2013, just like every year, was filled with its share of stinkers released alongside some instant classics. But looking back at the list of reviews shows that even the best films don’t come across as very memorable. With the five arrow grading system, personal opinion is marginalized in order to create a more fair system. But months later when compiling a list like this, the memorability of the films often plays a big part to break any ties. In that regard this year’s list was more difficult to compile than previous years. Also, pinpointing the number one film has never been so difficult.
Our review total for the year fell just short of 2012 with 85. Last year there were 86. I knew missing that Metallica IMAX movie would come back to bite me. Out of those 85 the average rankings are slightly up from last year. Five films earned a perfect 5 arrows, 14 films earned 4.5 and 17 picked up 4 arrows. So there was definitely a healthy amount of strong movies in 2013. As is always the case, the latter part of the year brought the average up. So with a list that looks very different than a typical critic, here are the top 10 films of 2013.
(click titles to read full reviews.)
10. Captain Phillips
Those last scenes with the SEALS closing in on a resolution will earn Hanks a seat at a number of award shows, which frankly is a place he should be more often. This may not be the most glamorous credit on his résumé, but is intense and worthy of recognition.
9. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
At this point, we know what to expect in Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth. The slightly less dire circumstances in The Hobbit provide more opportunities for fun than LOTR, and they deliver in that regard. Plus the cliff-hanger ending in this one leaves a real intrigue for the final chapter next year.
The conversations Duncan has are so painfully real, the audience can’t help but relate. He isn’t some muscle-bound actor that the directors throw some glasses on to convey awkwardness. Everything from Duncan’s slight hunch, to his awkward timing in conversations is spot on. I’ve seen my fair share of movies and I can’t recall another with dialogue this real.
7. Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim is the type of the movie that will inspire audiences by what can be done with a concept. All of Del Toro’s monster and horror movies come together in one of the most epic movies ever made. You read that right. This movie is a massive spectacle.
It’s not all that common to have a writer/director come off one of the biggest films of all time (The Avengers) and dive successfully into a minuscule budgeted indie flick. But this is Joss Whedon we’re talking about. There’s a reason he is the champion of the comic-con crowd.
5. Ender's Game
Ender’s Game is book smart sci-fi for the modern age. It trades in blasters for drone warfare, which is something that seems more poignant in 2013 than it did in 1985 when the book was written. Visually impressive with a story to match, Ender’s Game snuck up on me 27 years in the making.
It should be remembered as one of the best military films of all time. Its story comes first. The film is shot beautifully, but that won’t be remembered in the face of the true story.
3. Don Jon
The way the script addresses pornography in mainstream culture isn’t preachy in the least, but it still gets a point across about separating one’s thoughts from gender stereotypes. Don Jon sends a message that Hollywood (and western culture in general) needs to hear. And it all came from the pen of the long-haired kid in “3rd Rock From the Sun.”
2. Gravity
Gravity is an emotional ride with an accessible presentation that gives it the rare feat of appealing to film purists and interesting the masses. So maybe I won’t ever go to space, but at least this movie told me what it’s actually like. I didn’t see a single Wookie in there.
DiCaprio gives a strong performance that is on par with the year’s best. The character is so intense and full of negative traits, it’s a testament to DiCaprio that the audience still cares about him. For Martin Scorsese, following up the child filled ode to film, Hugo with the drug-filled orgy that is The Wolf of Wall Street may seem like a strange choice. But one look through his filmography and it’s a transition that makes perfect sense.
Honorable Mention: The Remaining films that scored a 4.5
12. 12 Years a Slave
13. Rush
14. Man of Steel
15. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
16. Oblivion
17. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
18. The Great Gatsby
Please leave your top ten list in the comments and let us know why you liked what you did.
