#122: Ranking the last 10 new movies I've seen
I <3 movies.
I love the summer movie season and there have been some real bangers this year. Below I attempt to rank the last 10 new movies I’ve watched, dating back to May 12. My ranking order is solely based on a single viewing experience and how much I enjoyed it.
The succinctly titled Oppenheimer and Barbie and not-so-succinctly titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem are still to come, and I imagine they’ll fall somewhere high on this list.1
10. John Wick 4
John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.2
I had action violence fatigue by about the midpoint of this movie. It is incessant and tiring. I could relate to Mr. Wick himself at the end of the movie as he was trying to climb hundreds of stairs only to constantly be knocked back down — exhausted, frustrated, wanting it to be over. That incendiary shotgun scene though…bonkers.
9. The Flash
Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without superheroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.
I was pretty excited for this, and it was fine. It feels so DC. I walk out of most DC movies thinking “well, that could have been better!” and this was no exception. I recently read the Flashpoint comic this is based on, and I think a lot of cool ideas from that were left on the table.
8. No Hard Feelings
On the brink of losing her home, Maddie finds an intriguing job listing: helicopter parents looking for someone to bring their introverted 19-year-old son out of his shell before college. She has one summer to make him a man or die trying.
This movie made me laugh a lot and I loved seeing Jennifer Lawrence in a comedic role. As one of only 3 original, non-franchise films on this list, I wish I had liked it and connected with it more. Maybe you will!
7. Past Lives
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.
I know in my heart this movie should be higher on my list because it is probably the best Film on the list: Absolutely gorgeous compositions, performances, and writing. It’s like a cinematic stage play. But I couldn’t get past a major feeling of impending doom that bothered/worried me the entire time. It tained the experience. I’m sure I’d like it more on second viewing, but since that hasn’t happened yet, here it is. But I recommend everyone go see it.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3
Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.
I had more fun with this movie than what I was expecting. I’m not a huge fan of the other Guardians films — rarely do I rank Vol. 1 among my favorite MCU movies and Vol. 2 is one of my least favorite. But something about this one worked for me and I had a blast.
5. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
During the '90s, a new faction of Transformers - the Maximals - join the Autobots as allies in the battle for Earth.
Listen, I’m as surprised as you. What is this even doing on my list? I was in the right mood and saw it at the right time. I turned my brain off and went along for the ride. It helped that Anthony Ramos was such a charming on-screen presence and that I actually cared about him and his relationships. Plus, there’s a bad-ass action scene at the end that had me whooping.
4. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.
It’s crazy to think that I’m watching another Indiana Jones movie in 2023 with 80-year-old Harrison Ford. He’s still kicking! Still punching Nazis!
When I think back on my childhood movie super-heroes, it was Superman, Batman, the Ninja Turtles, and Indiana Jones. I dressed up as Indy for Halloween, loved the theme song (still do), and watched every movie with Harrison Ford that my parents allowed me to watch. My nostalgia bucket was full to the brim watching this movie and I liked how it all wrapped up.
3. Air
Follows the history of sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro, and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball, Michael Jordan.
This is the only movie on the list I watched at home instead of the theater. It was entertaining and had a very Moneyball feel to it. I remember watching Prefontaine years ago before a track meet and learning about the genesis of Nike running. This movie is the genesis of Nike basketball and I loved it.
2. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.
This is one of the best action movies I’ve ever seen. I could watch Tom Cruise sprint all day. The car chase is one of the most thrilling and inventive city chases I’ve ever seen. The motorcycle base jump off a cliff was stunning, but what came after was even more exciting. Hyperbole, hyperbole, hyperbole.
The plot and talky bits I didn’t care for although there were some interesting ideas that I hope they take even further in Part 2. I’m not even sure I get what’s going on, I’m mostly here for the action. See it on a huge screen!
1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.
If I had to sum up my experience to this movie in one word, it would be this: Overstimulation. But that’s ok, because it was one of the most incredible theatrical experiences I’ve ever had. I have no idea how a movie like this gets made. I am in awe at the artistry and creativity on display. As action packed as it is, I really appreciated the slower, more emotional moments. Go see it before it’s too late!
What have been your favorite films of the year/summer? I’d love to hear!
Kyle
I still haven’t seen Elemental, The Little Mermaid, or Asteroid City and I’m curious which of those would make the list.
All premises courtesy of imdb.com
I also was stunned by how much I liked Transformers. It’s kind of crazy how much fun it was.
Spidey feels like it will definitely be staying in Top 10 for me by the end of year, but there’s still a lot of good ones to come.
I've only seen Indiana Jones on this list so far. It was a fun movie and a good end to his part of the franchise. I rather hope that the completely end it but half expect them to continue with Helena taking the reins as the artifact rescuer and, what, communist plan wrecker (nazis really are so 1940s, after all).