NYAD. Everything in this inspirational biopic worked for me. Acting, cinematography, story, and background music stand out. Annette Bening and Jodie Foster seem perfect in their roles as old friends here. They play them with gusto and heart. Bening gives her best performance ever as swimmer Diana Nyad who wants to swim from Cuba to Florida at age 60. Foster portrays Nyad’s coach. And what fabulous acting by these two stars ensues!

AMERICAN FICTION. While watching Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist I became deeply involved in his story. Although I had to laugh many times I felt sad about the situation his character faced. This movie contains the most surprises for me in 2023.  Wright seems to become the novelist with a plan to solve everything. But when it backfires, watch out!     

BARBIE. After seeing this fun movie three times, I confess wanting to see it again. I love the musical numbers, of course. And Ryan Gosling as Ken makes me laugh in every scene he’s in. Plus, Margot Robbie gives her all as the main Barbie. The movie also impressed me with its costumes and colorful look throughout.  

ROBOT DREAMS. Animated movies like this one can go straight to my heart. It is so lovely, I cry even thinking of certain scenes. When Dog ordered a Robot, he probably didn’t expect to have such a good friend. But when he loses his friend, he tries and tries to find him. And I became completely involved with Dog in his search!  I didn’t want ROBOT DREAMS to end.      

MIRANDA’S VICTIM, Director Michelle Danner’s latest film made me so angry I even shouted at the screen. But I also felt thankful for this movie because it helped me understand how difficult it is for women who have been raped and try to get justice. And I found out how the Miranda Rights warning became required in the United States. I think Abigail Breslin should get recognition for her terrific portrayal as the brave 18-year old wouldn’t back down with her claims against Ernesto Miranda.          

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON. Another movie that mattered to me in 2023 starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro as men who took advantage of Osage Indian women to get their money back in the 1920s. Directed by Martin Scorsese and based on true events, this film’s visual impact got to me. Believable acting all around, beautiful cinematography, period costumes, and background music made me feel like I was there when all this happened.      

SLY.  In one of the most entertaining documentaries I’ve ever seen, Sylvester Stallone talks about his life and career. Stallone does most of the talking although some other people like Quentin Tarantino, Henry Winkler, Talia Shire, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Herzfeld and family members pop up with their opinions of Stallone and his work. No wonder Stallone takes over. After all, his movie career lasted almost fifty years and is still going with eight upcoming new projects. It’s interesting how many sequels from both Rocky Balboa and Rambo films pleased his fans. But Sly also mentions several important regrets as well as triumphs. I was impressed with his honesty.  .    

THE OLD WAY. Although this is Nicolas Cage’s first Western, its revenge theme seems comfortable for him.  And I always enjoy him in a rage movie. Also, I am a fan of Westerns, so Cage got my attention here as a reformed gunslinger who goes back in action.  And he has to train his daughter to help him. I was happy to see that role played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who steals the show.  

CHEVALIER.  I never heard of composer Joseph Bologne until watching this interesting biopic starring Kelvin Harrelson Jr. who delivers an outstanding performance. He manages to give Chevalier a perfect swagger as well as a feeling for humanity. And the music in this film made me wish more movies would include classics like we see and hear in this film.  In fact, this offering includes the most entertaining opening I’ve ever seen in a movie!

THE POPE’S EXORCIST. I found this intriguing film entertaining and very scary. Cinematography, background music and special effects stand out in this latest motion picture about exorcism. And fortunately, Russel Crowe’s other cast members give him great support.     

Russell Crowe plays the exorcist.

Italian accent sometimes missed.

But otherwise he’s on the ball

  challenging the demon and all.   

Special effects work wonders here

while scaring us into great fear!

HONORABLE MENTION:  RUSTIN, ANATOMY OF A FALL, PAST LIVES, 80 FOR BRADY, CREED, ARE YOU HERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET!

*****