Top 5 Favorite Movies of 2023

 

1) Barbie - Barbie-mania literally took over the world in the summer of 2023 and if you saw the movie you'd know that it wasn't just all hype as Greta Gerwig delivered the most ridiculously entertaning movie of 2023. Everything was perfect from Margot Robbie as Barbie to Ryan Goslin as Ken who really did steal the show. It was bubble gum for the eyes and offers up plenty of laughs and even a couple life lessons along the way. This is really something that I still haven't forgotten and won't forget anytime soon. Barbie is cinema at it's finest and hands down my favorite movie of 2023. 

2) The Super Mario Bros Movie - Video game adapations have vastly improved the past few years from Sonic and it's sequel to this year's The Last of Us which was absolutely sublime. But we aren't here to talk about those we're here to talk about Mario and how he too like Barbie literally took over the cinema going world around the Easter period. From beginning to end The Super Mario Bros Movie was a love letter to the plumber and his brother Luigi who along with Princess Peach attempted to stop the evil Bowers's invasion of the Mushroom Kingdom. As a huge fan of the Mario series for many, many years now I really couldn't ask for more with this movie and surely it has begun a giant franchise given it's huge box office numbers. Just fantastic from beginning to end. Let's a go!

3) Pearl - Mia Goth. What else is there to say about Pearl really, it is one of the most horrifying character studies in the horror genre I have ever seen quite frankly. Mia Goth's performance is scarily good and as a whole Pearl was a stunning follow up to last year's X but this time a lot more subdued yet it still managed to hook me until the final few moments. Everything from the setting to the characters and their relationships were believable leaving me extremely hyped for the release of MaXXXine in 2024. Wonderful from beginning to end. 

4) The Whale - Brendan Fraser. That's all I'll say to start this. Not many movies moved me and played with my emotions this year more than The Whale. From beginning to end I was both captivated and incredibly moved by Brendan's performance which was strong yet so tragic. By the time the credits began to roll I was the last to leave the theater, this movie really did a number on me and should be seen by any true real lover of the art of cinema and performance art. 

5) Killers of the Flower Moon - Martin Scorscese is a legend. There's no doubt about it. And with this his latest movie that is more evident that ever as his story about a small population of Indian's being slaughtered and cheated out of their land by greedy Americans was truly remarkable as it weaved together a tragic tale of love with theh harshness of greedy in an ever changing world. Leonardo Dicaprio, Robert Di Niro and Lily Gladstone acted effortlessly in a movie that is well over 3 hours long but each moment is as captivating as the last. 

Honorable mentions :

Blue Beetle - The first and only DC movie out of 4 that I did genuinely love this year which pains me to even say but alas here we are. Blue Beetle was a coming of age tale about a young mans journey to full blown superhero after an all powerful and ancient scarab attaches itself to him leading to him becoming Blue Beetle. Bolstered by great action, great performances and a real sense of the power of family Blue Beetle was DC and WB's best effort of 2023 by far.

Scream VI - Much like last year I had Scream V in my honorable mentions and this year it's no different. I was lucky enough to see Scream V and VI back to back way back in March and that only amplified the experience. Scream VI built upon V and was so much more impactful and fun in my opinion. With returning characters and a strong narrative Scream VI was a real treat for fans of the series. I just hope Melissa Berrerra and Jenna Ortega manage to return for Scream VII because not finishing of their trilogy as characters would be so disappointing. 

Mission Impossible : Dead Reckoning Part One - Tom Cruise returned once again as super spy and IMF Agent Ethan Hunt and just like the previous entry Fallout Dead Reckoning Part One was a thrilling, fast paced wild ride of a cinema going experience. Tom Cruise proved his worth once again as he was jumping off a giant moutain on a dirt bike before speed falling, attempting to escape a derailing train and a battle in the desert. Roll on Part Two in 2024!

Flora and Son - The latest movie from director and musician John Carney was a delight. Set in Ireland it told the tale of a single mother's struggle in life as she attempts to raise her son whose main interest includes music. It's a beautiful tale of love, bonding and how the power of music can bring us all together. Special shout out to Eve Hewson who really had a star making performance here in my opinion. Definitely one to keep an eye on. 

Oppenheimer - Christopher Nolan's latest movie may very well be his best yet and with a stellar cast including Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and many others there is a lot of merit in that. Released right along side Barbie thus becoming a part of Barbinheimer this is essential viewing for any fan of history and cinema as the story is fascinating and the performances just as strong.