So as we enter Oscar week let's get the fun started with my top 10 films of 2023. Which means films that I recommend for you to watch because I am sooooo wise.
So I am off......
10
ANYONE BUT YOU
I know! Are you kidding me?
However stay with me. Remember my number 1 film from last year? That would be Top Gun Maverick. I noted, not only was it great on the big screen, but it also brought people back to the theaters. In other words, Maverick was bigger than the film itself.
Now I come to Anyone But You. The first week of it's release it flopped at 9 million dollars. This number makes the film go away quickly. Still, Anyone was a fun film, I saw it the first week. It was a rare rom-com in theaters. The two leads Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell had wonderful chemistry. The film had me laugh often. The story is sweet and rated R (which is rare because, hollywood hates to lose below 18 year olds money). Even the non-lead roles were perfectly cast. The soundtrack was very catchy also.
Then something happens that rarely happens...Anyone But You, with good word of mouth, kept growing and growing. It was moved into bigger theaters and then bigger theaters. Then the Natasha Bedingfield song Unwritten, which is a big part of the movie, and also very funny, became a Tik Tok sensation. On my second viewing, the theater was very crowded, people were singing at the end, it was kind of a blast. Then the studio brought out a Valentines version with hilarious outtakes. Let's stop there, this film was still out in the theaters in February! Outlasting every bigger budgeted Christmas movie. This film which was made for 25 million dollars has so far made way over 100 million dollars, after a crappy first week! Like Maverick this film changed the game. Rom-coms rated R no longer need to go straight to streaming, money can be made. I can see studios scrambling. Before I move on I have to give credit to Director Will Gluck and writer llana Wolpert, they were not afraid to let this film be corny and not shy away from it to the end. It worked.
With all that being said, I have to be honest. The writing is...over the top corny. Also, Sydney Sweeney is, trying to be nice, not as good of an actress as those around her (But she knows what sells...if you see the movie , you know). Plus, this film is very communal, with groups laughing and enjoying together. It may not play as well at home.
Still I am judging this film by my reaction in a theater thus...
My Number 10 film, based on Much Ado About Nothing, is Anyone But You. A game changer. Any film that brings people out to the theaters, thus keeping these theaters open is a plus. This rom-com opens the eyes of the studios. Plus...its really entertaining.
9
THE HOLDOVERS
The Holdovers are students who are staying at this private school over the holidays.
This leads us with three main characters:
The Professor Paul played by Paul Giamatti
Angus the one student left behind played by Dominic Sessa
Mary the cook played by Da'vine Joy Randolph
This is an odd film. Where the Professor, Paul, has a stick up his ass and is unlikable. Then you have the other character Dominic, the student, who is self centered and kind of not likable. That is where it starts.
Then comes David Hemmingson delivering a wonderful screenplay and the Director Alexander Payne who is always a great storyteller and you have an Oscar nominated film. They give us growth; comedy; and the feels while watching this film.
Then there is Randolph, the front runner for the Oscar. She is a holdover for her own reasons, which I will not spoil, but she is the most likable character in the film. The party scene clearly should win her the Oscar.
This would be higher on my list if the ending landed a bit better. Payne loves to leave his films a bit open. I always prefer a solid closing of a story. Still do not let this shy you away from this film. Giamatti and Sessa are a fantastic odd couple.
My number 9 best of the year The Holdovers.
8
ELEMENTAL
Disney bashing is very popular. Even this film was bashed a little.
I am here to tell you:
-It is a wonderful story about two characters from different areas and, well, different elements.
Wade who is water and is Mr Emotional (Get it? Tears...water), and Ember who is fire and is focused and angry (Angry..fire. Get it?). They are forced to work together to save Ember's family shop. Two opposites who become best friends and more.
-Director Peter Sohn and his writers, give the film a lot of humor and the feels. He also has a great score and music thrown in.
-The look is fantastic. The city; the shop; the water. Then there is Ember, her hair is constantly moving which must have been incredibly difficult because she is in every scene. A beautiful looking film.
-Voice work by Leah Lewis as Ember and Mamoudou Athie as Wade was perfect voice work casting.
I just loved this beautiful looking Oscar nominated film..it is not just for kids.
My number 8 film of the year Elemental
So that is just the start! A long way to go to get to number 1.
As always thanks for your time from the shadows.
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