2013, in the realm of movies, wasn't so great until the late Oscar push. The year was filled with over-hyped blockbusters and comic book sequels that were anything but original. After pondering over the movies of this year for a grueling 2 weeks, I have finally made my top 10 list (which can and will most likely change over the course of 2014).
10. Mud
For about the first 9 months of the year, this was my favorite movie of 2013. As I saw some of the better movies of the year this has dropped lower and lower. Since I saw this very early on and only once, I don't know if it still holds up as much as I think it does or if I actually forgot how good it is. Either way I remember enjoying the story, the acting and the mood of it. One of McConaughey's best performances ever (up until True Detective).
9. Rush
I had no desire to watch a formula one movie starring Thor, except for the fact that Ron Howard directed it. I mean, look how corny the movie poster is! But Ron Howard is a master and this is filmed beautifully. The actor playing Niki Lauda steals the show and without him and the character, this probably would be a run of the mill movie. What I liked most about the film was that they don't waste too much time showing cars driving in circles. It builds the characters, their rivalry and the story as it progresses smoothly and systematically with enough emotion to keep you enthralled.
8. Anchorman 2
I hardly know anyone that has seen this movie, why? Was it the over advertising? Was it the mindset that it won't be as good as the original? Well...this is a great movie. It's the definition of hilarious. If it has a downfall, it's too long, but that's it. In the 2 hours of run-time, I never went more than a few minutes without laughing out loud or at least trying to stop myself from doing so. This is the best sequel of the year and one of the best sequels to a huge hit ever!
7. 12 Years a Slave
Powerful, moving, terrifying, well acted and well directed. It's very hard to say I liked this movie because of the movie itself, but everyone should at least see this once. With that said, you may not want to watch it more than once. It is a little long but this adds to feeling of helplessness for the main character.
6. Blue Jasmine
I can't exactly pinpoint what I love about this movie, but I do love it. It may be Woody Allen. I truly believe the movies he makes now are far and away better than his classics. Match Point, Midnight in Paris and now Blue Jasmine are in my opinion, three of his best. Cate Blanchete is also the best actress in the business, and if she doesn't win the Oscar for this, I'd be speechless. The movie feels relatively small and has a simple plot. Not much happens but I never thought something would happen, and I didn't need anything to happen, I kept watching anyway. The film follows one woman as she copes with a life changing truth...that she may have known all along. It's ingenious. (Aparently it's similar or even based off of "A Street Car Named Desire"). Don't let the bland movie poster turn you away, it's really good!
5. This is the End
I normally don't like these raunchy "jew crew" movies. Seth Rogan and Jonnah Hill are usually last on my "to do" list but this one was different. They finally decided to make fun of themselves and I personally couldn't wait to laugh at them, instead of with them (although this was their point so I guess in the end, they do win). Tons of stars and cameos, and bunches of hilarious lines make this a great party movie and one of the best of 2013.
4. Lone Survivor
Lone Survivor is another movie that is hard to say "I enjoyed" because of the harsh reality behind the story...however it is a great movie. After the first 15 minutes, which is filmed beautifully to a wonderful and simple musical score that puts you in the barracks with these men, the rest of the movie is non stop action. It's intense and suspenseful throughout. I've heard some people say "with a title like "Lone Survivor" starring 4 men, doesn't it give the ending away? They ruined it for me." I think the purpose is to prepare the viewer for what is to come since without this preparation you would be an emotional mess, seriously. Nothing is overly violent or gruesome yet the movie is still gut wrenching scene by scene, but at least you were warned by the title.
3. Gravity
There are only certain movies that can make a viewing feel like an experience, and when they do, for me, that movie is something special. For example, The Fountain, in my opinion is much more than a movie it's an experience, it's a journey through life and death and resurrection. The same can be said about Gravity. I saw Gravity in 3-d Imax and I was astonished. Throughout the entire movie I felt as if I was in space, and because of this, the film turned into an experience. I was mesmerized by how realistic it all felt...felt being the key word because at this point again I was experiencing it. The sound or lack there or, was terrifying and beautiful at the same time. I could have watched Sandra and George fly around the space craft all day on their little jet-packs telling mundane stories and have been completely fine with it. Sadly, the plot is too simple and Sandra Bullock is a little too annoying and clueless to be an astronaut. This took me out of the "experience" at times. A little less clumsiness and whining from our main protagonist and this would have been #1. Still a great experience! Not sure how it will hold up on your TV screen at home though.
2. The Great Gatsby
Grand parties, and even grander gestures, that is what the novel always represented to me. Sure, there are tons of literal devices used throughout the book, but when you turn a book into a movie, most of that can't be represented as well as the written word. So once it is decided to turn a book into a movie, all you have left is the story and it's characters. This retelling of an american classic, with it's modernized soundtrack, 3-d visuals and over the top party scenes, strikes at the heart of the novel and the main character Gatsby.This is a novel about a guy who lies, steals and possible kills in order to buy mansions, cars, and even people in order to get the attention of an ex-lover. The ex-lover by the way is as fake as this entire facade. This movie looks, sounds and feels as shallow as our main characters, hinting all the while, that it can't last. All the parties that are held in order to attain this over the top and untrue love end, just like his dream world. After you awake from a dream, you realize how normal your life is, and this is how I felt after the movie ends. It may take two viewing to really appreciate but this is a fantastically made piece of art.
1. Warm Bodies
I'm sure I'll get some flack for this, and I'm not sure I can justify it, but Warm Bodies is my favorite movie of the year. Why? It's original as hell, the soundtrack is killer, it's funny and creepy at the same time and it's filmed really well to boot. To me, this movie pulls off the perfect mix of drama and humor much better than the very messy American Hustle or the over the top Wolf of Wallt Street. Aside from John Malvavich's role, which is the worst in the film because of it's generic characteristics as an overprotective father, both young actors do well and Robert Cordry does a good job as a side kick. I've seen this movie at least 4 times already, and I've enjoyed it every time. You can watch the first 4 minutes of it below:
