THE YEAR IN MOVIES - 2023
In the end, 2023 was a pretty amazing year for movies. Putting together this year's list, I really struggled - because there were probably about 35 to 40 movies this year that I genuinely loved and in another year might crack my Top 10. In the last few weeks alone, I feel like I've seen one amazing film after another.
In the end, 2023 was a pretty amazing year for movies. Putting together this year's list, I really struggled - because there were probably about 35 to 40 movies this year that I genuinely loved and in another year might crack my Top 10. In the last few weeks alone, I feel like I've seen one amazing film after another.
So why is it that people increasingly tell me things like "I've never even heard of that movie"-? Someone recently even questioned whether all of the movies I post on social media about are real. Why is there this seeming vast disconnect between the films that us film-nerds obsess about (mostly, I'd add, mainstream fare released in theaters or on streaming by major studios) and what is even on the average person's radar these days? Why is it that, except in the case of a "Barbieheimer" like cultural event, the mainstream increasingly seems oblivious to what should be relatively pervasive pop-culture?
The fact is, we have a major problem here. And this isn't just about movies either. It's a vast deterioration of our media landscape that makes it so nobody knows anything (which, it has been said, has long been true of the movie business ... but I digress). Seriously though, the same lack of information that keeps people uninformed or misinformed about current events is also a big issue when it comes to movies and other pop-culture. Everyone now lives in their own little internet and social media bubbles. People don't really see ads except ones that are hyper-targeted based on algorithms. People don't really read actual publications anymore. They don't click into websites based on general interests and browse around for new reviews. They watch what Netflix tells them to - again, algorithmic and hyper-targeted. There's little curation. There are few real experts. Movie criticism has been reduced to two-sentence "this rules" or "this sucks" Beavis & Butthead style discourse. Hot takes and "well, actually" discourse-drivers are rewarded.
So we are inevitably headed for another awards season where there are constant cries of "I don't care, I haven't heard of these movies." And that's a shame. Because I am here, right now, telling you about these great movies. I may be yelling into a void. I may be fighting a fight I cannot win. But in many ways, the point of these blogs has not been merely to preach to the choir, but to try to share my love of movies and pop-culture with a broader audience of friends and family and random internet followers. Because I believe the world would be a better and smarter and more fun place if people cared, paid attention, and allowed themselves to be told great stories.
That is why it never fails to make me smile when I go to the movies, of late, and experience the hardcore film fan audiences we get here in Burbank cheer and clap at the AMC Nicole Kidman intro. Yes, it's an ad for AMC. But there's something to it. We're here in the theater - a place many don't care to go to. A place many people don't see the value in. A place that plays art that many don't care to experience. But a place that for us - it's home. It's church/synagogue/mosque/temple. It's a place where we gather to see what our best storytellers have to tell us. It's a place where views are altered, empathy is sewn, knowledge is gained, and lives are changed. I'm not just talking about these big Oscar bait movies either. I put equal value in the solemn treatise that is Oppenheimer as I do the mega-blockbuster-action of Godzilla Minus One or the raunchy hilarity of Bottoms. And I get it, having a not-great theater experience is the worst. Cell phones, crying toddlers, people loudly munching on popcorn, people not caring about safety during an ongoing pandemic. The worst. But a good theater, with a great screen, and a smart crowd - nothing beats it. And I hope everyone has had or will have that experience. When it's pitch black save for the screen. When the only noise from the crowd is laughing and cheering and genuine reaction. When there are zero distractions and you're completely immersed in a story. That's the best.
Especially for me, this year. I couldn't do a lot. Long COVID prevented me from traveling or doing a lot of socializing beyond very small gatherings. But I could go to the theater. I saw over 70 movies in the theater this year and it was always a highlight of my week - even if at times I had to fight off bouts of lightheadedness. It was a weird thing, because the lightheadedness would get worse when I was distracted and unfocused. But when a movie hooked me, when I was solely focused on the screen - I was good. I was in it.
I don't know how to fix our broken media and communications. All I know is that I can do my very small part. I can try to share with you the art that I loved in the year that was. So please, go watch these movies. You can see every single one of them right this second, if you want - whether in a theater, or at home via streaming or digital rental. It's better than scrolling mindlessly on your phone, trust me.
There is so much to talk about here so I won't delay any further. Here we go. Happy New Year and may the best be still to come!
DANNY'S BEST MOVIES OF 2023:
1.) Oppenheimer
- I've been a huge Christopher Nolan fan since Memento blew me away when I saw it in college. So I always go into his movies with high expectations. But Nolan outdid himself with this one - crafting a biopic as only Nolan can: ultra-intense, gripping, and with thunderous non-stop momentum for all three hours of its running time. Nolan does an amazing job of capturing the moral complexities of the man and of the age he lived in - and makes clear that these complexities and the inevitable failings that come from them are fated to haunt the human race's past, present, and future. Oppenheimer is a fascinating portrait of a man and in turn of a country and its values - one that raises so many questions and does not provide easy answers. Those looking for a simple "good" or "bad" judgement will not find it here. But again, even in this "small" story by Nolan standards, the writer-director is dealing with the biggest of cosmic questions about a human being's capacity to use knowledge for good, versus the constant temptation to use it for power and ego and politics and short-term gain - no matter the long-term consequences. The cast here is incredible. Cillian Murphy delivers an all-timer leading man performance. Robert Downey Jr. reminds us what he is capable of as an actor and absolutely crushes it. Emily Blunt is a scene-stealer. Matt Damon continues his hot streak. And there are fantastic turns up and down the cast, even in very small roles. Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Jason Clarke, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh ... and the list goes on. The film left me unsettled and contemplative in the best of ways.
2.) Godzilla Minus One
- Godzilla Minus One seriously gave me that same feeling of utter exhilaration and emotion I had as a kid when I saw Independence Day for the first time. Except this was on another level. Awe-inspiring, profound, precise, soaring, sweeping. A triumph in every way. The characters, the drama, the stakes, the incredible score, the big moments that make you want to pump your fist in the air and force you to wipe away tears from your eyes. A giant monster movie that left me a mess of emotions, and that had me hanging on every action beat a la Top Gun Maverick. Hollywood take note - this is pure movie magic - this is how it’s done!
3.) The Zone of Interest
- A harrowing, disturbing, but incredibly powerful reminder of the banality of evil. Director Jonathan Glazer shows a masterful talent for immersive storytelling and poignant juxtaposition. Rarely have the horrors of the Holocaust been shown as this chillingly mundane. An absolute must-see if you can stomach it. This one will stick with me forever.
4.) Poor Things
- Poor Things is easily my favorite film from Yorgos Lanthimos to date. A darkly hilarious, visually dazzling take on the Frankenstein myth featuring a one of a kind lead performance from Emma Stone (not to mention incredible supporting turns from Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and more). A wonderfully strange film with a lot to say about the human condition and a strongly beating heart.
5.) Killers of the Flower Moon
- Another Scorsese masterpiece. Martin Scorsese brings some of his classic crime storytelling to a new and fascinating and vitally relevant setting. DiCaprio, De Niro (in an all-timer performance), Lily Gladstone (who needs an Oscar nomination for this), and the entire supporting cast absolutely crush it. Entertaining, engrossing, thought-provoking, and man - it hits hard.
- Poor Things is easily my favorite film from Yorgos Lanthimos to date. A darkly hilarious, visually dazzling take on the Frankenstein myth featuring a one of a kind lead performance from Emma Stone (not to mention incredible supporting turns from Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and more). A wonderfully strange film with a lot to say about the human condition and a strongly beating heart.
5.) Killers of the Flower Moon
- Another Scorsese masterpiece. Martin Scorsese brings some of his classic crime storytelling to a new and fascinating and vitally relevant setting. DiCaprio, De Niro (in an all-timer performance), Lily Gladstone (who needs an Oscar nomination for this), and the entire supporting cast absolutely crush it. Entertaining, engrossing, thought-provoking, and man - it hits hard.
6.) Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
- A completely wild ride. Visually stunning, with so many amazing artistic styles and homages. As someone mildly obsessed with comic book art and its history, there were so many moments that made me smile and cheer. But the movie was also wonderfully-written, with some of the best superhero storytelling we've ever seen on the big screen. Somehow, the movie manages to tell a sprawling sci-fi epic that also gives us any number of emotionally-charged character moments. As amazing and near-perfect of a film as Into The Spider-Verse was, this one is just about its equal, and on some levels exceeds it. Bring on Pt 2!
7.) Air
- I loved Air way more than expected. A phenomenal film filled w/great performances - it surprised me with how many interesting things it had to say and how much emotion it got from me. As someone who's worked at a desk job in the corporate side of the entertainment industry for a long time, I found Air to be really affecting. Many of us have jobs where we're in the orbit of greatness but don't get to BE great. This film is a tribute to that drive to do something meaningful even within those confines.
- A completely wild ride. Visually stunning, with so many amazing artistic styles and homages. As someone mildly obsessed with comic book art and its history, there were so many moments that made me smile and cheer. But the movie was also wonderfully-written, with some of the best superhero storytelling we've ever seen on the big screen. Somehow, the movie manages to tell a sprawling sci-fi epic that also gives us any number of emotionally-charged character moments. As amazing and near-perfect of a film as Into The Spider-Verse was, this one is just about its equal, and on some levels exceeds it. Bring on Pt 2!
7.) Air
- I loved Air way more than expected. A phenomenal film filled w/great performances - it surprised me with how many interesting things it had to say and how much emotion it got from me. As someone who's worked at a desk job in the corporate side of the entertainment industry for a long time, I found Air to be really affecting. Many of us have jobs where we're in the orbit of greatness but don't get to BE great. This film is a tribute to that drive to do something meaningful even within those confines.
8.) Barbie
- Barbie was kind of remarkable. A wildly ambitious and incredibly funny movie that I can't believe was actually made. It's what happens when brilliant film nerds get free reign to take a beloved cultural institution and create a biting, heady, philosophical satire out of it. So many great scenes, moments, and lines of dialogue. As a writer I'm kind of humbled by what Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach were able to do here. And the cast - just amazing top to bottom. Margot Robbie kills it, Ryan Gosling is freaking hilarious, and the supporting cast - from Kate McKinnon to Michael Cera to Will Ferrell to America Ferrera - are all excellent. Greta Gerwig, again, crushes it behind the camera. A true superstar.
9.) John Wick 4
- Awesome. Keanu Reeves is so good at making every one liner sing. He's just the best at what he does. That said, what a supporting cast of badass actors he gets to work with in this one. Lance Reddick (RIP), Ian McShane. Donnie Yen is absolutely iconic here. Bill Skarsgård is fantastic. Laurence Fishbourne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, Scott Adkins. This movie just works masterfully from a storytelling standpoint, building its central conflict one brick at a time ... until you as a viewer simply can't wait to see Wick's final showdown and to find out how this epic story could possibly end. As in the first John Wick, there's an underlying emotional intensity to the fight scenes that give them that extra something special. A new action movie classic.
- Barbie was kind of remarkable. A wildly ambitious and incredibly funny movie that I can't believe was actually made. It's what happens when brilliant film nerds get free reign to take a beloved cultural institution and create a biting, heady, philosophical satire out of it. So many great scenes, moments, and lines of dialogue. As a writer I'm kind of humbled by what Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach were able to do here. And the cast - just amazing top to bottom. Margot Robbie kills it, Ryan Gosling is freaking hilarious, and the supporting cast - from Kate McKinnon to Michael Cera to Will Ferrell to America Ferrera - are all excellent. Greta Gerwig, again, crushes it behind the camera. A true superstar.
9.) John Wick 4
- Awesome. Keanu Reeves is so good at making every one liner sing. He's just the best at what he does. That said, what a supporting cast of badass actors he gets to work with in this one. Lance Reddick (RIP), Ian McShane. Donnie Yen is absolutely iconic here. Bill Skarsgård is fantastic. Laurence Fishbourne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, Scott Adkins. This movie just works masterfully from a storytelling standpoint, building its central conflict one brick at a time ... until you as a viewer simply can't wait to see Wick's final showdown and to find out how this epic story could possibly end. As in the first John Wick, there's an underlying emotional intensity to the fight scenes that give them that extra something special. A new action movie classic.
10.) How to Blow Up a Pipeline
- An absolute stunner of a film. Aside from the important issues it raises about the state of the world we live in today, it’s also just a hell of a heist movie - with some of the best “gathering the team” bits I've ever witnessed in a movie. It's a thought-provoking, harrowing, nail-biting thriller - that left me more so on the edge of my seat than any other film this year. An under-seen gem that deserves more attention and awards-season love. Make an effort to check it out!
JUST MISSED THE CUT:
11.) Past Lives
- Some truly breathtaking filmmaking by writer/director Celine Song. A powerful look at missed and not-quite-missed connections that feels particularly relevant and resonant in the social media age. And one of the best (almost) last lines of any movie in a while.
12.) American Fiction
- What an amazing, affecting, hilarious, brilliant film. Every cast member is top-tier, but shout out to Jeffrey Wright - one of the best in the biz - for delivering yet another incredible performance. The more I think about this one the more it hits - as it works on so many levels. And man, some of the scenes satirizing Hollywood … too close to home, man. Too close.
13.) Blackberry
- Blackberry needs to be seen by more people. It's uproariously funny at times and just a fantastically told story of a truly crazy tech industry rise and fall. Great cast too - Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton (get this man an Oscar nom - he's incredible here!), and Matt Johnson are all excellent. I think this will go down as one of the best “capitalism run amok” movies ever.
- An absolute stunner of a film. Aside from the important issues it raises about the state of the world we live in today, it’s also just a hell of a heist movie - with some of the best “gathering the team” bits I've ever witnessed in a movie. It's a thought-provoking, harrowing, nail-biting thriller - that left me more so on the edge of my seat than any other film this year. An under-seen gem that deserves more attention and awards-season love. Make an effort to check it out!
JUST MISSED THE CUT:
11.) Past Lives
- Some truly breathtaking filmmaking by writer/director Celine Song. A powerful look at missed and not-quite-missed connections that feels particularly relevant and resonant in the social media age. And one of the best (almost) last lines of any movie in a while.
12.) American Fiction
- What an amazing, affecting, hilarious, brilliant film. Every cast member is top-tier, but shout out to Jeffrey Wright - one of the best in the biz - for delivering yet another incredible performance. The more I think about this one the more it hits - as it works on so many levels. And man, some of the scenes satirizing Hollywood … too close to home, man. Too close.
13.) Blackberry
- Blackberry needs to be seen by more people. It's uproariously funny at times and just a fantastically told story of a truly crazy tech industry rise and fall. Great cast too - Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton (get this man an Oscar nom - he's incredible here!), and Matt Johnson are all excellent. I think this will go down as one of the best “capitalism run amok” movies ever.
14.) Saltburn
- What an absolutely wild ride. Emerald Fennell follows up on Promising Young Woman with what is, IMO, an even stronger film. She absolutely dazzles with her direction in this one. And her script contains some incredible lines - delivered by an excellent top-to-bottom cast, each member of which knows exactly what movie they're in. Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Richard E Grant, and the great Rosamund Pike are all fantastic in this. Wickedly funny, wonderfully twisty, and genuinely shocking (caveat: not for the easily offended).
15.) The Holdovers
- A really smart, funny, nostalgic, sweet, heartfelt, impeccably-directed film from Alexander Payne - with a number of great performances, including one of Paul Giamatti's career-best. This one grew on me over time the more I thought about it, and I think it's a film that many will revisit over and over again because of its big heart and lovable characters. Fellow New Englanders will especially appreciate this one.
THE NEXT BEST:
- What an absolutely wild ride. Emerald Fennell follows up on Promising Young Woman with what is, IMO, an even stronger film. She absolutely dazzles with her direction in this one. And her script contains some incredible lines - delivered by an excellent top-to-bottom cast, each member of which knows exactly what movie they're in. Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Richard E Grant, and the great Rosamund Pike are all fantastic in this. Wickedly funny, wonderfully twisty, and genuinely shocking (caveat: not for the easily offended).
15.) The Holdovers
- A really smart, funny, nostalgic, sweet, heartfelt, impeccably-directed film from Alexander Payne - with a number of great performances, including one of Paul Giamatti's career-best. This one grew on me over time the more I thought about it, and I think it's a film that many will revisit over and over again because of its big heart and lovable characters. Fellow New Englanders will especially appreciate this one.
THE NEXT BEST:
16.) Blue Beetle
- AWESOME, and I don’t say that lightly. This film had so much heart, such great storytelling, and so many fun DC Comics nods. The cast is fantastic and every character gets their moment to shine.
And man, there were a few moments that made me, a kid who used to endlessly draw The Blue Beetle and his gadgets, nerd out so much. It’s one of the best DC movies of the modern era if not THE best, and legit one of my favorite superhero movies ever!
17.) Bottoms
- One of the freshest, funniest comedy movies I’ve seen in years. A dash of American Pie, a bit of Booksmart, a little of Daria, some Anchorman-esque absurdity, and some Fight Club thrown in for good measure. Our theater was roaring with laughter for the entire runtime. Between this & Shiva Baby, Emma Seligman is now officially one of my favorite writers and directors. Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott rule in this as well.
18.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
- Mutant Mayhem expertly remixes TMNT lore to feel fresh and new and of-the-moment, but does so in a way that clearly comes from a place of love for the original comics and cartoons. At the same time, the movie brilliantly retools the Turtles' origins and character dynamics for a new generation. This movie is funny, smart, and action-packed - filled with gorgeous, stylized animation that is absolutely eye-meltingly cool. The script, the fantastic voice acting, the animation - all come together to create a new TMNT classic that will have you raising your fist and yelling "cowabunga!"
19.) Rustin
- What a fantastic film and what an incredible lead performance from the great Colman Domingo. Went in knowing little about the story of Bayard Rustin and his role in the battle for Civil Rights, but so glad I’ve now learned more about him. A powerful, inspirational movie (produced by the Obamas!) that I hope gets some Oscar love
- AWESOME, and I don’t say that lightly. This film had so much heart, such great storytelling, and so many fun DC Comics nods. The cast is fantastic and every character gets their moment to shine.
And man, there were a few moments that made me, a kid who used to endlessly draw The Blue Beetle and his gadgets, nerd out so much. It’s one of the best DC movies of the modern era if not THE best, and legit one of my favorite superhero movies ever!
17.) Bottoms
- One of the freshest, funniest comedy movies I’ve seen in years. A dash of American Pie, a bit of Booksmart, a little of Daria, some Anchorman-esque absurdity, and some Fight Club thrown in for good measure. Our theater was roaring with laughter for the entire runtime. Between this & Shiva Baby, Emma Seligman is now officially one of my favorite writers and directors. Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott rule in this as well.
18.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
- Mutant Mayhem expertly remixes TMNT lore to feel fresh and new and of-the-moment, but does so in a way that clearly comes from a place of love for the original comics and cartoons. At the same time, the movie brilliantly retools the Turtles' origins and character dynamics for a new generation. This movie is funny, smart, and action-packed - filled with gorgeous, stylized animation that is absolutely eye-meltingly cool. The script, the fantastic voice acting, the animation - all come together to create a new TMNT classic that will have you raising your fist and yelling "cowabunga!"
19.) Rustin
- What a fantastic film and what an incredible lead performance from the great Colman Domingo. Went in knowing little about the story of Bayard Rustin and his role in the battle for Civil Rights, but so glad I’ve now learned more about him. A powerful, inspirational movie (produced by the Obamas!) that I hope gets some Oscar love
20.) The Color Purple
- A showstopper. Fantastic performances all around (Fantasia, Taraji P Henson, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins), a few songs that totally bring the house down, and a lot of big emotional beats that absolutely hit. A crowd-pleaser that had our audience clapping, cheering, and throwing their hands in the air.
21.) Master Gardener
- A fascinating closer to the legendary Paul Schrader's recent thematic trilogy (after First Reformed and The Card Counter), this one gets into the proverbial weeds on some very thorny subject matter, with mesmerizing & thought-provoking results. A memorable performance from Joel Egerton anchors it. A haunting film that I haven't stopped thinking about.
22.) Eileen
- A stylish 60's-set thriller that evokes movies of that era, this one has killer performances from Thomasin McKenzie, Anne Hathaway, and the great Shea Whigham at his Whigham-ist. Also a GREAT New England movie that will ring very true for anyone who's lived there. A top notch, dark-and-grimy, retro pulp noir film. Amazing score too.
23.) Next Goal Wins
- If you’ve enjoyed Taika Waititi comedies in the past (and I definitely have), you will probably really dig this. Michael Fassbender with a game lead performance, and lots of fun supporting performances as well. An interesting and funny look at American Samoa culture as well. A low-key sports underdog story that scores.
24.) Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1
- A showstopper. Fantastic performances all around (Fantasia, Taraji P Henson, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins), a few songs that totally bring the house down, and a lot of big emotional beats that absolutely hit. A crowd-pleaser that had our audience clapping, cheering, and throwing their hands in the air.
21.) Master Gardener
- A fascinating closer to the legendary Paul Schrader's recent thematic trilogy (after First Reformed and The Card Counter), this one gets into the proverbial weeds on some very thorny subject matter, with mesmerizing & thought-provoking results. A memorable performance from Joel Egerton anchors it. A haunting film that I haven't stopped thinking about.
22.) Eileen
- A stylish 60's-set thriller that evokes movies of that era, this one has killer performances from Thomasin McKenzie, Anne Hathaway, and the great Shea Whigham at his Whigham-ist. Also a GREAT New England movie that will ring very true for anyone who's lived there. A top notch, dark-and-grimy, retro pulp noir film. Amazing score too.
23.) Next Goal Wins
- If you’ve enjoyed Taika Waititi comedies in the past (and I definitely have), you will probably really dig this. Michael Fassbender with a game lead performance, and lots of fun supporting performances as well. An interesting and funny look at American Samoa culture as well. A low-key sports underdog story that scores.
24.) Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1
- In a summer of IP-mining, over-reliant-on-soulless-CGI action movies filled with generic action scenes ... seeing the best in the biz return to do their thing was downright chill-inducing.
Christopher McQuarrie - now on his third MI movie - is plain and simply The Man. He and Tom Cruise just plain *get* how to deliver big, audience-pleasing moments and heart-pounding, visceral action scenes like few others. Dead Reckoning is chock full of applause-worthy reveals, edge of your seat action, and good old fashioned movie magic.
25.) Nyad
- This riveting sports comeback story - sort of the swimmer's version of Rocky Balboa - features a towering, awards-worthy lead performance from Annette Bening. Amazing work from Jodie Foster as well. An inspirational based-on-a-true-story sports/survival epic that will leave you cheering.
MORE GREAT FILMS OF 2023:
26.) May December
- May December is one of those melodramas that plays out, very entertainingly, in the manner of a horror movie. Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore each crank it up to 11, and Charles Melton stuns as the beating heart of the film. And that score! A sort of deconstructed retro 90’s thriller vibe. A fascinating film from Todd Haynes.
27.) Polite Society
- Every so often there’s a movie that you see and just have to shout about its awesomeness to the rooftops. So … POLITE SOCIETY! A soon to be cult classic with echoes of Scott Pilgrim, Attack the Block … It's a highly entertaining, uniquely original movie about friendship, family, sisterhood, and kicking ass.
28.) All Of Us Strangers
- I'll admit: I was completely, emotionally devastated after seeing All Of Us Strangers. A powerful, haunting film about love and loss - filled with scenes that tug on your heartstrings and don't let go. Andrew Scott is always so great, but he really shines in this. Paul Mescal as well. And the vivid, dream-like direction really pulls you in as well.
29.) Scream 6
- The latest Scream film built on its predecessor and was an absolute blast and an awesome audience movie. Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera once again make for a great pair of leads, but every character is used well and has their killer moment. I really hope this isn't the end for them and the "Core Four," but we shall see. This was a fantastic entry in a franchise that I've really grown to love.
30.) Dream Scenario
- Nic Cage seemingly channels the star of one of my favorite TV series of 2023 - Paul T. Goldman - in an insane film that is, given that comparison, about as crazy and cringe-y and entertaining as you might expect. Such a spot-on satire of modern social-media-celeb culture that it's almost painful. So yeah, I really dug it.
31.) Wonka
- The latest Scream film built on its predecessor and was an absolute blast and an awesome audience movie. Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera once again make for a great pair of leads, but every character is used well and has their killer moment. I really hope this isn't the end for them and the "Core Four," but we shall see. This was a fantastic entry in a franchise that I've really grown to love.
30.) Dream Scenario
- Nic Cage seemingly channels the star of one of my favorite TV series of 2023 - Paul T. Goldman - in an insane film that is, given that comparison, about as crazy and cringe-y and entertaining as you might expect. Such a spot-on satire of modern social-media-celeb culture that it's almost painful. So yeah, I really dug it.
31.) Wonka
- Wonka surprised me. It's a fun, imaginative take on the character with a lot of laughs, a lot of heart, and supremely catchy songs throughout (yes, this is a musical). Timothee Chalomet is very good as Willy Wonka, but he is bolstered by an absolutely fantastic supporting cast. Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Jim Carter, Rowan Atkinson, Rich Fulcher, and many others are so great and really help to elevate the film. It's also visually really eye-popping, with a cool steampunk aesthetic and a lot of creative set-pieces. I have a feeling a generation of kids is going to look back on this one as a beloved childhood favorite.
32.) Sisu
- Well, this movie just flat-out owns. A classic WW2 one-man revenge film filled with spectacle and violence and one of my favorite action tropes - the old man who still kicks unholy amounts of ass. Every beat is perfectly executed for maximum awesomeness. Good stuff.
33.) The Iron Claw
- I'm a lifelong wrestling fan and the story of the legendary Von Erich family was familiar to me - but even so, it hits hard. When you're a kid these guys are real life superheroes, so seeing their struggles, even now, is particularly affecting. Excellent performances all around - with IMO the highlight being the great and perpetually underrated Holt McCallany as the Von Erich patriarch. A tough watch, but ultimately a tale of perseverance.
34.) Theater Camp
- Theater Camp was hilarious. Shades of Christopher Guest's mockumentary classics. Great cast. Jimmy Tatro from American Vandal. Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Ayo Edebiri. All the kid actors are really good too. I wasn't a theater kid (though I did briefly do tech crew in high school) but was a longtime camp counselor, so a lot of the jokes felt spot on.
35.) Anatomy of a Fall
- Such a fascinating and riveting film - this story of a perplexing murder trial provokes a lot of questions without easy answers. But one thing is for sure: having seen this and The Zone of Interest in 2023, Sandra Hüller is undoubtedly one of the best actors on the planet. She's remarkable in this movie. This is a gripping character study that begs to be discussed.
36.) Priscilla
- Sofia Coppola crafts a fascinating, mesmerizing portrait of a girl caught up in a whirlwind of celebrity, swept up in something equal parts alluring and sinister. The two lead performances from Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi are outstanding. A really interesting companion piece to the Austin Butler Elvis movie, though this one is much more damning of the relationship he shared with Priscilla.
37.) Dungeons & Dragons
- I was sort of blown away by how good this movie was. Made with clear passion. A very smart, very funny script. Great cast. Inventive visuals and action sequences, with super fun creature design to boot. And real emotion too! I mean, that ending! A straight-up excellent fantasy movie.
38.) Elemental
- The latest from Pixar really surprised me. The trailers looked generic, but this was a very sweet and affecting modern romance movie that was also one of the most visually dazzling animated films I’ve seen - filled with well-realized and easy to root for characters. There were definitely a lot of sobs in our theater.
39.) Creed 3
- I enjoyed this one a ton, and I think it sits highly in the Creed / Rocky canon. Michael B. Jordan was fantastic both in front of the camera and behind it - I mean, this is a pretty amazing directorial debut, and there were a lot of visual flourishes I enjoyed (not the least of which were the riveting and hard-hitting fight scenes). This one had some nice echoes to Rocky movies of the past, while also giving Adonis Creed a truly standalone film that helps cement the Creed cinematic legacy.
- Theater Camp was hilarious. Shades of Christopher Guest's mockumentary classics. Great cast. Jimmy Tatro from American Vandal. Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Ayo Edebiri. All the kid actors are really good too. I wasn't a theater kid (though I did briefly do tech crew in high school) but was a longtime camp counselor, so a lot of the jokes felt spot on.
35.) Anatomy of a Fall
- Such a fascinating and riveting film - this story of a perplexing murder trial provokes a lot of questions without easy answers. But one thing is for sure: having seen this and The Zone of Interest in 2023, Sandra Hüller is undoubtedly one of the best actors on the planet. She's remarkable in this movie. This is a gripping character study that begs to be discussed.
36.) Priscilla
- Sofia Coppola crafts a fascinating, mesmerizing portrait of a girl caught up in a whirlwind of celebrity, swept up in something equal parts alluring and sinister. The two lead performances from Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi are outstanding. A really interesting companion piece to the Austin Butler Elvis movie, though this one is much more damning of the relationship he shared with Priscilla.
37.) Dungeons & Dragons
- I was sort of blown away by how good this movie was. Made with clear passion. A very smart, very funny script. Great cast. Inventive visuals and action sequences, with super fun creature design to boot. And real emotion too! I mean, that ending! A straight-up excellent fantasy movie.
38.) Elemental
- The latest from Pixar really surprised me. The trailers looked generic, but this was a very sweet and affecting modern romance movie that was also one of the most visually dazzling animated films I’ve seen - filled with well-realized and easy to root for characters. There were definitely a lot of sobs in our theater.
39.) Creed 3
- I enjoyed this one a ton, and I think it sits highly in the Creed / Rocky canon. Michael B. Jordan was fantastic both in front of the camera and behind it - I mean, this is a pretty amazing directorial debut, and there were a lot of visual flourishes I enjoyed (not the least of which were the riveting and hard-hitting fight scenes). This one had some nice echoes to Rocky movies of the past, while also giving Adonis Creed a truly standalone film that helps cement the Creed cinematic legacy.
40.) Origin
- A powerful and extremely timely film by the great Ava DuVernay. An emotional examination of the ways that hate/bigotry have been manufactured across time and place to benefit those in power and manipulate the masses. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (coming off her great recent turn in Justified: City Primeval) is a force in this one as the lead.
41.) Of An Age
- Of An Age is a breakout film for director Goran Stolevski. It's filled with raw and real-feeling performances, and a sense of nonstop energy and propulsion for what is ultimately a very intimate and personal story about missed connections and love, loss, and regret. I'm excited to see what Stolevski does next.
42.) The Boy and the Heron
- In 2023, I got to have my first-ever big-screen Miyazaki film experience with The Boy and the Heron. And I'm glad I did. The animation and visual imagination in this one is 100% worth beholding on the biggest screen possible. This film is a strange, surreal, dreamlike journey. At times baffling, at times soaring. But I’m glad Miyazaki’s still out there making these films. No one does it like him.
43.) No Hard Feelings
- No Hard Feelings was was a lot of fun, and the jokes very much landed. On one hand, it had a sort of nostalgic, old-school studio comedy feel. On the other hand, it took a well worn premise and gave it a very current, Millennial vs. Gen Z spin. Both leads (Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman) were great, and the movie was ultimately surprisingly sweet in a way that the trailers didn't necessarily indicate.
44.) Beau Is Afraid
- I saw Beau Is Afraid in IMAX, and it was a one of a kind experience. I loved it. I hated it. But I've thought about it frequently since. I had to put it on this list. I mean, I love a good surrealist nightmare of a film, and this is certainly, if nothing else, an uncompromised vision of nightmarish, darkly hilarious (at times) weirdness. Parts of it are breathtaking, parts of it feel frustratingly self-indulgent. But it's a film like no other and one that will stick with me forever. I kind of want to watch it again.
45.) Asteroid City
- A really funny, really interesting addition to the Wes Anderson filmography, that felt like Anderson’s subversion of 1950’s Rockwellian Americana - with just a dash of X-Files-esque “truth is out there” pondering by way of Darin Morgan. There are a lot of memorable moments and performances in this one (from an absolutely all-star cast) - it's strange and enjoyable and well worth checking out if you’re an Anderson fan.
- A powerful and extremely timely film by the great Ava DuVernay. An emotional examination of the ways that hate/bigotry have been manufactured across time and place to benefit those in power and manipulate the masses. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (coming off her great recent turn in Justified: City Primeval) is a force in this one as the lead.
41.) Of An Age
- Of An Age is a breakout film for director Goran Stolevski. It's filled with raw and real-feeling performances, and a sense of nonstop energy and propulsion for what is ultimately a very intimate and personal story about missed connections and love, loss, and regret. I'm excited to see what Stolevski does next.
42.) The Boy and the Heron
- In 2023, I got to have my first-ever big-screen Miyazaki film experience with The Boy and the Heron. And I'm glad I did. The animation and visual imagination in this one is 100% worth beholding on the biggest screen possible. This film is a strange, surreal, dreamlike journey. At times baffling, at times soaring. But I’m glad Miyazaki’s still out there making these films. No one does it like him.
43.) No Hard Feelings
- No Hard Feelings was was a lot of fun, and the jokes very much landed. On one hand, it had a sort of nostalgic, old-school studio comedy feel. On the other hand, it took a well worn premise and gave it a very current, Millennial vs. Gen Z spin. Both leads (Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman) were great, and the movie was ultimately surprisingly sweet in a way that the trailers didn't necessarily indicate.
44.) Beau Is Afraid
- I saw Beau Is Afraid in IMAX, and it was a one of a kind experience. I loved it. I hated it. But I've thought about it frequently since. I had to put it on this list. I mean, I love a good surrealist nightmare of a film, and this is certainly, if nothing else, an uncompromised vision of nightmarish, darkly hilarious (at times) weirdness. Parts of it are breathtaking, parts of it feel frustratingly self-indulgent. But it's a film like no other and one that will stick with me forever. I kind of want to watch it again.
45.) Asteroid City
- A really funny, really interesting addition to the Wes Anderson filmography, that felt like Anderson’s subversion of 1950’s Rockwellian Americana - with just a dash of X-Files-esque “truth is out there” pondering by way of Darin Morgan. There are a lot of memorable moments and performances in this one (from an absolutely all-star cast) - it's strange and enjoyable and well worth checking out if you’re an Anderson fan.
46.) Society of the Snow
- A harrowing true-life survival epic, Society of the Snow is a true journey. Director J.A. Bayona crafts a visually-striking and viscerally engaging film that remains engrossing from start to finish. It's an endurance test, but the kind that affects you to your core and makes you feel like you survived something life-changing right alongside the movie's characters.
47.) A Thousand and One
47.) A Thousand and One
- What an impressive debut from writer/director A.V. Rockwell. Loved the look of the film and its depiction of NYC through the 90's and into the 00's. It deals with a raised-on-the-streets young woman who, out of desperation, kidnaps her child from the foster care system to try to raise him on her own. A tough story, but handled with care and poignancy.
48.) Carmen
- Carmen was not quite like any other film I've seen. It's a visually dazzling story about star-crossed lovers on the run, and it weaves extended dance and musical sequences into its operatic narrative. Paul Mescal and Melissa Barrera are dynamic leads. A unique and mesmerizing film that deserves to find a larger audience.
49.) Sanctuary
- A nice capper to the unofficial “Christopher Abbott in crazy, nightmarish scenarios” trilogy (see also: Possesor and Black Bear). Seriously though, Abbott and Margaret Qualley are both fantastic in this one. It's a weird, twisty, psychological thriller that keeps you on your toes. A great example of how to do a compelling movie with just two characters in a room.
TIE: 50.) Dumb Money
- A highly enjoyable (if ultimately somewhat depressing) film about our broken financial and economic systems. It’s a 2020 movie through and through - COVID is very much a part of this story, and I appreciate that. Great cast, Paul Dano kills it. Gives you a lot to chew on, as the GameStop stock story truly is crazy.
TIE 50.) Wish
- Carmen was not quite like any other film I've seen. It's a visually dazzling story about star-crossed lovers on the run, and it weaves extended dance and musical sequences into its operatic narrative. Paul Mescal and Melissa Barrera are dynamic leads. A unique and mesmerizing film that deserves to find a larger audience.
49.) Sanctuary
- A nice capper to the unofficial “Christopher Abbott in crazy, nightmarish scenarios” trilogy (see also: Possesor and Black Bear). Seriously though, Abbott and Margaret Qualley are both fantastic in this one. It's a weird, twisty, psychological thriller that keeps you on your toes. A great example of how to do a compelling movie with just two characters in a room.
TIE: 50.) Dumb Money
- A highly enjoyable (if ultimately somewhat depressing) film about our broken financial and economic systems. It’s a 2020 movie through and through - COVID is very much a part of this story, and I appreciate that. Great cast, Paul Dano kills it. Gives you a lot to chew on, as the GameStop stock story truly is crazy.
TIE 50.) Wish
- Was surprised by how much Wish worked for me. It had some really soaring and powerful musical numbers, and was a classic good vs evil fairy tale of a sort we haven’t gotten from Disney in a while. Ultimately I found it pretty inspirational. The critics seemed to not really care for this one, but I really liked it - it's a crowd-pleaser for sure.
HONORABLE MENTIONS - OTHER RECOMMENDED MOVIES FROM THIS YEAR:
- Ferrari
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
- Infinity Pool
- Evil Dead Rise
- The Killer
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- The Killer
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Chevalier
- Totally Killer
- Totally Killer
- Tetris
- Talk To Me
- The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
- No One Will Save You
- They Cloned Tyrone
- Renfield
- M3GAN
- The Last Voyage of the Demeter
- Red, White & Royal Blue
- Fair Play
- The Little Mermaid
- You People
- You Hurt My Feelings
- They Cloned Tyrone
- Leave the World Behind
- Leo
- Sick
- Dicks: The Musical
- Gran Turismo
- Cocaine Bear
- Maestro
- A Haunting in Venice
- Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain
- Flamin' Hot
- Fast X
- The Nun II
INDIVIDUAL 2023 AWARDS:
BEST LEAD ACTOR:
1.) Colman Domingo - Rustin
2.) Leonardo DiCaprio - Killers of the Flower Moon
3.) Jeffrey Wright - American Fiction
4.) Paul Giammati - The Holdovers
5.) Cillian Murphy - Oppenheimer
BEST LEADING ACTRESS:
1.) Emma Stone - Poor Things
2.) Annette Benning - Nyad
3.) Sandra Hüller - Anatomy of a Fall
3.) Fantasia Barrino - The Color Purple
4.) Margot Robbie - Barbie
BEST LEAD ACTOR:
1.) Colman Domingo - Rustin
2.) Leonardo DiCaprio - Killers of the Flower Moon
3.) Jeffrey Wright - American Fiction
4.) Paul Giammati - The Holdovers
5.) Cillian Murphy - Oppenheimer
BEST LEADING ACTRESS:
1.) Emma Stone - Poor Things
2.) Annette Benning - Nyad
3.) Sandra Hüller - Anatomy of a Fall
3.) Fantasia Barrino - The Color Purple
4.) Margot Robbie - Barbie
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
1.) Robert De Niro - Killers of the Flower Moon
1.) Robert De Niro - Killers of the Flower Moon
2.) Robert Downey Jr. - Oppenheimer
3.) Glenn Howerton - Blackberry
4.) Sterling K. Brown - American Fiction
5.) Mark Ruffalo - Poor Things
3.) Glenn Howerton - Blackberry
4.) Sterling K. Brown - American Fiction
5.) Mark Ruffalo - Poor Things
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
1.) Sandra Hüller - Zone of Interest
2.) Lily Gladstone - Killers of the Flower Moon
3.) Jodie Foster - Nyad
4.) Danielle Brooks - The Color Purple
5.) Rosamund Pike - Saltburn
BEST DIRECTOR:
1.) Christopher Nolan - Oppenheimer
2.) Jonathan Glazer - The Zone of Interest
3.) Martin Scorsese - Killers of the Flower Moon
4.) Yorgos Lanthimos - Poor Things
5.) Takashi Yamazaki - Godzilla Minus One
BEST SCREENPLAY:
1.) Oppenheimer
2.) Barbie
3.) American Fiction
4.) Past Lives
5.) Killers of the Flower Moon
6.) Air
7.) Godzilla Minus One
8.) The Zone of Interest
9.) Poor Things
10.) How to Blow Up a Pipeline
5.) Rosamund Pike - Saltburn
BEST DIRECTOR:
1.) Christopher Nolan - Oppenheimer
2.) Jonathan Glazer - The Zone of Interest
3.) Martin Scorsese - Killers of the Flower Moon
4.) Yorgos Lanthimos - Poor Things
5.) Takashi Yamazaki - Godzilla Minus One
BEST SCREENPLAY:
1.) Oppenheimer
2.) Barbie
3.) American Fiction
4.) Past Lives
5.) Killers of the Flower Moon
6.) Air
7.) Godzilla Minus One
8.) The Zone of Interest
9.) Poor Things
10.) How to Blow Up a Pipeline
