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What were the best movies of 2023?
How do you choose between “Oppenheimer” and “Killers of the Flower Moon”? Both were seminal films done by iconic filmmakers. Both were blessed with performances and technical achievements that will stand the test of time.
In other years, something like “Barbie” could have been the best film. This year, the bench was deep: “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Maestro” and “The Holdovers” had the kind of hallmarks that could have pushed “Coda,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Parasite” to second place.
The battle, though, raged between the biography of a man who was a game changer in the race between nations and a look at the greed that fostered a hidden agenda among those determined to get the Osage Nation’s wealth. Both were cautionary tales that let their creators try new ways of storytelling.
Read more from critic Bruce Miller and listen to the discussion on the latest episode of the Streamed & Screened podcast through the audio player above:
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Matthew Goode, Anthony Hopkins star in 'Freud's Last Session'
Don’t pay attention to common wisdom. You should meet your heroes, actor Matthew Goode says.
Cast opposite Anthony Hopkins in “Freud’s Last Session,” Goode was unsure how the two-time Oscar winner would receive him. Since Hopkins had already played C.S. Lewis (Goode’s role), “this could be a very intimidating job,” he remembered thinking. “He’s one of the greatest actors of all time.
"Luckily, I had a great experience. He was amazing.”
Hopkins, as you may guess, stars as Sigmund Freud, the acclaimed psychoanalyst. The film suggests what might have happened had the two met and discussed their views of religion.
Read more here:
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Movie review: 'The Iron Claw' one of the most revelatory films of the year
Based in truth, the drama leans into those “Great Santini” moments and shows how professional wrestling played with its participants’ minds. Living under what others said was a curse, most of the Von Erichs met dreadful ends. They weren’t happy celebrities. They were young men who didn’t measure up.
Directed by Sean Durkin, “The Iron Claw” gives Zac Efron his best role to date. He’s Kevin Von Erich, the stable one of the bunch, who tried to play father when their selfish dad couldn’t.
Read the full review from critic Bruce Miller:
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DVD review: 'The Exorcist: Believer' could be the start of something new
When you learn “The Exorcist” was rebooted by the folks behind the “Halloween” remake, you see the game plan. This isn’t a one-and-done venture. It’s the start of another franchise.
In “The Exorcist: Believer,” we find TWO possessed teenagers, an ecumenical look at exorcism and a guest appearance by Ellen Burstyn as the actress who had to put up with a head-spinning daughter 50 years earlier.
The changes are slight but they’re enough to suggest this could be spun into three films.
Read the full review from critic Bruce Miller:
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Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: "Lisa Frankenstein”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Lisa Frankenstein” is a light romp in a dark, dark world. But it could have been a wild wallow in an era that was packed with possibilities.
Movies in a Minute: “The Greatest Night in Pop”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a wonderful slice of history that shows what happens when stars check their egos at the door and produce something iconic.
Movies in a Minute: "Poor Things"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Poor Things" may be one of the most bizarre films of the year, but it's also a springboard for some of the best acting work of the year.
Movies in a Minute: Best Actress nominee Sandra Huller
UpdatedSandra Huller, who stars in two Best Picture nominees, "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Zone of Interest," is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in the former. Movie critic Bruce Miller calls Huller's performances incredible and says her Best Actress nomination is one of the most deserving honors of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Mean Girls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Mean Girls" has a problem with the translation to the big screen. Here, it’s darker and, somehow, more serious.
Movies in a Minute: "Anyone But You"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Anyone But You" isn’t as fun or as snarky as you want it to be. It’s just a chance for it stars to try something new without making a huge mistake.
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Color Purple" is an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza that sometimes overshadows the story of Celie, but it's a powerful film that packs a punch.
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Iron Claw" is a fascinating slice of life that suggests all the fame in the world may look great but it can’t replace a little parental love.
Movies in a Minute: "Wonka"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Wonka,” the prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” is just as delightful as the original.
Movies in a Minute: "May December"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "May December" goes deeper than any investigative story and hurts more than a well-timed social media post.
Movies in a Minute: "Wish"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says Disney's "Wish" has so many mediocre references to past animated films it can’t help but pale in comparison.
Movies in a Minute: "Next Goal Wins"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Next Goal Wins" is largely a matter of how you define “winning.” Unfortunately, the story is so scattered it’s hard to find the momentum.
Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Marvels" is not very interesting. The three crime fighters take on a baddie looking for a second bracelet but universal domination shouldn’t be the goal of everyone in a superhero movie.
Movies in a Minute: "The Holdovers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Holdovers" is a holiday movie with some rougher edges. Despite being bathed in the glow of nostalgia, “The Holdovers” is brutally real about human relationships.
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Five Nights at Freddy's" is like something you’d find on Nickelodeon over Halloween weekend. It isn't a chilling gore fest. It tests the nerves but it doesn’t fry the brain.
Movies in a Minute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is spectacular and easy to watch, though it may be a long sit for some viewers. Swift's lyrics hit the target right in the heart.
Movies in a Minute: "Killers of the Flower Moon"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Killers of the Flower Moon” is true cinema. It’s art in its highest form that never fails to entertain.
Movies in a Minute: "The Exorcist: Believer"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller calls the "The Exorcist: Believer" a respectful reboot but definitely not a head turner.
Movies in a Minute: "Fair Play"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Fair Play" is easily one of the most compelling films of the year.
