- Finestkind. Incredibly written characters. Story and direction is so confident about the authentic people that inhabit the fishing town of New Bedford, Mass. By the time it’s major plot change occurs, you are totally invested in them. Tommy Lee Jones and Tim Daily offer some incredible dialogue in regards to fatherhood. The Ensemble cast the includes Jenna Ortega, are all riveting and have their moments to shine. No flash or special effects, just brilliant writing come alive by this talent. Hollywood remembered itself with this endearing drama.
- Oppenheimer. A momentous point in our human history, it can’t be understated how this story affects everyone. Cillan and RDJ are incredible to watch as this story also becomes a personal vendetta. Visuals and sound at Nolan’s finest.
- Godzilla: Minus One. Never has a monster movie been more about the human condition. From a deep personal shame of our leading man to the hopelessness of a country’s people in post war Japan, this film is so entertaining and heartbreaking! Oh, yes, Godzilla shows up from time to time!
- American Fiction. The best comedic situations are rooted in tragedy. Such is the case for American Fiction. This is a great commentary on Hollywood’s fascination with the ghettoization of the black experience. Its also about a man, Jeffrey Wright, trying to find his place with his family and himself. Watch our interview with Co-Star John Ortiz.
- The Holdovers. A wonderful film wose particular time, 1970’S Northeastern America, is a perfect backdrop to this dramedy. Paul Giamatti give his finest film performance since Cinderella Man, as a principled, yet stubborn professor who finds himself babysitting a student during the holiday break.
- The Boy and the Heron, I’m not well verse at all in anime or manga but what I got from this film blew me away. This harrowing tale is one I need to watch again and again. A tale that, among many themes, meditates on past memories of love ones and how over time those fade away from us.
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The adventures of Miles Morales continues in this spectacle of an animation film. Love Oscar Isaac as the brooding Miguel O’ Hara, who becomes one of many Miles’s antagonists among the different universes he traverses. Catch our interview as well with the movie’s head of story, Octavio Rodriguez.
- When Evil Lurks. The most disturbing film I’ve seen in years. A story on how fear can spread among normal country people, which rapidly advances into evil. The action is in small moments that stun you while leaving you truly haunted. This stayed with me for awhile.
- Sound of Freedom. If one movie left me in tears in the theatre this year, this was this one. Heartbreaking story about child trafficking, director Alejandro Monteverde’s incredible eye blends a dark tale with vivid colors. Powerful to the last frame.
- Anatomy of a Fall. This late edition knocked off “Air” from my top ten. this unusual courtroom drama excels with our leading female, the mesmerizing Sandra Hüller, who leaves us guessing if she is innocent or guilty over the death of her husband. The storytelling is so fresh as it blends a documentary feel with cinematic discoveries of a thriller/who done it. Milo Machado Grenar, who plays her son gives the performance of any young person’s career!
Documentary – American Homeboy
Honorable Mention
Que Viva Mexico!, Blue Beetle, Air, Talk To Me, Radical.
Biggest Disappointments
INDIANA JONES and the Dial of Destiny, Hypnotic, Killers of the Flower Moon, All 2023 Marvel Films.