This year has been a pretty fantastic year for movies, and so on the eve of Oscar Season, I would like to acknowledge my favorite movies of the year so far, most of which will be forgotten once films such as The Wolf of Wallstreet or American Hustle are released.
So here they are; My Top Ten Films of the Year... So Far
"You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards. They will stumble. They will fall. But in time they will join you in the Sun... In time you will help them accomplish wonders."
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Written by: David S. Goyer
Based on characters created by: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, and Russell Crowe as Jor-El
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language
The long awaited retelling of the classic DC Comics hero, Superman, finally arrived this summer, and it delivered exactly what we needed... A Zack Snyder power punch! I believe that putting this film in the hands of Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) was the greatest decision the studio could have made. Let's face it, when it comes to adapting legendary comics into movies, no one does it better than Zack Snyder.
Snyder brought together one of the best ensembles of the year in this film, carried by the up-and-coming action star, Henry Cavill (Immortals). Though, I believe that this was a lot to place on Cavill's shoulders, as he is relatively young in his career. That is not to say that Cavill's performance as Kal El wasn't great. I believe he brought the character to life in a superb way. The supporting cast, which consists of Oscar Nominees Amy Adams (The Fighter), Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road), and Diane Lane (Unfaithful) and Oscar Winners Kevin Costner (Dances With Wolves) and Russell Crowe (Gladiator), helped make this movie both emotionally powerful, and entertaining.
There are three aspects to this film I would like to commend.
1. The fight scenes. These are some of the best fight sequences in any superhero film, they did however last very long so that by the end of the movie when Superman finally fights General Zod (which I might add is my favorite fight scene in a superhero movie) the audience had grown tired of watching so much destruction.
2. Michael Shannon as General Zod. Shannon took on the challenging task of re-imagining the infamous Kryptonian General whose shoes were previously filled by the incredible Terrence Stamp in Superman II. Shannon's portrayal of Zod, however, took a much darker turn in this film. He is more relatable, therefore he is more dangerous. He believes he is the hero and he will do whatever it takes to save his people.
3. Russell Crowe as Jor El. The only other actor to play Jor El on the big screen was none other than Marlon Brando (The Godfather) who is arguably the greatest actor of all time. However, Crowe's new take on the character was just as heart-wrenching and inspiring as his predecessor.
"Every human being we save is one less we have to fight."
Directed by: Marc Forster
Written by: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goddard, and Damon Lindelof
Based on the novel by: Max Brooks
Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, Pierfrancesco Favino and David Morse
Rated PG-13 for intense frightening zombie sequences, violence and disturbing images
Over the past few years, Brad Pitt has distinguished himself as a stellar producer. Once again, he has proved that he knows how to make a good movie. Going in to this film I was hesitant. This is, after all, a PG-13 Zombie film. "Zombie films are supposed to be R!" I've heard people exclaim. In fact I know a great deal of people who didn't go and see this film just because it was not rated R. However, what I had imagined to be the film's greatest weakness, turned out to be its strength.
Too often do Zombie films or TV shows focus too heavily on the violence, thus providing a weak plot and/or weak characters. I'm sure some of you have heard my harsh criticisms of The Walking Dead. This film does just the opposite. It provides a strong story supported by strong characters played by strong actors. This is not just another Zombie film! This is destined to be a remarkable franchise. For the first time since Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, I actually cared about the characters in this film.
Now, Brad Pitt alone could have sold me on this movie, however there are many tremendous actors that appear in this film that most people have not heard of. For example, Pierfrancesco Favino as one of the W.H.O. Doctors. I first saw him in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as the weary and fearful general of Lord Miraz's army. He is a talented actor and his performance in this film is noteworthy to say the least. I was really surprised to see what would seem to be no more than a cameo from David Morse (The Green Mile, Disturbia). This is an actor who deserves a lot of recognition for the dark characters he portrays. In WWZ Morse successfully made me cringe more than any of the zombies in the rest of the movie. Another star cameo is none other than Matthew Fox (LOST) whose character was unfortunately cut from the final edit of the film. You can, however, see him helping Brad Pitt's wife and family onto a helicopter at one point.
This movie was amazing. It was a perfect blend of horror and blockbuster and I highly recommend that you see it.
"Eternity can be a curse. The losses you have had to suffer... A man can run out of things to care for, lose his purpose."
Directed by: James Mangold
Written by: Mark Bomback and Scott Frank
Based on the comic series by: Chris Claremont and Frank Miller
Wolverine created by: Len Weinn and John Romita, Sr.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hal Yamanouchi and Famke Janssen as Jean Grey
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, some sexuality and language
I have become very impressed with the decisions 20th Century Fox has made in regards to the X-Men franchise. Most of the time when a franchise has jumped the shark and made a huge flop, the studio just decides to start the series over again with a reboot as we have seen with superhero franchises like Superman, Hulk or Spider-Man. After making two dreadful X-Men movies in a row, X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 20th Century Fox pushed forward and delivered two of the best films in the series; X-Men: First Class and now, The Wolverine. They realize that the fans are more than willing to forgive a studio for a couple bad movies as long as they continue to deliver better movies.
The Wolverine is my second favorite film in the X-Men franchise, right behind X2: X-Men United. Director James Mangold (Walk the Line, 3:10 To Yuma) made a wise move by pushing past the internal conflict of Logan/Wolverine's ignorance as to where he comes from and instead throws the character into new territory. The film takes place a few years after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. Logan is crippled by the fact that he had to kill the one woman he loved, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen). Haunted be her memory, he lives as an outcast in the wilderness, for there is no place for him anymore. Professor X is dead, and the X-Men are no more.
The film opens up with a horrifying view of the destruction of Nagaski, the likes of which we have never seen before. Logan, a P.O.W. saves a Japanese officer from the ill fate of the atom bomb. This officer's name is Yashida, and he will later go on to become the most powerful man in Japan who sends for Logan on his deathbed, offering him the gift of mortality in exchange for the powers of the Wolverine.
I don't want to give too much away, but this movie is unlike any superhero movie you have ever seen before. It is reminiscent of the Bourne series. Hugh Jackman is in the best shape of his career and delivers his best performance as Logan/Wolverine. This film is a must see, and I am unofficially declaring it the Best Superhero film since The Dark Knight.
"Tonight, we will be partaking of a liquid - as we wind our way up the Golden Mile commencing with an inaugural tankard in the first post, then on to the old familiar - the good companion, the trusty servant, the two-headed dog, the mermaid, the beehive, the king's head, and the hole in the wall for a measure of the same. All before the last bittersweet pint in that most fateful, the world's end, leave a light on good lady, although we may return with a twinkle in our eyes, we will be in truth blind... Drunk."
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Written by: Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Rosamund Pike, Paddy Considine, Eddie Marsan, with David Bradley, Pierce Brosnan, and Bill Nighy as The Network
Rated R for pervasive language including sexual references
Finally, after six years director Edgar Wright once again teams up with comedians Simon Pegg and Nick Frost to bring us one of the wittiest films of all time. The World's End is the third and final part of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's thematic trilogy, The Cornetto Trilogy, which began with Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. This trio has dealt with a Zombie apocalypse and a murderous psychopathic cult, so what's next... Robots!
The World's End is a story about five friends, who in high school unsuccessfully attempted to complete the famous pub crawl, The Golden Mile which consists of twelve pubs. The friends return to the hometown to relive the Golden Mile at the behest of their old ring leader, Gary King (Pegg) who in 20 years has not been able to outlive his glory days of high school or his shame at his failure to complete the pub crawl and reach the final pub, The World's End. However, upon their arrival at their old town, they soon discover that the whole town has been taken over by robots in a Bodysnatcher-esque fashion.
This is perhaps the wittiest film in the Cornetto trilogy, though its plot is considerably weaker than Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Like the other two films, it is more than just a comedy and addresses some deep human issues. The struggle to let go of your past, and the horror of facing your future.
This film was great. I am determined to watch it again and again, and it has earned its place alongside Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz as a Cult Classic.
"There's got to be something other than being a fisherman or Kidnapping people."
"Maybe in America, Irish... Maybe in America."
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Written by: Billy Ray
Based on the Book by: Richard Phillips and Stephan Talty
Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Michael Chernus, David Warshofsky, Corey Johnson, Mahat M. Ali and Catherine Keener
Rated PG-13 for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and for substance use
Captain Phillips is a true story about a cargo ship that is boarded by Somali pirates. The captain of the ship takes extreme measures to protect his crew and prevent the pirates from winning.
I was truly impressed with this film. But what is perhaps the most impressive thing to me about this film, is that the hero, Captain Richard Phillips is a real person. This story is inspirational on a new level. It forces you to ask yourself, 'If I were in his shoes, could I be so selfless when the time came?'
No other actor other than two-time Academy Award Winner and President of the Screen Actor's Guild, Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Philadelphia) could have portrayed Captain Richard Phillips with such delicate and emotional charisma. On screen, Hanks enables the viewers to not only observe the situation, but feel it as well. There were times during this film when I wanted to leap out of my chair and run, because I, like the ill-fated captain, felt like I was held prisoner.
I don't understand why the Oscar Nominated director Paul Greengrass (United 93, The Bourne Ultimatum) is not a household name yet. With each film he directs, I am amazed at his talent. His team up with Tom Hanks is sure to earn both men another Oscar nod, and I find it hard to believe that this film will go unnoticed at the Academy Awards this year.
"In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him."
Directed by: Gavin Hood
Written by: Gavin Hood
Based on the Novel by: Orson Scott Card
Starring: Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis, with Abigail Breslin and Sir Ben Kingsley as Mazer Rackham
Rated PG-13 for some violence, sci-fi action and thematic material
In the wake of an Alien invasion of Earth, in which Humanity only survived due to the keen intellect and strategic mind of Airforce sergeant Mazer Rackham, played by Academy Award Winner Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi), the military has begun a program in which they train children to fight the alien race should they attack Earth again. Ender Wiggin, played by Asa Butterfield (Hugo, The Boy In the Striped Pajamas), is an exceptionally talented boy who is enlisted into a bootcamp in space where he must learn how to discipline his emotions and lead an army.
I first read the novel Ender's Game when I was in fifth grade and I remember thinking, 'Wow, this is really good. They should make this into a movie!' Eight years later and my wish has finally come true. Though I can't complain for having to wait eight years, as some people have been waiting twenty-eight years for this film to be made. When I heard that Gavin Hood was directing this film, I was nervous. His last film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, had been a massive flop, and I was worried that this director would cause Ender's Game to have the same fate as Logan. However, my concerns were in vain.
This movie was so good. Hood has distinguished himself for bringing together such an amazing cast of supporting actors which include Academy Award Nominees Harrison Ford (Witness), Viola Davis (The Help, Doubt), Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit).
Asa Butterfield captures the internal struggle of Ender's compassion and rage. He juggles love and hate in an effort to find the proper balance between the two in order to lead. He realizes that in order to defeat his opponent, he must learn to think like him. But once he understands his opponent, he loves them. Then how can he destroy them.
Harrison Ford brilliantly portrays Ender's commander, Colonel Graff. Ford and Butterfield's onscreen chemistry is the highlight of the film. Witness them debate what is more important; winning the war or the way we win.
"Wait a second, I know what happened. You guys dropped acid, didn't you? Craig doesn't have any pants on, he got ****ing wild, probably danced, sweated all over the place. You got white **** all over your mouth, Franco, you probably sucked somebody's ****, Jonah over here probably watched and ****** off. Jay, I didn't even know you were in town, good to see ya."
Directed by: Evan Goldberg & Seth Rogan
Written by: Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg
Based on the short film, 'Jay and Seth Versus the Apocalypse' directed by: Jason Stone
Starring: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogan, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, with Michael Cera and Emma Watson
Rated R for crude and sexual content throughout, brief graphic nudity, pervasive language, drug use and some violence
This Is the End is about a group of celebrities who, while attending a party at James Franco's house, are faced with the Biblical apocalypse. Together they must try to hold their own as they attempt to live together. Demons and Hellfire should be least of their concerns as they struggle to live alongside one another. This film is filled with well improvised petty arguments that dig into each actor's feelings, lots of drug humor and a ten minute scene of watching the horrific deaths of countless celebrities, which include Mindy Kaling, David Krumholtz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Rihannna, Paul Rudd, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Jason Segal and a hilariously impaled Michael Cera.
When this movie was first announced, I thought it was brilliant. When I saw the first trailer, I thought it was brilliant. When I finally saw the movie.... BRILLIANT! These guys are hilarious to watch. I found myself falling out of my seat in the movie theater I was laughing so hard.
This movie is crude, violent and outlandishly hysterical. If you are a fan of Pineapple Express, Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I Love You Man, Knocked Up or The 40 Year Old Virgin, you are going to love this movie. Danny McBride literally brought me to tears in the midst of my laughter. He is a comic genius.
Don't just watch this movie. Buy it, and watch it a million times. And keep an eye out for a special cameo by Channing Tatum, you will laugh your *** off.
"Every day she's wondering why I'm not there to ****ing rescue her! Do you understand that? Me, not you! Not you! But me! EVERY DAY! SO FORGIVE ME, FOR NOT GOING HOME TO GET A GOOD NIGHT'S REST!"
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Written by: Aaron Guzikowski
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, with Melissa Leo and Paul Dano
Rated R for disturbing violent content including torture, and language throughout
While the Dovers are celebrating Thanksgiving at the Birch's house, the youngest daughters of both families go missing. Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) is assigned with the task of finding the girls. He attempts to work with the uncooperative Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) who takes matters into his own hands to get to the bottom of things and find his daughter. However, every character is held prisoner to something in this dark thriller.
I was blown away by some of the performances in this film. Hugh Jackman delivers the performance of his career. Jake Gyllenhaal's disturbingly apathetic performance just might score him an Oscar nod. The same can be said for all of the castmembers in this film.
What stood out to me the most was Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood) as the prime suspect and simple minded Alex Jones. His seemingly innocent demeanor frightens you and makes your blood cold. I do not want to give too much away, as there are many twists and turns in this suspense-driven mystery.
With a star-studded cast, a high-pressured plot, riveting dialogue, and a mind-bending ending, you will want to go back and watch it again, the second it is over. Parents Beware (especially those with young children) this is not an easy movie to sit through.
"Diabolical forces are formidable. These forces are eternal, and they exist today. The fairy tale is true. The Devil exists. God exists. And for us, as people, our very destiny hinges upon which one we elect to follow."
Directed by: James Wan
Written by: Chad Hayes & Carey Hayes
Based on True Events following the lives of the Perrons & Warrens
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor, Shanley Caswell, Shannon Kook, and John Brotherton
The Conjuring follows the true events of the Perron family and when they bought their dream house in the '70s. Shortly after moving in, they began to notice many insidious spirits threatening the family. Ed and Lorraine Warren are what some call Ghost Hunters or Demonologists. They are called upon by the Perrons and agree to look into the house and try to cleanse it of any demonic activity. Of the countless houses they've cleansed and demonic activity they've faced, this was the most malevolent, so they kept it unrecorded... Until now.
This movie scared the crap out of me. I have to commend James Wan and his vision. This movie takes the horror genre, and demon/ghost movies specifically back to their roots. I can say with complete confidence that this is the scariest movie I have ever seen.
Every aspect of this movie was done brilliantly. Wan uses camerawork and music to carry the setting and disturb the audience. The cast's performances are so perfect, you forget that you are watching a movie.
The Conjuring must be held in as high regard as films such as The Exorcist. If you thought Paranormal Activity was scary, then you won't sleep for days.
"If you ride like lightning, you're going to crash like thunder."
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
Written by: Derek Cianfrance & Ben Coccio & Darius Marder
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Rose Byrne, Ben Mendelsohn, Dane DeHaan, Emory Cohen, with Bruce Greenwood and Ray Liotta as Deluca
Rated R for language throughout, some violence, teen drug and alcohol use, and a sexual reference
And Finally, my favorite film of the year, and it might even be my favorite film of all time... The Place Beyond the Pines. The film follows motorcycle stuntman, Luke, played by Academy Award Nominee Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson), who reconnects with Romina (Eva Mendes; Training Day), an old fling who he had since forgotten. As Luke attempts to reconnect with Romina, he soon discovers he has a baby boy Romina had kept a secret from him. In order to prove to Romina that he has what it takes to support a family, Luke teams up with a poor mechanic, Robin (Ben Mendelsohn; The Dark Knight Rises) and the two of them begin robbing banks. Things turn awry when ambitious rookie cop, Avery, played by Academy Award Nominee Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook), attempts to catch Luke and bring him to justice.
This film is perhaps one of the most unique movies I've ever seen. It is a three chapter story that takes on the themes of desperation, corruption, and restitution. Whenever Ryan Gosling makes a movie it is something to take note of. I now believe the same can be said for Bradley Cooper. You need to see this movie. It is a beautifully crafted piece of art, and it will make you question your own moral standards. Gosling and Cooper give incredible performances in this film, and it will leave you questioning what the greatest evil truly is. A man who will steal for money, a man who will lie for power, or a man who will kill for revenge. The truth is, they are all the same in The Place Beyond the Pines.
This is an incomplete list because I have not seen every movie that was released this year. So do me a favor, and COMMENT below if you believe there are any movies that were released this year, 2013 that belong on this list. I may not have seen it, and if you believe it is worthy to be placed on the list, then I want to see it. So, write down the TITLE of the movie and WHY it belongs on the list in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading, and happy movie watching!
Loved "Pines," as you know... there are still SOOO many movies to see! 12 years a Slave, About Time, The Hobbit, The Book Thief, Oldboy, Out of the Furnace, the list goes on! I think you nailed it according to what I have seen so far though!
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