I Think Saturday Night May Be The Most Uplifting Movie Of 2024, But There Are 10 Others That Could Challenge Its Crown

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As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have seen my fair share of movies that leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted. However, the year 2024 has truly outdone itself in terms of delivering heartwarming stories that resonated with me on a deeply personal level.

One film that stands out among the rest is “Saturday Night,” a dramatization of the first night that Saturday Night Live went on air. As someone who grew up watching SNL, I was captivated by the story of the legendary cast and their journey to bring laughter to millions. The movie’s emotional performances, particularly by Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, struck a chord with me as a creator and reminded me of my own passion for film.

Another film that left a lasting impression on me is “That Christmas,” which follows the first night that Saturday Night Live would go on the air. The movie’s heartwarming performances by Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase and Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner resonated with me, especially the subtly heartbreaking scene where Gilda asks John Belushi where they’d be in 20 years. It was a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

But my pick for the most uplifting movie of 2024 is “Wicked.” As someone who has always been fascinated by the world of musical theater, Jon M. Chu’s big screen adaptation of the hit Broadway show was a dream come true. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba was nothing short of breathtaking, and the movie’s positive message about finding one’s place in the world left me feeling hopeful and inspired.

In conclusion, 2024 has been a banner year for uplifting movies that touch the heart and remind us of the power of creativity, love, and human connection. I eagerly anticipate the films of 2025, such as “Paddington in Peru” and “Downton Abbey 3,” and hope that they continue to bring joy and inspiration to audiences everywhere.

Oh, and let me tell you a little joke: Why don’t we ever invite Chevy Chase to parties anymore? Because when the host asks him if he wants to play a game, he always says “no can do!

Having spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema throughout my life, I must say that ranking the top movies of any given year is a task both exhilarating and challenging. The criteria for me are always rooted in a delicate balance between artistic merit and personal enjoyment. As I compile my own “best of” list for 2024, I stumbled upon an intriguing question while revisiting director Jason Reitman’s film “Saturday Night”. This led me to ponder, as someone who has weathered life’s storms and sought solace in the comforting embrace of movies, what could possibly be the most uplifting movie of this year?

In my book, the historical drama from SNL ranks high among award-winning films, but when it comes to boosting one’s spirits, there are about ten other movies that might give it a run for its money. Let’s explore the most inspiring films of 2024 and delve into why Saturday Night might hold the number one spot.

The Wild Robot

Regardless of whether you’re a parent or not, the story of ‘The Wild Robot’, particularly the character Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), is relatable. Director Chris Sanders’ narrative emphasizes empathy and community connection in a way that is both heartwarming and tear-jerking. Fear not, as the bond between Roz’s friends results in some humorous moments to lighten up the intense emotional scenes.

Megalopolis

Enjoy your laughter now, but I firmly believe that the film Megalopolis, despite being underappreciated, presents an exceptional utopian tale. With themes of politics, discord, and sensational media at its core, Francis Ford Coppola’s pet project delivers on its promise. This movie serves as a poignant “fable” of our contemporary era, urging us to unite instead of fragment, for the sake of our future. The ensemble cast, led by Adam Driver, weaves a tale that aims to inspire cooperation rather than disintegration.

The Lord of the RIngs: The War Of The Rohirrim

In my critique of the anime film titled “The War of the Rohirrim“, I emphasized that director Kenji Kamiyama’s work matched the grandeur of previous live-action adaptations within the Middle-Earth Saga. However, the comparison doesn’t solely refer to the intense battle sequences. Indeed, this latest addition to the Lord of the Rings series also maintained a crucial motif found in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. The spirit of endurance and hope serve as beacons for Rohan during its most difficult times, and I was struck by this underappreciated gem when watching it.

Orion And The Dark

2024 has been a surprisingly excellent year for animation, making the 2025 Academy Awards a highly anticipated event. One noteworthy title is Netflix’s Orion and the Dark, which takes us on a journey of overcoming fear. As timid Orion (Jacob Tremblay) spends his nighttime hours with the enigmatic Dark (Paul Walter Hauser), confronting his fears results in some deeply moving scenes, even up to the film’s surprising twist finale.

Conclave

As a film enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Edward Berger’s Conclave stands out as one of the most captivating films I’ve watched in recent memory. The intrigue and drama it offers are like none other, and the way it masterfully weaves humor into its narrative is truly remarkable. Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Thomas Cardinal Lawrence is nothing short of brilliant, and by the end of the film, one cannot help but feel a renewed sense of admiration for this man of faith who appears to have found a spark that keeps him going. The ending of Conclave is a fitting conclusion to a rich and rewarding cinematic experience that I won’t soon forget.

Red One

Holiday films often have an inspiring quality, weaving stories of good versus bad that leave us feeling uplifted. However, Red One stands out by not only being heartwarming but also delving into the complex characters of Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) and Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), who both harbor skepticism towards the world. With the unprecedented success of Red One on streaming platforms, many more viewers will have the chance to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit of happiness that this film promotes.

The Imaginary

2024 has seen a significant focus on the concept of imagination in cinema, showcasing both its bright and ominous aspects. The optimistic side is illustrated through films such as “If“, while the sinister side can be found in the horror movie “Imaginary“. However, it’s important to note that “Imaginary” is distinct from Netflix’s anime masterpiece of the same name, which explores the hidden world of childhood friendships and their inevitable fading. Studio Ponoc’s visually stunning adventure, ““, offers a family-friendly exploration of these themes with an appropriate level of mature uplift.

Nutcrackers

A movie that touched me during the holidays this year was “Nutcrackers,” a Hulu original directed by David Gordon Green. It’s a heartwarming family drama where Ben Stiller’s character, Michael, takes on the responsibility of caring for his late sister’s sons. While it borders on being a Christmas movie, its real charm lies in the way the comedic antics pave the way for some of Stiller’s most moving performances.

Wicked

If you hadn’t anticipated that “Wicked” would be included on this list, your doubts can be put to rest now. The cinematic adaptation of the popular Broadway musical by Jon M. Chu has thus far presented only half of its tale, but the initial response is quite promising. Indeed, this assessment considers the limited information I have about Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) storyline in the sequel “Wicked: For Good.

That Christmas

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Brian Cox’s portrayal of Santa Claus in “That Christmas” was nothing short of brilliant, particularly considering his role as the narrator guiding us through the challenging times depicted in “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.” However, this collaboration with Richard Curtis and Netflix presents a different side of Cox – more of an authoritative figure leading us through a heartwarming tale reminiscent of “Love, Actually,” where children strive to create the perfect Christmas. Interestingly enough, much like J.K. Simmons’ Santa in “Red One,” witnessing such a believable and compassionate Santa brings a lump to my throat, reinforcing the magic of believing in one another during the holiday season.

Saturday Night

As a film enthusiast, let’s rewind and delve back into the captivating tale of “Saturday Night”, the cinematic portrayal of the legendary first broadcast of Saturday Night Live. Some might refer to it as a blend between “Whiplash” and SNL, but what truly sets this film apart is its uplifting nature. The secret ingredient? The mesmerizing performances from the entire Saturday Night cast that breathe life into every scene, creating an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

1. Did I find myself rooting for the triumph of supposed cad Chevy Chase, portrayed by Cory Michael Smith, in this film? Absolutely.

2. Did my eyes well up during the poignantly emotional scene where Gilda Radner, played by Ella Hunt, queried John Belushi, acted by Matt Wood, about their future prospects in 20 years? I guess you could say I got a little sentimental.

However, it was during Lorne Michaels’ (Gabriel LaBelle) powerful speech that I felt prepared to potentially falter once the performance was flawless. His heartfelt defense of what Saturday Night Live symbolizes resonated deeply with me as a creator and individual. Moreover, his words stirred memories of my teenage years when SNL first captivated me, leaving me in awe of its esteemed comedy platform.

As a film enthusiast with a heart full of memories from my past cinematic adventures, I wholeheartedly declare that Saturday Night took the crown as the most uplifting movie of 2024 for me! It was nothing short of magical, and I hope these films bring the same warm and inspiring feelings to your heart just like they did mine. Cheers to 2025 and its promise of more heartwarming thrills, as we dive into the captivating tales of Paddington in Peru and the long-awaited return of Downton Abbey 3!

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2024-12-29 17:38