Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Overall, 2023 was a pretty weak year for movies. I was highly disappointed by several big films that many critics liked — “Oppenheimer,” “Asteroid City” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.” I also saw a lot of movies that were solid but not overwhelmingly awesome — “The Killer,” “May December” and “Barbie.” But, of course, there were a few gems that I adored.
5. “Napoleon”: The epic story of a military genius who becomes the ruler of France. The main element here is Joaquin Phoenix, an incredible actor who is mesmerizing in every scene he’s in. Phoenix has the inner power and the magnetism to play massive historical figures over and over — he was the emperor of Rome in “Gladiator,” Jesus in “Mary Magdalene” and Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line.” I always love his performance. Of course, his Joker is incredible. Anything with Phoenix in it is going to be compelling.
4. “Little Richard: I Am Everything”: It’s a doc but it’s so fun and illuminating that it was more engaging than most Hollywood movies this year. Richard is, in so many ways, the source of everything. From him comes R&B and soul and rock and Prince, who is his own genre. This film really helps you understand that Little Richard is Prince’s true cultural father as well as the true cultural father of so much of modern pop culture.
3. “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé.” It’s much more than a concert film. It’s more than an artist’s doc. It’s an experience that takes you into Beyoncéworld — into both her mind and her family. Throughout this nearly three-hour film, I was lost in the moment like I was at the show. I’m reminded of “Purple Rain” the movie, where the concert scenes were so powerful that they brought the thrill of a concert space into staid movie theaters….
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