2023 Movie Battle

Let’s Talk About My Favorite Matches

Rocky IV versus Everything Everywhere All at Once

Bullet Train versus Moulin Rouge

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 versus All the President’s Men

Rocky IV versus Everything Everywhere All At Once

Rocky IV

In “Rocky IV,” world champion Rocky Balboa confronts the formidable Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in a high-stakes match with personal and political implications. As tensions rise both inside and outside the ring, Rocky aims to avenge the death of his friend Apollo Creed and demonstrate the strength of the human spirit.

V E R S U S

Everything Everywhere All At Once

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a multiverse adventure film that defies traditional genre boundaries, blending comedy, drama, and science fiction into a mind-bending cinematic journey. The story follows a woman who navigates various parallel universes, encountering different versions of herself and embarking on a transcendent experience that challenges perception and reality.

W I N N E R

I became a huge Rocky fan in 2022. During that year Joe picked the theme of “Sports” for one movie month and I cringed. However, out of that dark month emerged one of my new heroes, Rocky freaking Balboa. It’s because of Rocky we went to Philadelphia in 2023, did the virtual Rocky Run, and I started a kickboxing class. Reading that you’d probably think Rocky IV from our Sequels themed month won this movie match – just like he won the match against Ivan Drago and brought two nations together. Any other day Rocky IV would have won, but Everything Everywhere All at Once won because much like the ominous everything bagel in the film, it had it all. This movie from our Infinity themed month was funny, relatable, touching, weird, and action-packed. Unsettling hot dog fingers aside it was the best movie. It was so clever how seemingly random powers from different multiverses all ended up playing a part in the end. There was a great message and any movie that can make me cry over a scene of two google-eyed rocks talking without verbal dialogue is hot dog hands down the winner. I’ve thought of this film a lot since watching it and it will stay with me forever. That’s why this movie not only won this match, but the whole bracket!

Bullet Train versus Moulin Rouge

Bullet Train

Bullet Train is a high-octane thriller about five assassins with conflicting motives who find themselves on the same train. As the tension escalates, loyalties are tested and the situation spins out of control in a fast-paced and unpredictable journey.

V E R S U S

Moulin Rouge

In Moulin Rouge, a young poet named Christian falls in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the famous Parisian nightclub, Moulin Rouge. The two engage in a passionate and forbidden romance, complicating matters further when a jealous duke and the financial troubles of the club threaten their happiness. The film is a visually stunning musical that combines spectacle, romance, and tragedy against the backdrop of the vibrant and bohemian Montmartre district in Paris.

W I N N E R

In high school I had a CD alarm clock that would wake you up to any CD of your choosing. For over a year I chose to wake up to the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Every morning David Bowie would serenade me about Diamond Dogs as I got ready to conquer another awkward day of high school. Moulin Rouge has a special place in my heart because of this, which is why I chose it for our Hot month theme. I was definitely too young to fully understand it, but as an adult I still really like the film. Yes, it’s very chaotic and sometimes feels disjointed, but I enjoy it still and will never part with my DVD copy. Putting my sentimental attachment of Moulin Rouge aside, Bullet Train actually won this round of the movie battle. Action comedy is my sweet spot and this movie from our Transportation themed month was filled with a stellar, cartoonish, ass kicking cast. Yes, Brad Pitt was in this film, but it was Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry) and Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) that stole the show like the train stickered briefcase that caused so much trouble. Their banter and brotherly love seemed so genuine. We also can’t forget Lemon’s Thomas the Tank Engine obsession that had me laughing every time this intimidating contract killer brought up Thomas as a means to communicate his thoughts, feelings, and theories. It’s a fantastic film with great fight choreography and a bold, neon color palette that will make you want to ride the bullet train in Japan. If the John Wick movies all took place in one location and leaned into more of a comedic angle you’d have Bullet Train.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 versus All the President’s Men

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a thrilling space adventure film that continues the saga of the charismatic group of intergalactic misfits led by Star-Lord. As they navigate through the cosmos, they face new challenges and adversaries while delving into the mysteries of their own origins. The movie is packed with action-packed sequences, witty humor, and heartwarming moments, offering a captivating exploration of friendship, heroism, and the boundless wonders of the universe.

V E R S U S

All the President’s Men

“All the President’s Men” is a gripping political thriller based on the non-fiction book by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. The movie details the journalists’ investigation of the Watergate scandal during the Nixon administration, portraying their relentless pursuit of truth and accountability in the face of formidable challenges. It provides a compelling account of their journalistic efforts as reporters for The Washington Post, uncovering a political scandal that ultimately led to President Nixon’s resignation.

W I N N E R

All the President’s Men was nominated for 8 Academy Awards and it’s very obvious why after watching this film. This pick for Documentary month had me a little confused at times because of all the names I wasn’t familiar with having not lived through this event. That aside I was still able to follow this true story. It’s really crazy to think all this was real. Just two journalists stumbling upon this huge scandal that lead to Nixon’s resignation. It really made me realize how powerful and thrilling journalism can be. There’s a reason this movie has been parodied so much – from X-Files to Gilmore Girls that garage scene when Woodward meets Deep Throat will live on forever. As fantastic as this movie was, the winner of this round is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. This pick for Leftovers themed month was another action comedy that’s hard to top. Before seeing this I heard Rocket’s backstory was hard to watch if you’re an animal lover. I was hesitant to watch this because of that, but as awful as the animal testing/abuse was the story itself was so good. Allegedly, this is the last Guardians movie and it had a good send off for each character. This was another movie with great fight sequences, unique worlds, gruesome character designs, and had me laughing one minute and crying the next. That rollercoaster of emotions is why this movie won the match.

Full List of Movies I Watched This Year

Final Thoughts

This was another really fun bracket to create. It was a wonderful way to pause and reflect on the movies I watched in 2023. I hope to do it again next year. 😊

Did you create a movie bracket for yourself this year? What was your favorite movie of 2023? Do you have any movie recommendations I should watch in 2024? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Larger version of my 2023 Movie Bracket.

Happy watching cinephiles,

Laura

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