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.
Director David Tedeschi collaborates with esteemed producer Martin Scorsese to examine the significant impact of The Beatles’ inaugural visit to the United States in the documentary “Beatles ’64,” available on Disney+.
Director Nate Edwards transitions from short films to narrative features with the compelling black love story “She Taught Love,” available on Hulu. Darrell Britt-Gibson, who also occupies the leading role, authored the screenplay.
Director and writer Coralie Fargeat has partnered with the esteemed actress Demi Moore for her second feature film, “The Substance,” which has been released by Mubi.