29/12/2023
2023 in Film Review – Part 3 of 3 - THE BEST FILMS OF 2023
Finally, we have my favourites of the year. No doubt I won’t please everyone with my choices and ordering, but I felt this best represented which films I enjoyed the most in 2023 and want to revisit in the future.
15: Creed III
A terrific end to an awesome trilogy. It’s likely the end of his career following his assault conviction, but Jonathan Majors is phenomenal here and Creed’s best opponent yet. The biggest surprise is lead Michael B Jordan in his directorial debut. He does an outstanding job behind the camera and delivers some of the most cinematic boxing sequences ever put to screen.
(Currently streaming on Prime Video)
14: Barbie
More than just a toy come to life, this is a hilarious and surprisingly deep picture of gender and the world as we know it. Robbie is a delight and Gosling had me in hysterics as Ken. It didn’t all work for me but I had a lot of fun.
(Available to rent or buy)
13: Blackberry
This is my kind of film. The documentary-style filmmaking works and it’s hilarious and captivating with two superb central performances from Howerton & Baruchel. Great seeing Glenn Howerton get recognition too as he’s such a talented actor. Dennis Reynolds the GOAT.
(Will be available to rent and buy in 2024)
12: The Killer
This will be far too slow and weird for some, but as a huge David Fincher fan, he is truly cooking here. This is a richly crafted and exquisitely shot thriller. Fassbender is tremendous in the lead role and I couldn’t take my eyes off it.
(Currently streaming on Netflix)
11: Godzilla Minus One
With a gripping story, characters you care about and gigantic action sequences, this Japanese blockbuster is the best monster movie to emerge in years. It’s even more impressive what they achieve on just a $15 mill budget. They can make 6 of these and it would still cost less than the Expend4bles…
(Will be available to rent and buy in 2024)
10: John Wick: Chapter 4
One of the most visually stunning, relentlessly violent and cinematic epics to emerge from the action genre in quite some time. It’s far too long and a bit silly in places, but it has the best story and biggest stakes of the franchise. The final hour is utter carnage.
(Currently streaming on Prime Video)
9: Rye Lane
An absolute delight. This charming film accomplishes so much in just 80 minutes and the two leads have such amazing chemistry. Loved how modern and British it was. London’s answer to Before Sunrise.
(Currently streaming on Disney Plus)
8: The Covenant
I’ve always liked Guy Ritchie, but I didn’t know he had this kind of film in him?! This is a grounded, nerve-shredding, action-packed war movie. A little rough around the edges but an enticing story and two fantastic lead performances make this one of the surprises of the year.
(Currently streaming on Prime Video)
7: The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan
This new French adaptation of the iconic Musketeers is a breath of fresh air. Thrilling action, cool characters and stunning directing (so many one-shots). This went under the radar, but I loved it!
(Available to rent or buy)
6: Maestro
Bradley Cooper desperately wants an Oscar and it is on full display here but… he has just become one of the most exciting filmmakers in the game. The biopic of iconic composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein, this will be too slow and talky for some, but the craftmanship here is off the charts (makes sense when Spielberg AND Scorsese are producers here as well). This has arguably the best directing, transitions and cinematography of the entire year. Every frame is like a painting. On top of this, Cooper delivers a masterclass in front of the lens too, as does Carey Mulligan who is excellent, and the two share great chemistry throughout.
(Currently streaming on Netflix)
5: Killers of the Flower Moon
Astonishing that even after 50+ years, the legendary Scorsese is still working at an insane level. This is up there as one of the most striking and beautifully shot films of his career. Leo and De Niro are phenomenal (when are they not?) as is Lily Gladstone, who is quietly devastating. I cannot deny it’s too long (approximately 200 mins without credits!!) but it’s an impressive film and a wonderful accomplishment.
(Available to rent or buy)
4: Air
This film rocks. Oozes cool, killer 80’s soundtrack, sharp writing and terrific performances. You don’t have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this, but if you’re an NBA fan like me then you’ll LOVE IT. I loved how it pays homage to the legendary Michael Jordan. An Instant sports movie classic!
(Currently streaming on Prime Video)
3: Babylon
This film is a lot. It’s a 3-hour bonanza of 1920s Hollywood filled with parties, drugs and all sorts of mischief. It’s a film you will either love or loathe. I liked it on first viewing, but when I saw it again and knew what to expect… I fell in love with this movie. Yes, it’s long and excessive but it’s an absolute riot and I had a blast. A fascinating insight into the film industry and Robbie and Pitt are insanely good here. Damian Chazelle cements his place as quite simply one of the best filmmakers on the planet, I adore him.
(Currently streaming on Paramount Plus and available via Sky Cinema)
2: Oppenheimer
An epic and riveting character study. Far from an easy watch but with a pulsating score, incredible acting from a huge cast and gorgeous cinematography, this is filmmaking of the highest order. Christopher Nolan does not miss! Ended up seeing this 3-hour near masterpiece 3 times in the cinema.
(Available to rent or buy)
1: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The superhero genre has lost a lot of momentum in the past couple of years, and I’ll admit that I’m getting superhero fatigue. Then came Across the Spider-Verse. This is one of the most visually spectacular films I have ever seen and a landmark achievement in animation. Beautiful story, likeable characters, thrilling action, vibrant soundtrack, incredibly high stakes and just endlessly entertaining from start to finish. I’ve seen the film 4 times this year, I simply cannot get enough. It’s strange, I’m not usually a fan of films that do not tell a complete story but this film… it’s everything. A monumental moment in both animation and cinema.
(Currently available on Sky Cinema)
Thanks as always for reading. I hope you had a great Christmas and I want to wish you all nothing but happiness and success in 2024!