Welcome to Film Friday’s special edition! Here’s a curated list of the top seven films and TV series of 2023. From mind-bending thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these captivating stories and performances have taken the industry by storm. Grab your popcorn and join us on this unforgettable journey through the best of 2023’s film and television.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a fun, action-packed animated adventure that will appeal to fans of all ages. The film follows the turtles as they leave the sewers for the first time and explore the world above. Along the way, they must face off against a new villain, Superfly, who is determined to take over the city. The film is full of humor, heart, and exciting action sequences. The voice cast is also excellent, with Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Micah Abbey, and Shamon Brown, Jr. all giving great performances. Overall, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a great addition to the franchise and is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Dreamin’ Wild

Dreamin’ Wild is a moving and thoughtful film about the power of music and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. Casey Affleck gives a powerful performance as Donnie Emerson, a talented musician who never achieved the success he craved. When his old demo tape is rediscovered, Donnie is given a second chance at stardom, but he must first confront the demons of his past. The film is beautifully shot and features a stunning soundtrack of original songs by the Emerson brothers. Dreamin’ Wild is a must-see for fans of music biopics and anyone who has ever had a dream they were afraid to pursue.

The Passenger

The Passenger is a neo-noir thriller starring Logan Marshall-Green as a man who wakes up on a train with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He soon finds himself in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with a group of assassins who determined to kill him. The film well-acted and suspenseful, with a twisty plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. However, it is also quite violent and may not be suitable for all viewers. Overall, The Passenger is a solid thriller that is worth a watch for fans of the genre.

Shortcomings

Shortcomings is a 2023 comedy-drama film directed by Randall Park and based on the graphic novel of the same name by Adrian Tomine. The film follows Ben Tanaka, a 30-something slacker who is struggling with his relationship with his girlfriend, Alice. Ben is also grappling with his Asian American identity and his place in the world. The film is a funny and insightful look at modern relationships, race, and identity.

Shortcomings is not without its flaws. The film can slow-paced at times, and the characters can be somewhat unlikable. However, the film is ultimately a worthwhile watch for its sharp humor, thoughtful exploration of complex issues, and strong performances from the cast.

Only Murders in the Building: Season 3

Only Murders in the Building: Season 3 is a sharp, witty, and suspenseful mystery comedy that continues to build on the success of the previous two seasons. The show’s central trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are all in top form, and the addition of Meryl Streep is a welcome bonus. The new season also features a more ambitious mystery plot, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing. If you’re a fan of the first two seasons, you won’t want to miss Only Murders in the Building: Season 3.

Heartstopper Season 2

Heartstopper Season 2 is a heartwarming and joyous follow-up to the hit first season. The show continues to follow the love story between Nick and Charlie, as they navigate the ups and downs of being a young queer couple. The season also expands its focus to other characters, including Elle, Tao, and Isaac. Heartstopper is a must-watch for fans of queer stories, and it’s sure to leave a smile on your face.

The Jengaburu Curse

The Jengaburu Curse is India’s first cli-fi web series that delves into the exploitation of natural resources for human greed, resulting in fatal consequences. The series follows the story of a missing professor who is investigating the mysterious curse of Jengaburu, a remote village in Odisha. As the investigation progresses, the professor and his team uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens the future of the planet.

The series directed by Nila Madhab Panda, who is known for his socially conscious films. The Jengaburu Curse is a well-made and suspenseful series that raises important questions about the impact of climate change. The cast is excellent, with Faria Abdullah, Nasser, and Makrand Deshpande all giving strong performances.Overall, The Jengaburu Curse is a thought-provoking and entertaining series that is well worth watching. It is a must-watch for fans of cli-fi and anyone who is concerned about the future of the planet.