Move over Oscars, roll out the staff movie reviews!
We asked our staff to review their favorite movie of 2024 and compiled the results here. From the family-friendly The Wild Robot—based on a book of the same title—to the high-octane Monkey Man from Dev Patel and Jordan Peele, patrons can find all these films in our collection available for checkout. So, borrow and judge the movies for yourself. Check out our new and on-order DVDs from our collection.
Patrons can also stream movies on hoopla. Alachua County residents can get free access to eBooks, movies, music, TV shows, comics, eAudiobooks, and graphic novels through hoopla. The hoopla digital collection includes fan-favorite movies, newly released albums, and TV shows.
The Wild Robot (PG)
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The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot, Rozzum unit 7134, 'Roz' for short, that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.
Katelyn's Review:
"A heart felt children's movie that explores what it means to build a community, family, and identity. Incredibly funny at times to boot!"
Dune. Part two (PG-13)
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Paul Atreides, alongside Chani and the Fremen, seeks vengeance against the conspirators who destroyed his family, while grappling with the dilemma of choosing between his love for Chani and the fate of the universe. Amidst the turmoil caused by the destruction of House Atreides by House Harkonnen, Paul and his mother Lady Jessica integrate into Fremen society on Arrakis, where they confront suspicion and skepticism while fulfilling prophecies and facing the challenges of the desert planet. As Paul embraces Fremen customs and earns their respect, his bond with Chani deepens, all while the political intrigue involving the Harkonnens and the Bene Gesserit unfolds around them.
Jamie's Review:
"I love movies where everything is so visually stunning that the insanely high budget seems worth it. Also, the Bene Gesserits (space nuns) are unbelievably cool."
Roxanne's Review:
"More sandworms, more explosions, more intrigue. Faithful enough to satisfy book fans while making some interesting changes. Long live the Lisan al-Gaib!"
The Fall Guy (PG-13)
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He's a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job.
Daniela's Review:
"Hilarious action movie about a Hollywood stunt man who is tasked with tracking down the missing movie lead he is doubling for. Cool female director character, cute dog, and redonkulous stunts. The title has a very satisfying double meaning."
Sofia's Review:
"A movie for those who love movies- the layers of meta humor are so on point, definitely one of the funniest comedies I've seen in a hot minute. Not your average rom-com/action comedy. Stay for the credits!"
The Bikeriders (R)
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After a chance encounter at a local bar, strong-willed Kathy is inextricably drawn to Benny, the newest member of Midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals led by the enigmatic Johnny. Much like the country around it, the club begins to evolve, transforming from a gathering place for local outsiders into a dangerous underworld of violence, forcing Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.
Stefan's Review:
"Austin Butler and Tom Hardy recapture the charisma of James Dean and Marlon Brando in a ‘60s period piece about members of a Chicago motorcycle gang searching for integrity and meaning in a world passing them by."
Blink Twice (R)
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When tech billionaire Slater King meets cocktail waitress Frida at his fundraising gala, he invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. As strange things start to happen, Frida questions her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She'll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.
Mary's Review:
"It is a feminist treatise that is unbelievable but seems strangely familiar. And it starts with a trigger warning!"
Monkey Man (R)
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Kid is an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city's sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.
Sean's Review:
"Non-stop action, absolutely glued to the edge of my seat the whole time. The choreography for the fight scenes was fantastic!"
Cindy's Review:
"Monkey Man is great! It’s hard to write a review, because it’s got a little bit of everything—political commentary, humor, tension, and really likeable characters. And it has a lot of is bloody action sequences—so if that’s your thing, you’ll love this film."
The Promised Land (R)
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Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to tame an uninhabitable land and build a colony in the name of the King. While braving the elements, he is joined by some indentured serfs who have fled their tyrannical magistrate, which makes them all targets of a deadly conflict.
Radhika's Review:
"Mads Mikkelsen killed it yet again. This was the only time in my life I’ve been interested in barren lands of Denmark and its history. Throughout the entire movie there was a gentle anxiety living in my heart, even when things were going well. It was not unfounded, and I loved that for me. But don’t let that deter you, it truly is a masterpiece."
The People's Joker (Not Rated)
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An aspiring joker moves to Gotham City to make it big, but ends up grappling with her gender identity while forming an anti-comedy troupe and combatting a fascistic caped crusader. Helmed by writer/director/editor/star Vera Drew and using her own life experiences as a basis for the film, The People's Joker is a deeply personal journey that's as much documentary as it is parody.
Makennah's Review:
"The People's Joker is a fever dream of a film that feels like a punk collage zine made into an indie manifesto about being trans in the modern world. The Batman-themed storyline manages to criticize fascism while also having a humorous and affectionate take on gender as a whole. It will make you laugh, it might make you cry, and it will almost certainly make you question yourself."