Top 10 Films of 2013
All in all, an excellent year at the movies...
See my Top 10 after the jump!
*click the name to view clips
Michael Douglas and Matt Damon
put on an acting clinic in this silver screen gem (though stateside,
the film was never released theatrically). It’s hilarious, clever, and moving,
and if you can get past it being “too gay” (so said many Hollywood
producers), you’re in for a treat.
‘Wars’ is the kind of documentary
reminiscent of the Bush-era. In other words, when W. was president, an expose
as stinging as this was released routinely and certainly grabbed headlines (Fahrenheit
9/11, Taxi to the Dark Side). Unfortunately, Jeremy Scahill’s biting piece of
cinematic journalism has gone largely ignored, and it’s a shame, because if Americans
knew more about our dealings in this “War on Terrorism” than Bush-era flubs, we
may see some real changes in our current (and future) foreign policy.
‘Caprice’ is a terrifying, tense,
bleak portrait on the genesis of the D.C. Snipers. It encourages a greater
understanding behind their terrorism, even though you’re still repulsed by it
in the end.
The story of this film is the performances.
Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Willem Dafoe, and
a host of other recognizable names make this dark story about an unstable
veteran, a grieving son and brother, and a murdering lunatic, both parts exhilarating
and depressing.
Light, charming, witty, ‘Philomena’ doesn’t overwhelm, even
if the story it tells is tragic, infuriating, and moving. Judi Dench is in top
form (her range is something to marvel). A must see.
Relatively free from cliché, this
coming-of-age teenage drama boasts a clever script, wickedly sharp lead performance
by Miles Teller, and touching commentary on youth and life.
Unrelentingly brutal, director
Steve McQueen creates a slave film about the tribulations of an abducted
freeman with poise, fiercely honest performances, and emotional wallop.
Thought-provoking and unabashedly
bizarre, as I interpreted it, ‘Tomorrow’ is a tale about the dark, sinister,
and twisted realities of adult fantasy coming true at the happiest place on
Earth…for children.
‘Nebraska’ has all the hallmarks of a classic
Payne enterprise: non-actors mixed with careerist performers, great dialogue
(even though he didn't write the script this time), and witty, sometimes
gut-busting performances.
A riveting feature about a
nameless, voiceless man trapped in the middle of the Indian Ocean…with little
chance of survival.
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