Stuff I Watched In 2023
Everything I watched (not necessarily released) in 2023, sorted in chronological order. <3
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- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaniel CraigChris EvansAna de ArmasA detective investigates the death of the patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.(Watched January 7)
This was superbly-acted, with a great mystery and suspense. In my opinion, Glass Onion is far superior, but this is still definitely worth a watch.
B+ / 7.5/10 - DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaniel CraigEdward NortonKate HudsonTech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case.(Watched January 17)
The fact that this was the second movie I watched in 2023, but my favourite of all of them, is obviously saying something. Either way, this sequel has fantastic visuals and acting, clever humour, and a mind-bending plot. Don’t give up on this one halfway through; it’ll all make sense at the end.
A+ / 9.5/10 - DirectorMark VerkerkStarsAbatutuNicolette KluijverDjae Van der HelmFamous feline Abatutu presents this charming celebration of cats, showcasing their finest and friskiest moments with a collection of home videos.(Watched January 26)
Thank God this was only an hour…
The clips featured were mildly amusing at best, and the voice-over for the English dub was irritating (points for effort though, it was the script that had major issues). My expectations were kinda low for this one, yet I left my couch disappointed nevertheless.
E+ / 4/10 - StarsJohn LeonardTodd HoffmanMichael PattiWhen a 20-year-old attempts to win a fighter jet in a Pepsi sweepstakes, he sets the stage for a David versus Goliath court battle for the history books.(Watched January 27-28)
B / 7/10 - DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.(Watched January 29)
The standout for the original Avatar is obviously the groundbreaking visuals, but the emotions are also on-point despite a fairly-average story. Is it a masterpiece? Definitely not, especially with some minor pacing issues, but I can see the reason of its immense popularity with the same certainty.
B+ / 7.5/10 - StarsKaolipShingo KatoRarekoFrustrated with her thankless office job, the 25-year-old red panda copes with her daily struggles by belting out heavy metal karaoke after work.(Watched February 17-18)
Season 5
C / 6/10 - DirectorAline Brosh McKennaStarsReese WitherspoonAshton KutcherZoë ChaoTwo long-distance best friends change each other's lives when she decides to pursue a lifelong dream and he volunteers to keep an eye on her teenage son.(Watched February 18)
I was sick when I watched this, which may’ve influenced my score a little, but I don’t particularly understand why so many people disliked it. It’s nothing spectacular, sure, but it was never meant to be in the first place. If you’re looking for a sweet film to unwind to, this should satisfy you as an enjoyable watch.
B / 7/10 - DirectorPaloma BaezaEmma De SwaefNiki Lindroth von BahrStarsMia GothMatthew GoodeClaudie BlakleyAcross different eras, a poor family, an anxious developer and a fed-up landlady become tied to the same mysterious house in this animated dark comedy.(Watched February 22)
This is just underrated. The House does a great job at establishing an quirky, slightly unsettling atmosphere with imaginative stop-motion animation and a creative plot. This film is also divided into three seperate stories, making it ideal for a portioned watch or a complete experience.
B+ / 7.5/10 - StarsGigi Saul GuerreroBethany BrownShannon Chan-KentMischa Jackson, who has been living in the human world unaware she has supernatural powers, is taken to a magic school against her will.(Watched March 2-7)
B / 7/10 - DirectorJoel CrawfordJanuel MercadoStarsAntonio BanderasSalma HayekHarvey GuillénWhen Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll and he has burned through eight of his nine lives, he launches an epic journey to restore them by finding the mythical Last Wish.(Watched March 8)
It wasn’t my choice to watch this, so I commenced it thinking it’d be cliched and immature.
I finished it pleasantly surprised, as it totally defied my expectations. This film has a deep story, amazing character development, and an unexpected sense of maturity. The animation in this is also striking, if that wasn’t enough to satisfy viewers of all ages.
A / 8.5/10 - DirectorChris WilliamsStarsKarl UrbanZaris-Angel HatorJared HarrisWhen a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters - and make history to boot.(Watched March 11)
I only watched The Sea Beast because it got nominated for an Oscar and I wanted to compare it to Pinocchio. I now definitely see why it was shortlisted; a feel of swashbuckling adventure, surprising emotion and suspense, and lively animation. In my opinion, the short-lived hype should’ve been longer.
B+ / 7.5/10 - StarsRie KugimiyaCherami LeighKayleigh McKeeA lonely little boy moves into a ramshackle apartment building all on his own and makes friends with the broke manga artist who lives next door.(Watched March 11-12)
B- / 7/10 - DirectorBaz LuhrmannStarsTom HanksAustin ButlerOlivia DeJongeThe life of American music icon Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.(Watched March 25)
The main highlight of Elvis is its electrifying musical sequences, which give it personality and make it all the more compelling. The visually-stunning production design and spectacular acting are also a highlight, however the film’s lengthy runtime prevents it from being overly enjoyable for impatient viewers.
A- / 8/10 - DirectorMichael GovierWill McCormackIn the aftermath of tragedy, two grieving parents journey through an emotional void as they mourn the loss of a child.(Watched April 1)
B+ / 7.5/10 - 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.(Watched April 5)
This was my first cinema outing for the year, and while I’m not a D&D player and hence unfamiliar with the source material, I was still deeply immersed in the story. The suspense, tone, and visuals are quite good, (whoever made Themberchaud unintentionally adorable deserves an award), but the best part is the character development. I cried way more than I should’ve at the end.
A / 8.5/10 ( however my personal experience would grant an A+) - DirectorOl ParkerStarsGeorge ClooneySean LynchJulia RobertsA divorced couple teams up and travels to Bali to stop their daughter from making the same mistake they think they made 25 years ago.(Watched April 10)
This sweet rom-com is unpredictable but absolutely hilarious at times. The ending is a little cliché but that won’t stop you from having a great viewing experience. The acting is also great and the cast have great chemistry. Nothing serious, but worth the watch.
A / 8.5/10 - DirectorShawn LevyStarsRyan ReynoldsWalker ScobellMark RuffaloAfter accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future.(Watched April 16)
I was excited to watch this but came out disappointed. The Adam Project has great chemistry between the actors and some effective emotional moments but the story is played very safe for a majority of the film. For a fun sci-fi this is OK but I expected more out of it.
6.5/10 / C+ - DirectorDennis DuganStarsAdam SandlerKevin JamesChris RockAfter moving his family back to his hometown to be with his friends and their kids, Lenny finds out that between old bullies, new bullies, schizo bus drivers, drunk cops on skis, and four hundred costumed party crashers sometimes crazy follows you.(Watched April 16)
If you want to know what a ‘burpsnart’ is (a burp, sneeze, and fart), check it out.
Otherwise, this is a mediocre and unfunny comedy. It’s OK if you want something to just switch off to but otherwise feel free to skip this one.
6/10 / C- - CreatorJim MickleBeth SchwartzStarsChristian ConveryNonso AnozieAdeel AkhtarA boy who is half human and half deer survives in a post-apocalyptic world with other hybrids.(Watched April 17-22)
Season 1
A+ / 9/10 - DirectorEmile ArdolinoStarsPatrick SwayzeJennifer GreyJerry OrbachSpending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle.(Watched April 25)
The drama and romance are the high points of this classic, along with a certain climactic musical sequence towards the end. The struggles of the featured relationship feel frustratingly real, and while the movie feels slow sometimes, it’s still a special viewing experience to have.
B / 7/10 - DirectorPete DocterDavid SilvermanLee UnkrichStarsBilly CrystalJohn GoodmanMary GibbsIn order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, two monsters realize things may not be what they think.(Watched April 29)
This classic is intelligent and heartfelt, with expectedly imaginative animation and monster design. The story being told was adventurously compelling and wrapped up very satisfyingly, complimented by a good moral and a playful charm.
A- / 8/10 - DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.(Watched May 13)
The first film in the GOTG trilogy is roguish and sleek, combining an irresistible soundtrack with captivating action. Special mention also has to go to the more emotional storylines, particularly the bond between Rocket and Groot. There are some pacing issues that stop me from rating this higher, however that’s a flaw which can be easily overlooked.
B+ / 7.5/10 - DirectorAnthony FabianStarsLesley ManvilleIsabelle HuppertLambert WilsonA widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own.(Watched May 26)
This IS the definition of a feel-good, criminally underrated movie- one that hooks you from the start, enchants you with its charisma and positive energy, and leaves you with that cherished fuzzy feeling inside. Propelled by awesome acting and costume design, it’ll leave you with an overwhelming sense of sheer hope.
A+ / 9.5/10 - DirectorJacob ChaseStarsAzhy RobertsonGillian JacobsJohn Gallagher Jr.A monster named Larry manifests itself through smart phones and mobile devices. Feature film version of the 2017 short film.(Watched June 3)
If you’re looking for some decent light horror, Come Play has a lot to offer. The reviews for it claim there are some inventive scares, which I found quite predictable, but the real shining star in this fright flick is the surprising emotion, especially at the end. In addition to monster action, it provides a thoughtful insight into autism and the bond between a mother and her child.
B+ / 7.5/10 - DirectorMichael GraceyStarsHugh JackmanMichelle WilliamsZac EfronCelebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.(Watched June 11)
Three things stand impressively tall in this inspiring movie. Obviously, the goosebump-inducing musical sequences are delightful, each one improving on its predecessor. The masterful acting also stirs up powerful emotions of joy, frustration and sorrow, making the narrative all the more enjoyable and compelling.
A+ / 9.5/10 - DirectorPhillip NoyceStarsEverlyn SampiTianna SansburyKenneth BranaghIn 1931, three half-white, half-Aboriginal girls escape after being plucked from their houses to be trained as domestic staff, and set off on a journey across the Outback.(Watched June 17)
This is a powerful depiction of the discrimination Aboriginal Australians faced long ago. While at times it is very boring and unpleasant to watch, the film invokes this deliberately in order to unlock the audience’s empathy. Personally I feel undecided on whether I enjoyed it, and for this reason I won’t rate it, but go give it a watch and see what you think. - DirectorJeff Orlowski-YangStarsTristan HarrisJeff SeibertBailey RichardsonExplores the dangerous human impact of social networking; tech experts sound the alarm on their own creations.(Watched June 24)
In today’s tech-addicted society, this is a terrifying but essential warning about the dangers of social media. Featuring interviews from people who work at such companies, it proves to be incredibly compelling and will make you ponder about your own usage. (After I watched this, YouTube also decided to randomly recommend a video on this topic. That is no coincidence.)
B+ / 7.5/10 - DirectorBob PersichettiPeter RamseyRodney RothmanStarsShameik MooreJake JohnsonHailee SteinfeldTeen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities.(Watched June 27)
Groundbreaking, unique, and beautiful animation is featured in this adventurous animated movie. I watched it in preparation for ATSV and was hooked by the intricate yet pleasantly confusing multiverse storyline. The phenomenal music and top-notch suspense go together perfectly as well.
A / 8.5/10 - 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.(Watched June 27)
NOW THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!! It somehow improves on the original in so many ways, from animation to storylines, amazing maturity, musical score, riveting action… the list goes on. The ending goes particularly hard, with a gobsmacking plot twist that’ll leave you speechless. This is the best film of 2023, and since I’m writing this just after 2024’s Academy Awards, SNUBBED OF AN OSCAR.
A+ / 9.5/10 - DirectorAndrew AdamsonVicky JensonStarsMike MyersEddie MurphyCameron DiazA mean lord exiles fairytale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess for the lord in order to get his land back.(Watched July 3)
I thought this much-memed movie would be just a collection of fairytale antics, gross-out jokes, and well-soundtracked moments. It is- but it’s so much more than that. The characters are multidimensional, and the storyline even subverts your expectations in outrageous fashion. Quirky, charismatic, and surprisingly heartfelt, this is a cult classic for a reason.
A / 8.5/10 - DirectorFrederik Du ChauStarsFrankie MunizDavid SpadeSnoop DoggAn abandoned zebra grows up believing he is a racehorse, and, with the help of his barnyard friends and a teenage girl, sets out to achieve his dream of racing with thoroughbreds.(Watched July 4)
This was just painful to watch.
I quit halfway through.
E- / 3/10 - DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsRyan GoslingEmma StoneRosemarie DeWittWhile navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist and an actress fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.(Watched July 5)
I kept procrastinating on this one but finally decided to watch it. The dazzling romance is portrayed with striking musical symbolism and realistic, grounded themes. The characters are easy to root for, and the acting is incredible. I also loved the musical sequences (especially the opening number). Be aware the ending is a little confusing, but otherwise I highly recommend it.
A / 8.5/10 - DirectorChris SmithStarsBananaramaBonoDavid BowieThrough archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham career, from '70s best buds to '80s pop icons.(Watched July 6)
This is a well-crafted, nostalgic tribute to Wham, the 80s band famed for tracks such as ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go Go’ and ‘Last Christmas’. It weaves archive footage between its recounting and results in a fun experience for casual and diehard fans.
A- / 8/10 - DirectorDean Fleischer CampStarsJenny SlateDean Fleischer CampIsabella RosselliniA cash-strapped documentary maker decides to make his newest documentary about a mollusk shell he finds living in his Airbnb with his friends.(Watched July 8)
This sweet little mockumentary has an understated yet quirky sense of humour, bringing joy in its delightful stop-motion animation. The unique storyline easily compels the viewer, as they get to know the blissfully unaware universe. Even with a simple premise, though, it’ll make you cry tears of joy at its bittersweet conclusion.
A / 8.5/10 - 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.(Watched July 21)
I mainly watched this because my other options were Mission Impossible and Insidious, however I didn’t expect to be walking into such an intelligent, hilarious movie. The humour was actually funny, and the cast chemistry is a standout, along with the catchy music and sublime Kenergy. Crying at that one end scene then having an internal dance party during the credits is a memory I will cherish.
A / 8.5/10 - CreatorAlice OsemanStarsJoe LockeKit ConnorWilliam GaoTeens Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age series.(Watched August 3-7)
Season 2
A+ / 9.5/10 - 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.(Watched August 11)
I went to the cinema the day this came out, ticket in hand as I excitedly entered my screening of…D&D. I’m glad I made that decision.
I was excited to finally watch this, but almost fell asleep. The story was rushed and underdeveloped, and the only focus of this film seemed to be pleasing a fan base with cliched action. The voice acting (namely Jack Black as Bowser) saves it from being horrible, but Mario is an absolute disappointment.
C / 6/10 - DirectorOran ZegmanStarsAngourie RiceGaten MatarazzoChristopher Mintz-PlasseHonor's sole focus is getting into Harvard. Willing to do whatever it takes, Honor concocts a plan to take down her top three competitors, until things take a turn when she unexpectedly falls for her biggest competition.(Watched September 4)
A clever teen movie that subverted my expectations, Honor Society should’ve received more attention than a quiet release on Paramount+. The acting is great and each endearing character comes with layers and immense charm. The masterstroke casting also deserves mention, but the best thing is its storyline, which culminates in a genuinely shocking ending that kinda gaslights a certain part of the audience. Well played.
A / 8.5/10 - DirectorFrank E. Abney IIIAfter suffering a loss, a painter finds his inspiration to create again.(Watched September 5)
D+ / 5.5/10 - DirectorAngel Manuel SotoStarsXolo MaridueñaBruna MarquezineBecky GAn alien scarab chooses Jaime Reyes to be its symbiotic host, bestowing the recent college graduate with a suit of armor that's capable of extraordinary powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero known as Blue Beetle.(Watched September 19)
Despite its generic storyline, Blue Beetle is a breath of fresh air in an action-oriented superhero landscape. The family focus is refreshing and heartfelt, leading to some beautiful moments, and the climax’s suspense is surprisingly claustrophobic. Also visually-stunning, even non-superhero fans can relish in this wonderful movie.
A / 8.5/10 - DirectorPeter SohnStarsLeah LewisMamoudou AthieRonnie Del CarmenFollows Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, earth- and air-residents live together.(Watched September 24)
This animated romance has somewhat unique animation, which really helps to make the characters stand out, but the story really is the highlight here. It’s intelligent given the unique circumstances, and riffs on the tendencies of the four elements (along with some nice wordplay).
B+ / 7.5/10 - CreatorAdam MutoPendleton WardStarsMadeleine MartinRoz RyanTom KennyFionna, her best friend Cake and the former Ice King, Simon Petrikov, embark on an adventure through the multiverse, dodging new threats and making self-discoveries along the way.(Watched September 1-29)
Season 1
A+ / 9/10 - DirectorJim HensonFrank OzStarsJim HensonKathryn MullenFrank OzOn another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and to restore order to his world.(Watched October 21)
This dark fantasy makes great use of puppets and other practical effects, even if the end result sometimes looks a bit dated. The story jumps in between being unpredictable and cliched, but ultimately the likability will win you over in this slightly uneven flick.
B / 7/10 - DirectorJed ShepherdStarsHaley BishopAmar Chadha-PatelMaya GrahamA yoga instructor, after a violent attack at her home, sees flashbacks of her life and begins a frantic race through her past to try to save her boyfriend.(Watched October 22)
B- / 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.(Watched November 4)
If you want to cry multiple times with pure proudness of a bunch of legends, Champions is the movie for you. The character development, aided by phenomenal acting, is genuine and captivating, along with a pumping familiar soundtrack. The plot’s predictability also proves to be a secret weapon at the end, and you won’t want to leave its charming world anytime soon.
A / 8.5/10 - DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsRachel ZeglerTom BlythViola DavisCoriolanus Snow mentors and develops feelings for the female District 12 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games.(Watched November 18)
The quality of this prequel depends entirely on if you’ve read the book it’s adapted from. For those familiar with the bleak story, it’s a faithful and worthwhile adaptation with great performances and cinematography. But for those who haven’t read the book, the odds might not be ever in your favour.
If you’re afraid of snakes, maybe skip this one.
B+ / 7.5/10 - CreatorQuinta BrunsonStarsTyler James WilliamsQuinta BrunsonSheryl Lee RalphA workplace comedy centered around a group of dedicated teachers - and an oblivious principal - in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life.(Watched January 30- December 4)
A- / 8/10 - DirectorSam FellStarsThandiwe NewtonZachary LeviBella RamseyHaving pulled off an escape from Tweedy's farm, Ginger has found a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new threat, and Ginger and her team decide to break in.(Watched December 16)
As someone who hasn’t seen the original movie, I can confirm this holds up pretty well as an outlandish standalone ride with some imaginative visuals and passionate voice-acting. Quality-wise, it isn’t the greatest, but you’ll still really enjoy this devilishly whimsical adventure.
B / 7/10 - DirectorPaul KingStarsTimothée ChalametGustave DieMurray McArthurWith dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers.(Watched December 19)
This is the kind of moviegoing experience one would forever cherish. It has amazing music, wondrous visuals and outstanding acting. The true joy of Wonka, though, is its flawless ability to capture and provoke imagination of the purest kind on the big screen. You’ll laugh, cry, smile, possibly get goosebumps, and have an awesome time.
A+ / 9.5/10 - DirectorDan AbrahamTrent CorreyStarsScott AdsitStan AlexanderStephen J. AndersonAn all-star ensemble of beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios come together for a joyful, entertaining and emotional reunion as they assemble for a spectacular group photo to mark Disney's 100th anniversary.(Watched December 25)
B- / 7/10 - DirectorTobe HooperStarsJoBeth WilliamsHeather O'RourkeCraig T. NelsonA family's home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts.(Watched December 26)
While Poltergeist proves at times creepy and atmospheric, that essence is sadly lost due to some now-dated visuals and predictable scares. It’s definitely suspenseful, but the best moments come only after a slow start. Overly sensitive viewers beware of some disturbing/gross scenes, but it’s still a classic worth watching.
B / 7/10