Hey guys, so it's this time of the year again, and this time I gotta say, it's really tough. 2013 was a great year for film buffs, especially these last couple of months. And with a great year for film there will be some films that don't make the cut, some I didn't even get to see. So without further ado, here's my top 15 favourite films of 2013.
#15: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Kicking off the list is (what I see as) a big career shift for Ben Stiller. He directs and stars in this fun and uplifting film with a fantastic message about achieving your dreams. The film is about a man who goes searching for a legendary photographer after his latest photo goes missing. Ben Stiller is quite the revelation as both an actor and director with this film, giving both an oscar-worthy performance and also directing the film very well. The cinematography and tone of the film reminded me of last years Life of Pi, in that like Life of Pi, this film feels like a spiritual journey while you're watching it, and the film makes you feel kinda different after.
#14: Side Effects
From Steven Soderberg, the director of Contagion comes this badass thriller about the "side effects" of a new anti-depressant. It's about a therapist who prescribes a new drug to his new patient, but things are not as they may seem. This film was like a classic conspiracy or espionage film, you've got a lot of twists and turns, unexpected plot points, an unexpected ending. Not to mention, great acting & directing. Jude Law was good, Rooney Mara was amazing, hell even Channing Tatum gave a decent performance, for about the 15 minutes he was in the movie.
#13: Elysium
One of the three most timely movies of the year, Neill Blomkamps science fiction pic succeeds at being both a badass action movie, but also a film with a cool metaphor, and that is no easy feat. The film is about a man named Max who lives on a dystopian future Earth, and after he gets radiation poisoning from a factory accident, he fights his way to Elysium in order to save his own life. Like in his last film, 2008's District 9, the film has absolutely stunning visuals. Everything in this film looks like it was crafted to absolute perfection. The acting is also very well-done, especially on the part of Sharlto Copley.
#12: Metalhead
I got to see this film early at the Toronto International Film Festival, and boy was I impressed. This Icelandic film is about a girl who, after her brother dies in a tragic accident, adopts his personality and attitude, essentially becoming a metalhead. The film explores the aspects of this lifestyle, but also how tragedy affects someone for the rest of their life. The acting is phenomenal, and the direction is brilliant, with captivating and emotional scenes that come out of nowhere.
#11: Dallas Buyers Club
The story of Ron Woodruff, a man diagnosed with Aids who decides to help other Aids patients with unapproved medication from other countries is brought to film. Matthew Mcconaughey continues his "Mcconaussance" with this dramatic and incredibly acted film. Both Mcconaughey and supporting actor Jared Leto should win the oscar for their parts in the film, as both of them deliver on an exceptional level. The story is also interesting and very well-told.
#10: The East
At number 10 we have a film about a FBI agent who goes deep undercover into a group of eco-anarchists. Brit Marling stars in this thought provoking film, that brings both to question who do you trust with creating the things you use in your daily life, and where do you draw the line with rejecting what society expects. The message of the film is done in a very smart way where it's never difficult to figure out nor is it thrown in your face.
#9: The Way, Way Back
From Jim Rash & Nat Faxon, the writers of The Descendants comes this coming of age film about a kid named Duncan during a summer vacation. This film is one of those films that comes out every year, like Perks of Being a Wallflower, that perfectly blends comedy and drama. You never feel like the comedy is the focus of the film, but it also never bores. Not to mention, Sam Rockwell's performance in the film is outstanding. He never once misses his mark, nor does he seem creepy or douchey. With his character, it could have easily seemed creepy or douchey but he totally nails it.
#8: Inside Llewyn Davis
The Coen brothers rarely fail on a film, and this is no exception. The story of Llewyn Davis, a broke folk singer in the 60's, is interesting, funny at times with the Coens trademarked black humour, and also depressing (in a good way). The acting in the film is very well done, even from the actors who only show up in a couple of scenes. The score is great, as it has some of the best folk music I've heard.
#7: Star Trek into Darkness
JJ Abrams delivers a rare treat, something that rarely happens. A film that on it's own was great has a sequel which manages to be better than the first one to an extent at which the first one is barely remembered. Like The Dark Knight. Ever aspect of this film is well-done, bold, and the cast give their best for the movie.
#6: Gravity
From Alfonso Cuaron, the director of Prisoner of Azkaban and Children of Men comes a film that manages to shake you to your very core, engage you, and keep your attention 100%. Sandra Bullock plays an astronaut who has to survive alone in space, and it's one of the most entertaining and kinda terrifying films of the year.
#5: Rush
Ron Howard, the brilliant director behind A Beautiful Mind brings us yet another great biopic, a film that so well encapsulates these characters and this story from both perspectives, that you don't know who to side with by the end of the film. A famous rivalry in sports, the rivalry between Nicki Lauda and James Hunt, and this film does such a great job at showing this rivalry. Not to mention, brilliant cinematography, and some very cool shots.
#4: The Wolf of Wall Street
A film that nearly perfectly combines the elements of Pulp Fiction and American Psycho, this movie has it all. Violence, humour, great writing, good acting, and it's a roller coaster from start to finish. This movie may not be for everybody, some may be put off by how outlandish everything about the film is, but I certainly had a great time watching this film.
#3: The Place Beyond the Pines
A film that induced a sense of melancholia, this film was depressing as shit. Derek Cianfrance did an excellent job of showing all the emotions and all 3 of the stories. All the actors give great performances, and it's a shame that this film's early release guarantees it will be snubbed for the oscars. This would've been my #1 of 2013, if not for these two.
#2: Mud
Imagine you take everything great about The Place Beyond the Pines, but added a really interesting coming of age appeal, you've got an amazing film that perfectly combines the elements of dark crime thrillers with uplifting films, like Stand by Me. Matthew Mcconaughey is great in the film, and this is his second film proving his raw talent as an actor. This film came out in May, and for I swear to god the loooooooongest time this was my #1 of 2013, and it would be my #1 if not for a certain masterpiece by my all-time favourite director Spike Jonze.
Now before I go to my #1 film of the year, let's take a look at a few films that didn't make the cut for top 15.
American Hustle
Evil Dead
The Kings of Summer
Short Term 12
Prisoners
Captain Philips
12 Years a Slave
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
#1: Her
Her is an absolute masterpiece. From the genius creative mind of Spike Jonze (my personal favourite director) comes this film that beautifully combines everything I love about movies. The story of a depressed lonely writer and his new AI operating system falling in love is one of the most original ideas of all-time, and Jonze presents us this film and also captivates his audience. Joaquin Phoenix gives a brilliant performance in the film, showing many layers of deep personality traits. Scarlett Johansson gives her best performance to date as the voice of the AI, in which she nails the part with subtle humanities to her character but never losing the illusion of her being an AI voice. The writing in the film is incredible, being both very deep, but also retaining Spike Jonze's trademarked quirkiness. Unlike most quirky character movies, the film never over-steps it's bounds and it always feels uniquely real. This film made me think about so many things during and after the movie, and even now, almost a week after seeing this film I'm still thinking about it. This movie will completely change your perspective on life, love, society, and how technology has changed us as people.
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