Looking back at this movie year, I found myself pondering a burning question: Am I broken? Do my critical faculties need some serious tuning? I gave more four-star reviews this year - a whopping nine - than in the past decade. But I also doled out more zero and half-star grades than ever before. Some of those half-star reviews truly deserved zero stars! I'm looking directly at you, "Joker: Folie à Deux."

Unraveling the Mysteries of My Movie Critiques

10. 'A Real Pain'

This road-trip dramedy featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin is like a gentle companion piece to "Hard Truths." Benji, played by Culkin, is a kindred spirit to Marianne Jean-Baptiste's Pansy, both trapped in emotional stasis. Eisenberg's screenplay makes Benji a people person that David (Eisenberg) can't fully comprehend. As they journey through Poland to honor their late Holocaust-survivor grandmother, "A Real Pain" becomes a haunting character study of two men at different stages in life, longing to reconnect.The story unfolds with depth and emotion, showing the nuances of their relationship and the struggles they face. It's a journey that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression.

9. 'Conclave'

The most enjoyable part of picking a new pope! Ralph Fiennes delivers one of his best performances as a cardinal tasked with leading the papal conclave after the current pope's death. Stanley Tucci is his right-hand man, and John Lithgow is a potential Il Papa. Director Edward Berger creates a delicious, gorgeously shot melodrama where every potential candidate is laid bare. In one of her big scenes, Isabella Rossellini steals the show.The film is a masterclass in drama and suspense, with each moment building tension and anticipation. It's a must-watch for those who love political dramas and the behind-the-scenes of such important events.

8. 'Hit Man'

Glen Powell has been in many movies before, but this twisty comic new-noir solidified his leading-man status. Director Richard Linklater (who also wrote the screenplay with Powell) handles the film's wild tonal changes and suspenseful plot twists with grace. The story follows a Texas police sting operation that goes awry when Powell's fake hit man falls for the woman (Adria Arjona) who "hired" him.Arjona and Powell have amazing chemistry on screen, with their hot sex and cool comic banter adding to the charm of the film. It's a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you root for the characters.

7. 'Thelma'

The biggest action movie star of this summer was 94-year-old grandma Thelma, played by June Squibb in her first leading role. She gets tricked by a phone phishing scam that fakes the kidnapping of her grandson (Fred Hechinger from "Gladiator II"). When the police won't help her get her ransom back, Thelma takes matters into her own hands.With a gun and plenty of gumption, she has an unlikely sidekick played by the late Richard Roundtree in his final role. Writer-director Josh Margolin's action comedy refuses to make Thelma a doddering stereotype; instead, it shows the strength and spirit of seniors. Squibb's performance is hilarious and feisty, complementing Roundtree's beautiful, bittersweet one.

6. 'The Wild Robot'

Lupita Nyong'o's voice-over work is a powerful argument for an Oscar for best voice performance. She voices Roz the Robot in this adaptation of Peter Brown's best-selling book series by "How to Train Your Dragon" director Chris Sanders. Roz is programmed for a specific task but discovers true joy in an unexpected new path.Surrounded by a great supporting cast including Pedro Pascal as a frenemy fox and Catherine O'Hara as a mother opossum, along with Kit Connor as Brightbill, the gosling Roz reluctantly adopts, the film earns its laughs and tears. It's a heartwarming story that will leave you with a smile on your face.

5. 'Sing Sing'

Colman Domingo gives a career-best performance in Greg Kwedar's gentle, funny, and soulful real-life drama about RTA, a theater troupe of incarcerated men who perform at the Ossining, N.Y., prison. Most of the cast consists of participants from the troupe playing themselves.The film focuses on the humanity of its characters, serving as a great example of Roger Ebert's belief that movies generate empathy. Paul Raci and Domingo are excellent, but the real surprise is former RTA member Clarence Maclin. His powerful performance stands out, especially in the tear-inducing final scene.

4. 'Flow'

Cat lovers will rejoice! Latvia's submission for next year's best international feature Oscar features a resourceful kitty whose animated adventures are both suspenseful and entertaining. Director and animator Gints Zilbalodis surrounds the nameless feline with a dog, a capybara, a secretary bird, and a lemur, each with their own personalities and quirks.The themes of helping each other and being there for one another are expressed in a light and engaging way. It's one of the best animated features of 2024, with beautiful animation and a heartwarming story.

3. 'Hard Truths'

Mike Leigh forces you to meet his characters without apology or judgment. He reunites with "Secrets & Lies" star Marianne Jean-Baptiste for this brutally funny drama about a woman consumed by anger. Jean-Baptiste plays Pansy, a far cry from her shy daughter in "Secrets." She lashes out at everyone around her.The film is an endurance test, lasting 97 minutes of raw rage. But it's worth it, as you start to identify with Pansy. Her sister, Michele Austin, holds her own against the best lead actress performance of 2024.

2. 'Hundreds of Beavers'

The best time I had in a movie theater this year! I can't remember the last time I was so unsure of what would happen next. This gag-a-minute, nearly-silent, black-and-white slapstick take on "The Revenant" cost only $150,000 but has more creativity than movies that cost hundreds of millions.Ryland Brickson Cole Tews creates a character in Jean Kayak that is a mix of Mr. Bean, Benny Hill, and Daniel Boone. His nemeses, the titular beavers, are played by people in mascot costumes. The script by Tews and director Mike Cheslik is extremely clever and rewards attentive viewers. It's a new midnight movie sensation that will leave you in stitches.

1. 'Nickel Boys'

Just like Colson Whitehead's 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Nickel Boys," director RaMell Ross's adaptation is devastating and powerful. The novel's unflinching brutality, based on real-life incidents at a Florida reform school, is replaced by a forced perspective.Ross puts us in the shoes of his characters through point-of-view cinematography by Jomo Fray. Our teenage protagonists, Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson), form a friendship in the harsh world of the reform school. The performances are all outstanding, with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Daveed Diggs in memorable supporting roles. It's an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.These movies almost made the top 10 list (a.k.a. numbers 11-20):"The Room Next Door," "Dahomey," "His Three Daughters," "Blitz," "The Fall Guy," "Music by John Williams," "Nowhere Special," "Evil Does Not Exist," "The Fire Inside," "Ghostlight"Odie Henderson is the Boston Globe's film critic.