September Movies 2023

In Theatres

Everything I saw on the big screen this month

The Boy and the Heron (2023) - 4.5/5 🪩

This was my first Studio Ghibli film. I don't think it was the best option to start on, but I get the appeal. The hand drawn style of animation is absolutely stunning. Though I didn't entirely understand what was going on half the time, the visuals consistently served. The Boy and the Heron, could've been a little shorter, but I still enjoyed it. Hopefully, I'll watch some of the older movies soon!

They Shot the Piano Player (2023) - 2/5 🪩

This would've been a good movie if it had a better script editor and more than a $5 budget. The storyline of the writer switching his book to the mysterious disappearing of a jazz musician was genius. Especially because Francisco Tenório Júnior was a real person. Unfortunately, the film was anticlimactic and the narrative ran in circles. It could've easily been a short film. Not to mention the audio was CRAZY. I had to cover my ears several times because the volume levels were off the rails.

Though the energy was definitely different with the SAG-AFTRA strike in effect, the Toronto International Film Festival still had some gems.

I Do Not Come To You By Chance (2023) - 4/5 🪩

Fantastic! I took my mom to see this film and we had the time of our lives. I Do Not Come To You By Chance follows Kingsley, a young man having a hard time finding employment. Out of desperation, he turns to his sketchy uncle for help and get's involved in his fraudulent email scam operation.

I haven't read the book yet, but the author was at the screening with the cast and she said she had a prominent influence on the film, so I'm sure it's a great adaptation. I haven't seen a Nigerian film outside of Nollywood, but it did NOT disappoint.

Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero (2023) - 3.5/5 🪩

This was your average concert doc. Montero didn't reinvent the wheel with this one, but as a fan, I loved it. My brother and I sang along to every song (extremely quietly of course). Lil Nas X doesn't often share about his personal life, so it was cool to see a little bit into what makes Montero, Montero. I did attend the concert last year, but I don't know what went on in Toronto, because the concerts shown in the film were NOTHING like the one I saw.

I Do Not Come To You By Chance (2023) - 4/5 🪩

Fantastic! I took my mom to see this film and we had the time of our lives. I Do Not Come To You By Chance follows Kingsley, a young man having a hard time finding employment. Out of desperation, he turns to his sketchy uncle for help and get's involved in his fraudulent email scam operation.

I haven't read the book yet, but the author was at the screening with the cast and she said she had a prominent influence on the film, so I'm sure it's a great adaptation. I haven't seen a Nigerian film outside of Nollywood, but it did NOT disappoint.

Sing Sing (2023) - 5/5 🪩

Coleman Domingo is a star. Point blank. We were all gagged by his performance in Euphoria, but Domingo in Sing Sing was phenomenal. This film is based on the real theatre troupe of inmates at Sing Sing correctional facility. I don't want to give away too much, but it was incredible to see the cast and former inmates come out after the screening. I can't wait to see it again when it comes to theatres!

A Difficult Year (2023) - 2.5/5 🪩

I definitely read the description wrong when I bought my ticket because I was so confused the entire time. I like kind of got the plot, but I didn't love it. I laughed a few times but I dozed off a lot more. I'm still confused by the ending. I thought it was going to be a 'it was all a dream' type of thing, but then the credits rolled.

Riddle of Fire (2023) - 5/5 🪩

What a concept!!! I went into the film blind and I think that's the best viewing experience so I encourage you to watch. Bring back kids in movies just being kids!

National Anthem (2023) - 4/5 🪩

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Luke Gilliford's debut feature film follows Dylan, young adult supporting his mom and brother by working construction. He embarks on a journey of self discovery when group of queer ranchers and rodeo performers welcome him into their community.

I really liked this movie. The filmography was stunning, and the portrayal of queer folk was perfection. Luke did a Q&A after the screening and discussed how important it was for Dylan and the other queer characters to live freely in their queerness and have conflict arise in other aspects rather than focus on their sexual orientation.

The Rest

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

• ******* (2023) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• *********** (2023) 🪩

• **** ******** (2023) 🪩🪩🪩

• **** ******** (2003) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• **** ********* (2010) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• **********, ***** (2008) 🪩🪩🪩

• *** **** ** ****** (2009) 🪩🪩

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