2023 movies reviewed
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- DirectorMarc ForsterStarsTom HanksMariana TreviñoRachel KellerOtto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.A Man Called Otto is a very simple story about a grumpy man that learns to lighten up but it's done in a very nice and heartfelt way. The more mature scenes are handled very respectfully and I love how deep this movie dives into Otto's mental state, and Tom Hanks of course gives a great performance. The flashback scenes are all very touching and do a great job of getting you to care about Otto. And this movie is also pretty funny, with a standout being the character Marisol. So while the movie does lean into some classic tropes I had a very good time with A Man Called Otto. 8/10
- DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddEvangeline LillyMichael DouglasScott Lang and Hope Van Dyne are dragged into the Quantum Realm, along with Hope's parents and Scott's daughter Cassie. Together they must find a way to escape, but what secrets is Hope's mother hiding? And who is the mysterious Kang?Paul Rudd is still just as fun as he always is as Ant-Man but this movie has too much going on to give him any sort of arc, and despite her name being in the title, the Wasp does absolutely nothing in this movie. Just like most of the modern mcu movies the visual effects aren't very good. The movie is actually pretty funny and I feel like it balances the humor and the serious stuff pretty well. Kang was a letdown villain and this movie didn't do a great job setting him up as a Thanos level villain, and Modok was an awful secondary villain. I would say the weak link of the cast was Kathryn Newton as Cassie. I don't see why marvel felt the need to recast, because the actress from Endgame was better. Overall Quantumania has some good elements but it's a letdown. 5/10
- DirectorElizabeth BanksStarsKeri RussellAlden EhrenreichO'Shea Jackson Jr.An oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converge on a Georgia forest where a huge black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.Cocaine Bear is exactly what you expect it to be. It's not a masterpiece but if you think you'll enjoy a ridiculous comedy movie about a bear on cocaine then you'll have a great time. The plot is very simple and doesn't offer any complexity in the writing but it's not really meant to. The film is pretty funny, the acting is solid, and the action scenes are pretty good so overall enjoyed Cocaine Bear for what it was. 6/10
- DirectorMichael B. JordanStarsMichael B. JordanTessa ThompsonJonathan MajorsAdonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight.Creed 3 is pretty good. Michael B Jordan makes his directing debut here and he knocks it out of the park. Dame is by far the most fleshed out villain in the Creed franchise and I love how this explores his broken friendship with Adonis. The final fight here is so unique and visually distinct which makes it very memorable. Michael B Jordan and Tessa Thompson both continue to be great in their roles but I missed Sylvester Stallone as Rocky this time around. I think that this is a very entertaining and fun film in the Rocky franchise but nothing absolutely exceptional. 7/10
- DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsZachary LeviAsher AngelJack Dylan GrazerThe film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word "SHAZAM!", is transformed into his adult superhero alter ego, Shazam.Shazam Fury of the Gods is pretty fun overall. Zachary Levi and the rest of the cast are all entertaining and enjoyable to watch on screen. However, none of the main characters really have good arcs given to them. The plot is a bit generic and the villains are forgettable but I wouldn't consider either to be bad. Overall I thought the movie was funny and had good action. Plus the Wonder Woman cameo is pretty cool. It's no masterpiece but I think it's decent. 6/10
- DirectorJeremy GarelickStarsAdam SandlerJennifer AnistonMark StrongFull-time detectives Nick and Audrey are struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. They find themselves at the center of international abduction when their friend Maharaja is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding.Murder Mystery 2 is not very good but if you like Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston you'll probably enjoy this. The plot is stupid and illogical and it's not as funny as the first. It's sad when big stars spend their time on a movie like this but it's not offensively awful. You're not going to gain anything from watching this movie but it's just fine to throw on in the background. 5/10
- DirectorJon S. BairdStarsTaron EgertonMara HufMiles BarrowVideo game designer Henk Rogers seeks to secure global rights for Tetris (1984), leading to tense negotiations in the Soviet Union, involving creators, government, and corporate intrigues.Tetris is way better than anyone expected it to be. The movie is very well directed, and has such a fun and unique editing style. The performance by Taron Egerton is great and the story keeps you engaged the entire run time. The movie does a great job at continually raising the physical and emotional stakes and getting you on the edge of your seat. This was a very well told story that was also able to deliver it's messages without ever feeling forced. Tetris was a huge win in my book. 7/10
- DirectorBobby FarrellyStarsWoody HarrelsonKaitlin OlsonMatt CookA former minor-league basketball coach is ordered by the court to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined.Champions is a decent but forgettable movie. Woody Harrelson is obviously a great actor and he does a good job here, but the script is just boring and cliche. The dramatic moments feel forced. Whenever the movie wanted me to feel something I just rolled my eyes. This movie has a lot of jokes, some of them are dumb, and some of them are actually pretty hilarious. It's the classic underdog tale that we've seen a million times and while the movie doesn't do anything to stand out it's still a sweet little story. It's a movie that means well and there are some jokes that are actually funny but it's not one that I would ever want to revisit. 6/10
- DirectorDexter FletcherStarsChris EvansAna de ArmasAdrien BrodyCole falls head over heels for enigmatic Sadie, but then makes the shocking discovery that she's a secret agent. Before they can decide on a second date, Cole and Sadie are swept away on an international adventure to save the world.I love Chris Evans and Ana De Armas but this movie isn't very good. The writing for the story is very generic and the dialogue between the two leads is so bad not even two fantastic actors can make it sound convincing. The action scenes are underwhelming, with the exception of the cool looking final battle. The character Chris Evans plays is very whiny and kind of hard to enjoy at all. Overall Ghosted is a pretty big miss, unfortunately. 5/10
- DirectorGerard JohnstoneStarsAllison WilliamsViolet McGrawRonny ChiengA robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.I really like M3GAN. There's a very nice and heartfelt story at the center of it that really dives into human emotion. We have Gemma, who is this aunt with no experience raising a child try to raise her niece, Cady after the death of her parents. Gemma doesn't know how to do this so she builds M3GAN to basically raise her for her. This is where we get all the action and horror which is all very well done. The acting is very good, it's shot very well, and the makeup on M3GAN is incredible. I adore this movie because it does go crazy and over the top but it never loses focus of it's emotional center. 7/10
- DirectorDavid LoweryStarsAlexander MolonyEver AndersonJude LawFollow the adventures of Peter Pan, a boy who does not want to grow up, and how he recruits three siblings in London, and together they embark on a magical adventure on the enchanted island of Neverland.This is the worst Disney live action remake yet, beating out the awful Dumbo film from a couple of years ago. The world of Neverland has never felt so lifeless. There is no energy and it feels like all the color has been sucked away, which makes the entire world feel so dull. The characters are all wet blankets and none of them are interesting to watch. The film feels like it drags on and on, which says something because it's a pretty short movie. I would be fine with the race swaps if the actors did a good job, but neither Peter or Tinkerbell were very good, so I don't understand why they would change their iconic appearances. The movie has no originality and it somehow feels more soulless than any of the other live action remakes. This movie is so awful I can't believe Disney actually released it. 2/10
- DirectorAaron HorvathMichael JelenicPierre LeducStarsChris PrattAnya Taylor-JoyCharlie DayA plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.Mario is a very simple movie but it is an absolute blast. This movie does a great job of bringing this fun and exciting world to the big screen. The characters are all entertaining, the movie is pretty funny, and the plot can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. The movie is so beautiful to look at, the animation team did a stellar job. The voice cast does a great job here, with Jack Black as Bowser being the highlight. The story isn't very complex, and there's not much emotion in it but just as a movie, it's a very fun adventure. Overall Mario has a lot of love and energy poured into it and I think it's a very good movie. 7/10
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattChukwudi IwujiBradley CooperStill reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.This is another wonderful entry in the Guardians franchise. It's as hilarious and heartfelt as ever. The focus on Rocket's backstory here was so tragic yet so beautiful. This movie's message about learning to confront your past, and stop running was excellently explored throughout all the characters. Chris Pratt also gives what is probably his best emotional performance as Star Lord yet, he had me tearing up pretty good during one scene. The High Evolutionary is one of the most despicable villains in Marvel history and the pure hatred you have watching him just shows how well written he is. Once again James Gunn brings a perfect balance of everything you want in a superhero movie and ties it all together with a killer soundtrack. Unlike most recent Marvel movies this actually leaves an impact and makes you feel something. Guardians 3 is incredible and James Gunn will surely be missed at Marvel. 8/10
- DirectorKelly Fremon CraigStarsAbby Ryder FortsonRachel McAdamsKathy BatesWhen her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.This is a delightful coming of age story. Kelly Fremon Craig is back in the director's chair after her amazing debut with Edge Of Seventeen, and she once again kills it here. The story lends itself to some pretty funny comedic moments as we watch these young girls trying to get through middle school and all the stuff that happens at that age, but the movie's more mature aspects dealing with religion and faith hit really hard. Abby Ryder Fortson and Elle Graham both have their biggest roles yet here and they both have a very bright future as actresses. Rachel McAdams is also as incredible as always here. This movie is very good and lots of people will enjoy it for years to come. 8/10
- DirectorMatt Bettinelli-OlpinTyler GillettStarsCourteney CoxMelissa BarreraJenna OrtegaIn the next installment, the survivors of the Ghostface killings leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter in New York City.The best Scream movie since the original. I love how this movie is actually unique compared to the other films in the franchise. The opening scene is brilliant and gets you immediately invested in the story. The action here is the best it's ever been and the New York setting is a great place to have huge set pieces. It's well directed and Ghost Face is actually pretty scary here, even if it still has some common tropes of the genre. I adore everything they did with Gale in this movie as they really ask "what is Gale Weathers without Ghost Face?" It's the most they've developed one of our original characters in a long time and Courteney Cox probably gave her best performance in the franchise here. The ending goes a bit overboard and the character's plot armor is a bit annoying at times, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. 7/10
- DirectorBen AffleckStarsMatt DamonJason BatemanBen AffleckFollows the history of sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro, and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball, Michael Jordan.Air is a fantastic film. Ben Affleck does a great job directing and the entire cast is fantastic, especially Matt Damon. What really makes this movie so great is how well written the script is. The movie manages to make the story behind Air Jordans really interesting and it has a lot of heart. The characters all play off each other very well which makes the film entertaining to watch and engaging for the audience. I feel like this movie could have easily felt dragged out but I was never bored and it was excellently paced. I would highly recommend Air to any movie or basketball fan. 8/10
- DirectorJohn Francis DaleyJonathan GoldsteinStarsChris PineMichelle RodriguezRegé-Jean PageA charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.I wasn't expecting much from this movie going into it but Dungeons and Dragons turned out to be an absolute blast. The movie is a very fun adventure, with great world building, and excellent pacing. The movie has a charming cast led by the amazing Chris Pine, and while the emotional story between Chris Pine and his daughter isn't anything groundbreaking it was still a very sweet dynamic. The action is very exciting and pretty much all the humor lands. Dungeons and Dragons is my biggest pleasant surprise of the year so far. 8/10
- DirectorRob MarshallStarsHalle BaileyJonah Hauer-KingMelissa McCarthyA young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.The Little Mermaid is a decent film carried by it's lead Halle Bailey. Bailey IS Ariel in this movie, her acting, and especially her singing is top tier. Sebastian the crab is hilarious, and the visuals and directing are also pretty good. However the movie adds new plotlines that are not needed and they make the movie drag, Awkwafina is beyond annoying as Scuttle, and two out of the three new songs aren't good. Ursuala is fine but not great. Overall the movie is enjoyable for the most part, but doesn't even come close to the magical masterpiece that is the original movie. 6/10
- DirectorJoaquim Dos SantosKemp PowersJustin K. ThompsonStarsShameik MooreHailee SteinfeldBrian Tyree HenryMiles Morales catapults across the multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.I never thought Into the Spider Verse was a movie that needed a sequel, but Across the Spider Verse is just as incredible as Into the Spider Verse. The animation style is even more beautiful than in the first movie, every shot looks like a painting. The exploration of Miles and Gwen and what it really means to be Spider Man is excellent, and leads to so many deep and emotional moments. Every scene with Miles' parents were top tier. The voice cast all gave it everything they had, and Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen was the stand out for me. The cliffhanger ending was so epic, it actually gave me chills. If the third movie is as good as these first two this might become the best trilogy of all time. 10/10
- DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneGeorge GeorgiouJohn Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.This is the best John Wick movie in my opinion. The action is amazing just as always, and I especially love the Japanese influence that the first hour has. Donnie Yen's character Caine is probably the best character the franchise has introduced besides Wick himself. This movie does a great job of expanding on John's more emotional arc. John realizing that the freedom he wants isn't going to be fulfilling and that he has the opportunity to give the life he wanted to Caine is great storytelling, and is elevated by Keanu Reeves' layered performance. John's sacrifice is great and I think they did a perfect job sending the character off. On top of the amazing writing and action, the directing is amazing and the cinematography is the best in the franchise. 9/10
- DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsEzra MillerMichael KeatonSasha CalleBarry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without super heroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.The Flash is a blast for the most part. Michael Keaton is fantastic and doesn't miss a beat returning as Batman over thirty years later; he's my favorite part of the movie. He does a great job playing an older version of this character and his action scenes are top tier. Now there's no denying that Ezra Miller is a terrible human being that belongs behind bars, I do not support him and hope he gets fired as the Flash, but he does give a really good performance as the lead character here. The movie is really funny, and the emotional core of this movie about Flash's parents and learning to let go is extremely well done. The script does have some plot holes, the ending drags a little bit, and the visual effects are actually really awful. But overall as a DC fan, The Flash gave me what I wanted, despite having a few flaws. 7/10
- DirectorGene StupnitskyStarsJennifer LawrenceAndrew Barth FeldmanLaura BenantiOn the brink of losing her home, Maddie finds an intriguing job listing: helicopter parents looking for someone to bring their introverted 19-year-old son out of his shell before college. She has one summer to make him a man or die trying.No Hard Feelings reminds me of a lot early 2000s comedies, in a good way. The movie is over the top and crazy but it doesn't really care, which I appreciate. Everybody knows Jennifer Lawrence is a wonderful actress but in this movie she really gets to show off her rarely seen comedic acting, and she is just incredible. Her dynamic with Andrew Barth Feldman is fantastic and the two deliver many laugh out loud moments. The movie also gives really good arcs to both of the lead characters. It doesn't break any new ground and it's not an absolute must see but it's a fun time. 7/10
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsHarrison FordPhoebe Waller-BridgeAntonio BanderasArchaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.I am a huge Indiana Jones fan and have been since I was a little kid. I was very excited about this movie but also very nervous at the same time. Harrison Ford is incredible as an older Indiana Jones and this movie actually gives him an amazing arc. He wants to stay in the past but is forced to let go of the past and face his trauma, and when he pushes through that he is able to get back with Marion. And speaking of Marion, Karen Allen brings so much heart to her small role here, and the callback to the "Where does it hurt" scene was beautiful. I love the whole theme of this movie that you can't change the past and even if it's hard you have to open up and embrace the future. Whenever the movie focuses on Indy's emotional state the movie is fantastic but besides Indiana Jones himself, the movie is decent at best. The action is easily the weakest in the franchise given that Harrison Ford is eighty years old. The movie is pretty slow and Phoebe Waller Bridge's character is annoying. The Teddy character is also pretty annoying. The plot just isn't that interesting, the Nazis are not nearly as threatening as in previous entries, and Spielberg's directing is heavily missed this time around. When the movie shines it shines but it needed a bit more of a hook and a little more Marion. Overall it's not anywhere near as great as the original movies but Dial of Destiny does a slightly better job sending off the iconic character than Crystal Skull did. 6/10
- DirectorGreta GerwigStarsMargot RobbieRyan GoslingIssa RaeBarbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.Margot Robbie is the best possible choice to play Barbie and Ryan Gosling is terrific as Ken. It's a very interesting story and not one I would automatically expect from a Barbie movie, but I love how it dives deep into the complexities of gender roles. It shows the negative impacts that a society dominated by one certain gender can have (female in Barbie Land and male in the real world) and we see why it's important to try and understand everyone's perspective. I also love how this movie dives into men’s mental health with Ken’s arc. It’s something that gets overlooked in society and I adore how we got to see Ken learn to come to terms with who he is without Barbie and realize that he is enough just being himself. The movie gives a great arc to Barbie as she tries to understand her purpose. She realizes that the world of extreme happiness that she has been raised in isn’t what she wants anymore. There are so many beautiful scenes where Barbie experiences the highs and lows of everyday humanity and in the end she chooses that she wants to become a real human. At first she starts off thinking that she’s a great role model because she is always happy and positive but learns there are so many complexities to life that she was oblivious to. She becomes prepared to take on the challenge of being a human because she is desperate to feel something real. It’s a great story and Greta Gerwig did a brilliant job directing. The set designs are very impressive and lots of shots are very beautiful. The movie is also very funny and the details and references to Barbie as a brand show just how much care was put into this movie. The music is incredible, there are so many songs in here that are great, but Ryan Gosling’s performance of I’m Just Ken and Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For are my favorites. They do a great job representing the themes of the movie. If I had some complaints I think sometimes the movie is a bit heavy handed in its messaging and there are a couple of side characters that are a tad annoying but overall Barbie is a success. 8/10
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsCillian MurphyEmily BluntMatt DamonThe story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.Oppenheimer is one of Christopher Nolan's best movies. Oppenheimer is viewed as a hero by so many but he knows how many people have died and because of his work so much more destruction is inevitable. The toll this takes on him as a character is fascinating and the desperation he has to try and change the future that he has already guaranteed is so interesting. Cillian Murphy brings such a wide range in his Oscar worthy performance, and really captures Oppenheimer perfectly. He is also supported by a wonderful ensemble cast. Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh all have some of their best work on display here, and Robert Downey Jr is the other real standout. Downey gets a chance to really show he can play so much more than Iron Man, and the twist that he was the one going against Oppenheimer was brilliantly done. It's one of the best movie reveals of all time in my opinion not just because of how it was written but because of the performance. Nolan is one of the best directors of all time and he clearly brought everything he had to this movie. The script is so solid and people are going go be quoting this movie for years to come. Nolan chose to tell this story in such a unique way and it really captures the urgency of the creation of the bomb as well as the panic of the aftermath. The editing is next level and the sound design is immaculate. Oppenheimer is a triumph on every single level. 10/10