The year 2024 has brought an exciting array of movies from action-packed blockbusters to captivating animations. Films that have taken center stage this year are Wicked, Moana 2, Inside Out 2 and It Ends With Us.
Wicked
The musical Wicked was transformed into a movie, released on November 22nd, 2024. With excitement from Ariana Grande’s fans and musical enthusiasts, the movie became a viral sensation. With high expectations, and a need to meet them, many rushed to the theater.
The much-anticipated movie brought shock to the audience. The plot follows the two best friends throughout their journey at Shiz, the school they attend. It touches on topics of being different, manipulation, friendship, and love.
Senior, Aiden Stay, states, “Wicked is one of the best movies I’ve ever watched, the plot is truly beautiful and the songs are now a part of my daily shuffle to listen to.”
While the movie grew in popularity many famous international brands partook in collaborations with Wicked. Whether revenue was achieved through collabs, celebrity promotions, or ticket sales the movie made 455.5 million dollars worldwide so far.
The experience of wickedness is not quite over. With this movie only being Part 1 of the story, Part 2 following, coming out on November 21st, 2025. As one of the most popular movies of the year 2024, it is a must-watch according to worldwide fans.
Moana 2
Disney’s Moana 2 continues the journey of Moana and introduces new characters, challenges, and settings while revisiting some elements from the original film. The sequel focuses on Moana leading a diverse crew, including new team members like Moni, Loto, and Kele, as they face challenges through their journey.
Moana’s journey is based on lifting the mythical curse based around her wayfinding ancestors with the help of her friends and family.
The movie expands on themes of family and friendship bonds as the chemistry between Moana and Maui remains a big highlight in the movie.
Fans of the first movie have enjoyed the visuals and character moments even though the storyline is very familiar.
Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 is a sequel to the teenager Riley’s life. The movie takes the audience on a heartfelt journey through the years, representing maturation and the struggles of being a teenager.
Alongside her emotions from the last movie, she develops new ones such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Nostalgia to represent new traits that Riley may be experiencing. With new friends, hockey tryouts, and puberty she attempts to navigate through the new complex emotions.
Senior, Vincent Hine, describes, “I felt every character in Inside Out 2 represented the changes that younger teenagers go through and that I somewhat went through.”
The movie has resonated with audiences of all ages, capturing the changes of growing up.
It Ends With Us
The nation-wind famous book, It Ends With Us, by the author Colleen Hoover was recently adapted into a movie, which got very similar love from the audience.
Senior, Olivia Dyki, explains, “I thought the movie was a lot like the book and it was interesting to put a face to the names.”
The film follows a girl, going back and forth between now and then (when she was younger), and how she navigates life. It goes through her two love experiences, one with a childhood boyfriend who was battling his issues, and with an abusive man who she loves. Throughout the movie, it goes back and forth showing all of the problems she encounters and shows who she ends up with in the conclusion of the movie.
The movie is quite controversial, many fans of the book are not quite satisfied with what the movie captured from the book and believe it’s missing a lot and some are unhappy with the style of the characters. Still, overall the movie received great reviews and many are pleased with the outcome and the existence of the movie.
It Ends With Us was in theaters during the end of summer and is now recently, as of December 9th, put on Netflix for all members to watch.
