May 2023 has proven to be a mixed bag in cinema. Amidst the usual flurry of new releases, we’ve seen our fair share of duds – films that promised much but delivered little. We could go through those titles, but it’s much more fun to celebrate those few gems that have managed to shine through the mediocrity. 

Below are four films which managed to stand out. Some for their compelling stories, some for powerful performances and some for their cerebral qualities. If you’re planning a trip to the cinema or looking for a new film to stream, here are four films from May 2023 that you should check out.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, action, and humour that fans of the franchise have come to expect. This time, the stakes are personal as the Guardians embark on a daring mission to save one of their own – Rocket, the tough-talking raccoon. The film delves into Rocket’s backstory, revealing the cruel experiments that transformed him from an ordinary raccoon into a tech wizard. This exploration of Rocket’s past adds depth to his character we weren’t previously aware of.

It’s a thrilling adventure that takes the Guardians from the hollowed-out skull of a humongous god to the heart of Orgocorp, an intergalactic biotech company. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including a confrontation with the High Evolutionary, an unhinged supervillain with a destructive scheme. Despite the high stakes and intense action, the film never loses its sense of comedy, with witty banter and comedic moments sprinkled throughout the narrative.

The cast’s performances are commendable, with Chris Pratt remaining charming as ever as Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord. His determination to save Rocket and his leadership of the team are highlights of the film. The rest of the Guardians, including Zoe Saldana’s Gamora, Bradley Cooper’s Rocket, and Dave Bautista’s Drax, also deliver strong performances, bringing their unique characters to life.

One of the film’s strengths is its exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and sacrifice. It might feel like there’s to explore in the marvel universe, but here they find something real and oddly organic. The film also delves into the concept of identity, particularly through Rocket’s struggle with his past and his acceptance of who he is.

Despite its lengthy runtime, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” manages to keep you engaged with its blend of action, humour, and emotional depth. It’s a fitting addition to the franchise and a testament to James Gunn’s ability to balance spectacle with substance. While it may not be perfect, it’s a wildly entertaining ride worth checking out.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a touching adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic pre-teen tale. The film, directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, captures the book’s essence, bringing to life the story of Margaret Simon, a young girl navigating the complexities of adolescence. The film is a beautiful exploration of the confusion, joy, and heartbreak of growing up.

The story revolves around Margaret, played by Abby Ryder Fortson, with a remarkable level of authenticity. She is a young girl grappling with her religious identity amidst her parents’ interfaith marriage while also dealing with puberty’s typical trials and tribulations. The film does an excellent job of portraying the internal struggles of a young girl trying to find her place in the world.

The film also features a standout performance from Rachel McAdams, who plays Margaret’s mother. McAdams brings depth and warmth to her character that adds an extra layer of emotional resonance to the film. The relationship between Margaret and her mother is one of the film’s strongest aspects, capturing the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship during a time of significant change.

The film’s real triumph is its ability to handle quite heavy topics evenhandedly. It manages to convey adolescents’ confusion and emotional turmoil without resorting to clichés or stereotypes. The film’s message about the importance of self-discovery and acceptance is powerful and timely.

Despite its period setting, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” feels incredibly relevant today. It’s a heartfelt and honest portrayal of adolescence that will resonate with viewers of all ages. It’s a film that entertains and sparks important conversations about identity, faith, and growing up.

Blackberry

Starkly contrasting with “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is “BlackBerry,” a riveting biopic that tells the story of the rise and fall of the iconic smartphone. Directed by Matt Johnson, the film is a compelling blend of drama, comedy, and tragedy. It’s a story of ambition, innovation, and, ultimately, the harsh realities of the tech industry.

The film centres on Mike Lazaridis, played by Jay Baruchel, and Doug Fregin, played by Johnson, who are the brains behind the revolutionary BlackBerry device. Glenn Howerton delivers a standout performance as Jim Balsillie, the ambitious businessman who helps catapult BlackBerry to global success.

“BlackBerry” is a fascinating exploration of the tech world in the late ’90s and early 2000s. It captures the excitement and chaos of the tech boom and the cutthroat competition that ultimately led to BlackBerry’s downfall. The film does an excellent job of humanising the people behind the device, revealing that beneath their sleek exteriors, they were just a bunch of tech enthusiasts desperately trying to send a text without accidentally hitting the ‘call’ button.

Despite the film’s technical subject matter, “BlackBerry” is surprisingly accessible. It manages to break down complex corporate jargon and tech-speak into a narrative that’s easy to follow. The film’s fast pace and engaging storytelling keep you hooked from start to finish.

While “BlackBerry” is ultimately a story of failure, it’s also a testament to the power of innovation and the human spirit. It’s a reminder that despite overwhelming odds, there’s always room for creativity and ambition. It’s a film as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the tech industry or the human stories behind it.

Master Gardener

“Master Gardener” is a film that attempts to explore the complexities of redemption and guilt. Directed by Paul Schrader, the film stars Joel Edgerton as Narvel Roth, a former white supremacist turned master gardener. The film is set in the beautiful expanse of Gracewood Gardens, a New Orleans family estate owned by the wealthy matriarch Norma Haverhill, played by Sigourney Weaver.

Narvel is a man of few words, haunted by his past and seeking solace in the meticulous care of the gardens. His quiet life is disrupted when Norma asks him to train her mixed-race grand-niece, Maya, played by Quintessa Swindell. As Narvel and Maya’s relationship blossoms into an unlikely romance, the ghosts of Narvel’s past threaten to resurface.

The film is a slow burn, with a pace that might be too measured for some but might attract fans of Schrader’s ‘Man in a Room’ style. It shines in its quieter moments, particularly when Narvel is tending to the gardens or discussing his craft. These scenes offer a glimpse into Narvel’s inner life, revealing a man who finds peace and purpose in the act of gardening.

Despite its thoughtful exploration of guilt and redemption, “Master Gardener” struggles to realise its potential. The romance between Narvel and Maya lacks chemistry, and the film’s attempt to balance the genres of romance and thriller doesn’t quite hit the mark. t.

Edgerton delivers a physically impressive performance, but his portrayal of Narvel lacks the emotional depth that characterised Schrader’s previous films. On the other hand, Weaver brings a touch of grandeur to her role as Norma, while Swindell delivers a solid performance as Maya.

In conclusion, “Master Gardener” is a film that attempts to tackle complex themes but falls short in its execution. It’s a film that’s worth watching for its exploration of guilt and redemption, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Schrader’s previous work.