I’m a recovering movie fanatic. There was a time, some years ago, when I couldn’t wait to go to the theaters. In fact, a normal week wasn’t complete without a trip to Regal, Muvico, AMC, etc.
Over the past few years, however, my love for movies has significantly ebbed. There are probably a variety of reasons. One of the dominant reasons is that it seems Hollywood has forgotten how to tell compelling, entertaining, life-giving stories that inspire and elevate, opting instead for spectacle completely void of substance. Another reason is the “woke” agenda and leftist worldview that often sabotages
The movies on this list weren’t culled from the lists that movie critics come up with. They’re a reflection of the movies I personally enjoyed and/or appreciated this past year.
So, here goes…
1. The Holdovers
A small movie with a small cast but beautiful story about what really matters. Paul Giamatti is superb. Dominic Sessa, in perhaps his first role, is excellent. Da’Vine Joy Randolph is also stellar. The soundtrack is exceptional. The movie is about our desperate need for and the surprising power of connection. NOTE: Some strong language.
2. Wonka
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie. It’s beautiful, creative and inspiring.
It’s a movie about pursuing your dreams, persevering through setbacks, honoring friendships, and doing the right thing, even when it costs you. The director, Paul King, is an expert at creating family-friendly movies that both children and adults will love. (If you haven’t seen Paddington or Paddington 2, you don’t know what you’re missing). Wonka was a completely unexpected, but thoroughly pleasant surprise!
3. Barbie
Before you criticize this movie, you might actually want to view it. I’ve watched some of the reviews and commentaries on it. Eventually, a few months after its theatrical release, I watched it for myself. Then, scratched my head wondering what all the brouhaha was about.
The movie isn’t perfect. But it is a thoughtful, smart, creative, fun, entertaining, and often insightful look at masculinity and femininity. Does it mention “the patriarchy”? Absolutely. Several times, in fact. But not in the way many in today’s culture mention it. The movie often uses satire and exaggerated stereotypes to make its points. Eventually, it arrives at a place that elevates and celebrates the unique differences that make men “men” and women “women.” Once again, this was a movie I was pleasantly surprised by.
By the way, Ryan Gosling is hilarious in his role as stereotypical Ken. He’s one of the best things about the movie. Margot Robbie is also perfect in her role as stereotypical Barbie. And, the set design is one of the most unique and colorful designs ever!
For a different perspective on the movie, check out Michael Knowles’ review for The Daily Wire posted here.
4. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part 1
Tom Cruise may be the last living movie star. The guy makes movies that are incredibly entertaining. MI: Dead Reckoning – Part 1 is one of those. It’s fun, funny, and one of the reasons we go to the theater. The motorcycle parachute jump off a cliff is stunning and worth the price of seeing it in IMAX. Yes, the movie is spectacle but it does seem to be in the pursuit of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of strategy, planning and execution. It’s a great popcorn movie.
5. Super Mario Brothers Movie
This movie was fun, creative, entertaining, and sometimes hilarious. It’s a movie with no agenda, but to entertain. It values love, loyalty, kindness, sincerity and self-sacrifice.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy – Vol 3
I’m so over Marvel, superhero movies. Completely done. But a friend encouraged me to give this movie a chance. I did. I’m glad I did.
GOTG Volume 3 is a great movie. It made me laugh. It even brought me to the edge of tears.
Superhero movie makers need to take a note from this one.
Everything begins with a story. Not CGI or special effects, but an excellent story. GOTG Vol 3 begins with the basics of an entertaining and meaningful story. It builds on that with a terrific cast, an awesome, make-your-head-move-up-and-down soundtrack, and a fitting conclusion to the series.
7. Guy Richie’s The Covenant
This is a powerful movie (available on Amazon Prime) that gives some insight into the price our Afghan allies paid to work with Americans, especially after our abrupt, chaotic, heartbreaking, and not-well-planned withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The movie didn’t get a lot of attention while in theaters. It’s understandable. The Biden Administration’s haphazard withdrawal from Afghanistan has to be one of the worst foreign-policy disasters in history. Many would rather forget about the actual cost to human lives — 13 American troops killed and countless allies imprisoned, tortured, and executed by Taliban forces. This movie challenges us to remember. It is a movie about honor, loyalty, and courage. NOTE: It does contain some very strong language.
8. Sound of Freedom
This one makes my favorite’s list due to its small budget, excellent cast, and commitment to tell a story that needs to be told — the Tim Ballard story and his war against human trafficking and the sex slave trade.
The plight of human trafficking is horrific. This movie puts a face to it and reminds us of the heroes who are taking it on and making a difference every, single day. The world needs more heroes like Tim Ballard and the people who make up O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad and Our Rescue).
By the way, I love an underdog story. The very fact that this movie made it to theaters is a huge win for everyone involved! Hats off to Angel Studios for taking on the big boys and making this important story available to the masses!
9. Jesus Revolution
Again, this one makes my favorite movies list because of its small budget, meaningful story (Greg Laurie’s journey to faith), hometown directors (Andrew and Jon Erwin — I got to meet Andrew a few years ago), and straightforward Christian message.
Andrew and Jon Erwin have been sharing great stories for a few years now. It’s fun to see them honing their craft and making movies that can stand on their own as solid films, not just niche “Christian” movies.
I got choked up seeing this movie in the theater because it’s one of the few times I’ve seen the Christian faith — my faith — presented in a way that was wholesome, beautiful, authentic, and persuasive in a movie. Thank you, Andrew and Jon.
10. John Wick: Chapter 4
I’ve been a fan of the John Wick series since Chapter 1. Keanu Reeves does a great job as the title character. The director has a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish. At its core, the story is about good versus evil. The bad guys lose. The good guy(s) ultimately win. (Though technically, John Wick himself is a “recovering” bad guy.)
John is a dog lover and devoted husband. His wife died from illness in the first film. He lets his friend Winston know he would like two words carved on his tombstone: “Loving Husband.”
The blind, but deadly, assassin Caine doesn’t really want to kill John but fights John to protect his daughter from The Table. Finally, though friendships are few, they are valued and honored. One of John’s few friends tells him, “Friendship means little when it’s convenient.”
Yes, these movies are spectacle and incredibly violent, but the violence feels more choreographed, outlandish, and video-game-ish than actual.
The stunts are stellar. The fight scenes are memorable. The cinematography, set design, and costumes are so stylish.
Chapter 4 brings the entire JW story to a deserving and fitting conclusion. NOTE: Violence and some strong language.
Honorable Mentions:
11. A Man Called Otto
This small movie about a man searching for a reason to live resonated with me. Tom Hanks gives another meaningful performance. The surrounding cast is also terrific. The film reminds us of the power of human kindness, even with the most challenging of people.
12. This Is Christmas 2022 (Amazon Prime)
This movie came out last year, but I watched it this year — just a few days ago, in fact. It’s a moving story presented by a terrific cast and a director who is on his game when it comes to creating a movie about the power of human kindness. I was surprised by the simplicity and beauty of this movie.
13. The Equalizer 3
Denzel Washington is one of my favorite actors. Period. The guy is captivating whenever he’s on the screen.
He wraps up his role as Robert McCall in The Equalizer series with The Equalizer 3. Yes, it’s violent. Very much so. But the moral center of the movie is clear. The bad guys die. The good guy(s) win. The townspeople enjoy a peaceful life because of the heroism of Robert McCall (Denzel). NOTE: Violence and some strong language.
14. Oppenheimer
I’m a huge Christopher Nolan fan. I’ve seen all of his movies at least once. Some of them, multiple times. In many ways, this movie was incredible — an important story told in an unforgettable way. The thing that kept this movie out of my top ten favorites list was the completely unnecessary nudity in the film. NOTE: Nudity and some strong language.
15. Kandahar
I like Gerard Butler and I appreciated this movie about courage, commitment, and loyalty. About the importance of fulfilling your promises and honoring your word even when it costs you. That’s why this one ends up on my year-end favorites list. NOTE: Strong language.
Several movies were released in 2023 that have garnered lots of buzz. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen them and may not get to in the near future. Movies like:
Killers of the Flower Moon
The Iron Claw
Godzilla Minus One
Are You Still There God? It’s Me, Margaret
I can’t comment on any of the above and more, because I haven’t seen them.
What about you? What’s on your list? I would love to read about the movies that resonated with you this past year. Share in the comments section or send me an email at hellochrisgoins@gmail.com.