Mike's Top 10 Films of 2013
The 10 best films that came out and that I saw in 2013.
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- 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.This was certainly the best movie of the year and arguably the most important film of the past decade. Intense in its subject matter, this film pulled you into it's story and forced you to walk in Solomon's shoes as he continuously dealt with his growing despair and hopelessness. The power this film holds will resonate with any audience in any era.
- DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsSandra BullockGeorge ClooneyEd HarrisDr Ryan Stone, an engineer on her first time on a space mission, and Matt Kowalski, an astronaut on his final expedition, have to survive in space after they are hit by debris while spacewalking.When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I knew I would love it. Just the thought of being stranded in outer space struck the fear of God in me more than any slasher/horror flick. I'm not too big on Sandra Bullock but she knocked it out of the park with her performance. This movie moves and pumps up the adrenaline and never takes its foot off the gas. Great flick, beautifully shot and superb acting!
- DirectorDestin Daniel CrettonStarsBrie LarsonFrantz TurnerJohn Gallagher Jr.A 20-something supervising staff member of a residential treatment facility navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend.This movie is all about it's characters and I love a good character story. It plays out each character's back story beautifully by revealing them over the course of the entire movie right up until the end forcing you to wonder about each one. The writing is well done and the acting is incredible. This film can only be described as Brie Larson's breakthrough film. She plays the role of Grace with such emotion, power and mystery that you find yourself frustrated with her almost as much as you love her.
- DirectorAbdellatif KechicheStarsLéa SeydouxAdèle ExarchopoulosSalim KechioucheAdèle's life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire and to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adèle grows, seeks herself, loses herself, and ultimately finds herself through love and loss.The raves speak for themselves. This is a love story that will move you and make you feel every kiss along with every stinging insult. Its a film that reminds you of the carefree feeling love can give you as well as its cold, harsh pain that it can dole out. The two actresses, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux, put on an acting clinic in this movie. You feel everything that they feel. The hype that they've received is well worth it. This was one of the most intense and emotionally moving films I've seen, ever.
- DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsChristian BaleAmy AdamsBradley CooperA con man, Irving Rosenfeld, along with his seductive partner Sydney Prosser, is forced to work for a wild F.B.I. Agent, Richie DiMaso, who pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and the Mafia.Probably, one of the most anticipated movies of the year. I couldn't wait to see this flick. Everything about it seemed to say it was going to be great fun it surely was. Christian Bale and Amy Adams are dynamite in this and are the reasons this movie is such a great ride. The dialogue is the highlight here as well as Christian Bale's hair. There are a lot of laughs painted against a dramatic backdrop that makes me want to see it again.
- DirectorJean-Marc ValléeStarsMatthew McConaugheyJennifer GarnerJared LetoIn 1985 Dallas, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is diagnosed with the disease.I've always felt Matthew McConaughey was a great actor that had yet to give that one great performance. Then I saw Dallas Buyers Club and thought "Finally, this is what I've been waiting for!" Based on a true story that barely anyone knows about, this should be McConaughey's calling card on his resume. He embodied the character so much that its the only thing I can see when hearing his name. Jared Leto comes out of retirement in this film to remind everyone how talented he is and should get an award for this performance. Great story, great characters.
- DirectorNat FaxonJim RashStarsSteve CarellToni ColletteAllison JanneyShy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.Sam Rockwell as the wise, lazy adult. Steve Carell as a jerk. Allison Janey. Why wouldn't anyone love this? This was the one movie this year I could sit back and just enjoy. Coming of age films can be a little corny and somewhat over the top, but The Way Way Back is such a balanced movie between the storyline and its characters that it never gets in its own way. The relationship Duncan forms with Owen and the interest he has in Susanna is the heart of this movie. Its a feel good movie with a lot of warmth and heart.
- DirectorAlexander PayneStarsBruce DernWill ForteJune SquibbAn aging, booze-addled father makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son in order to claim a million-dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize.I was a little caught off guard by what Nebraska was really about. I learned that what the critics wrote on this film was entirely inaccurate. This film isn't about a confused, old man making a trip to Nebraska to collect a $1 million prize he mistakenly thinks he won. This film is about a son who begins to really learn about who his father really is as a man. Everyone has raved about Bruce Dern's performance here but, although its a great performance, this movie is all Will Forte's and he owns it with a spectacular performance that makes you hope he takes on more dramatic roles in the future. There's a curiousness that flows through the story the more you learn about Woody. Seeing how his son David reacts to all the information and how he begins to view his father in a different, more understanding way makes this a very moving story. Also, June Squibb is priceless!
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJonah HillMargot RobbieBased on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.You will need to visit rehab after watching this movie. This movie is a riot. This film is all one big party blowout full of naked women, drugs and alcohol. The dialogue is striking in its wit and obscenity. This might be Leo's most relaxed performance in any of his previous films. This film is a wild ride that you should just kick back, relax and enjoy the debauchery.
- DirectorJeff NicholsStarsMatthew McConaugheyTye SheridanJacob LoflandTwo young boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the vigilantes that are on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.Everyone loves an anti-hero. I know I do and no other film this year had a greater anti-hero than Mud. Matthew McConaughey plays this fugitive so well that you're not sure whether you trust him or not when he is with the 2 boys who discover his presence and promises to help him. The film is shot in earthy tones that gives it a gritty feel to it that helps add to the characters themselves as well as the story. This movie was made in 2012 but released in 2013 so don't let the year confuse you. There's great suspense here and the ending was superb. This was a well made film all around and welcomed Matthew McConaughey back into my good graces and made me forgive him for How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days.