Any given year’s movie slate is always something I find myself looking forward to. The anticipation that comes with waiting for an exciting piece of media is always a motivating factor in working my way through both life and school. 2023 is no different as it has a tasty lineup of movies on the menu. I have picked five movies I am looking forward to the most along with why I believe you should too.
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” – June 2
Image Courtesy of IMDb
I have been a Spider-Man fan since I was a child; he is my absolute favorite, so there is no surprise when I say I cannot contain my eagerness for the sequel of a critically acclaimed animated film about the Spider-People (and Spider-Ham.) Spider-Man aside, we can expect to see another heartwarming exploration of what it means to be a hero to yourself and others. Miles’ story is far from over, and his character growth in the first film of this series shaped him in all mediums ever since then. Some breathtaking visuals that can only be described as a cinematic high paired with the returning ensemble cast and special guest appearances from past iterations of Spider-Man make this a must watch for all ages.
“Asteroid City” – June 16
Image Courtesy of The Film Stage
You could slap the name Wes Anderson on a stale loaf of bread, and I would eat it up. Wes Anderson has such a way with color and narrative it is evident from his previous work such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel” or “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” His track record is impeccable, and when I heard he would be directing a romance movie in 2023, I just knew it would be a sight to behold. The cast is filled with seasoned veterans, frequent collaborators, and rising stars so there is no shortage of talent. Anybody who is a fan of charming dialogue and vintage visuals is sure to find something enjoyable in “Asteroid City.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” – May (tentatively)
Image Courtesy of IMDb
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio have a special relationship. They have worked together in five movies, and this will be the sixth. Some of the greatest if not the greatest DiCaprio performances have come under the guidance of Scorsese, so it is natural to expect this to be no different. Based on David Grann’s nonfiction book of the same name, the film revolves around the deaths of members of the Osage Tribe in Oklahoma and the FBI investigation surrounding it. My favorite genre of movies has always been thrillers, and this looks to be among the best thrillers of the year.
“Barbie” – July 21
Image Courtesy of Vogue
Greta Gerwig has been on the rise ever since “Lady Bird.” She is making herself known as one of film’s most powerful directors for her work’s commentary on women and what the experience of being a woman brings. It was kind of a shocker to see her be named the director for “Barbie” with their controversial history around unattainable figures, but I cannot say I wasn’t curious. Once the cast was announced and set pictures started coming out, it became clear that there was both a cinematic and visual appeal to the movie. The film seeks to challenge cutthroat beauty standards and instead uplift imperfection.
“Oppenheimer” – July 21
Image Courtesy of IMDb
It is almost too funny to have this film release on the same day as the previous entry on this list because the subject matter could not be more different. Centered around the Manhattan Project of the 1940s, Christopher Nolan tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer and how the atomic bomb came to be. This movie will without a doubt tackle themes of morality, mortality and the seemingly endless destruction that follows wherever man goes. A Nolan movie usually carries with it a stacked roster of actors, and this movie is no different being filled with A-listers. It also helps that the cinematography will be uniquely wonderful as it will be the first IMAX movie in black and white.