By Kamalini Ramesh
The new year has arrived, and it brings with it bright prospects, especially for cinephiles. Not only are sequels of well-loved movies hitting the screens but also prequels. While 2023 produced masterpieces like Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse, movies like Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony present the perfect opportunity for you to connect with your inner child in 2024.
Here are my top picks for 2024
1.Kung Fu Panda 4
The Dragon Warrior is back and this time he is set to combat a shape-shifting chameleon, incidentally the first female villain of the series. Its classic slapstick comedy and the apparent return of the notorious Tai Lung, make Kung Fu Panda 4 my top pick for the year. I cannot wait to resonate with the clumsiness.
2. Mufasa: The Lion King
It's time to hear the king’s story. Mufasa explores the life of Simba’s father and his extraordinary leadership of the savannah. Lion King, having the voices of Beyonce and Donald Glover garnered record collections in theaters around the globe. With a stellar cast this time too, I expect this movie to be an emotional rollercoaster and make me shed a few tears.
3. Paddington in Peru
A decision to return to his homeland- the Peruvian jungles- from London is touted to lead Paddington on yet another thrilling adventure. The endearing bear living with the Brown family has come to represent perseverance. Though marred with a lot of controversies over shooting locations, this film has created positive change in Peru, prompting the nation to rethink its cinema industry.
4. Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony
Childhood in an Indian household is synonymous with watching Doraemon and wishing for futuristic gadgets like his. Advertised as a science fiction adventure film, fans of anime are in for a treat. Doraemon has always portrayed values of integrity and respect which many of us might have adopted as a new year resolution for the year.
5. Dragon Keeper
Animal-themed films seem to dominate the animated film genre this year. The Dragon Keeper portrays an unlikely friendship between a young girl, Ping, and a fierce dragon. She ventures to save dragons from extinction which is akin to the battles we are currently fighting against climate change.
Serving as a canvas for painting idyllic pictures of society, movies for this year reflect our commitment to global issues. This new year finally provides an opportunity to keep in sight our resolutions while having fun. Let the entertainment begin!