Pop Culture Happy Hour: 2024 Pop Culture Favorites

NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" returns with its December 11, 2024 episode, "2024 Pop Culture Favorites." Hosted by arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris, the episode delves into the standout movies, TV shows, music, and performances that defined the year. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the episode.

1. Introduction: Reflecting on 2024

Linda Holmes opens the episode by highlighting the team's approach to curating their favorite pop culture moments of the year. She emphasizes their appreciation for both mainstream and offbeat selections, setting the stage for an eclectic mix of recommendations.

2. Music Highlights

a. Charli XCX’s "Brat"

Aisha Harris presents her first pick, Charli XCX's latest album, Brat. She praises the album for its innovative electropop sound, describing it as a "celebration of being messy" with "hyper pop arrangements that are extremely loud and almost abrasively catchy" (03:00). Aisha highlights the standout track "Girl. So Confusing," noting its lyrical depth and the impactful remix featuring Lorde:

“... it was so refreshing to hear this song recast in such a deeply empathetic light, to kind of reassess this relationship by communicating and bringing in this other person's perspective.” (06:42)

Glen Weldon echoes Aisha's enthusiasm, appreciating the balance Charli XCX strikes between personal lyrics and danceable beats:

“This is just what it is. And I'm glad you chose this.” (06:42)

b. Sabrina Carpenter’s "Please, Please, Please"

Glen Weldon introduces his pick, Sabrina Carpenter's chart-topping single "Please, Please, Please" from her album Short and Sweet. He lauds Carpenter's delivery of the explicit language, particularly the line:

“Motherfucker.” (07:35)

Glen admires how Sabrina transforms a potentially vulgar moment into a poignant expression of frustration within relationships. He appreciates the authenticity and relatability of the song, especially in the context of its music video featuring Barry Keoghan.

“... it's the kind of moment that encapsulates how unique she is as a pop star.” (09:32)

3. Movie Picks

a. The Fall Guy

Linda Holmes discusses her favorite movie of the year, The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. She praises the film's blend of action and romantic comedy, highlighting its humor and heart.

“There are a couple of sequences that I just think are so just like weird and funny and fun.” (15:04)

The movie's meta-jokes and entertaining action sequences leave Linda with a "big goofy grin," underscoring its feel-good nature.

b. I Saw the TV Glow

Glen Weldon presents I Saw the TV Glow by Jane Schoenbrun, a film he describes as "dark and disturbing." He focuses on the film's final scene, where the protagonist, played by Justice Smith, confronts the realization of his false reality. Glen finds the ending both harrowing and inspiring, appreciating its raw portrayal of self-acceptance.

“The real world is waiting for you, but you gotta make the effort.” (19:03)

His analysis highlights the film's ability to evoke deep emotional responses without offering false hope, making it a standout narrative of the year.

c. Challengers

Aisha Harris shares her admiration for Challengers, a sports drama directed by Luca Guadagnino. She commends the film for its visceral excitement and complex character dynamics, particularly praising Zendaya's performance.

“I dug this movie from start to finish. Really was kind of edge of the seat.” (22:06)

The film's intense tennis sequences and intricate love triangle keep audiences engaged, making it a memorable entry in 2024's cinematic landscape.

d. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (TV Series)

Linda Holmes introduces the TV adaptation of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. She appreciates the series' modern take on the classic espionage-romance trope, emphasizing its stylish direction and strong performances.

“It's gloriously art directed and it's really beautifully acted.” (24:09)

The chemistry between the leads and the show's aesthetic appeal make it a must-watch recommendation for the year.

e. Problemista

Glen Weldon discusses Julio Torres's film Problemista, highlighting a subtle yet impactful detail: the constant light on Tilda Swinton's iPhone. He appreciates how such minor elements add depth to the character and the story without overshadowing the narrative.

“These are small observations. These are not broad, overplayed clichés.” (33:18)

Weldon lauds the film for its meticulous attention to detail, contributing to its overall excellence.

f. Ripley (Netflix Adaptation)

Linda Holmes highlights the Netflix adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's Ripley, starring Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley. She praises Scott's haunting performance and the film's stylistic choices, particularly the 18-minute sequence following Ripley's confrontation and subsequent actions.

“It's such a great testament to the power of adaptation.” (36:22)

The black-and-white cinematography and Scott's intense portrayal bring a fresh perspective to the classic story, earning it accolades as one of the year's best adaptations.

g. Evil Does Not Exist

Glen Weldon introduces Evil Does Not Exist by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, focusing on a pivotal community meeting scene. He commends the film for its ability to create intense drama through simple, unembellished scenes that reflect real societal tensions.

“It just draws you in. And what I loved about this scene is the way that it really proves that sometimes, the least flashy and the simplest scenes can still hold so much drama.” (32:04)

The film's exploration of real estate and its impact on a small Japanese village offers a poignant commentary on modern societal issues.

4. Performer Spotlight: Katherine Hunter

Glen Weldon shines a spotlight on actress Katherine Hunter, praising her versatility and captivating performances across various projects in 2024. He highlights her roles in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Andor, and Poor Things, noting her ability to infuse characters with unique physicality and vocal expression.

“She never just punches in and punches out. She leaves her mark.” (38:26)

Hunter's performances, particularly as the character Solange in The Front Room, showcase her talent for blending humor and menace, making her a standout performer of the year.

5. Conclusion: Celebrating Diversity in Pop Culture

The hosts wrap up the episode by emphasizing the diverse range of selections, from high-octane action films to deeply personal music and groundbreaking performances. They encourage listeners to share their own favorite pop culture moments from 2024, fostering a community of shared enthusiasm and appreciation.

“I think it's a good mix, which is what we always go for.” (41:16)

Linda Holmes signs off by thanking the team and acknowledging the rich tapestry of pop culture that made 2024 memorable.

Notable Quotes:

• Aisha Harris on Charli XCX’s "Brat": “... it was so refreshing to hear this song recast in such a deeply empathetic light...” (06:42)

• Glen Weldon on Sabrina Carpenter’s "Please, Please, Please": “It's the kind of moment that encapsulates how unique she is as a pop star.” (09:32)

• Glen Weldon on I Saw the TV Glow: “The real world is waiting for you, but you gotta make the effort.” (19:03)

• Aisha Harris on Challengers: “I dug this movie from start to finish. Really was kind of edge of the seat.” (22:06)

• Linda Holmes on Ripley: “It's such a great testament to the power of adaptation.” (36:22)

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour offers a thorough and engaging exploration of the year's top pop culture moments. By blending enthusiastic reviews with thoughtful analysis, the hosts provide listeners—both avid followers and casual fans—with valuable insights and recommendations to reflect upon as the year concludes. Whether it's innovative music, compelling films, or standout performances, "2024 Pop Culture Favorites" captures the essence of a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape.