It’s amazing (and a little scary), to think that the brand shiny new 21st century is already at the quarter mark. How did we already go through so many years in such a short period of time? They’re so bloody moreish, aren’t they?
Personally and professionally, 2024 was a quiet-before-the-storm kinda year. I’ve been working on several projects that will (some definitely and some hopefully) all burst on the scene in 2025 which, if we’re honest, sounds more like a proper important kind of year for that kind of thing anyway.
After a quiet year I will have not one, but two books hitting shelves and rest assured, I will be spamming about both of them merrily when the time comes.
Oh, and talking about new projects, Spouse of Mouse, myself and our friend Esther (mostly Esther) have started a new podcast called Now That’s What I call Nostalgia where we talk about the cartoon shows of our youth and discuss what drugs were most likely involved in their creation. First two episodes should be live now and you can listen to them HERE (if nothing happens the first two episodes were not, in fact, live now).
Here on the blog in 2024 I reviewed 1 Canon Disney movie, 2 MCU movies, 1 animé, 1 live action movie, 9 non-Disney canon animated features, 1 Bats versus Bolts, 4 Batman movies and one short film.
The standard of movies I reviewed this year was a huge improvement on 2023’s, not least because the MCU and Disney canon’s output have slowed to a greasy trickle as they to figure out just what’s gone wrong. But, like any bout of explosive diarrhoea, just because the first deluge has passed doesn’t mean it’s safe to get off the pot yet. I look at the horizon, with the MCU stunt-casting left and right and Disney bringing their early nineties cheap cash in sequel strategy into the sacred halls of the canon itself….let’s just say I don’t think the worst is behind us just yet. That said, it’s not like we deserve better.
So, with MCU and Disney reviews slowing to a crawl, that meant I got to focus on Batman reviews and the odder and more obscure articles in my backlog. And, I’m happy to say, I discovered (and re-discovered) some real gems. Best movie this year was…I mean, that’s hardly fair, is it?
I was very gratified at how many of you said you enjoyed my review of The Third Man and I think, yeah, a little culture around here wouldn’t kill us. I’m going to try and review some more classics.
Despite the overall uptick in quality, Worst Movie was actually the more fiercely competitive category as I did review some pretty egregious stinkers: Land Before Time XIII, Wish, The Marvels and Cool World.
But there was only one movie that I actively loathed and think you all know what it is. Dawn of Justice.
Lastly, I want to introduce a new category; Most Pleasant Surprise. These were the movies that I went in to knowing little and expecting less and came out with a new personal favourite. Honourable runner up is Joseph: King of Dreams, the scrappy little direct-to-video sequel that nonetheless set up shop in my head. Some bangers in the soundtrack too. But there was one movie that I was initially cool on but where my opinion of it grew and grew even after I watched it and reviewed it. So if you read my review of Your Name and felt that it was a little unenthusiastic, you’re right. So, let me set the record straight I adore this film.
Fantastic movie. Heart breaking. Yes, Makoto Shinkai fans. I get what you meant now.
Oh, and while I didn’t review it on the blog I may as well leave you with a recommendation.
I loved it as a thriller. I loved it as a character study. I loved it as a work of cinematic art. I loved it as a Catholic. Best new film I’ve seen all year. Whatever you think it is about it’ll probably surprise you. And I will definitely have to review it just so I can talk to someone about the ending.
Anyway, hope you and yours have a safe, wonderful and happy Christmas and new year.
Nollaig shona daoibh go léir,
Mouse.
unshavedmouse 
🙂
Merry Christmas from a longtime reader who’s ability to comment keeps shorting out. Hope you see this, hope even more you have a wondrous year ahead.
Happy Holidays to you, Mouse family.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Mouse. And I’ll be sure to check out that podcast.
Eyy, my family literally just watched Conclave on Monday! Yeah, it was really good!
Mouse yes please review Conclave.
Have not commented in a while but I realised this year it has been a decade since I started reading this blog. Still love it, Merry Xmas!
Well then a decade’s worth of thanks!
Another good year for the blog. I think the last three reviews especially showed how good your range is.
Really looking forward to seeing the follow up to Knock Knock Open Wide.
Thanks dude. Appreciate it.
Belated Merry Christmas, and an early Happy New Year!
Yes, happy holidays and looking forwards for whatever you’ve got next…
Jai Guru Deva Om
Nothing’s gonna change my world
-quoth the Owl
Merry Christmas! ….slightly late. So let me balance it by wishing you a happy new year slightly early. Looking forward to whatever you’ve got for us this year, and I’ll definitely check out that podcast. 😁
Thanks DJ!
My congratulations on having a perfectly fair to good AD 2024 and wish the Mouse House all the best for AD 2025.
Personally, I’m waiting for the new NOSFERATU to finally slither it’s way into British cinemas (I’m not sure if the Emerald Republic* gets it at the same time or a little earlier or a little later), partly because I admire – though do not entirely like – THE NORTHMAN, partly because Mr Nicholas Hoult has acquired a place in my affections after THE GREAT & RENFIELD, partly because Miss Lily Rose Depp did a good deal with very little in THE KING and I’m hoping this will make her mark as a cinematic leading lady, but most importantly of all because this is a Vampire a movie with WILLEM DAFOE as it’s Van Helsing.
God help me, it might have sold me a ticket based on that last part alone (DAFOE DAFOE DAFOE**).
*That’s a bit too WONDERFUL WORLD OF OZ, isn’t it? Ah well, not all experiments work.
**Blame ‘I’m a Marvel and I’m a DC’ for that little joke.
Ah, I almost forgot – might I please ask if the new WALLACE & GROMIT film was broadcast in the Republic this Christmas Day? (I found it to be quite fun and hope you got a chance to see it).
I missed it unfortunately but it should be on Netflix soon
Librarian and medium term reader here, quick question! Is there any plans to release The Burial Tide in hardcover? So far I’ve only seen it on vendor sites as paperback.
Yeah, I’m not aware of any plans for a hard back but I’ll let you know
Yeah, I’m not aware of any plans for a hard back but I’ll let you know.
Mouse, you will never EVER believe this, but I’ve stumbled over a Batman Fan Film that has Mr Adam West as (LEGO) Batman, Mr Mark Hamill as The (LEGO) Joker and Mr Dick Van Dyke as (LEGO Jim Gordon) in it’s cast list.
Also, it’s actually set at New Years!?!
(You can find it on YouTube as ‘Batman New Times’.
A belated Happy New Year to you and yours, Mouse: May AD 2025 use you kindly.
Mouse, I’m not sure whether or not IF (2024) is the sort of film you might like to see, but having watched it myself one can say that while it’s script isn’t always in the right place, it’s heart is.
Also, if you’re anything like me the possibility of dropping the film like a hot potato as soon a blue appears may occur to you: I’d suggest waiting until the teddy bear shows up to pass your final judgement on whether or not to finish watching this film.
It can be Very Good indeed (Though it can’t seem to pick an ending, therefore tries to use ALL of them and de ones any single one the chance to be a Perfect ending).
late merry new year and such, mouse!