2013 has been an exceptional year for movies. That cannot be denied. It was honestly hard for each of us to narrow down this great year in film to just ten selections. It’s important to note that Top 10 lists are everchanging and the following lists are just snapshots of our favorite 2013 movies at this moment.
[tps_title]Melissa Berne’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
2. Catching Fire
3. Zero Dark Thirty
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
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5. Gravity
6. Captain Phillips
7. The Spectacular Now
8. The Croods
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9. Blackfish
10. Thor: The Dark World
[tps_title]Cat Gioino’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
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1) Captain Phillips
I would be appalled if Tom Hanks doesn’t get at least nominated for this role. I mean, he was beaten, abused, laughed at and insulted because of his man boobs, so he needs to get this. Oh yeah, and his acting was pretty good too.
On a serious note, Hanks wonderfully portrays a courageous man when all others would fall short, and he is able to depict the intensity and fear that the real Captain Phillips went through, which is not an easy feat.
2) The Conjuring
Hard to imagine it hasn’t been a year yet huh? Well I’m putting this up here because of what it caused. I honestly didn’t even think it was that scary but rather innovative in the sense that it was a prequel to the Amityville Horror. More so, it caused a person to be hospitalized because of the fear it gave. Well done, paranormal doctors, well done.
3) Bad Grandpa
Well it’s not as crazy as the Jackass films but it’s a whole new kind of filmmaking. Sooner or later some filmmaker is going to give a bunch of actors the freedom to do whatever they want as long as they remain in character. This is basically what the two actors had in this film and I have no doubt this will be the first among many more movies to enact this type.
4) This Is The End
I’m usually not a fan of these kinds of movies (as politely as I can say it, stupid humor) but this was extremely hilarious. I had the opportunity to see this at the New York premiere with Seth Rogan in the audience and he would laugh when there wasn’t even a joke on screen, which just makes you wonder what crazy times the actors had playing themselves (re, check number three).
5) Saving Mr. Banks
Now I would be appalled if Tom Hanks does get nominated for this film because I really didn’t feel like he was acting- and I love him (re- check number one). However I loved the premise and I think that Emma Thompson should win an Oscar, hands down. And spectacular supporting actors Paul Giamatti and Jason Schwartzman.
6) Redemption
This is exactly what the title tells you- a story of redemption. Jason Statham stars as a homeless ex-military fighter who is constantly on the run from either the law, drug dealers, mobsters, and even bullies. But it’s the sense that he is able to overcome these problems to become a better that makes it a great movie to see.
7) Grudge Match
This movie deserves props for showing that you still have heart no matter what age you are (said the 16 year old who still has her own movable knees). Starring Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone as two aging wrestlers, the film’s comedy depends entirely on Kevin Hart and Alan Arkin, but it’s the message it carries over as proving everyone could do whatever they want no matter what age that makes the film enjoyable.
8) Walking With Dinosaurs
This film is a film adaptation of a BBC miniseries that will remind you of that really boring guy from Mrs. Doubtfire. So this film is a fun animated version that will teach your kids about newly discovered dinosaurs and give them the message to never give up.
9) Runner Runner
Like to see Justin Timberlake being abused and set up? Well this js the movie for you. In a 21 like type of scenario, Timberlake runs around doing errands for Ben Affleck and then learns there aren’t any shortcuts in life.
10) Movie 43
Have you ever seen Four Rooms? If not, drop everything you’re doing and go watch it right now. It basically is a movie made of four shorts, with a growing Quentin Tarantino. This movie is along the same lines featuring Dennis Quaid pitching a bunch of movie ideas to Greg Kinnear. Now this is what I consider to be stupid humor (I mean who doesn’t like seeing Hugh Jackman with. . er.. um.. stuff on his neck? Yeah, the majority of society doesn’t because you don’t mess with his beautiful neck) but I like that they tried to bring this “compilation filmmaking” back to light, plus I found the basketball sketch to be hilarious since it was smart humor.
[tps_title]Cachie Gonzalez’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
Not sure what it is, but I was intrigued with where they were going for this one. I loved that they referenced The Avengers a few times and there were a few comical moments. Love how much Loki was a part of the story which is partially why it made it to the list.
9. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books of all time. To see Leo play the amazing Gatsby and even more Carey Mulligan playing Daisy was something I couldn’t have ever imagined. I thought it was a beautiful book to film adaptation and the costumes were gorgeous. I thoroughly enjoyed the film, even though critics had a field day with it.
8. Iron Man 3
I’ve always loved Iron Man… He’s probably my favorite Avenger and hero from the Marvel universe. I really enjoyed Iron Man 3 because it had a lot of heartwarming moments and snark provided by RDJ. What’s not to love?
7. The Wolf of Wall Street
Alright, originally, this film was not on my list because I’d only heard good things about it, but I hadn’t seen it yet. So now that I’ve seen it, I can say it’s a really great film. It doesn’t have a better ranking because maybe it’s not really my cup of tea. I do know a good movie when I see one though. I loved a lot of things about this film, mainly Leo’s performance. I felt as though he’d been holding in this type of performance and character for a very long time and he finally let the beast loose. I thought he was absolutely stellar. Although I knew the direction the movie was heading, I expected something majestic to happen and it just didn’t. Granted, it’s based on a true story, so my argument is invalid, but as far as story goes, I was waiting for the big boom, but it never happened. A lot of the story, to me, was lost on the overemphasizing of drug use. So they lost me a bit on that. But there were so many other redeeming qualities that it just gets a spot on the list because it’s great.
6. Monsters University
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a complete child and I love practically anything Disney throws at me. So it should come as no surprise that I put Monsters University on my list. The thing I loved most about this particular movie is how it is so perfectly geared towards adults and mainly college students. A lot of the jokes may have been lost on the kids, but I loved every minute of it.
5. The Spectacular Now
It’s such an emotional and heartwarming film that I couldn’t do without putting in on my list, let alone give it the number 4 spot. It was truly touching and I absolutely LOVE Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller working together. They make an amazing team and have great chemistry.
4. Don Jon
Probably one of the most shocking films on my list, I think anyway. The directorial debut of Joseph Gordon Levitt was absolutely charming and hilarious. It makes you think about your life and get in touch with your own emotions while connecting with the characters on screen. I loved this film which is why it made it to my top 3 of 2013.
3. Frozen
This movie is just… magical. I hate to use the word because it tends to lose its meaning when it’s used so much in describing Disney films. But this film, truly is magical. The animation is EXCEPTIONAL. Every side-branch, and prism of the snowflakes was clearly distinguishable and the characters were as lovable as previous Disney stars. The character they created for Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Sven were charming and lovable from the beginning. The musical numbers were sensational and comical. Ugh I just loved this movie so much. Alright, I’m done gushing now.
2. Saving Mr. Banks
The most recent film I’ve seen and probably at a tie for first place for me. Except we apparently can’t have two top movies of the year. The feels I get from watching this movie are literally indescribable. First off, Colin Farrell is magnificent and Tom Hanks embodies Walt Disney so perfectly, he even picked up the way he used to speak! Emma Thompson’s portrayal of P.L. Travers is remarkable, especially after hearing the actual recordings from their meetings at Walt Disney Studios. A truly masterful piece of work with heartfelt moments that make you feel like you’re in the movie. I loved it so much.
1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I’m sorry that I’m not sorry for choosing this as my number 1 film for 2013. Call me a fangirl, call me crazy, because that’s exactly what I am and I’m not ashamed at all. Call it undeserving, I don’t care, but everything about this film was perfect. The way they made the games, the effects were 10 times better than the first one, the acting, the way the story was told. I was honestly surprised at how much I loved it. I knew it was going to be good, but I didn’t think it was going to be THAT good which is why it’s my #1 of 2013.
Side Note: I have not seen Her, Nebraska, 12 Years a Slave, Inside Llewyn Davis, American Hustle, Dallas Buyers Club, Blue Jasmine, August Osage County, Lee Daniels’ The Butler or Fruitvale Station… So before you all start bashing my list– remember it’s a list of films I’ve actually seen this year! I know there have been a ton of great movies this year, trust me! I do! But most of the films I just mentioned are a shoe in for Academy Awards. I’m positive they will deserve the honor, but I haven’t seen them and it wouldn’t be fair to put them on my list without seeing them, obviously. So there. Enjoy.
[tps_title]Maxwell Haddad’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
10. The World’s End – As stylish and inventively crafted as any film Edgar Wright has yet made (the fight sequences are phenomenal), this film is not only a hilarious slice of madcap science fiction but an insightful examination of friendship, what it means to “grow up,” and an ode to the delightful recklessness of the human condition. Messrs. Pegg and Frost play on the conventions of the comedic chemistry they have developed over the past decade wile also delving into new crushing depths.
9. Frances Ha – The great Noah Baumbach teams up with Greta Gerwig once again, and in many ways it seems as if she has become his muse. Frances Ha is a witty, romantic, gorgeously black & white look at modern New York City and one young woman’s attempt to find herself in the adult world. The film is melancholy, idiosyncratic, and wise, a reflection not only of the Gerwig/Baumbach team but of the title character herself. I recognize a lot of myself in this film, and that is one of the most special experiences of all.
8. Frozen – Disney’s new animated musical provided me with more pure joy than perhaps any other movie this year. Filled to the brim with zip, terrific characters, and gorgeous animation, the film cleverly exists within the traditional mold of the Disney musical while also subverting expectations by emphasizing the wonderful, complex personalities and relationship of sisters Anna and Elsa. The songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (husband and wife) come perfectly formed; hummable, infectious, and integral to the narrative. “Let it Go” may be the sequence of the year; it is chill-inducing.
7. Gravity – As a technological exercise, Gravity is unparalleled. For 91 perfectly taut minutes, Alfonso Cuarón and his team of “wizards” transport audiences into the depths of space and each weightless moment, each intense obstacle, and each gorgeous dark vista is felt in beautifully rendered 3D that truly adds to the experience. Add in Steven Price’s excellent score and Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography and this is the stuff of spectacle legend. Then, Sandra Bullock (and George Clooney’s charm) is tasked with the film’s emotional resonance and the simplicity of it allows the audience to project themselves into the thrills. Ryan Stone (Bullock) goes through hell, and we experience the cleansing and rebirth of the human soul, right down to the allegorical imagery.
6. 12 Years a Slave – In his previous films, Steve McQueen has explored the distortion of the human body and soul. This film feels like the culmination of that idea. It is a searing, raw look at slavery and the mistakes of our past, brought to life with great intensity from a trio of stunning performances (Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong’o). American slavery has never before been depicted with such horror, honesty, and quiet dignity. This is the best type of art because it makes us reflect and discuss, ideas lingering in our head long after the film has come to a close.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street – Many films this year have dealt with the idea of American excess, but none have approached it with the verve and intelligence of Martin Scorsese’s epic. Clocking in at a robust 3 hours, every frame of this film overflows with debauchery and exuberance. Scorsese’s craft is as brilliant as it has ever been, and at 71 years old he injects the film with more energy than most filmmakers 1/3rd of his age. The film is also riotously funny, thanks to terrific performances from Jonah Hill, relative newcomer Margot Robbie, and career best work from Leonardo DiCaprio who has never been this vital or unhinged. There is an anger bubbling underneath this film, though, and it is not all about wildly entertaining parties. This film serves as a potent indictment of capitalism and the American dream, and makes us seriously question the misguided idea that many have about “success.”
4. Inside Llewyn Davis – The film begins with a tight shot of one man singing a haunting rendition of a classic folk song. “Hang me, oh hang me… I’ll be dead and gone,” he croons, his face awash in stark white light. Thus begins this melancholy, brilliantly structured musical journey through the world of the 1960s New York folk scene and the isolation of our “hero,” Llewyn Davis is deeply felt. Oscar Isaac, in a true breakthrough performance, brings to light not only Llewyn’s clear musical talent but somehow manages to make this sardonic, pained character likeable. He is faced with harsh reality and left searching for satisfaction and success in a world that has perhaps already moved on, and the Coens prove their unique mastery once again.
3. Before Midnight – Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, and Julie Delpy began this grand experiment 18 years ago and I am not sure even they knew at that time the delicious fruits that were to come. Rich and literate, with the expected emphasis on conversation and simple human interaction, Before Midnight takes us far past the lush romance of “Sunrise” and “Sunset” and explores the struggles and compromises it takes to maintain a relationship. The three artists at the head of this project are intimately familiar with these characters, and thus they are able to delve deeply into the murky, painful truths. The performances and filmmaking are effortless but perfect, and I wouldn’t hesitate to call this one of the most astute, wry, and honest films about this subject matter that I have seen.
2. Short Term 12 – Writer/director Destin Cretton exhibits a gentle, honest touch that elevates the potentially banal premise into something deeply felt and ultimately cathartic. The performers, notably Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., and Keith Stanfield, are tender and uncommonly vulnerable, and thus this examination of a foster care facility and the varying personalities that reside within feels vital and true. I recognized myself and those I have know throughout my life in the film’s pains and struggles, and it overwhelmed me with genuine moments and delicate gestures.
1. Her – Spike Jonze’s new film (his fourth) is an absolutely exquisite examination of love and loneliness, and it is without doubt the most emotionally profound film of the year. The film aches in each gorgeous, melancholy moment and it has a purifying effect. As a work of science fiction it is astute and beautifully designed, with a far more hopeful and affirming approach than many films in the genre have. As a love story, it is pure and true, even if said love is between a man and a computer operating system. As that man Joaquin Phoenix is nuanced and genuine, and as the operating system Scarlett Johansson brings warmth and whimsy through only her voice. Jonze tackles the tricky, potentially silly subject matter with utter sincerity and it serves as a fervent reminder of our innate need for human connection in this increasingly technological world.
[tps_title]Tyler Steven’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
2. Her
3. Inside Llewyn Davis
4. 12 Years A Slave
5. Short Term 12
6. Gravity
7. The Place Beyond The Pines
8. Blackfish
9. Before Midnight
10. The Way, Way Back
Honorable Mentions: Dallas Buyers Club, Fruitvale Station, Mud, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, You’re Next
[tps_title]Jon Espino’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
2. 12 Years A Slave
3. American Hustle
4. Inside Llewyn Davis
5. Her
6. Dallas Buyers Club
7. Blue Jasmine
8. Catching Fire
9. The Butler
10. The World’s End
[tps_title]Alex Hanavan’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
2. American Hustle
3. Gravity
4. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
5. Don Jon
6. Saving Mr. Banks
7. This Is The End
8. Man of Steel
9. Frozen
10. Elysium
[tps_title]Allyson Johnson’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
This year was outstanding for film which made figuring out a top 10 list mildly stressful considering my “best of” list currently hold 17 positions. I wish I could have mentioned movies such as Wadjda, Pacific Rim, Fruitvale Station, Iron Man 3, The Sapphires or Blancanieves, but there were simply to many good films and we just don’t have the space to mention them all.
10. Rush (Directed By Ron Howard)
I never expected this film to end us as one of the years most underrated but here it has. It has exciting directing by Ron Howard, a sports rivalry story that managed to outdo its predecessors and brought a fresh, exhilarating feeling to the story and noteworthy performances by the two leads Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl as James Hunt and Niki Lauda, two Formula 1 race car drivers. Hemsworth and Bruhl have electric chemistry and the two, Bruhl especially, bring dynamics and layers to these characters that are unexpected in a sports film. It’s an absolute joy to watch and I left the theater with my expectations completely blown.
9. Short Term 12 (Directed By Destin Cretton)
This film has been resting in the back of my mind ever since I saw it, never fully leaving my top ten ever since viewing it back in September. It’s a beautifully, intimate film with a showcase performance by Brie Larson as Grace, a young woman battling inner demons while helping other kids-not much younger than herself-battle their own. The script very easily could have veered into a much more “soapy” direction but with the nuanced and easy performances by Larson, John Gallagher Jr. and fellow standout Keith Stanfield as Marcus the script is never allowed to go down the road. A dark story with some very sad moments, it isn’t without it levity which makes it such a gem of a film. This easily could have been a film to simply pass over but with the strong performers, the directing by newcomer Destin Cretton and the heartfelt, respectful way that they told the story helped elevate it into one of the must watch films of the year.
8. Gravity (Directed By Alfonso Cuarón)
To describe this move in a word: life. This movie is about perseverance, about overcoming physical odds, about overcoming grief and mourning and the belief that nothing is worth it, it’s about the strength of the individual, the human condition, and how to live you need to breathe. I adored this film and it’s a testament to how strong of a year this is that it’s all the way at number eight. Sandra Bullock was stunning as Ryan Stone, equipping the character with charm, resolute mindfulness and vulnerability. The visuals are incredible with Alfonso Cuarón proving yet again why he’s one of the most innovative and visually alluring minds in Hollywood. Watch for the last fifteen minutes alone where the elements do their all to take Bullock’s character out, as Steven Price’s score accompanies her, and we are privy to see onscreen the personification of the human spirit.
7. Frances Ha (Directed By Noah Baumbach)
Noah Baumbach is typically a hit or miss for me. I loved The Squid and the Whale but held nothing but contempt for Greenberg so I didn’t quite know what I was getting while watching this film but I’m so glad I did. Greta Gerwig and Baumbach have created a special little film about a woman in her mid-twenties who despite her age doesn’t feel as if she’s fully grown yet; she hasn’t learned yet how to be a successful adult. This struck a nerve with me as I’m sure it did with many others. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film that so fully and truly captured the anxiety that those in their twenties go through. At 22 I identified with almost everything she worried about. Her best friends commitments differing from her own and the strange, alien loss she felt for them, the need to be doing creative work that stimulates you all the while realizing that bills are real and you can’t rely on a debit card forever, that making new friends isn’t easy once you aren’t forced into it. Gerwig is effortless in the role and with a joyous dancing scene through the middle of New York reminiscent of Jean Luc-Goddard this film is a must see for any young woman anywhere who’s thought twice about a decision they’re about to make.
6. Mud (Directed By Jeff Nichols)
Don’t let anyone fool you: Mud is a fairytale. People liken it to Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn due to notions of boyhood dreams and coming of age but what they’re forgetting is the absolute undercurrent of magical realism that seeps into this film. Tye Sheridan (who is fantastic) leads the film as a young boy who isn’t happy in his current home life. His parent’s fight and his dads distant so when he and a friend meet a mysterious man, stranded on an island, named Mud (played by Matthew McConaughey in my favorite performance of his this year) he latches on. In Mud he sees someone he idolizes, someone who seems worldly and rugged, who’s fighting tooth and nail for the woman he loves. He doesn’t see the flaws, the criminal underneath it all and by the end even after he’s had a moment of disillusionment, we can’t help but buy into the fairytale Mud as well. Jeff Nichols frames each shot as if he’s taken a page out of a picture book, befitting a story so besotted for the pages of them.
5. Before Midnight (Directed By Richard Linklater)
This series has broken me apart, stapled me back together and then ripped me open all over again. It’s an emotional, beautiful, all-encompassing rollercoaster of a trilogy that defines it’s sub-genre as some of the best in cinematic history. Never, has a character study been done to such a degree of complexity and subtlety. In Before Sunrise we meet fresh faced Celine and Jesse and we “ooh” and we “awe” as they rapidly fall for each other during a romantic night in Vienna and then watch as they tentatively part ways. In Before Sunset we see as ten years later they run into each other again, a little less naïve but just as spirited and are left with one of the best executed ambiguous endings as the line “Baby, you’re going to miss your plane” followed by “I know” are muttered. By Before Midnight I cannot name another fictional movie couple that I’ve ever had nearly as much investment in so to see these two characters tear at one another is unsettling. Fans of the films feel as if we’ve grown with the characters so to watch the nearly half hour long fight scene play out it painful. The script smartly never lends itself to one characters sympathies, rather has us dividing them with each sentence. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have never been better and simply put, it’s a master class on filmmaking and how sometimes, ultimately, less is more.
4. Blue is the Warmest Color (Directed By Abdellatif Kechiche)
This film is complex, it’s beautiful, it’s intimate, it’s heartbreaking and it is so utterly real. It feels as if we’re watching up close (literally at moments due to Abdellatif Kechiche’s style) as a young woman, Adele, discovers herself, loses herself, and then slowly recovers the pieces that are missing. It’s one of the most accurate depictions about how first love can be all consuming, to a detrimental degree. It shows the insecurities of a young woman without making them look vapid, it shows how love and sex are often intertwined, how attraction can stop you dead in your tracks. This is Adèle Exarchopoulos’s film without a shadow of a doubt as she plays Adèle with such excruciating honesty that you can’t help as if you’re peaking in on moments that aren’t ours to see. She’s shows the audience the effects of loneliness and self-doubt as well for the first half being a constant wave of movement, no matter what action she was partaking in. It was a love story to adolescence and the harsh reality of growing up.
3. Inside Llewyn Davis (Directed By the Coen Brothers)
I don’t think there’s a better example this year of a “complete” film then that of the Coen Brother’s recent venture. There’s nothing to question about this film, it simply is. The atmosphere is perfectly crafted: the dreary filter to the hues of brown and gray that Llewyn is constantly cast in help signify the way he sees the world. It’s Llewyn’s odyssey into another man’s fame in its most simplistic forms. The songs are memorable, Oscar Isaac gives a star turning performance. Becoming the character to such a degree that it’s easy to forget that he’s acting at all. Isaac manages the trick of being a step ahead of his character, knowing his wants and motives way before the audience has caught on. John Goodman and Carey Mulligan give hilarious supporting performances. This film easily could have been my number one (and I may regret its third tier placing soon), it’s storybook narrative and it’s wealth of tone helps catapult this film into one of the most memorable of the year.
2. The Worlds End (Directed By Edgar Wright)
Undoubtedly my personal favorite of the year and the one that will endure the most re-watches. We the third installment of the unofficial “Cornetto Trilogy” Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have delivered their best outing yet. The Worlds End is a Trojan horse of a movie: it dresses itself up as funny, buddy comedy about drinking and debauchery and alien invasions and then right and final third mark it hits you over the head with an emotional wallop. Gary King is possibly my favorite character this year for the amount of nuance he has. He’s irritating but lonely, shallow but broken, lively and unruly but in the end tragic. He’s a victim of nostalgia and alcoholism and it’s that revelation that brings to life what a wonderful film Wright and co. have created. Wright has a confidence now in his stylistic choices and it shows as one fight scene to one exposition scene fit seamlessly together, or how the choreography of each fight scene emulates an elaborate dance where each character has his or her own partner. The acting is top notch with Simon Pegg giving the performance of his career as well of the best performances period of the year and Nick Frost shows us all once again that he’s full of surprises. This film is about growing old and looking back and in the end, deciding how to move forward in life-it just so happens it can make us laugh too.
1. 12 Years a Slave (Directed By Steve McQueen)
This is exemplary filmmaking at its finest, where all of the pieces and cogs have come together to make a finely tuned working machine. Its film that reels you in, puts you through the ringer, and spits you out leaving you dazed and disoriented, but for the better. The entire cast is stellar from the leads to the brief cameos, the ensemble works together effortlessly. The story is heart wrenching, it’s difficult to sit through but it’s what film is supposed to be about. Watching 12 Years a Slave was a visceral experience; time stood still, I didn’t search for snacks, subtly check the time, or look around the theater, my eyes were glued to the screen as each and every minute passed. The film’s importance is inarguable and the beauty is overwhelming with Steve McQueen’s artful eye. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o & Michael Fassbender all turn in awards worthy performances, with Ejiofor finally getting the role his talents deserve. This year was a year about humans and how they fight and this movie shows that no matter how broken a being is, physically, mentally, emotionally, sometimes the only instinct left intact is to take that step, breathe in and out, and hope despite all of it being taken away.
[tps_title]Cristina Moreano’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
1. Rush
2. Gravity
3. Captain Phillips
4. Fruitvale Station
5. Pacific Rim
6. Frozen
7. Catching Fire
8. The World’s End
9. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
10. 42
[tps_title]Gabrielle Bondi’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
It’s been an off-year for me. I didn’t see as many movies as I usually do. There are plenty of good ones I hear and you’ll see on other TYF staffers’ lists that I’ve yet to see. Still, I saw so many great movies this year and narrowing those down proved to be a great feat.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street
2. Gravity
3. 12 Years A Slave
4. Before Midnight
5. The Place Beyond the Pines
6. Drinking Buddies
7. Fruitvale Station
8. Her
9. Philomena
10. Dallas Buyers Club
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order): This Is The End, The World’s End, Stoker, Catching Fire, Pacific Rim, Ginger and Rosa, The Bling Ring, The Hunt
[tps_title]Evan Griffin’s Top Films of 2013[/tps_title]
There’s something strange about this movie. Maybe it’s my fascination with Steve Carell finally playing a truly unredeemable jerk rather than a goofy accidental jerk. Maybe it’s the infinite charm of Sam Rockwell. It very well could be that beach town that this film’s summer was filmed in was practically near where I grew up (Hey, I’ve been to birthday parties at Water Wizz) and every summer I felt like I was exactly the same kid Liam James was playing throughout the film. All I know is that this movie made me, for the first time a movie did in a very long time, feel noticeably happy when I walked out of the theater. There’s nothing wrong with a feel good movie that shows that the only way to be comfortable with growing up is taking care of who you really love and that nobody ACTUALLY grows up: we just kind of try to hide it, and writer/director Jim Rash (Community) and Nat Faxon (The Descendants) shine that through loud and clear.
#4 Iron Man 3
I’m biased, I love Marvel. That being said, I also love Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). So when you allow him to team up with Robert Downey Junior again, and throw in hundreds of Iron Man suits and an equal amount of dark comedy we’ve yet to see in most Marvel character’s movies? Yeah, of course I’m going to love it. It’s not without its problems, but it’s the most sympathetic we’ve seen Tony Stark, and he’s a character people already love.
#3 12 Years a Slave
This film had an effect on everyone who saw it, where you’re in a haze of depression when you walk out of the theater. Powerful performances from every single actor from Benedict Cumberbatch ro Michael Fassbender, and not one ounce of star power is wasted, but not one can hold a candle to Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance, which is beyond compare. And Steve McQueen’s direction depicts slavery in the 19th Century in the most painfully honest way I’ve ever seen. It also made me realize that, despite its gruesome history, the deep south is actually a quite beautiful scenery!
#2 Gravity
Sandra Bullock’s nearly solo performance is truly amazing and is the heart of what allows us to be sucked into, what sounds like such a simple concept, on a very personal level. This film is gorgeous, and Alfonso Cuaron’s film absolutely deserves every award and nomination as Ang Lee’s Life of Pi earned last year as an Oscar film. It is effects driven, but the technology is used to effectively drive the film, not run its emotional core into the ground.
#1 The World’s End
The final entry of the hysterical, very loosely tied together trilogy of British comedy brought to you by the bizarrely witty trio of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright. If you loved Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, there is literally no reason you should not watch this movie immediately. If you haven’t seen any of them, they’re all wildly inspired and some of the hardest laughs I’ve had from movies in years. It’s Bloody (and Ice Cream) Brilliant every step of the way.
[tps_title]James Gilbert’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
2. Sound City
3. American Hustle
4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
5. The Grandmaster
6. This Is The End
7. Don Jon
8. Elysium
9. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
10. Frozen
[tps_title]Luciana Villalba’s Top Films of 2013[/tps_title]
1. The Wolf of Wall Street – Simply, the best movie experience I’ve had all year. Scorsese does it again. DiCaprio gives us *hopefully* the performance that will get him the Oscar he deserves. The Lemmons scene will go down in history as legendary.
2. 12 Years A Slave – Directed by the great Steve McQueen, this film had some of this year’s best performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o. This is the type of film that stays with you long after you leave the movie theater.
3. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – As a massive Hunger Games fan, this movie did everything in order to get my favorite book of the trilogy right and well executed on the screen.
4. Gravity – This year’s best cinematography and most thrilling ride in space led by a top notch performance by Sandra Bullock. Alfonso Cuaron done killed me with the long shots here.
5. The Place Beyond The Pines – I never expected to like this movie as much as I did, then again, the performances by Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper were great, and they showed two sides about being a father. Whenever Gosling’s character wanted to be a father for so badly for his kid, that spoke volumes to me, especially coming from a really broken relationship with my father.
6. This Is The End – When my friend Gabrielle told me this movie was hilarious, I couldn’t believe it, just like I couldn’t believe the ending would be THAT good!
7. Man of Steel – Probably this year’s superhero underdog movie. I personally loved Zack Snyder’s take on the Superman story.
8. Spring Breakers – One of the movies I would have never hoped I would be thinking about WEEKS after I’ve seen it. I still don’t know what it meant, probably a satire about today’s teenagers being entitled and having no remorse about their consequences and James Franco performing the most captivating part I’ve seen him in. Literally every time (by the way “Everytime” by Britney Spears will never be the same) he was on screen, I was in awe. I fully support his Supporting Actor campaign.
9. Blackfish – The documentary that opened our eyes to Seaworld and Tilikum.
[tps_title]John Rodriguez’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
The following has been selected from 37 eligible films. It’s a shame that I didn’t have a few more days to watch “Her”, “American Hustle”, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, and “Inside Llewyn Davis” because I’m sure those would all have found a place on here. Nevertheless, here are my selections:
2. The World’s End
3. Iron Man 3
4. Gravity
5. The Way Way Back
6. Saving Mr. Banks
7. Lone Survivor
8. Frozen
9. Out of the Furnace
10. Captain Phillips
[tps_title]Shane A. Bassett’s Top 10 Films of 2013[/tps_title]
Unfortunately Australia has yet to release, Wolf of Wall Street, Her, Inside Llewyn Davis, all three omitted but i am sure they will make my list next year. My picks of 2013 in no particular order.
Watching it three times is still intense, the eye opening 3D effects never get old, awesome.
BLUE JASMINE.
Aussie Cate Blanchett is powerful, honest, crazy, the backbone of a brilliant obscure Woody cast.
PLACE BEYOND THE PINES.
Adult drama with a twist. Ryan Gosling conducts the most impressive opening scene of the year.
AMERICAN HUSTLE.
Near perfect definite award winner. I paid full attention to Amy Adams and her undeniable talent.
WARM BODIES.
Romeo & Juliet sensitive zombie style, absolute must see on Valentines Day. Great soundtrack.
TRANCE.
Literally a movie that will catch you off guard, perfect non-sensical story is dreamlike and cool.
FRANCES HA.
Addictive, good intentioned Annie Hall for generation Y. So effortlessly real and secretly beautiful.
BLANCANIEVES.
Goth romance, silent movie based on Snow White has to be seen immediately before spoilers.
AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY.
The conflicted dinner scene had me from hello and the fact Meryl Streep can do no wrong.
THE CONJURING
Scary movies and in particular Ghost movies creep me out, my heart rate went up during this.
What are your favorite movies of the year?
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