Wes Anderson's Asteroid City: A Controversial Ranking
A deep dive into the surprising ranking of Wes Anderson's film, Asteroid City, and the debate surrounding its place on the 'Worst Movies of 2023' list.
The Retrofuturistic World of Asteroid City
Wes Anderson's latest film, Asteroid City, takes viewers on a journey to a retrofuturistic version of 1950s America, where a group of parents and their children gather in the desert for a Junior Stargazer convention. The film features an ensemble cast full of big names, including Tom Hanks, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, and many more. Set against the backdrop of a bygone era, Asteroid City's visually captivating scenes and unique storytelling have garnered attention.
A group shot of the cast of Wes Anderson's Asteroid City.
The film's distinctive aesthetic and compelling narrative are quintessential Anderson, showcasing his knack for creating immersive cinematic worlds. Despite its initial under-the-radar release, Asteroid City presents a captivating blend of nostalgia and whimsy, drawing audiences into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant universe.
A photo of Wes Anderson in front of a wagon in the desert on the set of Asteroid City.
Asteroid City's Unexpected Ranking
Asteroid City's journey from initial obscurity to a controversial ranking as one of the 'Worst Movies of 2023' has sparked widespread discussion and debate within the film industry. Despite its lower-than-average ratings, the film's inclusion on this list has raised questions about the criteria used to evaluate its quality and the validity of such rankings.
Montana (Rupert Friend) sings a song next to a campfire in Asteroid City.
Variety's decision to place Asteroid City among cinematic duds like 'Ghosted' and 'Your Place or Mine' has ignited controversy, with critics and audiences alike expressing skepticism about the film's classification as one of the year's worst. The argument against Asteroid City's placement centers on the subjective nature of the critique, highlighting the disconnect between the film's critical reception and its contentious ranking.
Chris Evans as Cole Turner and Ana de Armas as Sadie Rhodes walking together in Ghosted.
Revisiting Asteroid City's Reception and Impact
Despite its placement on the 'Worst Movies of 2023' list, Asteroid City's ratings and reviews present a contrasting perspective on the film's reception and impact. The disparity between the film's critical appraisal and its inclusion on the list has prompted a closer examination of the evaluation criteria and the broader implications of such rankings.
Ezra Miller in The Flash.
Asteroid City's ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, IMDb, and Letterboxd tell a different story, reflecting a more nuanced view of the film's quality and appeal. With favorable scores and reviews across multiple platforms, the film's artistic merit and the resonance of Anderson's signature style come into question, challenging the narrative of its categorization as one of the worst films of the year.
Salma Hayek Pinault and Channing Tatum in Magic Mike's Last Dance.
