As the saying goes, even the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, and there is no better example of this than in the journey of the filmmaker.

In 2023, we did not predict that Christmas and New Year's cash registers would serve a financial feast without the cherry on top of a cash register Goliath as in years before. Don't buck the trend, the big screen's year-end party didn't lean on a single titan to rally the crowds.

Instead, a colorful medley of cinematic goodies—from the whimsical Wonka to the deep-sea adventures of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom—served as a team of spirited workhorses, charming audiences and, of course, filling the industry's coffers.

Unfortunately, not all films were able to ride this wave of prosperity; Michael Mann's Ferrari (released on December 25, 2023), despite critical acclaim and the seal of approval from the National Board of Review, hit a financial snag. But the director, 81, remains steadfast in the face of adversity.