Earlier this year it could have been said that the movies of 2013 weren’t great, but after going back and relooking over the films that did come out, it turns out 2013 wasn’t full of terrible films. There were a couple here and there, but overall not terrible movies, just a year full of disappointments more so. A lot of the huge blockbusters failed to deliver on what the filmmakers promised or what the trailers looked like they’d give us. For example: Man of Steel. Not a terrible movie for some, but just ok overall. It had all the right pieces to the puzzle, but for some reason some of those pieces didn’t fit. It’s nothing compared to the bomb that The Lone Ranger was, but just a year full of ups and downs really.
So to say that 2013 was all terrible movies is just an over exaggeration that’s unfair to the great movies that did happen to come out this year. But among the disappointments and terrible movies, there were some great films that did come out and shined though the cloud. But now begs the real questions: Were they really that good? Or were they just so much better by comparison to the ones that missed their mark? Just food for thought. But this year had some incredible flicks. Here a list of the movies that best beat the odds and were great, and a few that you should never see. Don’t even look at them in the store for fear you’ll make eye contact with the BluRay cover and it steals your soul. That’s how bad some were this year.
10. Blackfish
The killer whale documentary by director Gabriela Cowperthwaite that focuses on Tilikum, an orca held by SeaWorld, and the dangers of keeping the species in captivity. No other movie this year captured the imagination more than this film. It was thought provoking, beautiful in it’s explanation of these beautiful creatures and how horrible they are treated by humans. The movie gives just the information and allows you, the viewer, to come up with own ideas and feelings. Whatever your views are, this is a riveting film everyone should see.
There is nothing better than a good scare, and director James Wan did that better than anyone else this year. I’m still having trouble sleeping when thinking back on this movie. Not only is it loosely based on a true story, but also has amazing acting and some of the best practical special effects used. Using old school film techniques in new and awesome ways is just one of the many reasons this movie was great. It’s one of those horror ghost stories that sticks with you long after viewing. Watch this around Halloween and it gives you all the right spooky chills one needs around that time of year.
8. Frozen
It’s been a long while since Disney hit it big with an animated movie that is being called “The best since The Lion King”. Not only is it beautifully animated with great voice talents and songs, but it’s also a really good story. They took the old Disney cliché we’re used to and flipped it on its head and made something new and fresh. Which is sometimes hard for a company like Disney that relies on their formula. But Frozen breaks the mold of that and really is something to see.
Coming of age stories aren’t anything new to moviegoers, but we had two really good ones this year. And The Way Way Back was one of them. It’s a simple story about shy 14-year-old Duncan on his summer vacation with his mother, her terrible overbearing boyfriend and his materialistic daughter. Having trouble fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in the manager of the local water theme park. Over the summer, he learns some of the hardest lessons any 14-year-old can learn. All is presented with great writing, acting, and wonderful humor.
The other coming of age movie this year was The Kings of Summer. When three teenage friends are just tired of their domineering parents, they all set off into the unknown in the ultimate act of independence, spending their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land. Each boy learns something about each other and themselves. It’s a summer each will never forget, as they deal with love, friendship, death, and the trouble of just growing up. Full of amazing actors and some of the best writing, this is one movie worth seeing.
5. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Ben stiller stars and directs this beautiful movie about a daydreamer, Walter, who escapes his boring life by disappearing into his own world of fantasies with heroism, romance, and action. But when his job is threatened due to a misplaced negative, he embarks on a real life adventure which is more extraordinary than anything he could have imagined. This is an astonishing movie that everyone can find inspiration in, with great acting mixed with some of the most absolutely beautiful locations you’ve ever seen and great music that gives you all the right feels and emotions.
4. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games, which sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem. If you saw part one, you already know how good these movies are, so no need for me to go on and on. But this second feature in the franchise just took what worked in the first one and elevated it to a whole new level. For being a movie based on a young adults novel, they have really managed to make a great movie with relevant themes, amazing acting, and great special effects.
Now I know what you’re thinking, how can this be on a best of list? It’s pure and simple: Never have I had more fun at a movie this summer. Action upon action, amazing stunts and off the wall fight scenes will get you pumped. This was just good fun and probably the best summer blockbuster of the year. Our heroes, Dom and Brian, reassemble their crew in order to take down a mastermind who commands an organization of mercenaries who are out to do very bad things. It’s nothing but a popcorn flick, but if you have to sit though one, might as well be one this good.
2. Gravity
No other movie this year gave you the feelings of suspense and tension like Gravity, Alfonso Cuaron’s film about a medical engineer and an astronaut who work together to survive after an accident that leaves them adrift in space. The whole time you’re on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Stellar performances by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, this is one movie that will win lots of awards and be remembered for years to come. Not only is it one of the best movies of this year, but also one of the best movies ever made.
The Marvel studios just keep rolling out hit after hit, and this year was no different. With Iron Man 3 and Thor, this was huge year for them. But The God of Thunder was where it was at this past year. Being faced with an enemy that Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and save all the 9 Realms from total destruction. Better than the first one is an understatement, Thor: The Dark World is one hell of a movie. Taking this comic book genre and showing the world that even though fighting in a cape may look silly, with amazing acting, damn fine writing and knowing how to treat the material it’s based, on you can have your cake and eat it too. This was a great movie from top to bottom, just making the Marvel Cinematic Universe that much richer to watch.
So those were the top films I feel most people should see and can enjoy from 2013, but just as things often go, you have the sours in the sweets. And 2013 had some major bombs and terrible movies too. So be warned, stay far away from these, if you can. Or, for the hell of it, rock out The Movie Issues way, grab a six-pack your best buds and watch any of these and just laugh your ass off!
5. After Earth: Just terrible from start to finish. No plot, sorry excuse of acting, and overall a terrible time you can’t get back.
4. Getaway: A movie so bad, that we, a podcast about bad movies, walked out of.
3. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: Even for a movie that’s suppose to be the next Twilight about witches, vampires and werewolves… this is offensive to all those fantasy creatures that don’t exist, even they deserve better.
2. The Lone Ranger: Not as bad as you’ve heard, but not anywhere good either. It’s nothing but good actors doing poor choices, even the horse was phoning this one in.
1. Jack the Giant Slayer: Never has a movie been so bad it makes me think a director should be put in director jail and not let out for a long time. Everything this does is rotten.
Well that’s it for 2013 everyone, up and onwards to 2014, which is already looking to be a pretty damn good year for the world of cinema!