As we get ready to close out 2023, it’s time to look back at the films that entertained us and left a lasting impression. It was the year of Barbie vs. Oppenheimer (affectionately referred to as “Barbenheimer”) battling for the summer box office, and The Flash with Michael Keaton returning as the Caped Crusader in a film that fell short of reviving the DC movie franchise. A classic coming-of-age story from the 1970s finally found its way to the screen, and 2023 also served up yet another delightful adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel.
The following films represent my personal favorites of 2023. These films, from a wide range of genres, mesmerized me and reminded audiences of the magic of movies.
10) AIR Starring Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and Ben Affleck
The somewhat true account of how NIKE signed up-and-coming NBA superstar Michael Jordan to promote their basketball sneaker line is a classic underdog story with outstanding performances by Damon, Davis, and Jason Bateman. Ben Affleck successfully returned to the director’s chair and also delivered a compelling performance.
Air captures a slice of the American dream and reveals the lengths people are willing to go to to achieve it.
9) GUY RITCHIE’S THE COVENANT Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim
Filmmaker Guy Ritchie’s gritty and powerful war thriller about loyalty and the bonds between two men who serve in combat together is a realistic look at war, with two strong performances delivered by Gyllenhaal and Salim. The excellent camerawork gives the film a docudrama feel during the battle scenes, which adds to the film’s tension.
8) SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE Starring Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld
Visually dazzling with intense action and beautiful 3D/2D animation, the bigger and more ambitious sequel follows the further adventures of Miles and his friend Gwen. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, this entry in the Spider-Man franchise is one of the best animated films of 2023 and also one of the most entertaining movies of the year.
7) A HAUNTING IN VENICE Starring Kenneth Branagh, Tina Fey, and Kelly Reilly
This third entry in actor/filmmaker Kenneth Branagh’s adaptations of author Agatha Christie novels is the best yet, with Branagh returning as master detective Hercule Poirot in a slick, gothic murder mystery where everyone, even an old friend, is a suspect. The film is perfectly balanced between being a murder mystery and haunted house thriller. Add the top-notch performances of Branagh, Fey, and Reilly, and the striking production design, and Branagh’s A Haunting in Venice proves Christie’s writing still provides fascinating fodder for films.
6) MIGRATION Starring Kumail Nanjiani and Elizabeth Banks
This funny, sweet, and visually breathtaking film follows a family of ducks making their first trip south for the winter, with a helicopter dad overreacting most of the way. It’s an absolute delight for the entire family and has an excellent cast of actors bringing the lovable characters to life.
In my opinion, Migration is not just one of the best films of the year but also ranks as one of the best films to come from Illumination.
5) THE IRON CLAW Starring Zac Efron, Harris Dickinson, Jeremy Allen White, and Holt McCallany
Based on the real-life story of the Von Erich family, a family of professional wrestlers ruled over by patriarch Fritz Von Erich (McCallany), the film captures the love, competitiveness, drive, and devotion the brothers have for each other. It also showcases the turbulent and toxic relationship they share with their father. It’s a powerful and tragic story beautifully acted and well told.
4) MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING, PART ONE Starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, and Simon Pegg
Ethan Hunt and his IMF team are back in what can only be described as a near-perfect action film, complete with jaw-dropping stunts, thrilling action scenes, and beautiful locations. The genuine chemistry that Cruise, Rhames, Pegg, and Ferguson have on screen makes the film that much more entertaining. Dead Reckoning, Part One snags the title of the best action film of the year.
3) OPPENHEIMER Starring Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt
Filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s might be a little too long, but nevertheless, it’s an intriguing and powerful historical epic about the father of the atomic bomb and what became of him after his success. Oppenheimer’s a must-watch for the remarkable performance by Cillian Murphy as the titular character. Murphy perfectly captures the complexity of the man who knew he was a genius but still craved – and demanded – respect and adoration.
And, of course, Robert Downey Jr.’s a scene-stealer as career politician Lewis Strauss.
2) THE HOLDOVERS Starring Paul Giamatti and Dominic Sessa
Director Alexander Payne reunites with his Sideways star Paul Giamatti for the feel-good story, The Holdovers. Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, an ancient history teacher who’s stuck babysitting a handful of students at a New England boarding school during the Christmas break.
The Holdovers is both a coming-of-age story and a triumph of friendship over isolation, disappointment, and even death. Giamatti is at his very best and will hopefully be remembered during Oscar season as the tough, curmudgeonly instructor who slowly builds a bond with a troubled student struggling with his own family drama.
1) ARE YOU THERE GOD? ITS ME, MARGARET Starring Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson
Finally, 50+ years after it was published, the beloved Judy Blume book comes to the big screen – and it was more than worth the wait. Abby Ryder Fortson shines as 11-year-old Margaret who is dealing with moving, making new friends, and trying to understand God and her relationship with religion. Fortson portrays Margaret as a sweet, fairly innocent girl who really just wants to fit in among her peers.
Rachel McAdams delivers one of the best performances of her career as Margaret’s mom, Barbara, a loving and supportive parent who’s adjusting to being a stay-at-home parent while putting her paint brushes away and burying her lifelong passion for art. McAdams is pitch-perfect and has real chemistry with Fortson.
With the excellent production design capturing the 1970s, McAdams and Fortson’s fantastic performances, and Hans Zimmer’s compelling score, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret captured the top spot on my list of the Best Films of 2023.
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