Sometimes, it’s hard to believe I’m four years into my passion for film criticism. If you know me, you know that one of my quirks is that I usually find one thing I like in a movie. However, there’s always an exception to the rule.
As we near the end of 2023, it’s time to look back at the year in cinema. Although many excellent films captivated audiences and critics, several disappointments puzzled moviegoers. These films failed to live up to my expectations due to lackluster scripts and uninspired performances, and in some instances, even damaged the reputations of beloved franchises. Without further delay, here are my picks for the year’s worst films.
10. Napoleon – The reunion of Ridley Scott and his Gladiator star Joaquin Phoenix may have delivered some good battle scenes, but the unintentional moments of laughter eroded from some of the dialogue is never a good sign.
9. The Marvels – While we will never reach the heights of the glory days of the MCU, I always try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Solid direction by Nia DaCosta and a strong performance from Teyonah Parris can’t erase the “I’m only here for a paycheck” performance from Brie Larson.
8. Insidious: The Red Door – A once-promising franchise falls victim to a weak script.
7. The Nun II – A cash-grab sequel that adds nothing to the lore of the first film or its expanded universe.
6. The Marsh’s King’s Daughter – The usually reliable Daisy Ridley and Ben Mendelsohn must reconsider their agent after signing on to do this weak book adaption.
5. B’More Careful – The book is always better than the movie. However, is there any hope when the source material’s author directs and can’t even get it right?
4. The Exorcist: The Believer – David Gordon Green revamped the Halloween franchise, but his take on a seventies classic reeks of reshoots and a terrible ending.
3. Squealer – Terrible performances from the cast, a slow as a snail’s pace, and gore effects that make Tubi look promising.
2. Breakwater – Fresh off what should have been a career resurgence in Scream VI, Dermot Mulroney leads this dry revenge flick.
1. Confidential Informant – Is it that hard to make a gritty cop thriller that mixes the loyalty of the thin blue line? There is no reason for this one to be a stinker with the cast involved.
Dishonorable mentions – Rebel Moon, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, The Plus One, The Kill Room, Expend4bles, Wish, and The Last Voyage of the Demeter
Be sure to return tomorrow for picks for the year’s best films.
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.