23. December 2024
Retro Revival Hits The Big Screen: 10 Movies That Defied Expectations

10 Movies That Defied Expectations
This year has seen a diverse range of films that surprised audiences and critics alike. From thrillers to horror-comedies, these movies showcased their unique strengths and left viewers eager for more.
I Saw the TV Glow is a neon-drenched horror-comedy about two teens bonding over a cheesy sci-fi show. The movie’s story might hit differently for anyone who grew up in the ’90s feeling like they would be more at home in Sunnydale than living their own humdrum lives. Young outcasts Owen and Maddy don’t initially have the words to articulate what it is that makes them different from other kids, but there’s something about The Pink Opaque that speaks to them both.
The teens don’t understand why they feel such a powerful, instinctive kinship to the TV show’s monster-fighting heroines or how the program is influencing the way they see the world. This sense of disconnection and longing is a key element of I Saw the TV Glow, making it a relatable and engaging watch.
Trap is a thriller with a surprise twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Family man Cooper prides himself on keeping his double life secret from his loved ones, but when his daughter Riley and wife Rachel begin to suspect something is amiss, they uncover a shocking truth about Cooper’s past. With its intricate plot and unexpected turns, Trap is a gripping film that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a sequel to Tim Burton’s classic, featuring Michael Keaton as the iconic incorporeal dirtbag. While it may not live up to the original in every way, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice still manages to achieve some of that same horror-comedy brilliance that made its predecessor a batshit revelation. The film’s fleeting moments of horror and comedy are pitch-perfect, making it a must-see for fans of Burton’s unique style.
Joker: Folie à Deux is a gritty, Batman-free Joker film that explores the relationship between the Clown Prince of Crime and his on-again, off-again love interest Harley Quinn. At first blush, the idea of a jukebox musical about the Joker falling in love with Harley Quinn while they’re both doing time in Arkham Asylum sounds inspired. While it may not entirely work as a musical, Folie à Deux has a certain kind of poetry to its approach, making it a fascinating and thought-provoking watch.
Other movies that defied expectations include I Saw the TV Glow, Trap, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Joker: Folie à Deux. These films showcase their unique strengths and left viewers eager for more.