January: a notoriously awful month for films. Sure, every now and then we get a delightful surprise ala Paul King’s “Paddington” films, but 2024 has not blessed us in this way.
Of the films I saw in theaters this January, many were flat-out dismal. From “Night Swim” to “Mean Girls” to “Founder’s Day,” The predominant emotion that I felt in theaters this month was that of disappointment.
Fortunately, that is not to say everything was so bleak. Between theatrical and streaming releases, some truly wonderful films were made available to audiences this month. These are the five best films released in January.
5. One From the Heart: Reprise (Theaters)
The lone entry on this list that saw a theatrical release, and even then, it was an extremely limited one. However, Francis Ford Coppola’s “One From the Heart: Reprise” is a film that demands your attention.
In recent years, Coppola has made a habit of reediting and re-releasing various films from his extensive filmography. While this certainly has financial benefits and has contributed to funding his upcoming independent film, “Megalopolis,” it also reflects Coppola’s status as a living legend who embraces creative challenges.
These ‘final cuts’ have provided audiences with new definitive versions of films like “Apocalypse Now,” “The Cotton Club,” “The Godfather Part III,” and even his debut “Dementia 13.” Now, Coppola applies the same approach to “One From the Heart,” an often-underappreciated gem in his body of work, resulting in a phenomenal, emotionally resonant new rendition in “Reprise.”
4. Killers of the Flower Moon (Apple)
One of the standout films of the past decade and a remarkable addition to Martin Scorsese’s extensive filmography (which is quite an achievement in itself), “Killers of the Flower Moon” premiered on Apple’s streaming service this month.
For those who missed the theatrical release of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” it is now available for streaming, providing an opportunity to experience Scorsese’s masterful film from the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, much of the discussion surrounding the film has focused on its length rather than the brilliance of its craftsmanship and storytelling. The movie showcases outstanding performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, with Lily Gladstone delivering an exceptional and unforgettable tour de force performance.
See this film.
3. The Florida Project (Netflix)
Sean Baker’s profoundly empathetic and intimately sublime film, which revolves around the lives of a young mother and her daughter in the tourist-centric communities surrounding Walt Disney World in Orlando, is a beautiful piece of cinema.
After a notable absence, the film returned to Netflix this month and unquestionably merits your attention. Balancing childlike wonder with the harsh dissonance of reality, “The Florida Project” provides an unflinching portrayal of life beyond the gates of the ‘happiest place on Earth.’ Filmed on-location and infused with Baker’s masterful direction, the movie captures a bone-chilling sense of reality, making it a cinematic treasure in its own right.
2. Nope (Peacock)
Jordan Peele has become a prominent figure in the film industry, achieving notable success with “Get Out” and “Us,” both of which stand out as significant hits in the horror genre. These films not only garnered commercial success but were also praised for their thoughtful and meticulous approach to cinema.
However, in the opinion of this writer, Peele’s greatest achievement so far might be his least recognized at the box office. His third film, “Nope,” showcases Peele’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft, leading to genuine innovation and ingenuity. As a harrowing and thought-provoking slice of science-fiction horror, “Nope” stands as Peele’s magnum opus, even if it didn’t receive the attention it deserved.
If you haven’t seen it yet, the film is available for streaming on Peacock. For those who have already experienced it, a second viewing is recommended, as “Nope” proves to be a deeply layered work that reveals surprising and satisfying details with each watch.
1. Escape from L.A. (Max)
“Escape from L.A.,” John Carpenter’s sequel to the cult classic “Escape from New York,” is another underappreciated gem that deserves attention. Recently made available for streaming on Max, the film is a testament to Carpenter’s unique filmmaking style, known for masterpieces like “Halloween,” “The Fog,” and “The Thing.”
Carpenter, along with collaborators Debra Hill and Kurt Russell, forms a phenomenal filmmaking team. “Escape from L.A.” stands out as a collaborative and joyous effort, reflecting Carpenter’s admiration for Howard Hawks and blending the elements of a western with a science-fiction backdrop. This film marks a final reunion for the trio, delivering a treat for fans of their collaborative work.
