Ranking and Reviewing All Films I watched in Theatre: 2023!
Buckle up, this is a long one! I am here to rank and review all 34 films I saw this year! I saw 35 but will only rank 34. If you read the whole thing, you will see why.
Let’s get started!
(Notes: *- Early screening **- Dolby or Imax format ***- Early screening + Dolby)
Puss In Boots 2: The Last Wish. (PG) 102 minutes
This may have
been my favorite movie of the year. I think it's better than Shrek one and just
as good as Shrek 2. I think that Shrek three and four are mediocre as well as the first Puss in Boots film. This is an excellent addition to the Shrek franchise. I was
skeptical going into it because the last 3 movies in the Shrek franchise are mediocre,
but it far exceeded my expectations. The characters were great, the animation
was amazing. The wolf is literally so well drawn I got chills. The best animated character from Dreamwork's ever! I just can't say enough about this film. See it! This is a sequel
much better than the original. And that song Puss sings at the beginning is so
fun and catchy. Also, who doesn't love Selma Hayek?
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Usually, Christian movies lack in
one area or another either acting or the budget is low. I think this is the
best one we've ever gotten. I put this story was compelling that acting
was good the story flowed well its budget was high enough to do what they
needed to do it was well done. Sadly,
too often you see negative things about Christianity. In this movie is a
teenager who grows up to become one of the best pastors of our time. The
trailer made it seem about a pastor vs a hippie it is not, it's more about the teenager.
The Super Mario
Bros (PG) 92 minutes
This movie was
super cute and brought me back to my childhood. I played this video game with
my cousins, uncle, and sister. I really enjoyed although little nods to Mario
pop culture throughout. The standout was
Jack Black as Bowser. The animation was great, the story moved nicely. I also
liked how it gave some background before you really get to video game world. If you grew up playing Mario, you MUST watch
it. It's just a big can of nostalgia. The mid-credit scene was hysterical!
Air (R) 111 minutes
This movie took
a story you already are familiar with and told it in two hours. It almost made
it seem like you don't know the outcome. I was on the edge of my seat which is
crazy because you know Michael Jordan signed and made shoes with Nike. The
story moved well, the actors were great, it was funny. It's basically
everything you would want in a movie. However, I don't like that it was rated R
because there were so many unnecessary curse words. It could’ve been PG-13 and the same goals would've been achieved. The cast is great as well.
Big George Foreman
(PG-13) 129 minutes
This is very inspirational. It is
a story of a boy who grew up very poor, not sure where his next meal is coming
from and overcomes adversity and would become one of the greatest heavyweight
boxers of all time. The story is great, the acting is pretty good but there
were some hiccups with the movie. I think the budget was a little too low or
maybe the director/producers, screenwriters were new. It just needed to iron some things out a
little bit more. The standout is Forest Whitaker as George's mentor.
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (R) 123 minutes
This is the only movie I saw in theatres
twice this year. I loved the compelling story and friendship about a US soldier
and the middle eastern man. You could say this movie is sort of in three parts.
The first and third parts are incredible, the second part gets a little bogged
down and clunky. But I think this is the best story that's been told in cinema
since COVID and the fact that it slid under the radar really upset me. Please rent
this movie. It’s an important story to know. It’s based off several stories
that were kind of compiled into one. If
you don't like war movies, I understand that this really isn't a war movie,
it's about friendship and therefore I think everyone should see it. Dar Salim compliments
Jake Gyllenhaal well, and both characters are total bad asses.
Next up is a
two-fer. Both Disney films I saw them both on the same day!
The Little Mermaid**
(PG) 135 minutes &
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 (PG-13) 149 minutes
I really liked the on-land scenes of mermaid. I did not like the underwater scenes. The new songs were alright. Jodi Benson’s cameo was awesome! The actors did fine. Hallie Bailey was good. I thought the sailors’ scenes were cool, but I like boats/ships, so I might be biased. I liked exploring more of Ariel and Eric’s romance that we see.
As far as Guardians I thought it was better than 2 but I
didn’t love how it ended. I wanted a completely different ending, and I did not
get it. But that’s OK. I still think it was a solid entry to the trilogy. I also think #3 is as good as the other 2. I am not a huge fan of the trilogy but I wanted to see Mermaid and the timing worked out perfectly I had 10 minutes to go to the bathroom before this movie started, so I thought why not? I am glad I saw it.
About My Father
(PG-13) 90 minutes
This comedy was
short, only like 85 minutes before credits which isn’t a lot of time to
introduce a family, give the conflict and resolve but it does it. The ending is
abrupt, yet funny. I don’t understand why it came to theatres, I think a Netflix
or cable movie would’ve sufficed. When compared to the other movies I saw in
theatres it’s going to be towards the bottom but for a streaming service or
cable movie it would’ve been solid. If you are a child or grandchild of immigrants,
I think you would enjoy/relate.
Kandahar (R) 120
minutes
This movie was
OK but seeing The Covenant about a month earlier fell so far in comparison. I actually watched it because I loved The Covenant so much. It
is a war movie, but it deals more with behind the scenes like people in offices
quite a bit which is unique in nature. I thought it was an interesting story, but
it was not my type of film. Gerald Butler was good, like expected; but it is
probably my least-favorite film of the year. If you enjoy war films give it a shot. The reviews are good from those who enjoy the genre.
Elemental (PG) 109 minutes
This movie tells
a neat story with some nice underlying messages for kids without getting too
preachy. I liked how this story flowed but the biggest drawback for me was the
fact the animation looked so much like “Inside Out”. I liked the new
characters. I really like Bernie’s character. The animation was beautiful but
not groundbreaking like The Last Wish (or the next movie.) It looked too much like "Inside Out". Pixar used to be known
for groundbreaking and it seems lately they have been playing it safe. But I love the story, truly. It is cool that the writer/director got inspiration for this story from his own life experience!
Spider-Man: Across
the Spider-verse** (PG) 140 minutes
The first movie
was good, and I did not expect it to be so good and didn’t think this one could
be topped but it sure was! I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat. It
moved me! I didn’t like the cliffhanger and need to see part 3 right
now! The characters and stories were compelling. The animation was super cool!
Very groundbreaking! I can’t wait to see more! Also, Myle’s Mom is oddly hot I
feel weird thinking about it. And his dad is fun too! I really enjoy all the
characters from the main down to the supporting characters. This movie is a great way to introduce children to the film side of super heroes.
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. It was funny and pretty good storytelling. I don’t love Superhero movies, but I did enjoy it. I thought the story was compelling and moved well. I liked the addition of the other superheroes in the film. The thing that kept this from a higher score is all the time travel. I think it became a little much towards the end. I bet you will never forget spaghetti sauce at the store ever again if you watch this.
Indiana Jones 5 ** (PG-13) 154 minutes &
Mission Impossible 7*** (PG-13) 156 minutes
While I like Indiana Jones and Mission Impossible sagas, I don’t love them. They are action movies and action movies aren’t my forte. I think these two sagas are classic when it comes to film because of the 12 films they are all at worst mediocre and at best epic. I did see MI:7 early and it showed some behind the scenes footage instead of previews before the movie, which was neat. I put these together because they are classics and I saw them the same week. It is hard to talk about the best series in cinema and not mention these. I think both of these films had really great moments, but neither are my go-to films.
Oppenheimer ** (R)
180 minutes
This movie, (even though hard to watch and long,) is incredible. It truly is just about perfect storytelling. Although one scene gets very awkward, as far as cinema goes this is probably the best movie on this list; however, it was not my favorite. The actors were incredible. The cinematography out of this world. If you like history films, it is truly a must see. (And hi Josh Peck?) Looking for Oscar nominations and wins. Probably the most unique film on the list! A few scenes are hard to watch and that may knock it down a few notches.
Haunted Mansion
(PG-13) 123 minutes
This movie was
nice, but I prefer the Muppets or Eddie Murphy versions. I liked the main
character he was cool and probably the standout. I did not like Jamie Lee
Curtis. One cool thing about seeing this is I was the only person in the
theatre, so it was like watching at home by yourself with a massive TV. The
same day I also saw the following film.
TMNT:
Mutant Mayhem * (PG) 99 minutes
I enjoyed this
movie way more than I anticipated. It was very heartwarming, and the animation
was unique. The voice actors were great, and I think it was a nice entry to the
saga. I really liked the interactions between the turtles and their dad. Also
cool I got to see this about 5 days before its wide release. The humor did get a little odd at times, this is my biggest critique.
Blue Beetle ** (PG-13)
127 minutes
This movie wasn’t on my radar, but I am so glad I saw this one! The story moved well and was charming. I liked Xolo as Jamie/Blue Beetle. Let’s not forget Grandma, she was the coolest person in the movie! She stole the show! The thing bringing it down from a higher score is the villain. I did not like Susan Sarandon. I don’t like her at all, to be honest. I think it is cool to have a Hispanic superhero I can’t think of any other. This movie was funny so get ready to laugh! Xolo Mariduena was great!
Gran Turismo **
(PG-13) 134 minutes
This real-life
story is fascinating. It is cool! However, I do not love racing/sports movies.
I probably would not have watched it without my pass or the fact it was based
on real life events. I think it needed to be about 15 minutes shorter. The
acting was OK. I do think the idea of
how this story came about and the outcome was creative and that is reason
enough to let the world know.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (PG-13) 92
minutes
I didn’t see the
2nd movie until after this one. I enjoyed the first one. This one
was fine. It had some funny moments. I like the Grecian young lady in this
film. It was a cute film with a nice message and better than the 2nd
and more heartwarming than the 1st. It does have a few sad moments
but a happy ending.
Dumb Money (R) 105
minutes
This movie was good. Way better than I expected. It is a story about some nobody and how he drove the Game Stop stock price. I will be blunt here the reason I didn’t rank this higher was the opening song is filth. I realize it is rated R, but this story could’ve been PG13 instead. There was no point in making this story an R rated film and having that first song in this movie made me cringe. I do recommend this movie to anyone who likes compelling stories. I know sometimes movies make a friendlier version so maybe that will happen. If they replaced that first song, I would recommend it to more people. The cast was incredible!
Now for the father- son duo: The
Equalizer 3 and The Creator. While I think I prefer Denzel as an actor and like this trilogy The Creator has a slight edge. I think it’s
cool that I saw these movies back-to-back.
The
Equalizer 3 (R) 109 minutes
I had never seen the first two Equalizer films until the trailer dropped for this movie and I thought “I have to see these movies.” So, I watched them and liked both. I do think this is better than the 2nd but the 1st is best. I liked seeing Dakota Fanning on screen with Denzil again. I heard it said in a review, “The Italian town feels like a charming character all its own.” I agree. I liked how simple this movie seemed. It had room to breathe which I appreciated a lot and that alone knocked it up a few spots. The director did very well and understood the assignment.
The
Creator (PG-13) 133 minutes
I am not
a sci-fi guy, so I really wasn’t intending on seeing this film; however, the
reviews were pretty good and with my pass I thought “Meh, Why not?!” I am glad I did. Denzil’s son John David Washington is a decent actor. The story
moved well but I wasn’t really sold until the last 30 minutes. The ending is
INCREDIBLE. The ending alone tied it all together and knocked it up a few
spots. The special effects were neat. Glad I saw it. Just keep in my this is not my genre.
Killers of The
Flower Moon (R) 206 minutes
I
have only seen a few Martin Scorsese films; so, I am not going to say this is
his best, but a lot of critics are saying it, while just as many are saying
it’s in the middle. This movie is long. Like 3 and a half hours long. But it is
a compelling story with some of the best acting EVER! I enjoyed it. I don’t
know if I could ever watch it in one setting again because it’s over 200
minutes. Robert DeNiro and Leonardo DiCaprio are incredible, but Lily Gladstone
is just as good. Lily steals every scene. I wanted more of a mystery you get the reveal or at least
assumed one very early. Apparently, the book has more of a mystery quality and
from the FBI point of view. It is based on a true story.
Trolls 3: Band Together *(PG) 90
minutes
I love Trolls 2
and quite enjoyed the first, so I was excited to see this movie. It starts off
as a prequel which is interesting and after that fizzles quickly. Even though
it was less than 90 minutes before the credits rolled, I was ready for it to
end about 20 minutes earlier. The parents beside me both fell asleep. I felt
like they left me in charge of their kids. I think this should’ve been a TV
special. Biggest letdown of the year.
Next Goal Wins * (PG13)
110 minutes
This was neat. I got to see this movie as a
surprise. I didn’t know what I would see until the movie started. As part of
AMC’s “Screen Unseen”. When I saw this trailer. I thought it looked like a cute
real-life story. The acting was not top notch; however, the story line was
concise and focused. I enjoyed the simple plot line. It was also very
funny, something I didn’t see coming. Probably the funniest sports film I've seen. A nice true event story. This is typically a type of movie I would adore; but, the flawed acting and small budget will set it back several spots. I do think it is unique for the fact it is a movie based on true events and a comedy. That's pretty rare.
Journey to Bethlehem (PG) 100 minutes
I was skeptical to see this. I didn’t want it to
make fun of the Bible. I also am skeptical about faith-based films as the
acting is usually awful. This was good. I enjoyed it and it was the only
musical on the list. It was comical but stayed true. Seeing Antonio Banderas as
the villain King Herod was weird. I love him as Zorro, Puss in Boots and Spy
Cortez. He was good, it just made me squirm to watch King Herod on screen. The
wisemen were funny. I say give it shot. One of the songs was stuck in my head.
The
Holdovers (R) 133 minutes
This film was not on my radar initially; however,
the reviews were incredible. I think it is a solid movie with great acting. I liked
the fact that it was set in the early 70’s and it looked like it was. The
filmmakers made this movie look old school. The story was good, unique. It flew
under the radar at first then caught some wind, which is unusual. It was as funny as it was sad.
Wish * (PG) 95 minutes
The Walt Disney company turned 100 years old, and Wish is dubbed “The story 100 years in the Making”. I thought the beginning was a little slow and tried a little too hard to be like Encanto, but the ending was great! I think there were too many side characters which kept this movie from ranking higher. However, the scene when the villain is overthrown, I got chills! The backgrounds look a little muted at times which feels weird for Disney, but I think the reason is because they wanted to pay homage to old films and show the progress that has been made. I did think there were too many side characters.
Napoleon ** (R)
157 minutes
I love a
good history film. Apparently, there will be a 4-hour version released in 2024. I thought the movie was stunning. Everything was beautiful. The costumes, the fireplaces, the windows it was stunning! It was set in early 1800's. The story is compelling. He conquered anything and everything he wanted to. But the movie itself kind of lost me in parts. Some scenes were very short; so short it was almost jarring. I assume it's because there's at least 75 minutes more out there. There was a lot of gore which I do not like; however, it is to be expected! If you love history give it a shot! (Pardon the unintentional pun!) The sound mixing is also incredible. There is also a lot of humor to balance out the battle scenes.
Saltburn (R) 130 minutes
Statistics/ Breakdown/ Frequently Asked Questions:
Total Runtime (including credits, but not previews) over 66 hours!
11 PG films, 13 PG-13 films and 11 R films. I don't think I've seen that many R films in my life. 😂 It was cool it worked out so evenly between the ratings. I definitely didn't plan it that way.
People ask “How can you afford to see so many movies? It’s expensive!” You’re right but AMC stubs list. $25/month and see 3 movies a week. Joined in April. Best money I’ve ever spent! If you’re a movie buff, it’s worth it! If you see 30 in a year it pays for itself.
"How often do you go see a movie?" In Apr, May, June, July, Sept, and Nov I saw 26 films. Which means in the other 6 months I only saw 7 films total. Feast or famine.
The 10 Nicholas Awards:
Best cinematography- Oppenheimer
Best animation- Spider
verse 2
Best screenplay-
The Covenant
Best actress- Lily
Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)
Best actor- Barry Keoghan (Saltburn)
Best costumes/set design- Napoleon
Best director- Fuqua (The Equalizer 3)
Best soundtrack- Wonka
Best character- The
Wolf (Puss in Boots 2)
Best cast: Dumb Money
And Now for the Ranking……
I put them in 3 groups. Bottom 10, Middle 14 and Top 10.
These films (34-25) were alright. To be honest, I didn't despise any film I saw this year but these ones I don't need to rewatch anytime soon. They all have something to offer, and all can find their audience for sure.
33 Trolls 3: Band
Together (PG)
32 My Big Fat
Greek Wedding 3 (PG-13)
31 About My
Father (PG-13)
30 Gran Turismo
(PG-13)
29 The Little
Mermaid [2023] (PG)
28 Haunted
Mansion (PG-13)
27 Journey to
Bethlehem (PG)
26 Big George
Foreman (PG-13)
25 Wish (PG)
23 Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (PG-13)
22 Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny (PG-13)
21 Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning (PG-13)
20 Flash (PG-13)
19 Next Goal Wins (PG-13)
18 Air (R)
17 Jesus Revolution (PG-13)
16 TMNT: Mutant Mayhem (PG)
15 Saltburn (R)
14 The Creator (PG-13)
13 Dumb Money (R)
12 The Super Mario Bros Movie (PG)
11 Migration (PG)
These films (10-1) are solid, and I enjoyed them, especially those top 4!
Even though I watched 13 PG-13 films only 1 made it in this group. I now wonder if that says something about PG-13 movies, or me?
10 The Equalizer
3 (R)
9 The Holdovers (R)
8 Elemental (PG)
7 Blue Beetle (PG-13)
6 Oppenheimer (R)
5 Killers of the Flower Moon (R)
4 Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse (PG)
3 Wonka (PG)
2 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)
1 Guy Ritchie’s
The Covenant (R)
There ya have it, folks! My review and rankings. Now go watch one or two! And then let me know what you think!
What were your favorite and least favorite films of the year? This list isn’t the correct ranking, it’s just mine! I know this was long so thanks for reading.
As always feel free to like, share and comment!
Let's discuss! What was your favorite? What did I miss seeing?
Here’s to the films of 2024…. And beyond!
*Below are movie posters from the remaining films and one more bonus review.*
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