I feel this comrade :meow-hug: I use the "official" lists on icheckmovies.com to help sift through the heaps. Lists curated by directors, institutes, critics, etc.

...commit the mental energy to appreciate it

Word. idk if this is you, but sometimes I gotta turn off expectations for the film and myself. It's not a waste to just let it wash over you. You don't owe anyone a take. :shrug-outta-hecks: