What has made the list?
We are over halfway through 2023 and with that there has been a bunch of new cinema releases to sink our teeth into. Quite a few we have reviewed on here, but I thought it would be fun to go through our Top 10 films of the year (So far) and then we will check back in at the end of the year to see if they have stayed the same or changed!
We’re going to count from our 10th film all the way down to 1.
Its safe to say, potential spoilers follow!
Still here?
Let’s get into it!
Number 10 - Dungeons and Dragons - Honour Amongst Thieves.
At Number 10 we have the new Dungeons and Dragons movie! Directed by Jonathon Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the film starred the likes of Chris Pratt, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant and more. The film was full of fun, laughter and was a high octane adventure that we at the review lab very much enjoyed. Unfortunately it didn't blow me away when we watched it, but it is still a very fun film and worthy of its current number 10 spot.
Number 9 - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Now if you have been keeping up-to date with our latest posts, you know we are massive Indiana Jones fans! We even went back through all the old films in the buildup to this one. We got our tickets for opening night and even reviewed it here so i wont go into too much detail. i really enjoyed this movie and everything it tried to do, the reason its not higher on the list is unfortunately it may have been a little overhyped (Upon looking back) and quite simply there were films we preferred just a little more. Yet saying that, I still maintain this was a fantastic movie with wonderful performances and a fitting send off for the hero.
Number 8 - Barbie
*Hides for Cover*. Now bear with me on this, but first and foremost i want to say. Barbie is a fantastic movie. Truly laugh out loud funny with some truly outstanding performances (Especially from Ryan Gosling). One thing that stood out to us was the message the film gives which shouldn't go unnoticed. The reason it is only at number 8 is because for me, the film gets quite messy towards the end in terms of its story structure and script. That’s not to say it's bad, but i think it struggled on what to focus on a little bit. That's all! We still loved it and you never know, at the end of the year it may be much higher, who knows!
Number 7 - The Little Mermaid
At Number 7, We have Disney's live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid Directed by Rob Marshall and starring Halle Bailey. Now for us this was a real shocker. We didn’t expect to love this film as much as we did. Don't get me wrong, i didn't expect to not like or hate it but we had never been a massive fan of the original. So going into this, I didn't have the highest expectations. Yet on a watch, I absolutely loved it. The performance Halle Bailey gives is truly outstanding and her performance at “Part of Your World” will give you goosebumps. A really good watch overall.
Number 6 - Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
I love the Guardians films. They really do have a soft spot for me and it's safe to say I had high expectations for this film going in, and it didn't disappoint. James Gunn crafted a fitting farewell for the current ragtag group of heroes whilst also making sure there was room for more. It's safe to say it is a lot darker than previous instalments, which I myself didn't mind. It narrowly misses out on the top 5, but I still think it is a film everyone should watch. Fun, Emotional and full of heart.
Number 5 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Starting off our top 5 we have TMNT: Mutant Mayhem. This is such a fun time. Executive Produced; Co-Written and even Starring Seth Rogan. This Jeff Rowe directed movie truly shows us why we loved these characters growing up. It's carefully crafted by creatives that you can see are true fans of the original content. It also has a distinct art-style that is really fun and interesting to see unfold on the big screen. I really look forward to see the sequel and what comes next.
Number 4 - John Wick: Chapter 4
The John Wick films have never disappointed and John Wick Chapter 4 is no exception. Keanu Reeves returns as the Baba-Yaga himself in a film that showcases the talents of stuntmen and why they not only should have their own Oscars category but that we should also not take their talents for granted. The film is a non-stop thrill ride that truly grabs you from the offset and doesn't let go until its final moments. Also it has Keanu Reeves doing more ‘Gun-Fu’, what more do you need?!
Number 3 - Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer is a masterclass in filmmaking and its techniques. That's right, I said it. Christopher Nolan has carefully crafted a film that truly showcases the talents of each department and shows us film-maniacs why we love film so much. From its writing, to its oscar worthy (Lets be honest) performances of key cast members Cillian Murphy and RDJ, to its truly spring-chilling soundtrack, the movie really does excel. The only downside to it, in our opinion is the film is slightly too long towards the end.
Number 2 - Across The Spider-Verse
Across the Spider-Verse was an emotional and thrilling film that's worthy of the acclaim it's receiving. Reuniting with Miles and Co is simply a joy and its unique art style (Plural) really does help emphasise the film's more emotional moments as well as its action set-pieces. It also has a cracking soundtrack by Daniel Pemberton that needs to be listened to both in the film and on its own to really be appreciated. I cannot wait for Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Number 1 - Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One
At Number 1 we have Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One. This film really does excel in every aspect. Script, Locations, Soundtrack, Performances and Directed but none more so than its action. This film achieves heights that no other action film has been able too, that alongside setting up for its direct sequel whilst never losing sight of its story is the reason it takes the top spot currently. It really is a true cinema experience and has made me very excited for Part Two.
So there we have it, our top ten! For Recap its as follows:
10 - DND: Honor Amongst Thieves
9 - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
8 - Barbie
7 - The Little Mermaid
6 - Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3
5 - TMNT: Mutant Mayhem
4 - John Wick: Chapter 4
3 - Oppenheimer
2 - Across the Spider-Verse
1 - Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One
Now like i explained at the start of this post, we are going to come back to this post at the end of the year with our final top ten to see if its the same or changed at all!
Until then, what do you think of our list and choices? Is there anything you would change? Let us know!
Until the next time,
Stay Safe, Look After Each Other
Harry x