Top 10 Films of 2013
Here are my top 10 films of the year. They're not all ciritcal darlings or box office smashes but they're the ones I enjoyed watching the most and also engrossed me completely throughout the picture.
List activity
4 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
10 titles
- DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsColin FarrellWoody HarrelsonSam RockwellA struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.I didn't see it in cinemas till January and once the credits rolled I knew instantly this would be my favourite film of the year. A brilliantly original idea with every actor on top notch degree. When it's funny its hilarious and when it's contemplative it makes you think. Every character is likable no matter how bad they are. The pace, script, directing, music, is all perfect. 100% brilliant!
- DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsEmma ThompsonTom HanksAnnie Rose BuckleyAuthor P.L. Travers reflects on her childhood after reluctantly meeting with Walt Disney, who seeks to adapt her Mary Poppins books for the big screen.I was interested in this film when I heard about it and as soon as I started watching it I was completely engrossed. This is one of the most beautifully shot films this year. With a superb script. Witty dialogue which punctuates emotional scenes which stay on the right side of eye watering but not soppy, heart warming but not sappy. Emma Thompson does the performance of her career (and that's saying something), Tom Hanks is nearly faultless as Walt Disney (the accent is a bit wobbly), and Colin Farrel once again proves his acting chops as P.L. Travers' inspiring father. It also gives a new take on Mary Poppins which helps define it's lasting legacy.
- DirectorSteve McQueenStarsChiwetel EjioforMichael Kenneth WilliamsMichael FassbenderIn the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free Black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.One of the most impactful flms I've seen in a long time. What is great about this film is that it's unflinching when looking at the slave trade and the treatments of slaves during the time period. The fact that it's based on a biographical book really helps make it hit home. Chiwetel Ejiofor does the performance of the year as the protagonist Solomon Northup. A superb story of the human spirit and survival.
- DirectorJake SchreierStarsPeter SarsgaardFrank LangellaSusan SarandonIn the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.Another film we had to wait till this year to see. It has a charming story with superb acting by Frank Langhella. Peter Sarsgaard does a wonderful turn as Robot and really brings humanity to the little guy. which was what the film needed. This film is all heart and is a nice slow, warm film which is a breath of fresh air what with all the massive blockbusters blowing stuff up everywhere.
- DirectorTom TykwerLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsTom HanksHalle BerryHugh GrantAn exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.Like Django in the UK we had to wait till february to see this cinematic spectacle. Adapted from what was supposed to be one of the most "un-filmable" books, Cloud Atlas is a gem. With brilliant performances all round for their multiple characters. What could have ended up as an incoherent mess in terms of narrative was webbed out creatively and helps you keep track through the different storylines.
- DirectorGabriela CowperthwaiteStarsTilikumDave DuffusSamantha BergA documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.It needs to be seen to be believed. I used to love the Sea World shows when I was little but as I got older I was always uncomfortable with how small the whales pools for their size. This film will make sure you don't go to Sea World again (unless to protest anyway). It's great that a light has been shone on the harshness of what corporate greed can be. You do feel sorry for the the trainers as well as the Killer Whales.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJamie FoxxChristoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprioWith the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.It may have come out in the US in 2012 but we had to wait till January to see Tarantino's western epic. Whilst Tarantino always chooses great songs for his films, having an actual score and original songs really helped set the world for Django. Despite Jaime Foxx being the main character it's Christopher Waltz's performance that shines through. A thoroughly enjoyable revenge film.
- DirectorJon S. BairdStarsJames McAvoyJamie BellEddie MarsanA corrupt, junkie cop with bipolar disorder attempts to manipulate his way through a promotion in order to win back his wife and daughter while also fighting his own inner demons.Very much in the same vein as Trainspotting in terms of setting and content to an extent. James MacAvoy is on prime form. This one is definately not for the feint hearted, it has a fantastic soundtrack, superb script and great performances all around.
- DirectorAlan TaylorStarsChris HemsworthNatalie PortmanTom HiddlestonWhen the Dark Elves attempt to plunge the universe into darkness, Thor must embark on a perilous and personal journey that will reunite him with doctor Jane Foster.The only superhero film on the list and the only one I thoroughly enjoyed (Man of Steel was meh & Iron Man 3 had it's fair share of issues). The main villain is rather forgettable but the script is great, the actions scenes are a spectacle and Chris Hemsworth & Tom Hiddleston are complete scene stealers throughout the entire film. The Thor & Loki scenes are always the highlights of this film.
- DirectorMikael HåfströmStarsSylvester StalloneArnold Schwarzenegger50 CentWhen a structural-security authority finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world's most secret and secure prison, he has to use his skills to escape with help from the inside.While it's not going to win any awards, Escape Plan was definately one of the funnest films I saw this year. It may have a bit of a drawn out beginning setting up the story but once Stallone meets Arnie the film hits it's stride and barrels along. You can tell they enjoyed making it, especially Arnie which helps you to enjoy it.