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.
Academy Award Nominee Colin Farrell returns his talents to the small screen in “Sugar” from Apple TV. Iconic screenwriter Mark Protosevich served as showrunner and wrote four episodes. Fernando Meirelles directs all episodes of the series. John Sugar (Farrell), an American private investigator, is investigating the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel (Sydney Chandler).
Diarra Kilpatrick, an Emmy Award-winning actress, has partnered with the esteemed executive producer Kenya Barris to showcase her talents in the comedic mystery series “Diarra from Detroit,” exclusively available on the BET+ streaming platform. The narrative follows Diarra (portrayed by Kilpatrick), who is currently undergoing divorce proceedings with Francois, also known as Swa (played by Morris Chestnut). She relocates to her old community after receiving counsel from her confidant, Aja (played by Dominque Perry), and colleague, Mr. Tea (played by Bryan Terrel Clark).
Apple TV has brought to life James L. Swanson’s critically acclaimed non-fiction book “Manhunt” in the form of an enthralling TV series with the same name. The show’s plot revolves around the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the subsequent hunt for John Wilkes Booth, the culprit behind the heinous crime. The program is directed by Carl Franklin and overseen by Monica Beletsky, who serves as the showrunner, ensuring a well-crafted narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
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