Richard's best of the rest movies of 2013
I already listed my top films of 2013. That list contained all films which got a 8, 9 or 10 rating from me. This list contains all of the films that rated a 7 from me.
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- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsIan McKellenMartin FreemanRichard ArmitageThe dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, their homeland, from the dragon Smaug.This film just barely missed making my top 10. Technically, a fantastic film to watch. Seeing this in 48fps, I was absolutely amazed at the 3D and overall clarity. It takes a bit to adjust your eyes to, but man it is THE way to see a 3D film. The actual film was entertaining, better paced than the first Hobbit film, but still, bloated. I can't help but watch these films and compare them to the LOtR films, which were better IMO. That said though, I am still a fan of this world and I am a fan of these movies. I love the way Freeman is playing Bilbo, Legolas back in a major way as well as a new elf who can match all the boys and the whole dwarf gang is major fun to watch. I am looking forward to the final film. I definitely will see it in 48fps.
- DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsJessica ChastainNikolaj Coster-WaldauMegan CharpentierAfter a young couple take in their two nieces, they suspect that a supernatural spirit named Mama has latched onto their family.This was a lot of fun to see in the theater (the only one I saw twice in theaters this year). The film was able to scare the hell out of you, as well as offer up some very good performances. I would watch these kinds of horror films any day over the torture and gore-a-thons that pass as horror. The film would have made it to the top 10 but they made a mistake, IMO, by revealing too much of mama and not allowing her to be more of a shadow character.
- DirectorJames WanStarsPatrick WilsonVera FarmigaRon LivingstonParanormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.This film, IMO, was not as scary as Mama, but still, it worked atmosphere and performances to the max. There is a lot to be said for minimal blood and maximum story and engaging characters. That has been lost in the last decade with all of these torture films. It is good to see these types of horror films coming to the forefront. I am definitely on board with further adventures of these paranormal investigators.
- DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsJohnny DeppArmie HammerWilliam FichtnerNative American warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice.This film took a lot of flack, even before it was seen, due to its budget. I happen to have enjoyed this film very much. I thought Depp was his usual zany self as Tonto. Hammer played a very upright morale Lone Ranger. The one thing that could be said for the film it is probably 15 minutes too long. Still, when we finally get the trumpeted Lone Ranger theme, I was beaming like a kid.
- DirectorBaltasar KormákurStarsDenzel WashingtonMark WahlbergPaula PattonTwo hardened criminals get into trouble with the US border patrol after meeting with a Mexican drug lord, and then revelations start to unfold.There is a lot that could be made of the story for this film, which can go off the rails at times. But when you have Washington and Wahlberg playing off each other at a high level, who cares. The artist formerly known as Marky Mark has shown a major flash for comedy in the recent years. This movie calls for less flexing of muscle and more flexing of comedy and Wahlberg is up to the task. It helps when you are acting opposite one of our finest actors ever in Washington. For fans of the buddy adventures, this is a must.
- DirectorRawson Marshall ThurberStarsJason SudeikisJennifer AnistonEmma RobertsA veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.Our little Rachel has in recent years turned into one major rated R hot mama!! Aniston has always to me, seemed to be playing Rachel over and over in any film she has been in post Friends. But with her edgy performance in "Horrible Bosses" and in this film, she is finally starting to shed that Rachel persona. With spot on performances from Sudeikis, Roberts, and scene stealer Poulter, we get one of the actually funny films from 2013.
- DirectorPierre CoffinChris RenaudStarsSteve CarellKristen WiigBenjamin BrattWhen Gru, the world's most super-bad turned super-dad has been recruited by a team of officials to stop lethal muscle and a host of Gru's own, he has to fight back with new gadgetry, cars, and more minion madness.How can you go wrong with a return visit with our favorite super villain turned domesticated caregiver? There isn't much different here from the first movie, which if it ain't broke, don't mess it. We get a new wrinkle this time around. It was a fun film, not the best one of the year by far, but there is plenty to revel in here. Not to mention, we get to visit with our favorite minions again!!
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsJames FrancoMichelle WilliamsRachel WeiszA small-time magician is swept away to an enchanted land and is forced into a power struggle between three witches.When I watch this film I can't help but pine for Robert Downey Jr. as Oz. Franco is not terrible as Oz, but he just isn't the salesman that I know RDJ would have been. There is quit a lot of expectation and baggage that comes with this film. It is a prequel to one of the most beloved films of all time. All kinds of pitfalls to be had for sure. I thought the film did a nice job of avoiding those pitfalls. We get lots of new characters who are wonderful to watch (monkey and china girl being the best). We have Weisz and Kunis playing the tragic sisters wonderfully. Loved Michelle Williams as Glenda.
- DirectorJon M. ChuStarsDwayne JohnsonChanning TatumAdrianne PalickiThe G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence.Ok, I make no bones about my hatred of the first film. Making the G.I. Joe's a multinational force was one of the biggest bonehead moves ever. For someone who grew up playing with the original Joe figures, to remove the American Hero identity from them was just too much for me. Couple that with strength enhancing suits and the first film has no place in my collection. With Retaliation, we get back to the basics; G.I. Joe is an American fighting force. We have real people using real weapons. Kudos for getting The Rock involved. Enjoyed this one a lot.
- DirectorDean ParisotStarsBruce WillisHelen MirrenJohn MalkovichRetired CIA agent Frank Moses reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device.Got to see this as a sneak preview. Absolutely love the first movie. It was smart, funny and action to the gills. We get the same thing here, but with some extra sexy with the addition of Zeta-Jones and some major badassery with Byung-hun Lee. The story is pretty thin, but as with the first film, this is about the chemistry of all of the persons involved. John Malkovich is again a highlight. He has turned into one heck of a funny man in his latter years.
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsGerard ButlerAaron EckhartMorgan FreemanSecret Service agent Mike Banning finds himself trapped inside the White House in the wake of a terrorist attack and works with national security to rescue the President from his kidnappers.I was so glad to see Gerrard Butler back in a film that had some major bite to it. This is what we want to see Butler doing; major ass kicking with no apologies. The sad thing about this film, it is what the latest Die Hard should have been. It follows the usual man on his own, forced into a situation he is highly trained for but severely ill equipped. Nothing high brow here, just a good ole shoot-em up.
- DirectorJoseph KosinskiStarsTom CruiseMorgan FreemanAndrea RiseboroughA veteran assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself.Tom Cruise has been making some interesting films of late. His jump back into science fiction was a welcome return. Many times we are just left with Cruise and his muses. There is an interesting concept at play in the film and the ending makes you think there could be more to come. I hope so, this was an interesting and fun movie.
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsNicholas HoultStanley TucciEwan McGregorThe ancient war between humans and a race of giants is reignited when Jack, a young farmhand fighting for a kingdom and the love of a princess, opens a gateway between the two worlds.This film took all kinds of flack and didn't do very well at the box office. But I absolutely enjoyed it. It is a PG film so there isn't anything too edgy about it, but it is a film that you can sit down with kids and adults alike and be entertained.
- DirectorTommy WirkolaStarsJeremy RennerGemma ArtertonPeter StormareBrother/sister duo Hansel and Gretel are professional witch-hunters who help innocent villagers. One day they stumble upon a case that could hold the key to their past.This is another film that took a lot of beating from critics and didn't do very well at the theaters. But man, I thought it was one hoot of a film to watch. There is a lot of irreverence at play here coupled with a R rating that I think folks just didn't quit get it. It is a mishmash of old world setting and modern sensibilities. The action is crazy. Again, just some good old fun at play and I am all about having fun.
- DirectorLasse HallströmStarsJulianne HoughJosh DuhamelCobie SmuldersA young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.Call me an old softy, I love a good romance movie. The annual Sparks romantic movie of the year had a few new wrinkles for a Sparks story. Solid performances and a new other worldly element made for a good watch.
- DirectorChris WedgeStarsAmanda SeyfriedJosh HutchersonBeyoncéA teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and evil is taking place. She bands together with a ragtag group of characters to save their world--and ours.We are starting to see more films reflecting girls as something more than the damsel. Many of those are the animated variety. Epic showcases a strong female lead and loads of fun supporting characters. Once again, something you can sit with the kids and enjoy.
- DirectorKlay HallStarsCarlos AlazraquiDane CookStacy KeachA cropdusting plane with a fear of heights lives his dream of competing in a famous around-the-world aerial race.Much in the vein of Cars, its brother film, Planes, is a solid entry for the Disney animation folks. Some really nice flight animation, looks to be done with Top Gun as the template. It is the classic underdog story, but with the plane world twist. I still don't connect to these characters, like Cars, as I do with human or other character animation. That said, this is definitely a fun film to watch and as I said before, a solid entry in the Disney animation world. 7 of 10 stars.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsJaden SmithDavid DenmanWill SmithA crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father Cypher stranded on Earth, a millennium after events forced humanity's escape. With Cypher injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.It seems to be fashionable to throw criticism toward the Smith family. I happen to like both Will and Jaden. I also have an affinity for enjoying unique line delivery. Both of these elements are in high doses in the movie. I enjoyed the son coming of age story. Jaden Smith has come a long way with his acting. Is he "there" yet? No, but he has matured and it is that added maturity which helps him carry the movie as he has the lion share to carry. Haters can hate, I enjoyed this. 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorDennis DuganStarsAdam SandlerKevin JamesChris RockAfter moving his family back to his hometown to be with his friends and their kids, Lenny finds out that between old bullies, new bullies, schizo bus drivers, drunk cops on skis, and four hundred costumed party crashers sometimes crazy follows you.If you saw the first one, then you know what to expect from this one. Another film which I actually enjoyed which seemed to garner a lot of razzie level hate from critics. There are some genuine laugh out loud moments in the film. It is basically Sandler and his buddies hanging out. If you are expecting more, then you obviously need to start reading up on the movies you are going to. 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostMartin FreemanFive friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from twenty years earlier unwittingly become humanity's only hope for survival.By and large, this is an inferior film in the unofficial Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz being the other two). The first act of the film is pretty boring. It isn't until the middle of the 2nd act that things get fun. Still, it is a very entertaining film, but compared against its two previous brethren, it is not quite up to standards. 7 out of 10 stars.