As the award season heads to a conclusion with the Academy Awards airing on March 2nd, the time comes for movie enthusiasts such as myself to reflect upon the films that came out during the year that just passed us by. Part of the films that sparked interest were among the ones that have been praised and showered with awards. There were also great films that I feel did not receive the recognition that others received when it comes to being nominated for film awards. And then there were movies that were just fun and entertaining without resorting to artistic qualities that other films consisted of. So lets briefly review the favorites of 2013 and the reasons that brought about interest.
10. Machete Kills
10. Machete Kills
What's to Like:
- An ensemble of cheesy, over-the-top performances.
- A wildly funny, and very random, script that is hilariously over the top.
- Non-stop action scenes where there is always a surprise as to how each scene is going to unfold.
- An intense, hard rock music score.
9. Iron Man 3
What's to Like:
What's to Like:
- A hilarious, scene-stealing performance by Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin.
- Very funny script where the jokes improve over the previous installment. (Most of the humor in Iron Man 2 was unintentionally funny, in my opinion.)
- Action-packed finale featuring Tony Stark's robotic entourage of associates.
- Impressive visual effects.
8. Pacific Rim
What's to Like:
. The direction direction of Guillermo Del Toro, who is great at combining action with horror/science-fiction elements.
. The funny verbal exchanges between Charlie Day and Ron Perlman.
. A story that bears a cross between Godzilla and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
. Idris Alba's riveting speech to the troops about their intentions regarding the apocalypse.
7. Star Trek: Into Darkness
What's to Like:
. Dazzling visual effects.
. Entertaining portrayals of these iconic characters.
. The return of the Khan storyline.
. Benedict Cumberbatch's villainous turn as Khan.
6. This is the End
What's to Like:
. One of the most random endings that must be seen to be believed!
. Actors playing outrageous depictions of themselves.
. Jokes and scenes that are funny because they come out of nowhere.
. The made-up sequel to Pineapple Express 2.
5. Captain Phillips
What's to Like:
. Tom Hank's performance that seemed very realistic in a way where it did not feel like he was acting.
. Barry Ackroyd's impressive filmed at sea cinematography.
. Barkhad Abdi's portrayal of the leader of the Somali pirates.
. The theme of sacrificing one's life to save others.
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
What's to Like:
. Leonardo DiCaprio's energetically over-the-top performance.
. Martin Scorsese's impressive camera techniques.
. Impressive support from Jonah Hill.
. The film's dark and funny view of the world of stockbroking.
3. The Butler
What's to Like:
. Terrific performances from an impressive ensemble cast.
. The makeup, set designs, and costumes that help recreate the decades depicted.
. The relationship between the father and son.
. The diverse personalities of each president portrayed.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
What's to Like:
. Terriffic cinematography by Jo Willems.
. The film's depiction of a future similar to George Orwell's 1984.
. Jennifer Lawrence's strong portrayal of the symbol of resistance.
. Stanley Tucci's smart-Alec commentary.
1. American Hustle
What's to Like:
- An intense script consisting of characters who are surprises because their behaviors are in question throughout the film.
- Powerhouse performances by one of the best casts in years.
- Various twists and turns in the plot.
- great soundtrack consisting of 1970s music.