May Movies 2023

In Theatres

Everything I saw on the big screen this month

Lionsgate

Beau Is Afraid (2023) - 3.5/5 🪩

I totally expected Beau Is Afraid to become one of my favourite movies, but I was confused pretty much the entire time. Also, I definitely felt the three-hour runtime, especially during that whole forest/life story section. However, I loved the judgement scenes and the ending had me gagged.

Carmen (2022) - 3.5/5 🪩

A TIFF newsletter said they were going to be playing Carmen at the Lightbox, so I bought a ticket to see what the Paul Mescal tea was. I’m not sure I saw the vision with his performance in this film. I don't think his character's flatness was entirely his fault because the writing was a little questionable, but he could've been a little more three-dimensional. Other than that, Melissa Barrera was excellent as Carmen and the dance scenes were stunning!

Air (2023) - 3/5 🪩

I love a good biographical drama, even if I’m not personally invested in whatever it’s about. My mom and I couldn’t stop talking about how well-researched Air was and how great Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are together. Not to mention Viola's show-stealing performance. There's no one else that would've done that role justice. I also thought it was interesting how there was a conscious choice to keep the focus on the shoe itself and not Michael Jordan.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) - 4/5 🪩

After watching Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumainia, I wasn’t sure if I could put up with another mediocre Marvel project. Literally, the only reason I went to go see GOTG Vol. 3 was because of the surprisingly high ratings on Letterboxd. I'm so glad I caved because what an end to such a great trilogy. I would've appreciated a heads-up that I would be crying for two hours straight, but I really did enjoy this film.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023) - 4/5 🪩

I saw this with my mom, and we had such a great time. We both love the book (and Judy Blume) and this was an amazing adaptation! The casting was excellent and the script was well-written. As awkward as they were, Margaret and her friends were so much fun and I definitely see myself rewatching in the near future!

The Little Mermaid (2023) - 4/5 🪩

Honestly, I was afraid this movie wasn’t going to be good, but I knew I was going to support it regardless. Thankfully, Disney got it together and put out a pretty good adaptation. Some of the underwater scenes in between songs could’ve been livelier, but other than that, what a production! I already knew Halle Bailey could sing, but Jonah Hauer-King had me gagged!!! I’m not even gonna discuss Daveed Diggs's accent, but all of his one-liners had me crying, so I’mma have to let it slide (word to Berleezy). Jessica Alexander was amazing as Vanessa, but Halle was cast as Ariel for a reason, like let’s be so for real. Also, I don’t know what was in that contract Disney signed with Lin when they bought Hamilton, but the new songs (especially "Wild Uncharted Waters") kinda chewed, so I'm not mad about his involvement this time.

The Rest

Other movies I watched this month (scored out of 5 🪩)

• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2014) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• High School Musical (2006) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• High School Musical 2 (2007) 🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩

• High School Musical 3 (2008) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) 🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩

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