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.
Martial arts auteur Siyu Cheng delivers his latest action-packed fest in “The Tai Chi Master” from Well Go USA. The Tai Chi Master” examines the journey of Zhang Junbao, a dedicated disciple of Wuji, who emerges as a crucial figure during significant upheaval.
On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
Megan Fox teams up with director S.K. Dale to bring her feminine wiles to the world of A.I. in “Subservience” from XYZ Films. Will Honley and April Maguire wrote the film’s screenplay. Alice (Fox) is a lifelike, artificially intelligent android who can care for any family and home. Looking for help with the housework, struggling father Nick (Michele Morrone) purchases Alice after his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) becomes sick. Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner — and she’ll kill to get it.