As we hit the half-year point, itโs clear โDune, Part Two,โ โHit Manโ and โCivil Warโ are among the best films about 2024.
But what about โChallengers,โ that steamy look at tennis? It deserves a second serve.
Instead of focusing on coaching, all-important tournaments and endorsement deals, it looks at the relationships between players.
Key to the story: a friendship that began when two were doubles partners and roommates.
Mike Faist, left, and Zendaya star in director Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers."
Arthur (Mike Faist) is the more dedicated one; Patrick (Josh OโConnor) is the rebel. Both, however, have their eyes on Tashi (Zendaya), a top female player who seems like the perfect partner for two singles.
The two express interest; she teases both and, yes, because this is a Luca Guadagnino film, there is some sexual tension between the men. One succeeds with Tashi, the other battles to stay afloat.
The time shifts (from past to present to past) happen so frequently itโs like watching a real match.
When we finally figure things out, Patrick is scrambling to get in a Challengers match to prove his worth; Arthur (who has six Grand Slam trophies) wants to use it as a brush-up for the U.S. Open, the one tournament he hasnโt won.
As far-fetched as it may seem, the two meet in the finals and, there, we see those adolescent fears and dreams play out.
โChallengersโ has so much swagger itโs funny someone isnโt called out. Both actors, however, are good at playing the age range Guadagnino requires. Zendaya, meanwhile, owns everything. Even though her playing days are over, sheโs calling the shots, getting both men to do what she wants.
What doesnโt quite square is the separation. If Art and Patrick had been best buds for years, why would they be so clueless about each other a decade later? Similarly, why didnโt they stay in touch?
Court play is fascinating, but it canโt keep up with the hotel hopping that fills much of the scorecard. Thereโs a threesome early on, but itโs not as steamy as you might think. Thatโs saved for the โ13 years laterโ scenes that manage to involve OโConnor with his friends.
What isnโt explained is the directorโs fascination with the playersโ feet. Theyโre barefoot, routinely, and no one seems to complain of aches, pains or sores.
Zendaya plays much of her contemporary moments like Faye Dunaway in โNetwork.โ Sheโs on top; the others are just listening. She also seems fairly focused on her one player. Considering sheโs trying to help him win, youโd think sheโd have intel on all the competitors. Instead, Patrickโs appearance is a shock to her, too.
While โChallengersโ doesnโt go too deep (into tennis, the relationships or the surrounding world), it does give the sport a gloss it rarely enjoys. None of the action takes place on Center Court in one of the Grand Slams but it has the sheen of something rich and exclusive.
Like Joel Schumacher years ago, Guadagnino concentrates on visuals and comes away with a film thatโs not just interesting, itโs highly attractive.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: "Abigail"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says that if you get an invitation to dinner from "Abigail" just say it got lost in the mail. She's a messy eater.
Movies in a Minute: "Civil War"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Civil War" seems like a film designed to scare audiences into attention.
Movies in a Minute: "Monkey Man"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Monkey Man" never sits still. The film is full of extreme close-up shots which are impossible to ignore and, often, easy to misread.
Movies in a Minute: "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" isnโt as good as previous mashups, but this, you might say, is the โOppenheimerโ of the monsterverse.
Movies in a Minute: "Late Night With the Devil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Late Night With the Devil" toys with its audience and plays out much like an old-school talk show.
Movies in a Minute: "Snack Shack"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Snack Shack" is Profane, constantly in motion and very retro. Itโs the vacation you didnโt think you needed but sure were glad you took.
Movies in a Minute: "Cabrini"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Cabrini" is a noble look at the patron saint of immigrants, Frances Cabrini. The film reminds us there is not an even playing field then โ or now. Itโs a stirring message at this time of year.
Movies in a Minute "Dune: Part Two"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Dune: Part Two" plops you in the middle of the action and never slows up. This sequel is beautifully photographed and powerfully scored.
Movies in a Minute: "Drive-Away Dolls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Drive-Away Dolls" is isnโt as complete as youโd like it to be but it does have moments and isnโt afraid to let familiar faces play unfamiliar roles.
Movies in a Minute "Bob Marley: One Love"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bob Marley: One Love" has plenty of music and a subdued vibe but it doesnโt tell us a lot about the reggae legend himself. The film leaves out plenty of key information โ the kind of stuff a fan would like to know.
Movies in a Minute: "Lisa Frankensteinโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โLisa Frankensteinโ is a light romp in a dark, dark world. But it could have been a wild wallow in an era that was packed with possibilities.
Movies in a Minute: โThe Greatest Night in Popโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โThe Greatest Night in Popโ is a wonderful slice of history that shows what happens when stars check their egos at the door and produce something iconic.
Movies in a Minute: "Poor Things"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Poor Things" may be one of the most bizarre films of the year, but it's also a springboard for some of the best acting work of the year.
Movies in a Minute: Best Actress nominee Sandra Huller
UpdatedSandra Huller, who stars in two Best Picture nominees, "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Zone of Interest," is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in the former. Movie critic Bruce Miller calls Huller's performances incredible and says her Best Actress nomination is one of the most deserving honors of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Mean Girls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Mean Girls" has a problem with the translation to the big screen. Here, itโs darker and, somehow, more serious.
Movies in a Minute: "Anyone But You"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Anyone But You" isnโt as fun or as snarky as you want it to be. Itโs just a chance for it stars to try something new without making a huge mistake.
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Color Purple" is an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza that sometimes overshadows the story of Celie, but it's a powerful film that packs a punch.
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Iron Claw" is a fascinating slice of life that suggests all the fame in the world may look great but it canโt replace a little parental love.
Movies in a Minute: "Wonka"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Wonka,โ the prequel to โWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,โ is just as delightful as the original.
Movies in a Minute: "May December"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "May December" goes deeper than any investigative story and hurts more than a well-timed social media post.
Movies in a Minute: "Wish"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says Disney's "Wish" has so many mediocre references to past animated films it canโt help but pale in comparison.
Movies in a Minute: "Next Goal Wins"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Next Goal Wins" is largely a matter of how you define โwinning.โ Unfortunately, the story is so scattered itโs hard to find the momentum.
Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Marvels" is not very interesting. The three crime fighters take on a baddie looking for a second bracelet but universal domination shouldnโt be the goal of everyone in a superhero movie.
Movies in a Minute: "The Holdovers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Holdovers" is a holiday movie with some rougher edges. Despite being bathed in the glow of nostalgia, โThe Holdoversโ is brutally real about human relationships.
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Five Nights at Freddy's" is like something youโd find on Nickelodeon over Halloween weekend. It isn't a chilling gore fest. It tests the nerves but it doesnโt fry the brain.
Movies in a Minute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is spectacular and easy to watch, though it may be a long sit for some viewers. Swift's lyrics hit the target right in the heart.
Movies in a Minute: "Killers of the Flower Moon"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Killers of the Flower Moonโ is true cinema. Itโs art in its highest form that never fails to entertain.
Movies in a Minute: "The Exorcist: Believer"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller calls the "The Exorcist: Believer" a respectful reboot but definitely not a head turner.
Movies in a Minute: "Fair Play"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Fair Play" is easily one of the most compelling films of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Expend4bles"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Expend4bles" is a pretty run of the mill. While you may enjoy some of the action โ even though none of the gunplay seems motivated โ you will enjoy the handful of minutes Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham are together on screen.
Movies in a Minute: "A Haunting in Venice"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "A Haunting in Venice" doesnโt scare up much drama or give its stellar cast a lot to do. In short, is awfully dull.
Movies in a Minute: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3"
UpdatedDespite a solid performance from Andrea Martin as Aunt Voula, movie critic Bruce Miller says "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" is a series of one-liners covering a very obvious story.
Movies in a Minute: "The Equalizer 3"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Equalizer 3" is a lot like โJohn Wickโ and any number of Liam Neeson movies; very violent, but with a simple story. But if it gets Washington on screen, who are we to complain?
Movies in a Minute: "Blue Beetle"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Blue Beetle" brings a different vibe to the suit, not the story. It's very much Spider-Man in a different neighborhood. This film plays by the rules but itโs best when it colors outside the lines. Those flights of fancy make it interesting and, yes, worth suiting up.
Movies in a Minute: "Gran Turismo"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Gran Turismo" will make you want to rev your engine on the way home from the theater.
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Movies in a Minute: Mid-year wrap-up
UpdatedWithout a doubt, โBarbieโ and โOppenheimerโ were the big surprises. โGuardians of the Galaxy Volume 3โ showed there was still life in superhero films, and โSound of Freedom" continues to do good business thanks to its word of mouth campaign.
Movies in a Minute: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says thereโs plenty of ninja action in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" and a lot of familiar tropes, but what really flies here is the cast.
Fans in Mumbai celebrate new Rajinikanth movie
UpdatedHundreds of fans of Rajinikanth, one of Indiaโs biggest movie superstars, celebrated the release of his latest movie "Jailer.โ Popular movie stars are treated like gods in India, often worshipped like deities by their fans. When Rajinikanth appeared on screen at the 6 a.m. screening, the theater stopped the movie for a minute as fans rejoiced in his return after two years.
Movies in a Minute: "Haunted Mansion"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โHaunted Mansionโ has a little too much conversation to be a truly scary film. When it ends, you arenโt any wiser about the mansion, but you just might want to take a trip to Disney World.
Movies in a Minute: "Barbie"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โBarbieโ is a playdate thatโs also educational. Itโs one of the most intelligent films of the year.
Movies in a Minute: โMission: Impossible โ Dead Reckoning Part Oneโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โMission: Impossible โ Dead Reckoning Part Oneโ is a visual treat.
Movies in a Minute: โJoy Rideโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โJoy Rideโ is raunchy but very, very funny.
Movies in a Minute: โIndiana Jones And The Dial Of Destinyโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โIndiana Jones And The Dial Of Destinyโ has enough close calls to wonder if this really is his last trek. As with all Indiana Jones films, this one rarely sits still.
Movies in a Minute: โNo Hard Feelingsโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โNo Hard Feelingsโ lacks key scenes that might have made it seem a little less calculated. Jennifer Lawrence gets big laughs and it doesnโt take a genius to figure out where this is headed.
Movies in a Minute: "Elemental"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โElementalโ has visuals that spark some interest, but the story itself is more interested in making puns than firing emotions.
Movies in a Minute: โTransformers: Rise of the Beastsโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โTransformers: Rise of the Beastsโ has some wincingly bad moments but itโs a fairly harmless ride. If you can buy innocence in the world of Transformers, you should be able to fall for just about anything.
Movies in a Minute: โSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verseโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verseโ isnโt an animated film meant for very young movie goers but it is a spidey-delight for everyone else. Even when you canโt follow the story, you can enjoy the spectacular visuals which are like an art exhibit that pops to life.
Movies in a Minute: "The Little Mermaid"
UpdatedDespite the excellent work of Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in the live action version of "The Little Mermaid," Sioux City Journal film critic Bruce Miller says the movie is just another attempt to squeeze money out of a property that didn't need remaking.
Movies in a Minute: โFast Xโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โFast Xโ has too many characters and a plot that loops like a Six Flags roller coaster. Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes is much better than past villains and isnโt afraid to go out of his comfort zone.
Movies in a Minute: "Book Club: The Next Chapter"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โBook Club: The Next Chapterโ is really just a string of one-liners. The plot is non-existent, itโs just a ruse to get four stars together for a bachelorette party in Italy.
Movies in a Minute: โGuardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3โ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โGuardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3โ entertains in new ways. Rocket the Raccoon gets center stage and does a great job.
Movies in a Minute: "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret."
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โAre You There God? It's Me, Margaret.โ presents a simple way of approaching life and the curves it tosses. Itโs a good lesson for us all.
Movies in a Minute: "The Covenant"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says as much as it traffics in clichรฉs, โThe Covenantโ will help you understand what matters most โ here, there and everywhere in the world.
Movies in a Minute: "Renfield"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โRenfieldโ is simply a way to draw the bug-eating, vampire helpers of the world. Itโs not a good look at the much-maligned character, just a film that bears his name.
Movies in a Minute: "Air"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Air" isn't just the story of a shoe. Itโs what happens to that shoe once Michael Jordan puts his foot in it. On all counts, โAirโ soars.
Movies in a Minute: "Dungeons and Dragons"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the special effects in โDungeons and Dragonsโ are just so-so, but the script isnโt. This is an adventure that has plenty of laughs and a sense of purpose that makes it nobler than โThe Lord of the Rings.โ
Movies in a Minute: "John Wick Chapter 4"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the action sequences are impeccable in โJohn Wick: Chapter 4." This last film gives fans the kind of closure they may have been seeking.
Movies in a Minute: โChampionsโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โChampionsโ surprises in ways you wouldnโt think and shows us Woody Harrelson still knows his way around a basketball court.
Movies in a Minute: โCreed IIIโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โCreed IIIโ isnโt so much a boxing film as it is a look at the power of family. Itโs very much about emotions and responsibility.
Movies in a Minute: โ80 for Bradyโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โ80 for Bradyโ is really just a good idea that goes nowhere.
Movies in a Minute: "Challengers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Challengers" is a smart love fest for fans of tennis. The film is a closer than usual look at the emotional toll the game takes. When the action starts, weโre curious how itโs going to play out.
Movies in a Minute: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" includes the best motion capture performance weโve seen and, easily, the reason this film works so well. No matter how many โPlanet of the Apesโ films youโve seen, this is the one to embrace.
Movies in a Minute: "The Fall Guy"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Fall Guy" rolls out every jaw-dropping stunt possible and manages to pull the curtain back on the movie industry.
Movies in a Minute: "The Blue Angels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Blue Angels" documentary shows us what itโs like to be the best of the best. For fans of air shows, itโs a great โrest of the storyโ production.
Movies in a Minute: "Summer Camp"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says โSummer Campโ doesnโt have a spark that could start a fire.
Movies in a Minute: "Jim Henson Idea Manโ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "โJim Henson Idea Manโ shows how the puppeteer created the Muppets and Sesame Street. โIdea Manโ scratches at the surface of Jim Henson. It just doesnโt dig into the felt.
Movies in a Minute "Bad Boys: Ride or Die"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" doesnโt try to deliver big messages, it's just a lot of fun.
Movies in a Minute: "Inside Out 2"
UpdatedMovies in a Minute: "Thelma"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment critic Bruce Miller says that while the action in โThelmaโ may not be all that realistic, itโs highly entertaining and just the ticket for audiences tired of three-part dramas.
Movies in a Minute "A Quiet Place: Day One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the joy of "A Quiet Place: Day One" is how well Lupita Nyongโo conveys every emotion without words. Sheโs a wonderful actress who makes you care about her, her cat and the law student, played by Joseph Quinn. When theyโre in danger, weโre in danger. When theyโre exhaling, weโre exhaling.
Movies in a Minute "Maxxxine"
Movie critic Bruce Miller says "Maxxxine" doesnโt accomplish much or really scare. Itโs a visual treat but a scary movie dud. Itโs merely an attempt for a director to walk in otherโs shoes, not blaze new trails.
Movies in a Minute "Despicable Me 4"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Despicable Me 4" is all over the map, looking for something to stick. Itโs fine for those with short attention spans but for everyone else itโs a mess to sort out.
Movies in a Minute: "Deadpool & Wolverine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Deadpool & Wolverine" is the Marvel film for everyone who has grown weary of superheroes and their overly long stories. Teaming with Jackman was a brilliant move. The yin and yang of the new Marvel Universe can take on everyone and still manage a smirk.
Movies in a Minute: "Twisters"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Twisters" whips up plenty of action to be one of the best movies this summer.
Movies in a Minute: "Trap"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Trap" is an interesting concept, particularly since it plays on understandable fears.
Movies in a Minute: "It Ends With Us"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "It Ends with Usโ becomes yet another protracted romance in which no one is honest and open. Itโs an OK relationship drama, it just didnโt need more than two hours to make its point.
Movies in a Minute "Alien: Romulus"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Alien: Romulus" isnโt afraid to throw in a good olโ popcorn surprise when you least expect it. You donโt have to know a thing about the earlier โAlienโ films to enjoy this one.
Movies in a Minute: "Blink Twice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says if you put a bunch of people on an island just about anything can happen..... and, in "Blink Twice," it does.
Movies in a Minute: "Reagan"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Reagan" squeezes too much drama into one film. It's a CliffsNotes approach to history just hitting the highlights and quickly moving on.
Movies in a Minute: "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says that when Beetlejuice, Michael Keatonโs crazy-haired bio-exorcist, appears all is right in the crazy world of this sequel to 1988's "Beetlejuice." But be forewarned - if you're not familiar with the original movie, you may have some catching up to do.
Movies in a Minute: "Speak No Evil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Speak No Evil" is visually messy and disjointed. It becomes one of those horror films that makes you want to scream at the screen.
