Continuing my countdown of last year’s best films…
Best Films of 2023
#14. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
I don’t have any built-in nostalgia for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brand, which started as a comic book in the mid-80s and expanded to the movies in the early 90s. That’s a train I missed.
But my lack of familiarity with the lore did nothing to hold me back from loving this animated take on the material. Produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and directed by The Mitchells vs. the Machines helmer Jeff Rowe, this is a sweetly hilarious take on the material. Like Mitchells, the film has a scrappy, hand-drawn aesthetic that amplifies its charm.
Much of the movie’s appeal comes from its leads, four teenagers who were able to improvise in the studio and contribute their youthful authenticity to the characters. Watching these guys bounce off of each other was some of the most fun I had in a theater last year.
#13. Bottoms
Speaking of having fun in a theater… the best pure comedy I saw in 2023 was this surreal gem from director Emma Seligman, who co-wrote the script with star Rachel Sennott.
Sennott and rising superstar Ayo Edibiri play dorky lesbian high school students who start a fight club in order to hit on their cheerleader crushes. The result is a send-up of traditional high school comedies that still hits all the familiar satisfying notes.
The film is also a showcase for the unique comic talents of Sennott and Edibiri, two of the most electric new talents to emerge in years. I can’t wait to see what all three of these talented women do next.
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Well, I’m gone (Go on then!)
[Verse 1: Q-Tip]
Can I kick it? To all the people who can Quest like A Tribe does
Before this, did you really know what live was?
Comprehend to the track, for it’s why cuz
Gettin measures on the tip of the vibers
Rock and roll to the beat of the funk fuzz
Wipe your feet really good on the rhythm rug
If you feel the urge to freak, do the jitterbug
Come and spread your arms if you really need a hug
Afrocentric living is a big shrug
A life filled with fun that’s what I love
A lower plateau is what we’re above
If you diss us, we won’t even think of
Will Nipper the doggy give a big shove?
This rhythm really fits like a snug glove
Like a box of positives it’s a plus, love
As the Tribe flies high like a dove
(Can I kick it?)
[Chorus: Phife Dawg]
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Well, I’m gone (Go on then!)
[Verse 2: Phife Dawg]
Can I kick it? To my Tribe that flows in layers
Right now, Phife is a poem sayer
At times, I’m a studio conveyor
Mr. Dinkins, would you please be my mayor?
You’ll be doing us a really big favor
Boy this track really has a lot of flavor
When it comes to rhythms, Quest is your savior
Follow us for the funky behavior
Make a note on the rhythm we gave ya
Feel free, drop your pants, check your ha-ir
Do you like the garments that we wear?
I instruct you to be the obeyer
A rhythm recipe that you’ll savor
Doesn’t matter if you’re minor or major
Yes, the Tribe of the game we’re the player
As you inhale like a breath of fresh air
(Can I kick it?)
[Chorus: Q-Tip]
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Well, I’m gone (Go on then!)
[Verse 1: Q-Tip]
Can I kick it? To all the people who can Quest like A Tribe does
Before this, did you really know what live was?
Comprehend to the track, for it’s why cuz
Gettin measures on the tip of the vibers
Rock and roll to the beat of the funk fuzz
Wipe your feet really good on the rhythm rug
If you feel the urge to freak, do the jitterbug
Come and spread your arms if you really need a hug
Afrocentric living is a big shrug
A life filled with fun that’s what I love
A lower plateau is what we’re above
If you diss us, we won’t even think of
Will Nipper the doggy give a big shove?
This rhythm really fits like a snug glove
Like a box of positives it’s a plus, love
As the Tribe flies high like a dove
(Can I kick it?)
[Chorus: Phife Dawg]
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Well, I’m gone (Go on then!)
[Verse 2: Phife Dawg]
Can I kick it? To my Tribe that flows in layers
Right now, Phife is a poem sayer
At times, I’m a studio conveyor
Mr. Dinkins, would you please be my mayor?
You’ll be doing us a really big favor
Boy this track really has a lot of flavor
When it comes to rhythms, Quest is your savior
Follow us for the funky behavior
Make a note on the rhythm we gave ya
Feel free, drop your pants, check your ha-ir
Do you like the garments that we wear?
I instruct you to be the obeyer
A rhythm recipe that you’ll savor
Doesn’t matter if you’re minor or major
Yes, the Tribe of the game we’re the player
As you inhale like a breath of fresh air
(Can I kick it?)
Meet Me In Montauk 
I enjoyed watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, but doubt it would rank this high on my personal list (were I ever to actually create one 🤪)
I am, however, with you on Bottoms.
I am out of the loop here as far as these films but very happy that those of you who enjoyed them did have fun 😊
very much here for both of these! They both have a spot in my top 10 because I’m just a sucker for a well done comedy.
I continue to find it frustrating that the Academy doesn’t watch animation enough. It leads to them completely missing nominating one of the best entries this year – which is a shame.
I adored Bottoms and laughed like crazy. I also enjoyed Ninja Turtles far more than I expected. Both were utter delights.