Richard's Top Films of 2013
I only saw 36 movies in 2013. An all time low for me. I have been playing catch up in 2014 so this list continues to be updated as I see films. I have broken them down into three lists; the best, the rest of the best and the worst of the rest. Here are the best, in order.
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- DirectorZack SnyderStarsHenry CavillAmy AdamsMichael ShannonAn alien child is evacuated from his dying world and sent to Earth to live among humans. His peace is threatened when other survivors of his home planet invade Earth.This was a film was either enjoyed or not, there was no middle ground. People on both sides were passionate. I personally felt Snyder and Goyer took Superman where he needed to go for modern audiences. I was worried about the origin being done again, but it was done in flashback, mostly, not to mention we were given a far different interpretation than we have seen previously. Finally a Superman film had proper action. From Cavill's sculpted appearance to the performances all around, this is a film that has only gotten better with more viewings.
- DirectorJustin LinStarsVin DieselPaul WalkerDwayne JohnsonHobbs has Dominic and Brian reassemble their crew to take down a team of mercenaries, but Dominic unexpectedly gets sidetracked with facing his presumed deceased girlfriend, Letty.The franchise has set the standard. Just when everyone thought they had raised the bar beyond anything they could match with Fast 5, low and behold we get Fast 6. There is no series, save maybe the Bond series, which has managed to reinvent and better itself the further into the series the films go. These films are why I go to the cinema; out and out entertainment. It will be interesting how the franchise handles Walker's death. Had they not already defied expectations I would be nervous about how Fast 7 is going to end up. But I think if there is a franchise that can handle tragedy and move respectfully forward and still entertain as well, it is this one.
- DirectorLouis LeterrierStarsJesse EisenbergCommonMark RuffaloAn FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances, and reward their audiences with the money.From the very first scene in this movie, you are on a roller coaster of intrigue and action. You are right there with Mark Ruffalo's character, trying to figure out the next step of the magicians. This was a surprise hit, but once you see it, there is no doubt why this film did well. The twists and turns, the acting, everything about this film is top notch. Again, another one of those reasons why I love going to the theater.
- DirectorChris BuckJennifer LeeStarsKristen BellIdina MenzelJonathan GroffFearless optimist Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.If you had told me earlier in the year that my top 10 list of films would have a musical animated movie in it, I would say you were crazy. But the good folks at Disney did what their brethren at Pixar haven't been able to do the last couple of years. Which is make a film that every age range can enjoy with a message and substance to boot. This is a return for Disney to the dominating form they were in back in the late 80's and early 90's when a new animated musical from them was guaranteed gold.
- DirectorMarc ForsterStarsBrad PittMireille EnosDaniella KerteszFormer United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop a zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatens to destroy humanity itself.A common theme this year was surprises. I was the first to roll my eyes and groan when I learned ANOTHER zombie film was coming. This however, was not just another zombie film. More of a medical thriller than your typical shoot-em in the head zombie flick, this film was relentless. It only took a few scenes here and there to catch its breath. A few of the zombie tropes are carried over here, but all in all, a very nicely done film that leaves you wanting more adventures.
- DirectorJonathan LevineStarsNicholas HoultTeresa PalmerJohn MalkovichAfter a highly unusual zombie saves a still-living girl from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion events that might transform the entire lifeless world.More of a traditional zombie flick than World War Z was, however, they ripped up the zombie playbook and dared to present a movie from the pov of a zombie. Not only that, make it a romantic comedy where the lead character, a zombie, is becoming human again. Smart story telling and wonderful performance made this another surprise of the year.
- DirectorJeff NicholsStarsMatthew McConaugheyTye SheridanJacob LoflandTwo young boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the vigilantes that are on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.There is not a lot of action here. What is on display is a whole lot of top notch acting. If anyone doubted the acting chops of Matthew McConaughey, this film and Dallas Buyers Club, have put that to rest. There is a natural ease to McConaughey which can be deceiving. But even better than Matt's performance was that of Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. They are two young men who absolutely own every scene they are in. Not an easy task when you consider the talent they were acting across from. Every year there is a little film with a big impact, Mud was one of those this year.
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsChris PineZachary QuintoZoe SaldanaAfter the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.Into Darkness had me a little weary. I was not sure revisiting a classic character storyline was the best way to go. Ultimately, I believe JJ and Co. did an excellent job following up their 2009 entry. With all the introductions done in the first film, we got to see everyone in full character here. There are a lot of folks that like to hammer JJ for not being true to the Trek roots, but I believe he has restored Trek as a force to be reckoned with and that continued here. Ultimately a very satisfying film, I do hope the next entry goes for a totally original idea.
- DirectorAlan TaylorStarsChris HemsworthNatalie PortmanTom HiddlestonWhen the Dark Elves attempt to plunge the universe into darkness, Thor must embark on a perilous and personal journey that will reunite him with doctor Jane Foster.We get more of Thor at home and we get more action. Both of which are good things in my book. Seeing Hemsworth here pretty much owning the Thor role, there is no way I can imagine anyone else portraying our favorite Norse god. I continue to enjoy the thread that all of these Marvel films continue to weave between one another. Loki continues to be the main force in the Marvel universe. I could watch him and Thor fighting together or against one another all day. My only continued frustration with these films; no helmet worn by Thor during battle. Can't we get him in it a few times?
- DirectorShane BlackStarsRobert Downey Jr.Guy PearceGwyneth PaltrowWhen Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.My original assessment of this film was flawed. I rated it a 7 with disappointment, but since, have come to really enjoy this film. I still don't like the Mandarin turn, but beyond that, this is a very solid film. Yes, there is still a lot of convenient things that happen to help things along. But in the end, the film is definitely one of the best from the year and is a solid 2nd place in the Iron Man film trilogy. 8 out of 10 stars
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsHugh JackmanWill Yun LeeTao OkamotoWolverine comes to Japan to meet an old friend whose life he saved years ago, and gets embroiled in a conspiracy involving yakuza and mutants.This film is the result of hit and misses throughout the X-Men films that came before it. In this film, we didn't have a whole gang of superheroes alongside Wolverine. Instead, we got a stripped down to the bare bones Wolverine movie, the one in my opinion, people wanted from the Origins film. This was a fantasy/comic film, but more so, it was a proper film. Very good performances, writing, story. The shackles of fantasy seemed to have been removed and Hugh was able to just concentrate on the character and it makes the film all the better. IMO, further solo adventures for Wolverine must include Yukio. She was a great addition in this movie and a counter to Logan that I think is a must in future films with the character.
- DirectorDan ScanlonStarsBilly CrystalJohn GoodmanSteve BuscemiA look at the relationship between Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sully" Sullivan during their days at Monsters University, when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.I was eye-rolling when this was first announced. Pixar has not been up to form of late with their movies. That said, their "not up to form" is still better than most of the animated fare out there. With their first prequel, they get back to, IMO, their bread and butter which is fun characters, great relationships, interesting story, comedy and heart. Monsters U is that. It was great having Mike and Sully back, with a ton of new characters. 8 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.Those expecting more of the same with the second entry in The Hunger Games films, you will definitely be surprised. With a new director and a new focus, this film really feels like a totally separate film from the first. All actors are at their best here. The story this time is even darker, if that is possible, as well as some very interesting twist and turns. Cannot wait for Mocking Jay pt 1 to come out. 8 out of 10 stars
- DirectorEvan GoldbergSeth RogenStarsJames FrancoJonah HillSeth RogenSix Los Angeles celebrities are stuck in James Franco's house after a series of devastating events just destroyed the city. Inside, the group not only have to face the apocalypse, but themselves.To be honest, that this is in the top of 2013 for me is about as much as a surprise as it may be for some that it is even here. But since getting to watch this film on Starz, I have found myself viewing it over and over and over. Taking a unique premise of following actors playing themselves, surviving the apocalypse, the film is dirty, funny, poignant and heartfelt. Who would have thunk it!! Bravo Mr Rogen. I gripe that you seem to be in every other comedy film that comes out, but I can't complain when they are this entertaining. 8 out of 10 stars.