My 10 Favorite Films of 2023

Now that 2023 has come to an end I can look back at the 79 movies I reviewed during the year and reflect on which ones I enjoyed the most.  This list below is in no specific order and not necessarily reflective of my original letter grade, additionally I’ve missed some critical darlings like Past Lives and Anatomy of a Fall among others.  

Like everything I’ve published, this is all subjective and I could probably be convinced to add and remove certain films which is why I’m terrible at making lists in general.

So, with that, here are my 10 favorite films of 2023.

Infinity Pool

Brandon Cronenberg's latest film is the kind of film that reveals is screwing with your mind throughout its runtime.  It’s gory, grimy but beautiful in a strange, psychedelic way.  Mia Goth turns in another performance that’s cements her status as a rising star in the horror genre. 

The Creator 

The plot of The Creator covers some well-worn territory in the sci-fi genre, but Gareth Edwards direction elevates it above the predictable plot.  Visuals and solid turns from the cast makes this one of the more entertaining sci-fi films in recent memory.  

Beau is Afraid

Ari Aster’s Beau is Afraid isn’t made for everyone and he doesn’t really seem to care.  It’s a behemoth of themes and ideas with some working far better than others during the film’s three-hour runtime.  A committed performance from Joaquin Phoenix as the sad sack who embarks on a cinematic journey that you won’t soon forget.  

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning 

In any other year, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, would have been one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.  Tom Cruise’s latest entry into the long-running series is another bit of well-orchestrated, big screen spy madness that keeps upping the game on the genre.     

Barbie 

If you had told me at the start of the year Barbie would be on my year end list I probably would have chuckled and said no.  I didn’t know what to expect from the film or story, but I didn’t expect much so it was a pleasant surprise such a fun, vibrant and heart felt even if some felt the message was heavy handed.    

Oppenheimer 

The other half of the cultural phenomenon that was Barbenheimer was even better with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer delivering a serious, adult blockbuster that was built on performances and dialogue.  Nolan and his cast are laser focused throughout, making the dialogue heavy film feel brisk even at three hours long.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese’s long gestating epic is a tragic, heartbreaking journey that ponders on a handful of themes buoyed by some excellent turns from its star-studded cast lead by Leonardo DiCaprio.  Lily Gladstone proves to be a revelation as the film’s beating heart fighting through the series of tragedies laid at her feet.

The Holdovers

Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is a throwback on multiple levels as it evokes memories of dramadies from the 70’s and 80’s.  Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa each deliver stellar turns as we follow their emotional journeys as part of their pseudo family.

Wonka

Paul King’s prequel, Wonka, proved to be one of the more pleasant surprises of the year.  King brings that same sense of joy and optimism to this franchise that’d he’d brought to his Paddington films.  Timothée Chalamet proves far more capable and endearing than expected, which results in a film that’s sure to leave a smile on the face of even the biggest cynic.  

Poor Things

Yorgos Lanthimos’ unapologetic, gothic fantasy is bold on multiple levels.  Its stark, inventive visuals give it a distinctive style that makes it a visual feast for the eyes.  Emma Stone’s fearless performance makes the whole thing work as she deftly creates a multifaceted character from start to finish.   Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe are just as good in memorable supporting turns.

 

MOVIE REVIEW: WONKA

 

Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.

Director: Paul King

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman,  Hugh Grant

Release Date: December 15, 2023

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical

Rated PG for some violence, mild language and thematic elements.

Runtime: 1h 56m

Paul King's Willy Wonka prequel, Wonka, is an utterly charming film that brings a wonderful sense of whimsy and wonder that's hard to deny.  King's musical confection is a wonderful assault on the senses with a series of well staged albeit old fashion, song and dance numbers.  Its a visual feast for the eyes and ears that's like a lovely elixir that guaranteed to put people in a good mood.  King's film is light and airy with a palatable sense of infectious optimism that fits perfectly with a younger Wonka who hasn't become the more cynical and scarier version of himself from the Gene Wilder classic.  Timothée Chalamet is perfectly suited for this version of the character with his boyish looks and general charm.  He mimics some of the mannerisms and movements of Wilder's take but plays him with more wide eyed optimism and naiveite.  Its works well for this film and story even though some looking for bits of the character slightly sinister side will be left wanting.  The supporting cast delivers equally strong work with fun turns from Olivia Colman and an impressive film debut from Calah Lane.  Paterson Joseph, one of the handful of Peep Show alums, chews up every bit of the scenery as the film's villainous chocolatier.  Likewise, Hugh Grant is clearly having a ball playing a CGI Oompa-Loompa so much so that you wish he'd be given a slightly larger role.  It all makes for an undeniably fun film which fit more with the beloved original than the Tim Burton remake which is sure to please plenty of fans.

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A-