Good morning, everyone! So, at the beginning of every year I make a list of my favorite movies from the past year. Im a bit late this time around, but I made a list anyway. This is 10-6 of my Top 10 Films of 2013. I included a couple honorable mentions too. There will be more on the podcast. Anyway, here you go!: 10) American Hustle - David O. Russell just gets it when it comes to filmmaking. Seems like hes been trying to just satisfy general audiences lately and not challenging himself like before, but as long as he continues to make these solid/entertaining movies, I dont mind at all. Christian Bale and Amy Adams with standout performances once again. Definitely had a Goodfellas vibe. Didnt come close in quality, but still a fun movie. 9) This is the End - I think this comedy was hit-or-miss with a lot of people, but I thought it was one of the funniest movies of the year. Pretty cool idea having celebrities playing themselves during an apocalypse. The Michael Cera stuff was hilarious! 8) The Place Beyond the Pines - Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Rose Byrne star in this crime-drama that goes in a direction I never saw coming. Though some of the story to get you from point A to point B is a bit sloppy, the performances, the tone, and drama is consistent enough to captivate you. Totally dug this movie. 7) Enders Game - Loved the book, loved this movie. Though there are some differences, I think the changes worked for the film adaptation. Great visual effects, and a fantastic performance by young up-and-comer Asa Butterfield. And, guys, Harrison Ford decided he wanted to try this time too! 6) 12 Years a Slave - I found myself looking away from the screen a few times. Kinda hard to bare at times, but given the subject matter, cant blame the film for giving the audience a brutal idea of the atrocities that were being committed in our country at that time. Steve McQueen has a knack for hitting you over the head with his visuals. His movies seem to revel in strong & disturbing acts/scenes, but this was his most disciplined film so far. Amazing performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyongo. My Top 5 will be on the Something Cinematic podcast. Recording tonight and should be available tomorrow! Here are also just a couple Honorable Mentions I thought Id throw in: Captain Phillips - Even though I had some insight on the outcome of this story (since it was based on a true story), it was still a very intense, thrilling, entertaining film. Tom Hanks last scene in this movie = Wow! Frozen - Animated Disney movie with a positive message. The advertisements and trailers did not do the movie any justice as I was dreading watching it, but it was great. Very funny characters, good songs, fantastic animation. That snowman made the movie too. Hilarious! Side Effects - This movie blew me away. The story takes turns you do not expect. Incredible performances (Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones), great cinematography, and great writing. If you enjoy those elements of film, you gotta check this out. Thats it for now. Hope you listen to the podcast. New episode will hopefully be available tomorrow!
Posted on: Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:34:09 +0000