Another year gone, and another load of movies that I have laughed, cried and despaired over. So here is my top ten films of 2013 (in no particular order)…
1: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Ok I said these films are in no particular order but The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is my film of the year. Exciting, thrilling and full of great acting, particularly from the girl on fire Jennifer Lawrence.
2: Iron Man 3
After the unimpressive Iron Man 2, director Shane Black bring Tony Stark back to his best with some hilarious lines and exciting action sequences.
3: Before Midnight
Although not quite on par with the previous Before films, I still loved catching up with Jesse and Celine in this thoughtful and realistic look on long-term relationships.
4: Much Ado About Nothing
Joss Whedon and Shakespeare turn out to be a dream combination with this black and white version of the classic play set in Joss Whedon’s own house (which was designed by his wife). Funny, romantic and full of joy.
5: The Bling Ring
Sofia Coppola best film to date shows us the self-obsessed world of the rich kids so fixated on fame and celebrity they emulate their idols by burglarizing their houses. Emma Watson stands out as the vapid Nikki.
6: The Conjuring
In my humble opinion the scariest film of the year. While not overly original this supernatural horror from Saw director James Wan will make you jump out of your seat. It also features themost creepy doll I’ve seen in a while.
7: You’re Next
While not quite as scary as The Conjuring, You’re Next still features some cool scares, lots of black humour and plenty of gore. Plus a great kick-ass heroine in the form of Sharni Vinson’s Erin.
8: Gravity
Spectacular special effects makes Gravity the most beautiful looking film of 2013. It’s also strong for its story, Alfonso Cuaron’s direction and the acting talents of Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. No doubt it’s due to win plenty during award season and rightly so.
9: Thor: The Dark world
The God of Thunder and his mischievous brother Loki is back with this superior sequel. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are great to watch in a film that’s funny and action packed.
10: Frozen
This delightful Disney film about two very different sisters is packed filled with jokes and heart. Great family viewing that adults will enjoy just as much as the kids. Be prepared to fall in love with Olaf the snowman.
I prefer to mostly focus on the positives of 2013 but some consideration must be given for the films that have not fared as well in 2013. I was probably the only person who didn’t like Despicable Me 2, and I also was bored by the ironically titled Epic. However there was one film so bad, so awful that I have to give it the title of Worst Film of 2013, this goes to ( imaginary drumroll please)….
Diana
The last few years of Princess Diana’s life and her love affair with a surgeon is brought to the screen in a film which no one can take seriously. Admittedly I enjoyed watching this film in a perverse kind of way but I can’t think of a worse film in 2013 in terms of script, acting etc.
But those films were sooo 2013, now as we look forward to 2014 here are some of the movies that I’m highly anticipating
Drama
An English soldier struggles with his memories of torture in Japan in The Railway Man starring Colin Firth, George Clooney’s World War 2 adventure The Monuments Men and the story of a free man forced into slavery in 12 Years a Slave which has already released in America to great acclaim.
Horror
I haven’t hard much about decent horror films next year but there’s some good buzz about conspiracy theory horror The Banshee Chapter, despite not knowing much more about the plot itself.
Superheroes
There’s competition between the superhero movies next year and I’m highly anticipating The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and X-Men: Days of Future Past but it’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier that I’m most looking forward to thanks to that amazing trailer.
Movie Adaptation of a TV show
As a fan of the teenage detective show Veronica Mars-The Movie I’m hoping the Kickstarter funded film version will be worth the wait.
Action
Indonesian Action/Thriller The Raid was my film of 2012, so expectations for The Raid 2 are through the roof.
Mysterious Christopher Nolan project
I have no idea what Interstellar is about, even after seeing the initial trailer but the fact that its directed by Christopher Nolan has me excited for his new release set for late 2014.
Franchise
And finally we’re one step closer to the end as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part One makes its appearance at the close of 2014. Can Katniss go through any more trauma? What do you think?
Do you agree with my list? What films are you looking forward to in 2014? Is there a worst film this year than Diana? Let me know what you think.