Well, Schmoes, as 2023 finally draws to a close, we reflect on another unique year for movie fans. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes shook up the release schedule, but we still got a ton of movies on the big screen and via countless streaming platforms. If there is one thing for sure, there are always movies highly overrated and underrated by critics and fans alike. As the UnPopular Opinion Guy, I felt it was only fitting to issue my list of the movies I felt the masses got wrong. Some of these may shock you, and some may piss you off, but these are my honest-to-goodness perspective of the movies of 2023. If you disagree with any of the choices, please voice your opinion in the comments below. After all, the only opinion that really matters is yours, and I am just here to share mine.
5. The Exorcist: Believer
As uneven as David Gordon Green‘s Halloween trilogy was, I was genuinely excited for his revival of The Exorcist franchise. The first trailer for The Exorcist: Believer hooked me thanks to the creepy visuals and the long-awaited return of Ellen Burstyn. As perfect as the 1973 The Exorcist is, the 2023 sequel is the first of the five film follow-ups to develop any world-building. By expanding the mythology to include multiple religions and cultures, The Exorcist: Believer shifts the story away from being about the Catholic Church versus Science to being a true battle of good versus evil. I appreciate that rather than try to replicate the original movie, The Exorcist: Believer tries something new. Plus, the tease of Linda Blair’s return immediately makes me want to see the sequel. (As an aside, I am willing to bet money that the third film will be called The Exorcist: Redeemer).
4. The Creator
Gareth Edwards’ epic science fiction film garnered decent reviews. It grossed just twenty million over its $80 million budget, but this film deserves to be heralded amongst the top ten films of 2023. An emotionally centered rollercoaster, The Creator is a blend of Children of Men and Blade Runner and serves as one of the few studio films that could elicit a major investment without being based on existing IP. I loved John David Washington’s performance as the reluctant hero escorting the potential savior of an embattled race. This movie has wonderful set pieces, impeccable special effects, and one of the year’s best scores. The problem is not nearly enough people went to see it on the big screen, something I hope is rectified as the film is now available on demand, 4K, and streaming. Whether you like sci-fi or not, The Creator is a movie that transcends genre and demands your attention.
3. Blue Beetle
With the DCEU a lame duck, the final films in the franchise have been petering out with little fanfare. While Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will hopefully end the cinematic universe on a high note, the quiet release of Blue Beetle should have been a high-water mark for Warner Bros comic book films. Led by Xolo Mariduena, Blue Beetle is a fun, energetic, and action-packed entry with a Latinx flair. Full of underdog energy and some fun family dynamics, Blue Beetle sizzled with rhythm and some of the more creative visual styles in any DCEU film. While not as epic as other comic book movies, the film is a solid follow-up for Charm City Kings director Angel Manuel Soto. With a good villain turn from Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord, the closing credit sequence will remain one of the biggest wastes of potential for where this franchise could have gone.
2. The Flash
The other major comic book movie from Warner Bros this year was the long-awaited The Flash. After months and months of speculation as to the film’s fate after star Ezra Miller had a widely publicized meltdown amidst legal issues, the film finally debuted and gave us the return of Michael Keaton as Batman. With the introduction of Sasha Calle as Supergirl, the return of Michael Shannon as General Zod, and the hilarious tease of George Clooney back as Bruce Wayne, everything about The Flash was epic, exciting, and fun. Questionable CGI aside, this was the best live-action multiverse movie from any studio or franchise to date. I wish the DCEU were continuing in some manner, as Ezra Miller, crazy or not, is a really talented actor who has made Barry Allen his own.
1. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
When Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was released, you were too butthurt by the CGI and Shia LaBeouf to appreciate that we got a fourth adventure with Doctor Jones. How dare you. Now, you all ruined another outing by not going to see Dial of Destiny in theaters, resulting in a f**cking Indiana Jones movie bombing at the box office. What the hell is wrong with you? With fantastic de-aging in the opening sequence, a rip-roaring adventure around the globe, and through time, Harrison Ford still showcased ample ability to don the fedora in a very fulfilling movie that took the series out on a high note. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and Boyd Holbrook were exceptional, and director James Mangold achieved something special by stepping into Steven Spielberg’s big shoes. One of the most fun movies of 2023, which deserved a lot more from all of us.
Let us know your thoughts on our top five in the comments below. Feel free to share your most underrated flicks of 2023 as well!