My Top 10 Albums of 2023

2023 TOP TEN

10. Boygenius - The Record

9. Blondshell - Blondshell 

8. The Gaslight Anthem - History Books

7. We Are Scientists - Lobes

6. Portugal. The Man - Chris Black Changed My Life

5. Metric - Formentera 

4. Bombay Bicycle Club - My Big Day

3. The National - The First Two Pages of Frankenstein 

2. Islands - And That's Why Dolphins Lost Their Legs

1. Belle & Sabastian - Late Developers 

2022
1. Shout Out Louds - House
2. Stars - From Capelton Hill
3. Arcade Fire - WE
4. Death Cab for Cutie - Asphalt Meadows
5. Metric - Formentera 
6. Andrew Bird - Inside Problems
7. The Head and The Heart - Every Shade of Blue
8. Belle & Sabastian - A Bit of Previous
9. Band of Horses - Things Are Great
10. Tegan and Sara - Crybaby

2021
1. Islands - Islomania 

2. Manchester Orchestra - The Million Masks of God

3. CHVRCHES - Screen Violence

4. The War On Drugs - I Don't Live Here Anymore

5. Twenty One Pilots - Scaled And Icy

6.  The Killers - Pressure Machine

7. The Fratellis - Half Drunk Under A Full Moon
8. tUnE-yArDs - Sketchy 
9. St. Vincent - Daddy's Home
10. The Black Keys - Delta Kream

2020

1. Future Islands - As Long As You Are
2. The Killers - Imploding the Mirage

3. Plants And Animals - The Jungle

4. Surfer Blood - Carefree Theater
5. Tennis - Swimmer

6. Bahamas - Sad Hunk

7. Wolf Parade - Thin Mind

8. Grouplove - The Healer

9. The Front Bottoms - In Sickness And In Flames

10. CocoRosie - Put The Shine On

2019

1. Andrew Bird - My Finest Work Yet

2. Metronomy - Metronomy Forever

3. The National - I Am Easy To Find

4. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride

5. Tegan & Sarah - Hey, I'm Just Like You

6. Generationals - Reader As Detective

7. The Head and the Heart - Living Mirage

8. Mumford and Sons - Delta

9. Silversun Pickups - Widow's Weeds

10. Two Door Cinema Club - False Alarm

2018

1. Matt & Kim - Almost Everyday
2. Chvurches - Love Is Dead
3. Death Cab for Cutie - Thank You For Today
4. Metric - Art of Doubt
5. Moon Taxi - Let The Record Play
6. The Decemberists - I'll Be Your Girl
7. Pale Waves - My Mind Makes Noises
8. The Rural Alberta Advantage - The Wild
9. Okkerville River - In The Rainbow Rain
10. Belle and Sabastian - How to Solve Our Human Problems

2017
1. Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile to the Surface
2. Future Islands - The Far Field
3. Mew - Visuals
4. Alt-J - Relaxer
5. The Shins - Heartworms
6. Portugal. The Man - Woodstock
7. Foster the People - The Sacred Hearts Club
8. The National - Sleep Well Beasts
9. Shout Out Louds - Ease My Mind
10. Arcade Fire - Everything Now

2016
1. Radical Face - The Leaves
2. Cloud Cult - The Seeker
3. Islands - Taste
4. The Strumbellas - Hope
5. Tegan and Sara - Love You To Death
6. The Head And The Heart - Signs Of Light
7. The Avett Brothers - True Sadness
8. The Lumineers - Cleopatra
9. Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack
10. Empire of the Sun - Two Vines

2015
1. Mowgli's - Kids In Love
2. Twenty One Pilots - Blurry Face
3. Matt And Kim - New Glow
4. Metric - Pagans In Vegas
5. Death Cab For Cutie - Kintsugi 
6. Belle And Sabastian - Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance
7. Walk Off The Earth - Sing It All Away
8. Mew - + - 
9. Decemberists - What A Terrible World, What A Wonderful World
10. Chvurches - Every Open Eye

2014
1. Future Islands - Singles
2. Passenger - Whispers
3. Bishop Allen - Lights Out
4. Tokyo Police Club - Forcefield
5. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Mended With Gold
6. Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow
7. Spoon - The Want My Soul
8. Foster the People - Supermodel
9. Broken Bells - After the Disco
10. Manchester Orchestra - Cope

2013
1. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
2. Radical Face - Family Tree: The Branches
3. Twenty One Pilots - Vessel
4. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
5. Arcade Fire - Reflektor
6. Shout Out Louds - Optica
7. Crystal Fighters - Cave Rave
8. The Sounds - Weekend
9. Tegan & Sara - Heartthrob
10. Little Green Cars - Absolute Zero

2012

1. Radical Face – The Family Tree: The Roots
2. Passion Pit - Gossamer
3. Mumford And Son – Babel
4. Miike Snow – Happy To You
5. Imagine Dragons – Night Visions

6. Two Door Cinema Club – Beacon
7. Metric – Sythetica
8. Dr. Dog – Be The Void
9. Of Monsters And Men – My Head Is An Animal
10. The Avett Brothers – The Carpenter

2011
1. Death Cab For Cutie – Codes And Keys
2. The Sounds – Something To Die For
3. Architecture In Helsinki – Moment Bends
4. Decemberists – The King Is Dead
5. The Strokes – Angles
6. The Head And The Heart – The Head And The Heart
7. Brett Dennen – Loverboy
8. Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math
9. I’m From Barcelona – Forever Today
10. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Departing

2010
1. The National – High Violet
2. Vampire Weekend – Contra
3. Shout Out Louds – Work
4. Mumford And Sons – Sigh No More
5. Mates Of State – Crushes
6. Dr. Dog – Shame Shame
7. Rogue Wave – Permalight
8. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
9. Matt & Kim – Sidewalks
10. Tokyo Police Club – Champ

2009
1. The Sounds – Crossing The Rubicon
2. Passion Pit – Manners
3. Metric – Fantasies
4. Animal Collective – Merryweather Post Pavilion
5. Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
6. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns
7. Silversun Pickups – Swoon
8. We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls
9. Islands – Vapours
10. Mew – No More Stories Are Told…

The 20 Best TV Shows I Watched in 2023

 The Top 20 Best TV Shows I Watched in '23

Honorable Mentions

- Painkiller (Season 1) - Netflix - Your Honor (Season 2) - DVD - 1923 (A Yellowstone Story) (Season 1) - DVD - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Season 5) - Prime - The Last of Us (Season 1) - DVD - The White Lotus (Season 2) - DVD - Physical (Season 4) - Apple TV - Yellowjackets (Season 2) - DVD - All Creatures Great and Small (Season 3) - DVD - Alive (Season 9) - Netflix

Top 20

20. The Crowded Room (Season 1) - Apple + - This is Tom Holland trying to break out of his Spiderman thing. And you know what? He actually does quite well. This thriller is a little over-the-top at times, but for the most part, it will keep you guessing and your palms sweating. 19. Platonic (Season 1) - Apple + - Who would have guessed that Rose Byrne and Seth Rogan would make a nice, funny, "platonic" couple. This small comedy series was way funnier than it deserved to be. Rogan is at his funniest and Byrne makes a great accomplice. And the ongoing gag with the electric scooters kept me laughing. 18. Poker Face (Season 1) - DVD - Watched this on a lark, only because it sounded interesting and it was created by Rian Johnson. Without Natasha Lyonne, this is an average mystery show. With her, it's very funny, creative and enjoyable. It's a little like Matlock in that it's a "case-of-the-week" stories and not a running storyline. This makes each episode different and a whole lot of fun. 17. Jury Duty (Season 1) - Amazon Prime - Probably the best new show on Amazon Prime this year turned out to be a "reality/drama" hybrid that works so well that I wouldn't stop laughing for an entire episode. The entire series only works because of its "star" that the rest of the cast is tricking into making him think the entire thing is real. He's just so darned lovable that you can't help but cheer for him. And he always seems to make moral decisions. Add in some James Mardsen acting the fool (as himself!) and you have an instant classic. It will be interesting to see if they can trick someone else for a season 2. 16. Baskets (Season 1-4) - DVD - I fell in love with this older Zach Galifanakis show this year when someone recommended it to me. And thank goodness they did. I love Galifanakis super dry, but also super sweet role in this super odd show. While it did run out of steam a little towards the end, the show runners still let some continuous jokes ride all the way to its conclusion. Oh, and Louie Anderson, he's just the best (RIP!) 15. Succession (Season 4) - DVD -
This series came to a satisfying conclusion this year and I was along for the ride. While it never has been a favorite of mine, I still give it enormous credit for its ambition and acting. (My wife likes this show much more than me.) While the sheer amount of swear words thrown around can be overwhelming to the senses (it's not for everyone), it still manages to connect on a personal level. 14. Sex Education  (Season 4) - Netflix - Another series that will definitely NOT be for everyone. That said, what this series became is so much more than teens talking about sex. It is much more about connection, friendships, love and growing up. This last season was likely the best and as you watch these kids transition to adulthood, you realize, you are going to miss their crazy personalities. This is how a series should end! 13. Flieshman is in Trouble - (Season 1) - Hulu - How much can you deal with Jesse Eisenberg's oddities and annoying personality traits, you can enjoy this show. It took me a while to connect, but after a few episodes, I was all in. What really draws you in is a unforgettable and perhaps life changing performance by Claire Danes. Eisenberg eventually won me over too. It's a roller coaster ride as well. It's worth watching. 12. A Handmaid’s Tale (Season 5) - DVD I've been a huge fan of this show since the beginning. For a couple of years, this show was even in my top three by year's end. While it has certainly lost steam in recent seasons and I am annoyed by so much in almost every episode, I can't help but continue loving this show. I can't help but stay the course until I find out what happens to this family! I think there is one more season?? I hope they go out with a bang. 11. The Morning Show (Season 3) - Apple TV Another show that's lost some steam, even though it remains super steamy. This has turned into a soap opera series. There are so many eye rolling moments, my eyes have rolled into each other. That said, it is still a must watch. Sometimes you need a good soap opera to distract you from the world, especially when the soap opera has some of Hollywood's biggest stars. 10. The Crown - (Season 6) - Netflix I've actually become more interested in this series as it has approached modern day. Now that it has ended and we have reached current times, I appreciate the earlier episodes even more. The creators and directors of this show do a remarkable job of taking something I have zero care or interest in - the royal family - and MAKE me interested in them. This season, the ending season, is the best one for me. Reliving Princess Di's death was fascinating. 9. Only Murders in the Building  (Season 3) - Hulu Steve Martin is my favorite. Martin Short is my favorite. This series is one of my favorites. While this season was not as funny as the first two, I still laughed often. The interplay between Short and Martin is genius (as it always is) and Selena Gomez has proven she is not a third wheel. I look forward to (hopefully) many more seasons. 8. Ted Lasso (Season 3) - Apple + I cried in the last episode. I was touched by the full circle-ness of the story. While this was likely the least funny season of Ted Lasso, it certainly was still funny. In fact, the training montage with the string was my favorite TV moment of the year. I'll mss this show. 7. Justified: City Primeval  (Season 1) - Hulu I had forgotten how much I missed Justified until its return this year. Raylan Givens is one of the great TV characters of the 2010's. Timothy Olyphant has not lost a single step in his return. In fact, I'd rank this new season ahead of several of the old seasons, even if his daughter in this season is just the absolute worst actress I've ever seen. 6. A Small Light (Season 1) - Disney + Likely the most sad and also the most heartwarming TV show this year. I was hesitant when I saw it released on Disney +. I thought it might be corny and stupid. It was far from it. I was genuinely moved many times. Nominated for several Golden Globes, this is deserving. Proof that Disney can make a moving show without also making it cheesy.

5. Black Mirror (Season 6) - Netflix - Black Mirror was back this year and it was an extremely divisive season. There were a lot of fans that found this season to be stupid. I adored the season and it blew my mind in several different episodes. So much so, in fact, that I would rank this season second overall. 4. Cunk on Earth (Season 1) - Netflix This British mockumentary was by far the funniest show on TV this year. As a matter of fact, it is the only season of TV on this list that I have watched several times. Diane Morgan is a comedy genius, and I don't say that lightly. I sincerely think she is the funniest woman on the face of the planet. I love her and her wit so much that I have spent several hours watching and rewatching this season. I pray there is a second. 3. Lessons in Chemistry  (Season 1) - Apple TV The best show on Apple this year (and there are so many great ones) is Lessons in Chemistry. This is a role right up Brie Larson's alley and she knocks it out of the park! I enjoyed so much about this series: the drama, the relationships, the comedy. The directors seemed to perfectly capture the place and time. It's beautiful to look at. I almost put this show #1, but there were just a couple of amazing shows ahead of it. 2. The Bear (Season 1 & 2) - Hulu I discovered The Bear this year. The Bear is not for everyone. If you can't handle a few swears, this show is definitely NOT for you, for it is full of many, many curses. That said, if you can handle the swearing, this show is incredible. Who would have guessed that a drama/comedy about chefs running a sandwich shop would pack the most emotional punch of any show on television. Credit to Jeremy Allen White who just might becoming the next huge movie star. But also, Ayo Edibiri. She as solid as a rock in her role. Can't wait for season 3! 1. Fargo (Season 4 & 5) - Hulu Fargo is my favorite show of all time. It remains my favorite show of all time. While Season 4 was maybe the weakest season of the show (I think the weakest season is season 3), Season 5 comes back with an enormous eruption. It is probably the BEST season of the show so far, and I haven't even seen the last two episodes yet. I thought The Bear was going to take the title this year, but Season 5 of Fargo has blown me away into Fargo translucence. Thank you, FARGO!

My 20 Best Films of 2022

 My Choices for 20 Best Films of 2023

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Pearl
Vengeance 
Jerry and Marge Go Large
Spirited
Smile
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
The Fabelmans
The Woman King
Gold
The Menu
Women Talking
The Whale

TOP 20

20. Chip N' Dale: Rescue Rangers

4.5 out of 5 stars! - I thought it looked stupid from the ads. I was so wrong. So very, very wrong.

Every line, and I mean every line has a laugh. It's the writing that makes this film. It is pure genius comedy. The writing is as good as it gets for comedy.

The voices in the film are also talented and funny. The references, even the hidden references, will keep you cracking up. The amount of nods to past animated films and the amount of "cameos" is incredible. Those are great, but again, it's the writing that is perfect.

This is the funniest movie - BOTH animated and live action - that I have seen in a long, long time. My face hurts from smiling and laughing so hard. My nine year old didn't get all the references, but he also could not. stop. laughing.

This is a movie I am going to rewatch again and again. I think I missed so many jokes the first time. It's the best movie of 2022 for me so far. It's on Disney + now as part of your subscription. Watch it, especially if you watched cartoons in the 80's and 90's. 19. Nitram 4.5 stars - Heart-wrenching and almost cruel to watch, this true story is shaking. A slowwwwww burn, but filled with agony and will shread you to pieces. A movie to be watched once, but definitely not twice. One of the finest acting performances I have ever seen by Caleb Landry. He's able to capture both the tragedy of mental illness and the tradgedy that guns combined with mental illness may cause. 18. Breaking 4.5 stars - I believe that there are a lot of things that this film is trying to say... I might not even be sure of all of them. But in the midst of all the statements it is trying to make (race, class, treatment of veterans), lies an absolutely riviting and fierce drama and thriller.

This true story kept me on the edge of my luxury reclining theater seat. My butt was sweating from anticipation, either that or from the heated seats. For 2 hours, I barely moved... only occasionally blinking, fixated on the upcoming apex of the film.

John Boyega is the 2020's Denzel. He shines in this film and I hope he gets at least some mentions come award season.

This one is worth seeing! 17. Emily the Criminal 4.5 stars - A story that goes from intrigue to spellbinding to intense thrills, this film took me along for a riveting ride. Aubrey Plaza with the performance of her career and Theo Rossi matched her performance at ever step. This is one of the year's best films so far. 16. Charm City Kings 4.5 stars - A real life look into the lives of black teenage boys trying to escape the realities of poverty in inner city Baltimore with the recent trend of dirt bikes. More than just a dirt bike movie though, this film has real despair and presents these boys with such fervor, it is difficult not to fall in love with them. Some very persuasive and graphic language, but certainly nothing that you wouldn't find in the streets of inner city Baltimore.

I loved this film. The flickering hope these boys felt, the dirt bike culture they get enthalled into and the coming-of-age lessons that they learn. It will pull on your heartstrings, but in the end it feels like you've been doing a wheelie for blocks and blocks.

Originally released on HBO in 2020, but just released on video this year. 15. The Black Phone 4.5 stars - 4 and 1/2 stars out of 5 stars - Not sure how I missed this one when it came out a bit ago. I think I was taken aback by the cover and the description.

This is a well made, extremely well acted and well written movie. It has just a hint of mysticality that makes it extra terrifying. The kid acting in this is superb. The story and the interconnecting of characters is rich. Ethan Hawke and the kid actors raised this one to another level. Finally, it is truly terrifying! 14. Till 4.5 stars - It could be argued that this film is too straight forward and formulatic. But some stories simply need to be told in a straight forward and formulatic way. The story of Emmett Till and his mother, Marnie, is one of those stories.

This is a film that should be shown in high schools forever. It is poignant, bitter and at times, hard to watch. It's a story of racial hate that assists our vision in seeing current times.

Most of all, this is a story of motherly love. Danielle Deadwyler gives a performance of a lifetime as Marnie. I hope to see her name on the Academy Award nominations this year.

This is a movie that deserves your attention and the attention of the world. I hope it is not one that is easily dismissed of forgotten. 13. She Said 4.5 stars - Based on your political leanings, this film may not be for you. It tells the tale of the media takedown of Harvey Weinstein that absolutely crushes it.

Part of the "crushing it" part stems from my favorite actress on the planet, Carey Mulligan, who is powerful, strong and downright adorable all at the same time in this film.

The pacing is perfect, the true story is fascinating and the tension is high. I enjoyed it quite much and it's always fun to see an awful villain like Weinstein get taken down! Shame that this film didn't get more Oscar buzz or noms, especially for the always great Mulligan.

12. Thirteen Lives 4.5 stars - An incredible surprise! Often films that portray events of not long ago do so cheaply and does not do it justice. This, however, is a gem!

My only complaint is that I wish there was more from the perspective of the boys trapped in a cave. But alas, this is much more about the rescuers and their bravery.

The underwater shots are dramatic and intensely shot. This one will keep you on edge, even if you already know how it ends. One of the year's best films. It's on Prime. 11. Enola Holmes 2 4.5 stars - A celebration of fun. Strong writing and store, mixed with charming performances and a sense of whimsy. This film captures the spirit and liveliness of the Indiana Jones films. I loved watching Enola and Sherlock work together and separately, but I also loved watching Enola not needing to be saved by her older brother. The first film sets this one up perfectly and this one adds to and builds off of it. As a result, it's even better than the first. 10. The Banshees of Inisherin

4.5 stars - I think I laughed more in this film than any other of the 100 films I watched in 2022. And the odd thing is that its main purpose is certainly NOT to be funny. But the situations it portrays and the choices of the characters are surprising - even shocking - and just downright funny.

The thing is, this film will certainly make you think as well. It is a thought provoking experiment that is certainly not predictable. It will getting you thinking about friendships, time spent in life, so much. I'll certainly be thinking about it for some time.

It's a little slow, but the surprises certainly spice things up, almost like every 15 minutes or so, the filmmakers sprinkle some comedy pepper on the film. In doing so, they've created one of the year's best films and I'm sure it will receive its share of attention at the Oscars.

9. The Phantom of the Open 4.5 stars - This film is filled with so much optimism and joy, you can't help but smile through the entire thing. This film makes a case to be the best golf film of all time, and I do not say that lightly. Better than Caddyshack, better than Happy Gilmore, better than Tin Cup, better than Bagger Vance. It's just that good.

Even if you don't like golf, you can't help but get caught up in the ignorant wonder and amusement of it all. It's not a comedy, but I found myself belly laughing on many occasions. Mark Rylance is sensational, but it's Sally Hawkins that absolutely steals the show. I'd love to see her get some award nominations for this role.

The best film of 2022 so far? Might be Top Gun OR it might be The Phantom of the Open. This true story is a treasure. It's in theaters now! 8. To Leslie 4.5 stars - I found this to be a sweet little film with marvelous performances, most notably Andrea Riseborough, who was nominated for Best Actress for this role and basically put this film on the map.

And thank goodness she did because I otherwise never would have watched it. I found myself cheering for Riseborough's character and genuinely disappointed in her and thrilled for her. It was just filled with raw emotion and again, I just found it super sweet, but not in a corny way. Certainly worth watching.

7. A Man Called Otto 4.5 stars - WARNING!! Do NOT watch this film within a couple months after losing a parent! My wife, who NEVER, ever cries in movies, cried for the entire last 30 minutes.

Sometimes the best stories are the most simple. Thus is the case with Otto. It's simple, straightforward and extremely earnest. In fact, its earnestness the earnestness of Tom Hanks is what makes it very watchable and not over-the-top syrupy garbage. (Just a little syrupy.)

Otto is also funny at times, but ultimately full of heart. Certainly worth 90 minutes of your life.

6. The Fallout 4.5 stars - It's going to be darned tough for many people to watch this film about a school shooting... especially those that have been through violent trauma or are triggered by violent trauma. Yet this is a persuasive reminder of how trauma can impact and change lives. Jenna Ortega gives a potent and stirring performance. The entire cast is extraordinary.

Amongst the darkness, dread and anguish of this film, there are moments of hope and light. The bonding that occurs between teens that normally wouldn't have anything to do with each other, but are now close because of this shared trauma is a source of wonder in an otherwise dreary world. If you have the fortitude to watch this film, it is well worth it. One of 2022's best. 5. Cha Cha Real Smooth

5 stars - To be perfectly transparent, this is not a perfect movie. It has flaws. But for what I am looking for in a movie, it is near perfect. It has all the things I love: a coming of age story, heart, humor, an uncertain storyline that is not too predictable. Cooper Raiff is entirely likable in the lead role, even when he's supposed to be a jerk. Dakota Johnson plays a complicated, faulty but charming character. I have newfound respect for her as an actress. Their onscreen chemistry is palpable. Leslie Mann is the biggest surprise here. She's quite good.

This film won't blow your mind, but if you're in the mood for a film with a lot of heart and humor and that might make you cry at the end, this is one for me, or maybe for you too. It's on Apple+ now. 4. Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical 5 stars - There is always a hesitation when a movie is made about one of your favorite books or Broadway musicals, or in this case, both. I was nervous that Netflix would ruin what is my all time favorite musical and one of my all time favorite books. And sure, there have been a few non-musical film adaptations of Matilda that have been anywhere from decent to bad.

So I wasn't too hopeful that Netflix wouldn't ruin it. And I am totally relieved that they absolutely did it justice. It might be because they stuck almost 100% to the script and songs in the musical... that certainly helped.

But there is more that make this a special movie: the visuals are fantastic, the mood is perfectly captured, the singing is near perfect, the songs are catchy and above all, the choreography of hundreds of school-aged kids is downright impressive. Even if you don't like Matilda, I can't imagine you walking away from watching this without a smile on your face. And if you're a mom, no doubt that when it's over, you will say, "AH, that was SO CUTE!"

Emma Thompson gives a superb performance and the. main performance of Matilda by Alisha Weir was well beyond her years. So, thank you Netflix, for not only NOT ruining one of my favorite things, but maybe even making it BETTER!

3. RRR

5 stars - I promise, promise, promise, you will NOT be bored for even a MICROSECOND! It's got everything: dance, singing, romance, incredible cinematography, a wonderful story and some of the most intense action sequences on film this year. It's a little over 3 hours, but that might be because an hour of the action scenes are in slow motion - but a super, duper cool slow motion that you wish will never end. It is incredibly over the top, yes... but it kinda makes you love it even more. It's on Netflix. Watch it, it deserves to be way more popular than it currently is. 2. Top Gun: Maverick 5 stars - PURE... MOVIE... MAGIC. Will someday be known as an all-time great. An all-American movie that will make you love American movie making all over again. Definitely, definitely see it in theaters. DON'T wait for streaming or video. It will not be the same experience in your home. 1. All Quiet on the Western Front 5 stars - This Netflix film is actually the THIRD iteration I have watched of this story in the past year! The 1930 film, deemed one of the greatest films of all time, was wonderful, but painfully dated. The 1979 version had excellent character building, but at times was painfully cheesy. This version - the 2022 version - was by far the most chilling, violent and realistic look at the first World War.

There are some absolutely horrific scenes in this film, scenes that I will never forget. Some of the scenes are the same as the two previous versions, but captured in more detail and with more pain. It was a challenge to watch, but I certainly felt appreciation for both sides that faught in this hellistic trench-war.

My only complaint is that the characters in the film are not well developed. They die off one by one before we even learn enough about them to form a bond. Thus, the stakes feel lower than they should be. Thus, as it stands, the 1930 version should still be a classic, but this version should be the go-to viewing version for the most realistic look at the WWI.

2021

10. C'mon C'mon 9. Mass 8. A Quiet Place Part II 7. On the Rocks 6. Encanto 5. Last Night in Soho 4. Belfast 3. Blue Bayou 2. Coda 1. Cyrano

2020: 
10. News of the World 9. The Wolf of Snow Hollow 8. Manari 7. Nomadland 6. The Father 5. The Invisible Man 4. The Little Things 3. Princess of the Row 2. Sound of Metal 1. Promising Young Women

2019: 10. Parisite 9. Rocketman 8. The Art Of Self Defense

7. Greener Grass 6. The Mustang 5. A Marriage Story 4. Richard Jewell 3. 1917 2. Peanut Butter Falcon 1. JoJo Rabbit

2018:

10. Upgrade 9. What They Had 8. Leave No Trace 7. Three Identical Strangers 6. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 5. Free Solo 4. A Quiet Place 3. Green Book 2. Won't You Be My Neighbor 1. Eighth Grade

2017:

10. Dunkirk

9. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi

8. The Shape of Water

7. Get Out

6. The Big Sick

5. Logan Lucky

4. Lady Bird

3. It

2. Brigsby Bear

1. Only the Brave

2016: 10. 10 Cloverfield Lane 9. Sully

8. Eye In The Sky

7. La La Land

6. Life, Animated

5. Pete's Dragon

4. Hidden Figures

3. Hacksaw Ridge

2. Arrival

1. Lion 2015
10. Spotlight
9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
8. The Martian
7. The Revenant
6. Ex Machina
5. Ant Man
4. Inside Out
3. The Walk
2. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
1. Room

2014
10. The Hobbit
9. Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
8. The Theory of Everything
7. Joe
6. Big Hero 6
5. Boyhood
4. The Imitation Game
3. Big Eyes
2. Whiplash
1. St. Vincent

2013

10. The Heat

9. Mud

8. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

7. Despicable Me 2

6. Gravity

5. Short Term 12

4. Nebraska

3. 12 Years a Slave

2. Philomena

1. The Kings of Summer

2012

10. Premium Rush

9. Moonrise Kingdom

8. The Amazing Spiderman

7. Looper

6. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

5. Argo

4. Frankenweenie

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

2. Sleepwalk With Me

1. Safety Not Guaranteed