one that truly, deeply, loves it. For me, that is “Over the Moon.” I do not know who else has “Over the Moon” as their favorite film of 2020. I probably have some bias in my pick because I found my journey growing up to have some notable similarities to this film’s protagonist, Fei Fei. Our paths are not exactly the same. After all, her mom died when she was young. I am happy to say I never had to experience such a tragic event. That said, seeing Fei Fei’s dad get back into the dating game sort of reminded me of when my parents divorced, and they would then have the opportunity to date new people. Like Fei Fei, I was not accustomed to things changing, especially at such a quick rate. This is a Netflix movie, although it does feel like a remix of a Disney classic. It has a booming score from Steven Price and some clever original songs. The animation is super poppy and colorful. There is a ping pong sequence that had my eyes leave their sockets. The climax triggered all kinds of emotions for me. It fulfilled several characters’ arcs beautifully, and had me tearing up. If you have Netflix, this is a great family film to watch on the service. It does have a villain, but not so much violence. It is kind of tame in that regard. The movie had me jumping for joy and made me feel like a kid again. And with the movie coming out in a year as downright atrocious as 2020, that is probably the boost I needed.

2021: Belle

Here we have the first film produced primarily outside the U.S. to make the list, “Belle.” Some could argue this is a 2022 film as this was released in the United States that year. But this was released in Japan the year before, so I am counting it as a 2021 film. I watched certain pieces of anime growing up, but it wasn’t until my 20s that I expanded my palate with Japanese animation. Of all the movies on this list, this one maybe had the most frequent replay value for me over the years. What really solidified “Belle” as my favorite 2021 release happened to be two things. One, I found the film’s depiction of social media and online culture to be incredibly dead on. The movie dives into concepts like cancel culture, trolling, and other people not being who they seem behind the screen. Also, I love Suzu as a protagonist. She reminded me of myself in high school, given how she is an incredibly shy individual, even when it comes to displaying the things she happens to be passionate about. Granted, she had something gargantuan holding her back that I have not experienced, but regardless, she was very well written. If you like great music, this movie is stacked with it. The score is incredible and the soundtrack is just as good. I know this movie is basically another take on “Beauty and the Beast,” but I would argue that this is a superior variant of the classic tale.

2022: Everything Everywhere All at Once

This is one of the craziest rides I have ever had watching a movie. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a goldmine in every sense of the word. It is stupidly funny. It is deeply moving. It is adventurously fun. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a pyrokinetic ball of energy that only gets more unhinged as it goes. This is not the first movie to deal with multiverses. After all, it came out in the 2020s, where multiverse-based movies feel like a dime a dozen. But “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is the multiverse movie that I would most likely consider to be perfect. On the surface, this feels like a multiverse-spanning epic, but in actuality, if you break it down, it is a small scale story where a dreamer handles family drama and taxes. The cast is given so much to do here, including the fierce Michelle Yeoh, the incredible Stephanie Hsu, and the comeback king known as Ke Huy Quan. A24 had a killer year in 2022, and this is not only their best film of the year, it is my favorite one they have ever done. This is a movie that makes time for rocks with google eyes to talk to each other, but also has time for its main couple to navigate the concept of divorce. This is a movie that makes time for pinky finger kung fu, but also has time to showcase an emotionally beautiful backstory about the American dream. This is a movie that has time to tap into a universe where everyone has hot dog fingers, but also has time for a stirring drama where a mother and daughter may not be exactly on the same page. There is so much going on in this movie, and amazingly, it never once feels overly convoluted, at least to me. It is one of those movies that I think everyone has to see at least once because I think even if it is not your cup of tea, chances are you might get something out of it.

2023: Godzilla Minus One

I am not going to pretend I have done the deepest of dives into the “Godzilla” property, but this movie left me gobsmacked. I was not sure what to expect going into “Godzilla Minus One.” But I knew how I felt coming out of it… Beaming. I was beaming with excitement and tears. Not only is this a solid monster flick that feels like a spiritual cousin to the 1954 classic, but it shocked me to no end with how enamored I became for all the characters. Kōichi Shikishama is a complicated, compelling protagonist. He is a kamikaze pilot who is dealing with survivor’s guilt as a result of fleeing his duty. That alone makes the character interesting, but the movie adds plenty more pizzazz. Godzilla himself is obnoxiously scary. His eyes are as creepy as can be. There is a pivotal scene during the halfway point of the movie set in the middle of a city that is borderline nightmare fuel. That scene sets this movie on one of the most emotional rollercoasters imaginable, all the way to the second to last scene where I practically let out some man tears. While “Godzilla Minus One” is a product of Japan, it gave me the feeling that I would have had if were subjected to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated blockbusters for the first time, like “Star Wars” or “Jaws” or “Back to the Future.” The movie is predictable, but everything in the story feels earned.

2024: Deadpool & Wolverine

Of the years I have done Scene Before, I thought 2024 may have had the weakest slate, but of the movies I saw that year, few have stood out to me as much as “Deadpool & Wolverine.” I was not sure what to expect before finally getting to see this movie. But this film maintained the meta and dark humor that made “Deadpool” and “Deadpool 2” work as well as they did, all the while giving the popular character a new flair. This is Deadpool’s first appearance in the MCU. I have no idea if Kevin Feige and crew have any plans to bring him back in “Doomsday,” “Secret Wars,” or perhaps beyond those two movies, but if this is the lone Deadpool appearance, it is near perfect. Similar to several other Marvel titles, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is somewhat lackluster when it comes to its villain, but that is one small flaw in an otherwise sick, twisted, fun couple of hours. And if Disney is going to make Hugh Jackman play Wolverine until he’s 90, then he’s off to a flying start.

2025: Secret Mall Apartment

And finally, we get to the lone documentary on this list… “Secret Mall Apartment.” Keep in mind, my pick could come with some bias, as I have been a lifelong New England resident and live an hour away from where this movie is set. I even got to see this film at said mall’s movie theater. Nevertheless, I knew about the concept that this movie was going to unpack, but little did I know its nuts and bolts. I was excited to see how this movie would bring those to the spotlight. I came to this film to see a group of people living in a mall, but I stayed to see the group’s artistic adventures. The film is not just a warning of what gentrification can do to a community, but also a love letter to creative expression. The film, to my lack of surprise, made me laugh quite a bit. There are few moments of pure comedy gold. But I was not expecting it to trigger me emotionally. There is a fantastic scene where we learn about the group’s attachment to tape art, which has allowed its people to dive into projects that have been put on display at local hospitals, and even around New York City as a tribute to first responders who sacrificed themselves during 9-11. The movie proves that truth is stranger than fiction and shined a new light on the Providence Place mall that I have not seen. I have shopped there several times, but this film opened my eyes to the mall’s architectural flaws that basically ignores one side of the city. I know a lot of people are just discovering the documentary for the first time through Netflix, but I am proud to say that I watched “Secret Mall Apartment” before it was cool.

Thanks for reading this post, and I want to thank each and every single one of you who has tuned in for the past 10 years. I know this seems kind of small scale for a 10th anniversary post, but I figured it would be fitting because it is a celebration of each year I have done this blog.

There are other ways I am celebrating a decade of Scene Before, including the brand new series Movie Requests, which by the way, has just released its first episode! I am also happy to announce I will be dropping episode 2 later this month and it is going to feature Jason Mewes from movies like “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” I will have more information on an official release date soon. And be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, that way you can be up to date on when new episodes drop!

Of course, I also have more movie reviews coming. My next reviews are going to be for “GOAT,” “EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” and it took me long enough to check out this last one… “Send Help.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, what are your favorite movies from 2016 to 2025? Do you agree with my picks? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Top 10 BEST Movies of 2024

Posted on by Jack Drees

Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! It is time to list my top 10 BEST movies of 2024! We just did the worst list, and I mean it when I say the bad movies this year where on a different level. That is not a sugarcoat. That is the honest truth. But it does not mean there were no good movies this year, as you will see in a moment. But before we get to that, I would like to remind everyone this is a subjective list. By no means is this list supposed to influence you into liking these movies. These are recommendations, these are endorsements, but they are also my own opinions. If you dislike any of the movies on this list, do as I said on the worst list if you like any of the movies I hated, make your own list! Also, I did not see every movie that came out this year. I missed “Moana 2,” “Despicable Me 4,” “The Substance,” “Heretic,” “Terrifier 3,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Wolfs,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “Emilia Pérez,” among others. Not to mention “The Brutalist” has yet to come out in my area. Also, all the movies on my list are theatrical releases. There are no streaming, DVD, or TV exclusives. With that said, let’s start off by naming some honorable mentions that I have enjoyed throughout the year.

Honorable Mention: Daddio

My first honorable mention is “Daddio.” This film stars Dakota Johnson as a passenger in a taxi and Sean Penn as her driver. The movie has a lot to say about people judging others by what they see. It shows how if we were to get to know people on a deeper level, we would sometimes be surprised by what we learn about them.

Honorable Mention: The Fall Guy

“The Fall Guy” is director David Leitch’s love letter to stuntwork. If you have ever watched a movie and were wowed by the stunts, make an effort to check “The Fall Guy” out. The film not only has something for everyone, but such concepts are realized to their maximum potential. Also, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have terrific chemistry on screen.

Honorable Mention: Flow

And lastly for honorable mentions is “Flow.” I was floored by this film during my initial watch of it in the theatre. This is an animated flick containing no dialogue and no human voices. The only noises that come close to dialogue in “Flow” are animal sounds. If you are looking for a textbook definition of “visual storytelling,” “Flow” is definitely it.

Now for those of you who follow the blog, you may be aware that I scored “Flow” a 9/10. You might be thinking this would have ended up in the top 10. The reality is, I think some, if not all, of the films on this list will probably have more replay value for me over time. Nevertheless, “Flow” is an undoubtable achievement. Give it a watch if you can.

Now to 10 more movies you should also give a watch when you get the chance… These are my top 10 BEST Movies of 2024.

#10: IF

Starting off the top 10 is “IF,” which is short for “Imaginary Friends.” This is a movie that I had iffy, no pun intended, thoughts about as I went into it. Then my screening finished, and I immediately thought it was one of the most heartfelt and nostalgically wonderful movies I can recall watching. This is a film I can recommend to just about anyone. It is a great watch for both kids and adults. “IF” highlights the importance of maintaining your inner child. Many of us growing up have imaginary friends, and those connections fade over time. This film presents moments when our adult characters probably need those imaginary friends more than ever. Ryan Reynolds plays a major role in the film, and he gives a surprisingly quiet performance. If you watch him in films like “Free Guy” or “Deadpool,” you would get the sense that Reynolds is a bit of a loudmouth. Not here. I love Reynolds as a movie star and this is one of the better performances I have seen from him. “IF” is directed by John Krasinski, and this is his first feature outside of the “Quiet Place” franchise. When it comes to the mood of each of these films, these could not be more different. But it shows Krasinski’s versatility as a filmmaker. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next. On top of all of this, Michael Giacchino’s score is a banger. It does a great job at matching this film’s cheerful and optimistic spirit. When I review movies and say I would listen to the score on my own time, sometimes I end up doing so, other times I likely forget about it. This is one where I ended up listening to the score on my own time. It is great in the movie. It is stellar on its own. As a film, “IF” is one of my biggest surprises of the year.

#9: Abigail

If you have ever wanted to see a ballerina vampire torment some folks on screen, then “Abigail” is definitely for you. “Abigail” is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet, the same duo behind “Ready or Not.” While this film is not quite as good as “Ready or Not,” it maintains a very similar vibe. Not only is the film scary and tense, but it is also distinctively funny. I do not know of a proper adjective for the kind of humor presented in both of these films, but I certainly laughed a lot watching them. The film also has a great cast including some bigger names like Giancarlo Esposito, Kathryn Newton, and Dan Stevens just to name a few. However, the scene stealer is Alisha Weir, the young girl who plays this film’s titular vampire. Her character is written and executed with an extreme sense of unpredictability. I can imagine Weir had a lot of fun playing her. You could even say she had just as much fun as I did watching her on screen.

#8: Sing Sing

Coming in at number 8 is “Sing Sing.” Of all the movies I saw this year, this is the one that arguably put the biggest smile on my face. This film showcases the importance of art as an escape. As for this film’s cast of characters, they are a group who embrace that idea, especially considering their situations. The film is occasionally serious. After all, it is set in a prison. But my favorite moments of the movie are when we get to see our cast making a play, escaping into their characters, rehearsing, any instance of them leaving their world so they can enter another one. It reminds me of why I love art. Colman Domingo gives one of my favorite performances of the year and as soon as the movie ended, I felt an incredible sense of joy. Again, this is an occasionally serious film, but if you are looking for a feel good movie, I highly recommend “Sing Sing.”

#7: A Quiet Place: Day One

I enjoy the “Quiet Place” franchise, but not a single film from it made my top 10s at the end of the year after they were released. That changes now, because I think “A Quiet Place: Day One” may be the best film in the franchise yet. This film sees the rise of its patented creatures, the Death Angels, as they wreak havoc in New York City. This is an incredible concept considering how one of the main objectives the characters in the “Quiet Place” franchise have to take on is not uttering a sound. We see this reality take effect in one of the loudest cities on earth. The film introduces some compelling characters who I rooted for the entire time. While this film is scary, I still find the first “Quiet Place” movie to be the most terrifying in the franchise. It may be due to the novelty the film had when it came out. Although I will also say that of all the “Quiet Place” movies, I think “Day One” is perhaps the most exciting one yet considering its huge scale, likable leads, and compelling screenplay.

#6: Dune: Part Two

I ended up watching this next film for the first time on February 29th, a day that comes only once in a blue moon. On that note, movies as satisfying and thrilling as “Dune: Part Two” also come once in a blue moon. I really enjoyed the first “Dune” movie but I think everything that was great about 2021’s “Dune” is improved even by the slightest of margins in this 2024 sequel. The fight choreography had me on the edge of my seat. The cinematography is grander in scope. The color spectrum is more eye-popping. The journey is more engaging and better paced. Many people say the first “Dune” feels like a part one. After all, these two films are one book split in half, but I see the first “Dune” movie as a full story where its protagonist has a solid arc. At the same time, this film does successfully pay off some of the things that were teased in the original film. We get to see more of Zendaya’s character, Chani, and she does a good job with the role. The scene where Paul Atreides rides a sandworm for the first time will go down as one of my favorites of the year. Seeing that come to life in IMAX was jaw-dropping. Also, just like the original movie, Hans Zimmer kills it here with the score. A score like the one here continues to support why he rivals John Williams as my favorite film composer working today.

#5: Saturday Night

This next film spoke to me on a personal level. Not necessarily because I am a loyal fan of the show it is about, though I do find it entertaining. But as someone who works in live production, I have to put “Saturday Night” somewhere on this list. This film beautifully captures the stress that comes with live TV, an industry I just so happen to be a part of. Everything is down to the wire, and in some cases, there is a sense that anything can or will go wrong at the moment you least expect. “Saturday Night” is this year’s most fast paced, heart-racing anxiety trip. It throws a lot of material into an hour and a half of storytelling, and not a single moment of it is boring. The film contains a stacked cast who all play their parts well. This film is a perfect balance of comedy and drama. There are a lot of lines and gags that go hard but at the same time, I understand that these characters are probably under their own degrees of stress. They have a lot of prep work to deal with. They are a bunch of nobodies trying to make names for themselves. They do not know if their show is going to make it to air. This film is directed by Jason Reitman. I happen to like a number of his films including “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Juno,” “Tully,” “Young Adult…” But I think “Saturday Night” is easily my favorite of his so far.

#4: The Wild Robot

Honestly, my top 4 are almost interchangeable. You could almost label my top 4 films as a tie and finish the list right there. But at this point, these films are very close to matching in quality. That said, I would be an idiot to miss out on telling you that “The Wild Robot” is an exceptional picture. I am not a parent, but I can easily recommend this film to any parent who has ever lived. In the simplest terms, the film is about the journey of parenting. Only thing is, the task is taken on by a robot and they have to raise a gosling. The robot realizes that the journey in raising this young bird is beyond her programming. Sometimes she will resort to improvisations and sacrifices. Some people say parenting is the hardest job in the world, and this movie brings that saying to life. You are literally raising someone who knows you from the minute they are born, and the process prompts tons of questions that not everyone would know the answer to. Much like “IF,” the film is great for kids and adults, but I think there will be plenty of adults who enjoy it more than kids because there is a lot that speaks to people at a certain time in their lives. The animation style, while sometimes a little cheap-looking, is unique and sometimes wows the eyes. This is a great film for family movie night, but if any parents are reading this, be very careful because you might shed a tear.

#3: Anora

Coming in at #3 is “Anora,” which is by far the craziest trip of a movie I have seen all year. Watching this movie is like drinking 10 cups of coffee. It will keep your eyes wide open. This movie has two imperfect, but extremely likable main characters. You have Vanya, a spoiled child of a wealthy oligarch. And you also have Ani, a sex worker played by Mikey Madison, an actress who I think has a pretty decent shot at winning an Academy Award this year. This movie puts these two people together until something happens where they are told to drift apart. While one would not be wrong to call this film a drama, I would also say “Anora” is one of the funniest movies of the year. It has a vibe of a grounded Tarantino flick like “Reservoir Dogs” or “Pulp Fiction.” If I had to pick a favorite second act of a movie I have seen in 2024, I think “Anora” would be my winner. My auditorium burst into chaotic laughter so many times during this portion of the film. Experiences like the one I had with “Anora” solidify why I love going to the movies.

#2: Look Back

One of the reasons why I put “Saturday Night” on this list is because of how much I was able to attach the movie to my own life. The same can be said for my next pick, “Look Back.” For those looking for something short to watch, you are in luck. This movie is just a tad less than an hour so it is barely a feature by some stretch of the imagination. That said, the hour is filled with absolutely powerful material. The film showcases the importance and unpredictability that can come with friendship. We see our main character, Fujimoto, befriend a shut-in named Kyomoto. The two vary in terms of their personalities but they end up bringing out the best in each other. Both end up making manga together, and Fujimoto helps Kyomoto come out of her shell. This movie truly spoke to me as an artist. We see early on that Fujimoto is a dedicated manga artist for the school newspaper. But when Kyomoto jumps on the scene with her own manga, Fujimoto’s peers start to think her drawings are inferior, therefore prompting her to try as hard as she can to improve her work. I think many artists, myself included, get a little jealous when we see someone we think is better than us at our own craft. Then we get to the second half of the movie, where things just take a turn. It is moving, sad, and utterly powerful. This year has presented some unique animation styles. We saw 2D and 3D blend together in “Inside Out 2.” We saw fantastical vibrancy that almost feels lifelike in “Transformers One.” We saw a variety of animation choices come to life in “The Wild Robot.” “Look Back” is also rather unique. It sometimes transports into the style of manga drawings with consistent colors or even black and white. On top of all of this, “Look Back” has one of my favorite musical scores of the year. Haruka Nakamura delivers some booming orchestral pieces that floor me just thinking about them. Again, this is a short movie. So if you are looking for something to watch in just a short span of time, this could work. But if you cry easily, you might want to keep the tissues on standby.

#1: Deadpool & Wolverine

If you read my rankings for the worst movies of 2024, you would notice one consistency on that list. Much to my disappointment, it happened to be comic book movies. These films have defined me as a moviegoer and most of them have been fun to watch over the years. Though this year was a complete letdown. That is excluding one crystal clear diamond in the rough. My #1 movie of the year is “Deadpool & Wolverine.” You can make an argument that I am rather predisposed to this movie, but it does not change the fact that out of all the experiences I have had watching films this year, this was by far the most entertaining. This is a film that honestly shattered my expectations. I am still iffy over Disney buying Fox and the ramifications of said purchase, but if we keep getting movies as exciting as this, I am willing to acknowledge any positive that comes my way, and this is a big one. Admittedly, while I have watched Hugh Jackman play Wolverine in films before, this latest outing of his does not offer the same nostalgia value that “Spider-Man: No Way Home” did in 2021 with their supporting webheads. However, that may also suggest how great this film is as a standalone feature. It is definitely a movie where certain viewers will probably pick up select details others might miss, but it also has a lot that general audiences can savor. Stunningly choreographed action that is gracefully edited. Excellent meta humor that rivals the previous two “Deadpool” installments. And an overall pace that flies by.

Yet at the same time, this film is not short on fan service. Going back to “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” as much as I loved the film, part of me saw its surprise cameos coming. “Deadpool & Wolverine” on the other hand caught me so crazily off guard multiple times. Just when I thought this film unleashed its most out of left field character, it sets off another bomb that somehow drops my jaw even further than it did previously. These surprise characters also do more than just wave at the camera, they actually serve the story.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” won me over as a Marvel fan. It won me over as someone who enjoys watching Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. It won me over as someone who grew up with Shawn Levy as a director. One of my first movie theater experiences is his family film, “Night at the Museum.” I am so happy to see Levy’s career continue to the point where he gets to helm one of the most graphic comic book movies ever. For the record, if I were to rank the “Deadpool” movies, I still think the original is the best one. This one would be a strong second, however. The “Deadpool” trilogy as a whole has proven to be a success. I also think this sparks some good news for the MCU after a rough patch in the Multiverse Saga. I liked every film since “Endgame,” but my opinion would be challenged by casual and hardcore fans alike. Some would say the universe itself has become convoluted with so many characters and ideas to the point where some of the projects feel like homework. That said, if watching “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” on Disney+ feels like homework, then “Deadpool & Wolverine” feels like coming to class, the teacher brings in the TV, and we just watch something fun for the entire period. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is a movie that does not take itself too seriously and offers a relaxing vibe despite its gratuitous violence and excessive use of the f-word.

Out of all the films I have seen in 2024, this is the only one I ended up watching three times. And this is definitely a film I recommend watching more than once because I ended up noticing certain details and jokes that I missed before. “Deadpool & Wolverine” does not lose its edge by the third viewing. Each watch is as thrilling as the last. That said, my first viewing of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the only time I watched it in cinemas, was by far my favorite filmgoing experience this year. My friend and I had a great time. There was no shortage of laughing and cheering from the crowd. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is a film that I want to watch again with a friend or two who never saw the film, just to find out how they would react to it.

Is the film perfect? No. Like a lot of Marvel movies, I think the villain could be better, but given all the other positives the movie has, that is a small price to pay. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is the most entertaining cinematic experience I have had in a long time. It was the movie event of the year. It is also the BEST movie of 2024.

Thanks for reading this countdown! I appreciate all your support throughout another exciting year for film. No perfect movies this year, but a lot of really good ones. I will take the hits as they come along. With these countdowns out of the way, I would like to take this time to announce a new project I am working on. So far, I have no movie reviews on deck. January is a rather slow month for film, and I took the last weekend to travel a bit. Though in addition to these countdowns, I am also planning on doing my top 10 BEST and WORST movies of the 2020s so far. That includes all the movies I saw from 2020 to 2024. These are going to be published in the same order as the yearly countdowns, so expect my worst list coming soon!  If you want to see projects like this one and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, what are your best movies of 2024? What movies hit you where you live? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024): The MCU’s First R-Rated Outing Heavily Delivers on Fan Service, Action, and Humor

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is directed by Shawn Levy (Free Guy, Night at the Museum) and stars Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy, The Adam Project), Hugh Jackman (The Greatest Showman, Reminiscence), Emma Corrin (My Policeman, A Murder at the End of the World), Morena Baccarin (Firefly, Greenland), Rob Delaney (Tom & Jerry, Ron’s Gone Wrong), Leslie Uggams (American Fiction, Empire), Aaron Stanford (12 Monkeys, Nikita), and Matthew Macfadyen (Quiz, Succession). In this film, Deadpool is invited to have a place in the sacred timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he instead tries to find a variant of Wolverine to save his own universe.

There are no words in cinema in which I have opposed to a greater degree over the past number of years than comic book movie fatigue. And yes, comic book movies are cinema. End of story. While there have been bumps in the road in the comic book movie and television genre, I must admit that I have never once felt the need to jump ship. Despite the DCEU coming to an end, the final efforts of said cinematic universe were all quite fun from “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” to “The Flash” to “Blue Beetle.” That cinematic universe also gave me my favorite DC movie of all time, “The Suicide Squad,” which spun off into the incredible TV show “Peacemaker.” On the Marvel side, I do not give two squirts of urine about what anyone says here… I liked every MCU movie since “Endgame.”

Now the genre has had its downsides in recent years like “Wonder Woman 1984,” “Morbius,” “Madame Web,” and as much as I enjoy the MCU movies, I think some of the Disney+ originals pale in comparison. Although “WandaVision” is must-see TV. That said, the genre has delivered way more positives than negatives for me over the years, so I was excited for “Deadpool & Wolverine.” I love the first couple of “Deadpool” movies, I was excited to see what Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy can do with an R-rated MCU flick, so it was definitely going to bring some novelty to this ongoing saga. Admittedly, I never grew up with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine unlike say Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man. “X-Men” was just never a part of my household at the time. But I have seen a few of those movies, which I have mostly enjoyed. I think Jackman does a good job in the role, he is a fine actor, so it was going to be fun to see what he would bring to this role one more time.

Safe to say, “Deadpool & Wolverine” was one of my most anticipated films of 2024. So how did it turn out?

It is one of the best comic book movies of the past few years.

To some of you reading this, such a statement may either mean a lot or a little to you. Because again, unlike some of you, I have not been fatigued by this sub-genre. But I honestly think if some of you reading this were done with Marvel movies or comic book movies in general, this film could revitalize some of your interest in that realm of film. Now, is it the best MCU movie ever? No it is not. In fact, the biggest problem I have with “Deadpool & Wolverine” is actually the biggest problem I had with many other MCU titles. Particularly the villain. Though I will say the villain this time around is a bit of a step up from “The Marvels,” which again, I had fun with.

But this movie is not about the villain, it is about the heroes. It is about two comic book icons coming together at long last. In fact, this movie, to my lack of surprise, reminds me of “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” If you read my review for that film, you would know that I refer to that it as a love-letter to the Spider-Man character, and the multiple eras such a character represents. That is what “Deadpool & Wolverine” is in a different way. Because this film not only serves as a love letter to the Deadpool and Wolverine characters. It also manages to sprinkle some love to an era of comic book movies that means a quite a bit to a certain group of people, even if they managed to vary on their level of success and failure.

What makes the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” such a big deal is that it is one of the rare attempts at Disney making an R-rated film. This is a concept that is rather novel to the brand, particularly in its main line of films. Sure, Disney used to release films under Touchstone Pictures, which has its share of R-rated titles. Another defunct label of Disney’s, Hollywood Pictures, also had films with R-ratings. And now they have 20th Century Studios, which has not stopped with its mature slate. But this is the first R-rated Marvel Studios title. I honestly thought we would never see this day. Sure, DC has some R-rated titles in its own cinematic universe like “Birds of Prey” and “The Suicide Squad,” but neither of those films were particularly successful at the box office. That said, the first film came out just before a pandemic and the second film simultaneously released on HBO Max during a time when some people were weary about going to the cinema, so there is that. Yes, DC also has “Joker,” which was the first R-rated film to make a billion dollars at the box office, but I did not think something as popular as the MCU, which attracts a large audience, would have the guts to make something like this. In fact, if I were an executive at Disney, I too, would be somewhat weary of doing an R-rated film there. I would love it from a creative perspective, but from a financial and brand perspective, it is tough to justify.

But this film unleashes all the creativity it can, and judging by the box office total so far, it only helped the film financially. Conceptually, this film is quite clever. It manages to take certain portions of the Fox “X-Men” universe and sprinkle them over with things from the MCU and blend them together perfectly. This film has the DNA of the past two “Deadpool” movies, but it manages to make the universe feel more epic. It is a perfect hybrid of your typical MCU movie and your typical “Deadpool” movie. The tones never feel like they are clashing. It is like they took the first couple “Deadpool” movies and decided to put more money on the screen. The action sequences are incredibly stylistic and thrilling. Each one is as sweet and flashy as the last. This film has a marvelous opening sequence that could potentially make for the most exciting first five to ten minutes the MCU has ever done.

Also like “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” this film is also filled with moments that if you see this in a theater at a certain time and place, will likely result in audiences cheering and applauding. Only thing is, with “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” I was somewhat able to predict pretty much all the surprises that happened to be in those movies. The “Deadpool” movies have repeatedly mastered its marketing campaigns, and this one is no exception because it kept so many things under wraps to the point where certain moments happened that caught me totally off guard throughout the runtime. I would love to talk about some of these events, but I will let those of you who have not seen this movie enjoy the magic of checking them out yourselves.

But as for the things we know going in, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have perfect chemistry as the titular characters. Knowing their relationship behind the scenes, this is a film that despite the existence of “Logan,” felt like a passion project these two wanted to do for years. I do not know what it took to get Hugh Jackman to play Wolverine one more time, but knowing how fun it is to watch these two together, it was worth it. This is primarily Deadpool’s story. The movie starts with Deadpool, features the character prominently in situations where he has to make tough choices and fight for the people he loves, but Wolverine gets a lot of screentime and every minute is well utilized.

Despite this being Deadpool’s story, we do not really get a lot of time with the characters from the past Deadpool movies like Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Vanessa, Yukio… They are in the movie. But their roles in the film are minor. They do not have a ton to do on screen even though they play a part in the plot and outcome.

In fact, on the more mainline “X-Men” side, Wolverine is for the most part, the main character we see in regards to that universe. That is not necessarily a bad thing because the film focuses more on making a robust story for its main duo rather than shoehorning as many X-Men characters as possible. It feels more like a movie than a stale reunion special. The film honors the legacies of both of these characters while giving them both another story for audiences to love. Maybe even Hugh Jackman’s swan song… Until he decides to make a crapton more money.

As mentioned, “Deadpool & Wolverine” comes with many of the successes and failures of the other MCU films. While the titular characters shine, Cassandra Nova, played by Emma Corrin is a semi-lackluster villain. Now, she is not all bad. During the first half of the film, I did not have any problems with her. I thought she was rather menacing and intimidating. I think they did a good job at introducing her. But by the end of the film, she came off as cliche-riddled and power hungry. There was not as much depth as I would have wanted for a character like this. In fact, I am rather surprised to say that I left this movie liking Matthew Macfadyen’s performance as Paradox a bit more in comparison. Not that I think Macfadyen’s a bad actor, he is great. But despite his role being smaller than Cassandra Nova’s in the grand scheme of things, his scenes are more memorable on top of his charisma and personality.

This film is not just a potential revitalization of the MCU, it is not just a finale for the Fox “X-Men” universe, it is not just a love letter to several comic book movies that came before, but it is also one that is not afraid to make fun of the industry. If you have followed either of the cinematic universes this movie represents, know a little bit about how filmmaking works, or even followed movie news over the past number of years, this film may be able to hit you in some way. There is one moment where Deadpool sort of highlights the collective reaction of the ongoing multiverse saga, which even as someone who appreciates said saga, it made me laugh. This is arguably the funniest movie in the MCU. Humor-wise, it is up there with the first “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” Only thing, I would say those movies have jokes that stick the landing perfectly for general audiences, whereas the humor in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” while still likely to get large crowds laughing, is sometimes a bit more niche and maybe not for everyone. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is full of comedy gold from fantastic fourth wall breaks, excessive, yet well placed f-bombs, and some brilliant visual gags. There was no shortage of cackles in my screening. And if you go see this film in a crowded theater, I am sure you will have the same experience.

As far as the MCU goes, I would have say that “Deadpool & Wolverine” is definitely one of the better films. It is easily my favorite MCU installment post-“Endgame.” In the case of the proper “Deadpool” movies, I would still say the first film is my favorite, but this is a slight step up from “Deadpool 2.” I think it is a little bit funnier, a bit more action-packed, and has more memorable moments. “Deadpool & Wolverine” comes off as the most ambitious movie of its trilogy, and it shows. This has a slightly different feel from the past two “Deadpool” movies but manages to maintain what makes those predecessors great. If this is your genre, you have to see this movie as soon as possible. It is one that if you have friends or more mature family members in your circles, you have to watch with them just to see their reaction. Can you take a 10 year old to this movie? That’s a hard sell… Depends on the 10 year old. There are some things that are a bit tamer in this film compared to the original, but it is filled to the brim with excessive violence and foul language. I will let the world’s parents judge for themselves on whether or not they want to be remembered as the cool cats who gave their kids the memory of a lifetime.

As an entry point to this genre of movies and the MCU, there are definitely more accessible films like “Guardians of the Galaxy” or “Iron Man” or even “Ant-Man,” but I would say you’d be okay should you decide to skip the first two “Deadpool” movies, the “X-Men” films, or any of the MCU installments. Like all the other MCU followups, it definitely helps watching the past entries or even briefly brushing up on Wikipedia as you may be able to pick up on some nuance. But you can still watch “Deadpool & Wolverine” on its own and have a good time. The movie is stacked with fan service, so if you are hyperactively into these movies, chances are you will lose your mind in select moments of this latest installment. But if you are simply looking for a killer time at the movies, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is practically guaranteed to give you just that.

In the end, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is a blast that honors the past of the comic book movie genre. There is not a lot that I can complain about when it comes to the overall experience of this movie other than maybe how they handled the villain. But again, despite Cassandra Nova’s flaws, I will not deny that she had her moments and Emma Corrin did an okay job playing the character. If there is one movie that you should make an effort to see this summer, look no further than “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Great action, killer soundtrack, fun chemistry between the leads… It is a riot! “Deadpool & Wolverine” is now my favorite movie of 2024, and I am going to give it a 9/10.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review. My next reviews are going to be for “Kinds of Kindness,” “The Instigators,” “Sing Sing,” and “Borderlands.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Deadpool & Wolverine?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite Marvel movie from the 20th Century Fox era? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!