I know it's been a full year since I posted on this blog, but I'd figure I start again since I have more free time. I've seen lots of films this year: some good, some bad, etc. However, these ten films really spoke out to me this year during my blog absence and since 2014 is approaching I'd figure I share my top ten films of the year with you. Remember that I haven't seen every film this year (
Nebraska, Her, Saving Mr. Banks, etc.), but the ones I have seen you should keep a look out for. Enjoy!
10. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (director: Francis Lawrence)
Never I'd thought I see the day where a Francis Lawrence film is on my top ten of the year. However, this film is an exception. This sequel manages to top its predecessor based on fixing every little flaw that the first film had (camera work, some character development, action, etc.). Most importantly, it showed me not only how confident Lawrence is as a director, but how great of an actor Sam Claflin can be when in the right role. All in all, this is a sequel that easily tops the first and could go down as one of the greatest sequels of all time years down the road. I cannot wait for the next one.
9. Star Trek Into Darkness (director: J.J. Abrams)
Yes, another sequel on my list. However, this one assures me that not only is this franchise is in the right hands, but the
Star Wars franchise as well. It's a beautifully done blockbuster with spectacular action sequences and impressive character moments. Many of the positives I've mentioned are why I am excited for Abrams to direct
Star Wars Episode VII. He takes a lot of inspiration from those films and makes it feel refreshing and new. A fantastic film that was undeserving of negative fanboy backlash. A sci-fi suspense film to look back on for years to come.
8. Fruitvale Station (director: Ryan Coogler)
This film is the little indie that could. A powerful and unforgettable story with wonderful performances from Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer. It has a lot of meaning and can spark discussion on how discrimination is still an issue today. A heartbreaking film based on a shocking true story, this film should not be ignored.
7. All is Lost (director: J.C. Chandor)
This is easily the most ambitious film I have seen this year. With an unforgettable near- silent performance from Robert Redford and an impressive survival tale, this film doesn't have much dialogue, but speaks more than any other survival film I have seen this year. Not to be missed.
6. 12 Years A Slave (director: Steve McQueen)
This is single-handedly the most important and provoking film of the year. However, its brutality and many hard-to-watch scenes make it a film only certain audiences can handle. With great performances from Chiwetel Eljofor, Lupita Nyong'o and Michael Fassbender, this film is not to be missed if you can handle it. A powerful, heart-wrenching, and at the same time, disturbing account of slavery.
5. Philomena (director: Stephen Frears)
This easily could have been a simple buddy comedy about a journalist and an old woman looking for her lost child. But Steve Coogan's screenplay and Stephen Frears's direction makes it anything but. It is an unpredictable, beautifully done dramedy with career-best performances from Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. It is best going into this film knowing nothing of the true story behind the film, it will make this film a fantastic surprise for the audience.
4. Wolf of Wall Street (director: Martin Scorsese)
Scorsese's latest collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio may be one of his most fearless films of his career. With impressive performances, wonderful humor, and tons of shock value, this film is wholly entertaining and interesting throughout its three-hour running time. This film is this generation's
Goodfellas. I really hope DiCaprio can get a nomination for this film, it's the best performance of his career.
3. Prisoners (director: Denis Villeneuve)
A shocking, suspenseful, and intelligent tale of how far a man will go to find his kidnapped daughter,
Prisoners really startled me throughout. It's a tale of moral corruption, a dark police investigation thriller, and a twisty psychological drama. Its sense of dread is felt from the very first frame and stays with you long after the film is over. If only this wasn't a year where the Best Actor category was crowded, because Hugh Jackman truly deserves the award. It is the best lead performance I've seen this year and I hope for many more performances like this from Jackman.
2. Inside Llewyn Davis (director: Coen Brothers)
The Coen Brothers' latest is one of their smartest, funniest, and more meaningful films in years. The dark tale of a folk singer trying to make it big really spoke to me since I am leaving college soon trying to make a career out of film editing. The pace is wonderful, Oscar Isaac is fantastic as the title character, and the folk soundtrack is incredible. Looking forward to seeing what's next in their careers. This almost was my favorite of the year, but however...
1. American Hustle (director: David O. Russell)
This film takes the cake. What more can I say about this film that already hasn't been said? It's a hilarious, unpredictable, and unforgettable ride. It has one of the best ensembles I have seen in recent years where all actors have great chemistry with one another and one does not outshine another. It has a brilliant screenplay that is a game changer for the historical drama genre. All in all, this is my favorite film this year. David O. Russell has done it again, it's another achievement in his career. It's a film that stands mighty among many other great films this year.
Honorable Mentions: Man of Steel, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Frozen, Gravity, This is the End, Bad Grandpa, Frances Ha, The Way Way Back, 42, Pain and Gain
Worst Film of 2013: After Earth
There you have it, hope you all enjoyed my list. Looking forward to 2014 and their films. See everyone next year!
