While video game adaptations seemed to take massive jumps in quality in 2023, superhero films took a nosedive. The Marvels was a bit better than most, but still lacked something. Naysayers will cite wokeness and plucky young heroes, but that first thing is a red herring and the last is just wrong. Ms Marvel is the single part of this film that works throughout. I hope it got some folks to go check out her underseen series on Disney+.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Jason Mamoa seemed to be filming a cheeky commercial while everyone else was making an overdramatic superhero film. It looks great but overall falls completely flat. Partially because it just won’t matter in two years when we get an all-new DCEU. Patrick Wilson deserves a bigger, better franchise.
Leave the World Behind
Adapted and directed by Sam Esmail, no film in 2023 better captured the existential dread that is living in modern times. It’s moody as hell, with brilliant performances and an ending that will either leave you shaking your head in agreement or disappointment. It’s easily one of the best films of last year.
I watched less than 30 of the films that were released in 2023. It’s a good deal more than I’ve made time for in recent years, but far below the number I’d been hitting a decade or so ago, and it’s not even a notch on the belt of a majority of film critics. To that I’ll just say…it’s a good thing I’m not a film critic, even if I used to fancy myself one. Here’s to 2024. Bring on Deadpool 3!
The Marvels
While video game adaptations seemed to take massive jumps in quality in 2023, superhero films took a nosedive. The Marvels was a bit better than most, but still lacked something. Naysayers will cite wokeness and plucky young heroes, but that first thing is a red herring and the last is just wrong. Ms Marvel is the single part of this film that works throughout. I hope it got some folks to go check out her underseen series on Disney+.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Jason Mamoa seemed to be filming a cheeky commercial while everyone else was making an overdramatic superhero film. It looks great but overall falls completely flat. Partially because it just won’t matter in two years when we get an all-new DCEU. Patrick Wilson deserves a bigger, better franchise.
Leave the World Behind
Adapted and directed by Sam Esmail, no film in 2023 better captured the existential dread that is living in modern times. It’s moody as hell, with brilliant performances and an ending that will either leave you shaking your head in agreement or disappointment. It’s easily one of the best films of last year.
I watched less than 30 of the films that were released in 2023. It’s a good deal more than I’ve made time for in recent years, but far below the number I’d been hitting a decade or so ago, and it’s not even a notch on the belt of a majority of film critics. To that I’ll just say…it’s a good thing I’m not a film critic, even if I used to fancy myself one. Here’s to 2024. Bring on Deadpool 3!
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