Best of 2023 — Movies

 Here are my top picks from our year of viewing. We watched  around 125 movies last year.  

As always, the movies may be old, but my viewing was brand new in 2023. In no particular order.

I began my "Best of" lists way back in 2008. To see them, check the label cloud in the sidebar under "Best of ..."

2023 BEST MOVIES

Grand Hotel

The first Hollywood all-star epic with a lot of high-powered stars of the 1930s. We watched it because we were working our way through the Oscar winner/nominees for 1923. This is the movie where Greta Garbo's famous "I want to be alone" line originated. We were surprised at how much we enjoyed this very good movie which can hold its own against stories of today.

(My review here.)

Bholaa

This is a big action movie with lots of great stunts and acting from some top Bollywood stars. Moreover it was a compelling story with clearly drawn characters, excellent acting, clever twists, stylish choreography and imagery, and over-the-top action very well done.

(My review here.)

Confess, Fletch
Honor Among Thieves
Game Night

These are three movies whose only goal is to entertain. There have been precious few of those lately from Hollywood so we were thrilled to find them. Each is silly in its own way, but each one is fun in just the right way.

(My review here.)

Kantara

Shiva is a tribal vagabond who lives with his mother in a tiny forest village. He avoids participation in the traditional worship ceremonies due to an unforgettable childhood incident. He is happy loafing around with his friends and doing petty jobs for his landlord. When forest officer Murali enters the scene, it gives a fresh dimension to the man-vs-nature fight. Can Shiva save the forest from Murali?

(My review here.)

Father Stu

This is that rare find, a well done Christian movie. Usually we avoid faith based films like the plague because  but we gave this a chance because we were intrigued not only by the basic story but by Mark Wahlberg's dedication to getting it produced. Our faith was well rewarded.

(My review here.)

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
(Rocky and Rani's Love Story)

Rocky is a loud, showy Punjabi from a family who made their fortune making laddoos (sweets). Rani is a sophisticated, stylish television personality from a Bengali family. Brought together by a fluke because each loves their grandparents, they fall in love. This romantic comedy is a three-hour long, dance loaded, romance loaded movie that leaves you smiling. It's been described as "delicious eye candy with a rebellious core" and nothing could be truer. (My review here.)

 

Kathal — A Jackfruit Mystery

We all really loved this movie which follows Inspector Mahima Basor and her team as they pursue the ridiculous case of two stolen jackfruits. Everyone realizes it is a waste of resources but no one will say no to the politician. As you might expect there is a fair amount of humor but it is usually gentle and understated, which can be a rarity in Indian movies.

(My review here.)

Brochevarevarura
(Who Shall Save the Day?)

This story has the framework of an aspiring scriptwriter who is telling the story to an actress who he hopes to interest in starring in the film he's writing. The film pops in and out of this framework and it is interesting to see how the story can subtly change going forward based on the actress's questions or comments. Halfway through the film a plot twist popped up that left us astounded and intrigued. This made all the difference.

(My review here.)

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, part 1

We closed out the year with the latest Mission Impossible movie. These are always fun because they are so reliable. You know you are getting real entertainment along with a dose of uncompromising view of good versus evil, right versus wrong. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is on the right side, albeit having to overcome flaws along the way. I especially enjoyed the many flashes of humor throughout. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie and can't wait for part 2.