Another year has come and gone, and that means another year of fantastic movies have come and gone. 2013 was an incredible year at the movies! Blockbuster and blockbuster delivered, awards-worthy films lived up to the hype, and lesser known fare came in and got the whole nation talking.
When I look back at the movies I saw in 2013, I realized that I couldn't just mention 10 films for this list. I needed to start with some honorable mentions that just missed the cut.
The first two honorable mentions go out to two superhero blockbusters: Man of Steel and Thor: The Dark World. Both films promised high thrills with spectacular visuals and an intriguing storyline in their own unique way, and both movies delivered on their promise. Man of Steel was an excellent way to jump start the Superman franchise as Henry Cavill was superb as the titular character. We already knew what to expect with Thor 2, but it was nice to see that Marvel still has a trick or two up its sleeve when it comes to these characters we supposedly already know.
The next two honorable mentions are given two animated films: Monsters University and Despicable Me 2. Monsters U had Pixar giving us the back story to the dynamic duo of Mike and Sulley from Monsters Inc., and the best part about this movie is its unique message. The fact that you could work your absolute hardest and still fall short of reaching your goals, just like Mike did, but you still need to strive for excellence because you never know what's around the next corner was such an refreshing message to hear from a animated movie. Despicable Me 2 was pure entertainment. Gru's minions, of course, stole the show, and I'm alright with that.
The final two honorable mentions are heading out to very different films: Iron Man 3 and The Great Gatsby. Marvel had the daunting task of somehow following up the incredible success of 2012's The Avengers, and they turned to their most trusted personality, Tony Stark, and Robert Downey Jr. has never been better. The way he balanced the signature charisma that we all know and love from Tony Stark with the brand new horrors that are haunting Stark in the aftermath of the Battle of New York in The Avengers. Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce are sensational in their tremendous villianous roles. The Great Gatsby is also extremely well-acted, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, who turns in one of his best performances to date. Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire also deliver in a fantastic adaption of a very difficult book to bring to the screen.
Now on to the list!
10. Star Trek Into Darkness
After a one year delay in the release date, we finally were able to journey back onto the Enterprise and continue our adventures with Captain Kirk and the gang directed by the immortal J.J. Abrams, and what a treat it was! Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto turn in some truly stellar work as they banter and bicker for most of the movie while also being able to tug on the audience's heart strings towards the end of the film. Benedict Cumberbatch is slowly becoming one of my favorite up and coming actors, and he steals the show in Star Trek 2. He is menacing and vile while also being deceptive and somehow charismatic. J.J. Abrams proves to the world again that he just simply understands how to make a science-fiction blockbuster. Rest easy, Star Wars fans. If Star Wars VII is as good as Abrams' Star Trek duo, it'll be worth the anticipation.
9. Lee Daniels' The Butler
Every year, a film or two comes out that challenges the audience to stop and really consider the situation at hand that the movie is presenting. Lee Daniels' The Butler is one of those films. It challenges the audience to take a hard look at the civil rights movement through the eyes of a White House butler, an unique, yet powerful perspective. Forrest Whitaker brings Cecil Gaines to life and gives one of his best performances to date. Oprah Winfrey's performance as Cecil's wife is spellbinding as well, and the remaining supporting actors and actresses are clearly fully committed to their roles, which is always a joy to watch. Director Lee Daniels handles the material with such grace and care while also challenging and entertaining the viewer from start to finish.
8. Gravity
A handful of films in movie history have completely changed how movies are made when it comes to visual effects. Star Wars did it back in 1977. Avatar changed the game in 2009, and this past year, Gravity claimed its spot in cinematic history. The visuals in this film are simply unrivaled from the opening shot to the credit roll. However, we begin to talk about what's actually going on in the story. Sandra Bullock's gives a career-best performance as Ryan Stone, a role that deserves to be in strong contention for Best Actress this year at the Oscars. George Clooney, although with very limited screen time, is predictably great. Director Alfonso Cuaron does a sensational job in creating a film that will be talked about for generations to come.
7. Prisoners
Never in my movie watching career have a seen a more intense and suspenseful film than Prisoners. Every twist and turn that occurs along the way absolutely caught me by surprise as Prisoners is one of the most well-executed thrillers in recent history. Director Denis Villenueve takes his already stellar cast and takes them to a whole other level, many turning in one of their best performances ever, including star Hugh Jackman. Jackman displayed his acting chops in 2012 with Les Miserables, but in Prisoners, he brings something previously unseen in one of his films: vulnerability. Jackman's character is so determined and vengeful that the viewer can't help but ask questions once the movie is over. Jake Gyllenhaal turns in, by far, the best performance of his career. He turned what could have been a very one-dimensional character into someone with layers and depth, and that's the mark of some true, genuine talent.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Certain films come out every now and then that you know will be hard to watch because of the subject matter. Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan come to mind because you know what's going to happen before you even start the film, and yet, you're still taken aback by the sheer terror and villainy taking place before your eyes. Everyone knows that slavery was awful during the time preceding the American Civil War, but 12 Years a Slave shows just how awful it truly was through the eyes of Solomon Northrup, a free black man who is sold into slavery after being tricked by two white men after money. Chiwetal Ejiofor's performance is something special as he emotes every emotion in the book throughout the runtime of the film. I'll never be able to watch Michael Fassbender the same again after watching him act so vile and evil, and newcomer Lupita Nyong'o is simply heartbreaking. 12 Years a Slave may not be the best film of 2013, but it's very easily the most important.
5. Captain Phillips
I'm one of the biggest Tom Hanks' fans in the world. I have absolutely loved everything he has starred in, whether it be a serious role like The Green Mile, or a comedic role like Forrest Gump, or something just way out there like Big. Whenever he acts, he usually delivers a masterpiece, and Captain Phillips is no different. Hanks turns in a career-defining performance in this film as Captain Richard Phillips, securing his spot in movie history as one of the greatest actors ever. He is in command from start to finish of this suspenseful and pulse-pounding thriller, and it's a joy to watch. Barkhard Abdi, in his first acting job ever, more than holds his own opposite of Hanks as the menacing Somalian pirate who takes over Hanks' ship. Director Paul Greengrass does a masterful job in balancing the suspense with a genuine human side to both Phillips and Muse (Abdi's character). Hanks, Abdi, and Greengrass deserve a spot on the Oscar ballots for sure!
4. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Living up to expectations can be extremely difficult (just ask George Lucas after making the Star Wars prequels). It's even harder when the fanbase is so passionate about their source material. In March 2012 when The Hunger Games was released, I expected a good, not necessarily a great, film. It blew away my expectations and was great. Going into Catching Fire, I expected something very equal to the first installment in terms of entertainment and performances. Fortunately, I was wrong once again about this franchise as Catching Fire was simply sensational. Having read all three books, I consider Catching Fire the best book in the trilogy by far so I was hoping with all my heart that would bring this book justice, and they most certainly did. The entire cast is firing on all cylinders, especially Jennifer Lawrence and Donald Sutherland as they butt heads time and time again in preparation for the epic finale beginning Novemeber 2014. If Mockingjay- Part 1 can live up to Catching Fire, I anticipate it making an appearance on this list next year.
3. American Hustle
No director working in Hollywood is on more of a roll than David O. Russell is. 2010's The Fighter and 2012's Silver Linings Playbook were both extremely well received, and with his latest outing, American Hustle, he has truly outdone himself. This film is so entertaining while also telling a compelling story which is not an easy balance to achieve. Christian Bale has never been better is the leading role he was truly born to play. Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence are great as usual, but the real scene-stealer is Bradley Cooper who is slowly becoming an extremely bonafide actor and one of my personal favorites. It was just so much fun to watch this movie unfold before my eyes, and I can't wait to see what Russell has in store next.
2. Frozen
I am a HUGE fan of Disney's animated movies all the way back from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to their lasting outing, Frozen, and Frozen is by far one of the best Disney films of all-time. It truly is an instant classic! The voice talent is superb, led by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel who voice Anna and Elsa perfectly. The true star of the show, though, is Josh Gad's Olaf who is as funny as any sidekick Disney has ever created! The animation is spectacular, and the music is legendary. Let It Go is one of the best Disney songs ever written and performed in my opinion, and it's just as great as some other classics like A Whole New World and Can You Feel the Love Tonight. Frozen is a film that will undoubtedly be loved and adored for generations to come!
1. Saving Mr. Banks
Mary Poppins is a true and genuine classic, and Saving Mr Banks, telling the story of author P.L. Travers inspiration for Mary Poppins, is a true and genuine classic as well. This movie is magical from beginning to end! Emma Thompson has never been better as P.L. Travers as she commands every scene throughout the film. Tom Hanks' charisma and charm are off the charts as he brings Walt Disney to life like no other actor could. Both Thompson and Hanks turn in some of the best work of their careers! B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzmann bring the Sherman Brothers (the lyricists behind Mary Poppins) to life with so much humor and emotion that it becomes a true pleasure to watch. Being a lifelong Disney fan, watching this film was a true treat and an experience I'll treasure forever along with a movie that I'll never forget.
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