Best of 2023

Another year with minimal film watching. Sure, a few films were postponed due to the strike but I could not find a film to watch between the end of July and mid November. I’m sure I have some choices that some will find confusing but that’s the fun of making lists. Here we go:

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2023

1. OPPENHEIMER
Plot: The atomic bomb is created, followed by its political aftermath
Why: I like all of Christopher Nolan’s films but this one takes it up a notch. The stunning cinematography with beautiful black and white images, the crisp editing, the use and lack of sound, the practical effects, the captivating story and the stellar acting by Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon & Robert Downey, Jr, make this film a masterpiece and my top pick of the year.
MVP: Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) – a perfect blend of wonder and ego
Highlight: The Trinity test had everyone in the theatre in stunned silence
Full Review: Click here

2. AIR
Plot: How Sonny Vaccaro got Nike and Michael Jordan together for a shoe
Why: I was surprised how much I liked this film about contract negotiations. I like behind-the-scenes stuff but I am not a fan of basketball or shoe styles, yet, I found myself rooting for companies, players and agents. The strong writing and the wonderful acting won me over easily. The eighties nostalgia was also a fun treat. That Ben Affleck has some talent behind the camera.  
MVP: David Falk (Chris Messina) – Ari Gold-ish obscenity spewing agent
Highlight: The phone calls between Vaccaro and Falk are comic gold
Full Review: Click here

3. WONKA
Plot: Willy Wonka has to take down a chocolate cartel to open his shop
Why: I was instantly charmed with this whimsical musical. Timothee Chalamet plays the fantastical dreamer beautifully. I know with the borrowing of Oompa-Loompa designs and a couple songs, people expected a darker version and can’t see this Wonka turning into Gene Wilder. I am fine with this interpretation. This one isn’t written by Roald Dahl so it’s allowed to be a lighter and more optimistic in tone.
MVP: Willy Wonka (Timothee Chalamet) – simply mesmerizing & charming  
Highlight: The song “For a Moment” is sweet and beautifully done
Full Review: Click here

4. ASTEROID CITY
Plot: A science event in a remote town leads to romance and quarantine.
Why: I love all Wes Anderson films and this is no exception. You get everything you expect from quirky characters to creative tableaux to catchy music to vibrant sets and culminating with a fascinating story. I wasn’t as emotionally connected to this one but I still enjoyed my time watching this highly entertaining film.
MVP: The “Witches” (Faris triplets) – their exhuming responses are awesome
Highlight: The fun interrogations after the possible alien sighting
Full Review: Click here

5. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 7: DEAD RECKONING, PART ONE
Plot: Ethan Hunt and his team look for key to destroy an AI villian
Why: I love the Mission Impossible franchise. I like how they always try to top themselves. They have a great car chase that one would expect is similar to a previous installment, but they add a different driver, handcuffs and a smaller replacement for good measure. Loads of fun. There are some glaring plot holes but it is still a non-stop thrill ride that I don’t want to get off of.
MVP: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) – not at all acting his age at this point
Highlight: The  kitchen car in an amazingly done train derailment
Full Review: Click here

6. THE KILLER
Plot: A paid assassin botches a job and must tie up loose ends
Why: Exploring the mind of this assassin was engaging. Lots of great inner monologues as we watch a killer prepare for his kills and make some mistakes along the way. It’s dark but also humourous at times. Also, lots of great angles and lighting. Classic Fincher.
MVP: The Killer (Michael Fassbender) – the strong, silent type 
Highlight: The Killer making his first getaway while not really being chased
Full Review: Click here

7. JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4
Plot: John is on a mission to take down The High Table.
Why: John Wick goes international and kills a whole bunch of people. The fight choreography is amazing as usual. How there can be this many fights going on with absolutely no police response is beyond me but I can still enjoy the non-stop action.
MVP: Caine (Donnie Yen) – he excels at playing blind assassins apparently
Highlight: The comic yet painful falling down the long flight of stairs bit
Full Review: Click here

8. A GOOD PERSON
Plot: Allison’s life falls apart after surviving a fatal car accident.
Why: I fully admit that I am bias with my love of Zach Braff’s work. While this probably won’t end on most top ten lists, I am a sucker for this compelling look at addiction and moving forward. I can’t relate at all but I was moved by the performances of Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. I wish the soundtrack was a better though; Braff usually nails this.    
MVP: Daniel (Morgan Freeman) – he is just so soothing to listen to
Highlight: Daniel talks to Allison about his model trains
Full Review: Click here

9. A MAN CALLED OTTO
Plot: A grumpy widow’s suicide attempts are thwarted by a needy family
Why: This film is pretty predictable. You know that Tom Hank’s Otto is going to soften up as the story progresses but it was still fun to watch. I liked the darker tone at times and the use of flashbacks.
MVP: Otto (Tom Hanks) – most of his grumpiness is justified in my opinion
Highlight: Otto’s first interactions with the rental family & parallel parking
Full Review: Click here

10. PLEASE DON’T DESTROY: THE TREASURE OF FOGGY MOUNTAIN
Plot: Three friends set off to find a treasure and change their lives.
Why: I am a huge of these guys from their SNL digital shorts. They have great one-liners and veer into such bizarre behaviour. When the three of them are together, it is rapid-fire comedy with great observational humour. Conan O’Brien pitching in as Ben’s dad is pretty awesome too.
MVP: Ben Marshall (Ben Marshall) – there’s something about his line delivery
Highlight: Late for work opening and John’s tabs
Full Review: Click here

No network shows this year. Some of that can be credited to the writer/actor strike. The streamers just have more talent at their disposal, I guess. I also find it interesting that none of my top ten shows from last year are on this list. Maybe that is because streamers take longer to make their series which sometimes shows in their quality.  When making my list of top television shows, I often think about how eager I was to watch the next episode. These are the shows that kept me wanting more this year:

 
TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2023

1. TED LASSO (APPLE TV+)
Why: This show is just so full of heart. I love having a good laugh but also ending with something heartwarming and cathartic.
MVP: Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) – loved his growth and work with Roy
Best Episode of 2023: So Long, Farewell (S03E12)
While I liked the Amsterdam and mom episodes, this one ended the series just right with some fun soccer play, a team believing again and lots of stories wrapped up with satisfying conclusions. Well done!

2. SUCCESSION (HBO)
Why: Watching this rich Roy family squabble and try to get out ahead has been a pleasure to watch. Like Ted Lasso, I think they ended this series well and didn’t drag on too long like other shows.   
MVP: Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) – a son vying for his father’s love at all costs
Best Episode of 2023: Connor’s Wedding (S04E03)
You gotta feel bad for Connor whose ill-advised wedding is upstaged by Logan’s demise. The multiple phone calls between Tom and the three other kids are masterworks of acting and script-writing.

3. THE BEAR (FX)
Why: There is a certain intensity in this show that is exhausting to watch but also so rewarding. I was fascinated with the remodel of the restaurant this season and all the craziness of changing direction.
MVP: Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) – the cousin who finally understands his role
Best Episode of 2023: Forks (S02E07)
While I enjoyed the chaos that surrounded Fishes, this episode gives us a breather as Richie works for a high end restaurant. The singing, the running for pizza, the conversations throughout are all beautifully done.

4. SHRINKING (APPLE TV+)
Why: While Jason Segel may not be for everyone, I like his therapist character and how he interacts with Harrison Ford. This is a chip off the old Ted Lasso with a little less joy. Looking forward to next season.
MVP: Paul (Harrison Ford) – A father figure/grumpy old therapist combo
Best Episode of 2023: Imposter Syndrome (S01E06)
A surprise engagement party that goes horribly wrong with embarrassing moments for both father and daughter, a drugged up Paul and a conclusion that, for some reason, I didn’t see coming.

5. THE LAST OF US (HBO)
Why: I didn’t play the game but I am very drawn to the show. The production value is incredible, the acting is intense and storyline is captivating. The interactions between Joel and Ellie are also amazing.
MVP: Pedro Pascal (Joel Miller) – he is certainly a father figure to all
Best Episode of 2023: Long, Long Time (S01E03)
Although this episode veers away from Joel and Ellie, watching Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank forge a relationship and work together is a beautiful thing to watch.

6. THE DIPLOMAT (NETFLIX)
Why: I enjoy a well-written political drama. Keri Russell is wonderful as an ambassador dealing with a crisis. Her husband, played by Rufus Sewell, is also an amazing talent on the small screen.
MVP: Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) – She is a smart cookie who constantly questions
Best Episode of 2023: He Bought a Hat (S01E04)
Watching Kate infiltrate an Iranian meeting while also resisting the call to become vice-president is intriguing to watch. I love hearing the behind-the-scenes conversations with its espionage quality.

7. JURY DUTY (AMAZON PRIME)
Why: This fun comedy/reality show is so entertaining because the ‘victim’ is celebrated for his decency instead of the show punching down. There are lots of great characters and a very satisfying reveal end.
MVP: Himself (Ronald Gladden) –  a stand-up guy and perfect ‘victim’
Best Episode of 2023: Ineffective Assistance (S01E05)
Useless defense witnesses, James Marsden’s audition prep, a nasty turd, and Noah needing loads of relationship help including a sexual loophole. Ronald just rolls with the punches amidst the craziness around him.

8. THE LINCOLN LAWYER (NETFLIX)
Why: I warmed up to this show quicker than I thought I would. I like a good mystery and court case so this is right up my alley. Not a huge fan of the outcome and there are big stretches in believability but still a fun watch.
MVP: Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) – he holds the show together well
Best Episode of 2023: The Fifth Witness (S02E09)
I love watching courtroom scenes. While the series involves a lot of investigating, it’s great to see the court stuff play out. Lots of revealing testimonies and surprises.

9. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (DISNEY+)
Why: I always enjoy a good mystery being solved. There were a couple of predictable clues but there are always some surprises around the corner. I really enjoyed that there was a musical flair to this season.
MVP: Himself (Matthew Broderick) – steals an episode with his eagerness
Best Episode of 2023: Sitzprobe (S03E08)
While I love the clues coming out in the theatre with fun interruptions of an interrogations, the highlight is Steve Martin belting out a complicated musical number from the writers of Dear Evan Hansen.

10. DAISY JONES AND THE SIX (AMAZON PRIME)
Why: I like shows that go behind-the-scenes. This one explores the relationships of a seventies band in the vein of Fleetwood Mac. What really got me was that the songs were great to listen to.
MVP: Rod Reyes (Timothy Olyphant) – small, memorable role as a tour manager
Best Episodes of 2023: Track 8 – Look Like We Made It (S01E08)
This episode focuses on the final performance of this powder-keg-about-to-go-off band. The lead up is great but listening to more of their songs is the icing on the cake.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2024 Preview

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2023?