I feel like this was the year that found us return to cinema in full force. Some could say that was all thanks to Barbenheimer. The way in which literally everyone from all over the world took part in this monumental occasion by dressing up and doing double features for each film – I don’t think we will ever have anything like it again.
2023 was also the year that saw me reach one thousand followers on Instagram. What a highlight that was! And though I’ve been stuck at the same number now for the past few months, I absolutely love writing these reviews. Credits Rolling has been a safe haven for me and I would be lost without it.
As I look back on this year, here are my top five best and worst films:
From the brilliant mind of Christopher Nolan comes Oppenheimer, a biopic based on the true story of the father of the atomic bomb. Starting as a student studying abroad, J. Robert decides to come back to America to share what he’s learned. We see the events that follow after, through the Manhattan project and the Trinity Test, ultimately leading up to a catastrophic conclusion.
In a complete 180 degree turnaround from Barbie, this is a film that is not to be missed on the big screen. While the three hour run time certainly threw me for a loop (and boy did I feel it), I am so glad that I didn’t give this one a miss.
Cillian Murphy dons the titular title in stride. Not only does he physically resemble Oppenheimer, he gives a masterclass in acting in this role. After working with Nolan on so many projects throughout the years, it was lovely to see him take the helm. Major props go to Robert Downey Jr., however, who portrays Lewis Strauss, Oppenheimers’ frenemy. In a career best performance, this surely won’t go unnoticed during awards season.
In fact, the film boasts a wide range of celebrity cameos including but not limited to Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Josh Hartnett and Matthew Modine to name a few. Some had very small, but impactful roles. That being said, it would have been nice for Pugh and Blunt’s characters to be fleshed out more.
The serious tone that is carried throughout the film was encompassed with brilliant sound effects. The Trinity Test sequence, in particular, was done in such an amazing way that I was literally gripping the edge of my seat. In addition to these sound effects was an equally justifying score. It’s like there was an impending sense of doom looming over the entirety of the film that wouldn’t let up until the very end.
If I were to describe Oppenheimer in one word, it would be epic. I read another review just this morning saying that this film should obligatory viewing in schools and I have to agree. The sheer importance of this piece of history is something that is just as prominent today and should never be forgotten.
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