Young Trump, Tennis made sexy and Paul Mescal fighting a shark – here’s my top 10 films of 2024

IT’S been another fascinating year for film, seeing tennis being made sexy and Paul Mescal fighting a great white shark.

Here’s my top ten films of 2024.

Challengers

15, 131mins

A sexually charged film served at ferocious speed, this tale of competition on and off the tennis court aces it. Best friends Patrick (Josh O’Connor) and Art (Mike Faist) are fighting for the affections of top player Tashi (Zendaya).

Full of sass and slick direction — and also a superb soundtrack — it’s a grand slam of a film.

Conclave

12A, 120mins

With immaculate acting and a sturdy script, this story about appointing a new Pope goes behind the scenes of the most secretive voting system in the world.

A cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini and with a super twist, it has thrills and suspense.

Gladiator II

15, 148mins

It’s the adrenaline rush we all need on the big screen, with Paul Mescal playing the son of Maximus.

So he has it in his genes to destroy anything within the walls of the colosseum, including rhinos, mad monkeys and great white sharks. This Ridley Scott sequel gets the heart racing.

Super/Man

12A, 104mins

This heart-warming — and heartbreaking — documentary about the life and death of Christopher Reeve is one of love and loyalty. Made by his three adult children with plenty of archive footage, it tells how the world’s Man of Steel fought his biggest fight ever after an horse riding accident left him paralysed.

Not a dry eye in the theatre.

The Apprentice

15, 122mins

Since its release, Donald Trump has been re-elected as US President, so this story of his entry into the cutthroat world of business did nothing to put off his supporters.

It is a fascinating and expertly produced portrayal of the once naive wannabe, and his lawyer, Roy Cohn.

Sebastian Stan deserves all the award nods for his portrayal of Trump.

The Outrun

15, 118mins

“It never gets easy . . . it just gets less hard,” is the advice recovering alcoholic Rona (Saoirse Ronan) is given about her daily battle to stay off the booze.

The intriguing character packs up her life to live in solitude on the remote Scottish island of Orkney.

This beautiful, tragic and incredibly moving film is unforgettable.

Blur: To The End

15, 104mins

A documentary of the band’s comeback to Wembley reveals so much more than rehearsing songs.

From teary meltdowns to baking gluten-free cakes, it’s a superb insight to the usually shy Damon and co.

Now in their 50s, they are a broken bunch who instantly fall back in love with each other. A joy to watch.

My Old Ass

15, 89mins

This whip-smart coming-of-age comedy about an 18-year-old who meets her future self is full of wise words and life lessons.

Funny, edgy and then heart wrenchingly sad, it will tumble you through all the emotions while keeping a smile on your face. Super performances by Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella.

Road House

15, 121mins

There are plenty of reboots to choose from these days and not all even touch the original.

But this surprise hit with Jake Gyllenhaal playing a UFC fighter-turned-bar owner is fast, furious and funny. It’s a remake that certainly packs a punch.

The Holdovers

15, 133mins

It is the 1970s and Mr Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is the teacher responsible for staying at the New England all-boys boarding school over Christmas to look after the students who can’t go home.

This year, it’s Angus (Dominic Sessa) and joined by Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) — who is mourning her son — the threesome make a motley crew.

Gentle, sad and funny, there’s plenty to warm the soul.