The year of 2024 for cinematic excellence was strange. I was fortunate enough to view over 90 new release films throughout the year, with a few exceptions arriving in January. But for now, these are some of the very best achievements in cinema for the year. In this current moment with our society consumed by utter tribalism, it feels important to share what made me laugh, cry, and excite me in this ever changing medium.
Film
“I’ve got information, man. New shit has come to light.” – The Dude, ‘The Big Lebowski’
Film Review: ‘Anora’ refuses to like you, but you’ll like her
The first half of ‘Anora’ is some of the most fun you’ll ever have. Our charming yet childish co-lead Russian is Ivan—who also goes by Vanya—oozes Gen-z status by taking hits of his THC vape pen and playing Xbox all day. It’s not until an average night in the life of Ivan in which he meets Ani—who’s birth name is Anora but refuses to acknowledge this as her’s—at Headquarters because she’s the only Russian speaking dancer in the club. This interaction turns a simple VIP lap dance into a relationship that would make ‘Pretty Woman’ seem childish.
First Take Co.’s ‘The Flick’: Life’s Not Always Like a Movie
BY HAYLEY WILSON Known for its immersive approach to performance, First Take Co. brings…
August 16-20: KCPL’s Clarence Brown Film Festival
Knoxville’s performing arts scene crossed a threshold in the fall of 1970 when the Clarence…
Big Ears 2020 Film Lineup: Rare Experiments from International Auteurs
92nd Academy Awards: Who Will Win & Who Should Win
By Reid Ramsey 2019 in film brought about an embarrassment of riches. Most of those riches…
The Public Cinema at Central Cinema: ‘Varda by Agnès’
Andrew Swafford and Reid Ramsey Pick Their Top Films of 2019
Andrew Swafford: Top Ten Films of 2019 #10 – Knock Down the House By Rachel…
Interview with ‘Light From Light’ Director Paul Harrill
By Andrew Swafford Light From Light, opening December 6th at Central Cinema, is the…