1) Origin
 Based on the terrific book, Castes, this is a brilliant docudrama about the origins of social stratification. It follows an author who travels through India, the American south and Germany to find the roots of classicism. It also illustrates scenarios involving race. This matches the book in quality, which was brilliant, and it is hard to think of a better film to see for a class which discusses the issue of classicism. This low performing film was re-released for the Juneteenth Holiday which was very appropriate, and I hope this helps expand the audience. Streaming on You tube, Google play, Fandango at Home, and Amazon Prime.
 

2) Dune, Part 2
Spectacular sequel develops the relationship between Paul Artredes (Timothy Chalomel) and Chani (rising star Zandaya) from the excellent first film, Dune Part 1 and it features a glorious scene involving a confrontation between the hero and a sand worm that is a technical marvel. The director, Denis Villanueve has a unique gift for doing sci-fi and he imbues the characters with rare psychological complexity. An unusually intelligent sci-fi film that includes compelling dialog and a truckload of astonishing special effects. This David Lean influenced film which captures enormous landscapes screams out to be seem on the big screen, Streaming on Max, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home, and Google Play.
 

3) The Taste of Things
Beautiful love story about a man who employs a live-in cook who have a very unconventional relationship. They often express their love and passion by cooking for each other and she sometimes leaves the door open so he can join her at night. The characterization and dialogue are top notch, and this makes most American romantic films look like kid’s stuff. Hopefully, a full review will eventually be posted on this page. In French with English subtitles, Streaming on AMC, Acorn, YouTube, Sling, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Google Play.
 

4) I Saw the TV Glow
Visually striking and bizarre David Lynch influenced film about alienated misfits that bond over a cult TV show giving young cinephiles much to identify with. About halfway through, the film changes dramatically and we find out nothing may be as it seems. This charming, creepy, and tender coming of age film should please both fans of Stranger Things and the avant garde and at times the story and dialogue have a Stephen King like feel. The Director, Jane Schoenbrun, who is new and trans (the film does deal with some trams themes) is one of the most promising talents to come out of cinema in years. Streaming on AMC, Acorn, YouTube, Sling, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Google Play,
 

5) Perfect Days
Gentle, gorgeous and heart felt film about a man who delights in living a simple life cleaning toilets. The film makes great use of the classic Lou Reed song it is named after which is also pleasant on the surface and melancholy underneath. From the German New Wave genius Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire) who see's Japan and its regimentation from a unique cross-cultural perspective. Nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards. In Japanese with English subtitles. Streaming on Hulu, YouTube, Fandango, Google Play, and Amazon Prime.
 

6) Don’t Expect Too Much from the End of the World
Wickedly funny and timely film about a female newscaster hired to make little propaganda/public safety films about employees that got hurt for not following the office rules. But she finds out that most of the time it was the company’s fault they will be injured, and she is supposed to mislead the public so the company can have good PR and they can limit payouts. The highly original films ends with a great parody of Bob Dylan’s Subterranean Homesick Blues video which unethically uses AI to change the words of people to say the opposite of what they mean. This masterfully takes down Tic Tock and other social media outlets. In Romanian with English subtitles. Streaming on Amazon Prime and Fandango at Home
 

7) Love lies Bleeding
Grim, gritty, and sexy neo noir about a woman in a terrible household (played by Kristen Stewart) that is run by a crime lord father (well-played by Ed Harris.) She falls for a steroid taking body builder (Kay O’ Brien) who only brings trouble and increased danger to her life. Streaming on YouTube, Google Play, Amazon rime and Fandango at Home.
 

8) Hit Man
The film is not what you think. Richard (2001: A Space Odyssey) Linklater’s noir influenced dramady is about a mild-mannered college philosophy professor who works for the police to entrap people who want to hire assassins so they can be arrested. He is fabulous at the job because he does lots of research and in a sense takes on different personalities to become whatever the potential clients are looking for. But things get complicated when he falls for one of his potential clients. Partially inspired by a true story, Look for a complete review soon. Streaming exclusively on Netflix
 

9) Cabrini
Touching and inspirational bio pic about their Italian immigrant who became the first American who was canonized. This well told film about a struggling Italian immigrant who achieves who fights for the poor and establishes a hospital is rare religious themed film that does not proselytize and is never heavy handed with socially conscious message. This is one of the best in a new wave of Chrisitan Indy films and it should please fan of the TV show The Chosen, which is excellent even if you are a non-Chrisitan. Streaming exclusively on Angel Studio website.
 

10) Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Fast paced and excited prequel to Mad Max Fury Road which nearly matches its fine predecessor focuses on the heart-breaking origin story of Furiosa, who was taken from her matriarchal society and adopted by the villainous delightful mentor (Chris Hemsworth in his best role.) Furiosa is no Mary Sue and she grows into a multi-dimensional character as she goes through her trials and tribulations. Not a masterpiece but this is much better than it had to be and it is the best action film of the year so far. Not streaming yet and still in theatres.
 

Honorable mentions
11. American Fiction
12. Inside Out 2
13. We All Grown Now
14. The Monk and the Gun (Bhutanese)
15. Society of the Snow (Spanish)

Now for the worst films of the year in order of how bad they are.
 

1) Madame Web
Many superhero films and limited series (The Marvels, Ant-Man Quantumania, and Secret Wars come to mind) in the last few years have been poor, but Madame Web was exceptionally unusually, memorably terrible. It had terrible pacing and lacked any decent action scenes, plus it gave me and the audience none of what we wanted to see.
 

2) Miller’s Girl
This film about a spring/winter relationship between a professor and his student is a new low point in the career of it girl and Wednesday star, Jenna Ortega. Neither sexy, thoughtful, socially conscious nor dramatically compelling; this film plays like a Cinemax softcore porn film with all the sex scenes missing. It is hard to guess what audience this film was made for. This is even more disappointing because it has potential and because of the talent involved.
 

3) Festival of the Dead
The basic concept of a zombie outbreak happening in a Lollapalooza type festival had potential. Too bad that the execution and special effects are shocking substandard. Watch Train to Busan instead. On Tubi.
 

4) UnderDoggs
Badly written vehicle for rapper Snoop Dogg who plays an ex-football player who gets in trouble with the law. As part of his community service, he must go back to his hometown and coach a losing high school team. Of course, he goes from being an arrogant showoff to an inspiration to the players. The hugely worthless film is only slightly redeemed by the charisma of its star. The film has moments of fun, and it has its heart in the right space but the zero budget killed it. On Amazon Prime.
 

5) Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
By far the most tedious and uninspired concert film I have seen for years. I know I am pretty far from her target demographic audience but watching Taylor Swift’s concert film on Disney was like having a whole loaf of white bread with no meat or condiments stuffed down my throat for three hours. I much preferred the recent concert films of Kylie Minogue show on Hulu, Linda Ronstadt, and Billie Eilish.