Brandon Lewis
@blewis1103.whenthingsgopop.com
Lifelong NYer and pop culture lover. Founder of www.whenthingsgopop.com. Critic for @GeekVibesNation. @DorianAwards member. 🍅-approved. My opinions are my own.
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The Best Film Performances of 2024
From intimate indies to high-flying blockbusters, these 30 performances reflect the dizzying heights of 2024 in cinema.
whenthingsgopop.com
With best-of-2024 and FYC season fully underway, I'm happy to share the 30 (or so) performances that stuck with me the most this year, some as far back as January and as recently as a week ago. These are my Best Film Performances of 2024: whenthingsgopop.com/2024/11/27/t...
A couple of hours into Pokémon Legends Z-A and I think it works best as a slice of life game. The missions, especially when they have you seek out a Pokemon or play with one (Slurpluff and his macaroons) are a blast. Oh, and Alpha Pokémon continue to be my favorite mechanic. (Look at this big lug!)
October 17, 2025 at 12:13 PM
A couple of hours into Pokémon Legends Z-A and I think it works best as a slice of life game. The missions, especially when they have you seek out a Pokemon or play with one (Slurpluff and his macaroons) are a blast. Oh, and Alpha Pokémon continue to be my favorite mechanic. (Look at this big lug!)
So…what’s good over here? Lol
October 15, 2025 at 7:24 PM
So…what’s good over here? Lol
I thought Fantastic Four: First Steps was a very good film that expands the conversation around superheroism and their duties to the public with Superman and Thunderbolts. It loses its nerve a bit, but still makes for a charming effort. My full thoughts for WTGP: whenthingsgopop.com/2025/07/22/f...
The Refreshing 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' Strives to Solve the Heroic Sacrifice Equation
Freed from the mainline MCU timeline, Matt Shakman's take on Marvel's First Family seeks to grapple with the testy relationship between superheroes and the people they protect.
whenthingsgopop.com
July 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
I thought Fantastic Four: First Steps was a very good film that expands the conversation around superheroism and their duties to the public with Superman and Thunderbolts. It loses its nerve a bit, but still makes for a charming effort. My full thoughts for WTGP: whenthingsgopop.com/2025/07/22/f...
#Superman is thrilling and earnest: a comic book brought to life, with James Gunn asking intriguing questions about heroism and self-actualization, alongside wildly creative uses of Clark's powers. Its narrative sprawl leads to some character shakiness, but the new DC hits hard.
July 8, 2025 at 4:53 AM
#Superman is thrilling and earnest: a comic book brought to life, with James Gunn asking intriguing questions about heroism and self-actualization, alongside wildly creative uses of Clark's powers. Its narrative sprawl leads to some character shakiness, but the new DC hits hard.
I’m officially calling the arrival of the Chris Evans Renaissance. Materialists aligns perfectly with his strengths, and Song helps him uncover new depths that stunned me. It’s soul-bearing work, refreshingly vulnerable and gentle. One of my favorite performances this year.
June 5, 2025 at 1:49 AM
I’m officially calling the arrival of the Chris Evans Renaissance. Materialists aligns perfectly with his strengths, and Song helps him uncover new depths that stunned me. It’s soul-bearing work, refreshingly vulnerable and gentle. One of my favorite performances this year.
Materialists is utterly charming and quietly soul-crushing in its observations about love and self-worth. Song’s script is marvelous, with lines that’ll make you laugh and shred your heart. A strong cast, but Zoe Winters and Chris Evans are stunning, with him turning in the best work of his career.
June 5, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Materialists is utterly charming and quietly soul-crushing in its observations about love and self-worth. Song’s script is marvelous, with lines that’ll make you laugh and shred your heart. A strong cast, but Zoe Winters and Chris Evans are stunning, with him turning in the best work of his career.
I think three things can be true at the same time: NEON really wanted to win big at Cannes (even though the filmmakers are the ones winning), they genuinely want to distribute the films they think align with their sensibilities, and losing Hit Man to Netflix made them get overall more aggressive.
May 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
I think three things can be true at the same time: NEON really wanted to win big at Cannes (even though the filmmakers are the ones winning), they genuinely want to distribute the films they think align with their sensibilities, and losing Hit Man to Netflix made them get overall more aggressive.
The existence of Honey Don’t has been validated by this moment right here. I don’t care if it’s bad; this WILL be used as a meme. I’m ready for the Evans-sance!
May 7, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The existence of Honey Don’t has been validated by this moment right here. I don’t care if it’s bad; this WILL be used as a meme. I’m ready for the Evans-sance!
Brave New World was a decent MCU flick, but a disappointment of a Captain America flick, because it had little to do with Captain America himself. Sam Wilson (and a never better Anthony Mackie) deserve better than The Incredible Hulk’s reheated nachos. My review: whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/14/c...
'Captain America: Brave New World' Isn't Really About Captain America
Anthony Mackie tries to take flight in his first solo outing as Captain America, but a story with little to do with him clips his wings.
whenthingsgopop.com
February 15, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Brave New World was a decent MCU flick, but a disappointment of a Captain America flick, because it had little to do with Captain America himself. Sam Wilson (and a never better Anthony Mackie) deserve better than The Incredible Hulk’s reheated nachos. My review: whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/14/c...
Since it seems like everyone is discovering how great Better Man is now that it’s on digital, here are my thoughts on the Robbie Williams biopic, which is best when it leans into his self-effacing, pop anarchist nature. Also, Rock DJ is everything. whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/13/r...
Robbie Williams's Ego Lands Well in the Spirited Biopic 'Better Man'
The jukebox musical about Robbie Williams is best when it leans into the British pop legend's self-effacement and gleeful anarchy.
whenthingsgopop.com
February 13, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Since it seems like everyone is discovering how great Better Man is now that it’s on digital, here are my thoughts on the Robbie Williams biopic, which is best when it leans into his self-effacing, pop anarchist nature. Also, Rock DJ is everything. whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/13/r...
Reposted by Brandon Lewis
he looks like the two banshees of inisherin guys combined
February 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
he looks like the two banshees of inisherin guys combined
This awards season has been chaotic as hell (hi Anora!), but there have been some nominee narratives/journeys that have intrigued me, and could intrigue Oscar voters. I dig into Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, Sebastian Stan, and Fernanda Torres's stories for WTGP. whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/09/2...
February 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM
This awards season has been chaotic as hell (hi Anora!), but there have been some nominee narratives/journeys that have intrigued me, and could intrigue Oscar voters. I dig into Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, Sebastian Stan, and Fernanda Torres's stories for WTGP. whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/09/2...
Sebastian Stan on the importance of empathy and curiosity:
February 9, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Sebastian Stan on the importance of empathy and curiosity:
This is my favorite part of my conversation with Sebastian Stan. It perfectly captures his career’s rigor and intentionality, which ultimately led to this moment of acclaim and recognition (after years of being underestimated as an actor for different reasons).
February 7, 2025 at 8:07 PM
This is my favorite part of my conversation with Sebastian Stan. It perfectly captures his career’s rigor and intentionality, which ultimately led to this moment of acclaim and recognition (after years of being underestimated as an actor for different reasons).
I knew I’d have to cut a bunch out of my interview with Sebastian Stan for AwardsWatch. Luckily, there was more than enough to warrant publishing the full Q&A on When Things Go Pop, digging into A Different Man, The Apprentice, and his thoughtful career approach. whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/06/i...
INTERVIEW: Sebastian Stan on Curiosity, Confrontation, and His Oscar Contenders
An interview with Sebastian Stan on his Oscar-nominated work in 'The Apprentice' and his Golden Globe-winning work in 'A Different Man.'
whenthingsgopop.com
February 7, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I knew I’d have to cut a bunch out of my interview with Sebastian Stan for AwardsWatch. Luckily, there was more than enough to warrant publishing the full Q&A on When Things Go Pop, digging into A Different Man, The Apprentice, and his thoughtful career approach. whenthingsgopop.com/2025/02/06/i...
Another A Different Man interview for @awardswatch.bsky.social, this time with director Aaron Schimberg, exploring what disability/disfigurement looks like on screen and how he's trying to shift what representation looks like. awardswatch.com/a-different-...
AwardsWatch - ‘A Different Man’ Director Aaron Schimberg on Changing How Disability is Captured on Screen Through a Personal Lens
“All I can do is be true to my own experience and what I feel is ethical and right in the stories I want to undertake. It’s not up to me to correct the history of disability representation.” “He sh…
awardswatch.com
January 20, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Another A Different Man interview for @awardswatch.bsky.social, this time with director Aaron Schimberg, exploring what disability/disfigurement looks like on screen and how he's trying to shift what representation looks like. awardswatch.com/a-different-...
Reposted by Brandon Lewis
In 'Hard Truths,' Marianne Jean-Baptiste Reunites with Mike Leigh and Finds the Humanity in Pansy's Misanthropy by @blewis1103.whenthingsgopop.com awardswatch.com/in-hard-trut...
AwardsWatch - In ‘Hard Truths,’ Marianne Jean-Baptiste Reunites with Mike Leigh and Finds the Humanity in Pansy’s Misanthropy
It was the reunion that set the hearts of cinephiles aflutter. In September, British filmmaker Mike Leigh returned to the silver screen with Hard Truths, starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The film m…
awardswatch.com
January 14, 2025 at 9:02 PM
In 'Hard Truths,' Marianne Jean-Baptiste Reunites with Mike Leigh and Finds the Humanity in Pansy's Misanthropy by @blewis1103.whenthingsgopop.com awardswatch.com/in-hard-trut...
Reposted by Brandon Lewis
Sebastian Stan on How 'The Apprentice' and 'A Different Man' Tackle Comfort, Curiosity, and Confronting Our Fears by @blewis1103.whenthingsgopop.com awardswatch.com/sebastian-st...
AwardsWatch - Sebastian Stan on How ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘A Different Man’ Tackle Comfort, Curiosity, and Confronting Our Fears
It’s an embarrassment of riches to have two transformative, awards-worthy roles in one career. But what does it mean when you have two in the same season? Sebastian Stan finds himself this year in …
awardswatch.com
January 14, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Sebastian Stan on How 'The Apprentice' and 'A Different Man' Tackle Comfort, Curiosity, and Confronting Our Fears by @blewis1103.whenthingsgopop.com awardswatch.com/sebastian-st...
Some b-sides from my Sebastian Stan interview:
On Trump’s response to the California wildfires: “Even in these horrific fires, [Trump], instead of offering solutions, is sitting there and using what’s happening in California to serve his story, point fingers and assign blame. It’s horrific.”
On Trump’s response to the California wildfires: “Even in these horrific fires, [Trump], instead of offering solutions, is sitting there and using what’s happening in California to serve his story, point fingers and assign blame. It’s horrific.”
January 11, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Some b-sides from my Sebastian Stan interview:
On Trump’s response to the California wildfires: “Even in these horrific fires, [Trump], instead of offering solutions, is sitting there and using what’s happening in California to serve his story, point fingers and assign blame. It’s horrific.”
On Trump’s response to the California wildfires: “Even in these horrific fires, [Trump], instead of offering solutions, is sitting there and using what’s happening in California to serve his story, point fingers and assign blame. It’s horrific.”
An excerpt from my interview with Sebastian Stan: how his childhood growing up amidst and in the aftermath of the fall of the Eastern Bloc and emigrating to the United States informed his performance in The Apprentice.
January 11, 2025 at 1:28 AM
An excerpt from my interview with Sebastian Stan: how his childhood growing up amidst and in the aftermath of the fall of the Eastern Bloc and emigrating to the United States informed his performance in The Apprentice.
For @awardswatch.bsky.social, I spoke with newly-minted Golden Globe winner Sebastian Stan about his awards season journey and how he approached his two films, A Different Man and The Apprentice, featuring two seemingly opposite but thematically linked characters. awardswatch.com/sebastian-st...
AwardsWatch - Sebastian Stan on How ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘A Different Man’ Tackle Comfort, Curiosity, and Confronting Our Fears
It’s an embarrassment of riches to have two transformative, awards-worthy roles in one career. But what does it mean when you have two in the same season? Sebastian Stan finds himself this year in …
awardswatch.com
January 10, 2025 at 6:06 PM
For @awardswatch.bsky.social, I spoke with newly-minted Golden Globe winner Sebastian Stan about his awards season journey and how he approached his two films, A Different Man and The Apprentice, featuring two seemingly opposite but thematically linked characters. awardswatch.com/sebastian-st...
A very big day with a very big interview…
January 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM
A very big day with a very big interview…
An excerpt from my conversation with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, reflecting on what the reception to Hard Truths means to her and the broader film industry:
January 3, 2025 at 8:58 PM
An excerpt from my conversation with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, reflecting on what the reception to Hard Truths means to her and the broader film industry:
Kicking off the New Year with my chat with Marianne Jean-Baptiste of Hard Truths for @awardswatch.bsky.social, where we discussed her reunion with Mike Leigh and how it “terrifying and exhilarating.” awardswatch.com/in-hard-trut...
AwardsWatch - In ‘Hard Truths,’ Marianne Jean-Baptiste Reunites with Mike Leigh and Finds the Humanity in Pansy’s Misanthropy
It was the reunion that set the hearts of cinephiles aflutter. In September, British filmmaker Mike Leigh returned to the silver screen with Hard Truths, starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The film m…
awardswatch.com
January 3, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Kicking off the New Year with my chat with Marianne Jean-Baptiste of Hard Truths for @awardswatch.bsky.social, where we discussed her reunion with Mike Leigh and how it “terrifying and exhilarating.” awardswatch.com/in-hard-trut...
Reposted by Brandon Lewis
Okay, I am working on this list now. 22 films and counting.
December 29, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Okay, I am working on this list now. 22 films and counting.