2013: The year I never expected to bring such powerful and
imposing films from beginning to end. I
started off the year strong by attending the Sundance Film Festival and now
almost a year later I’m reeling since I won't be attending again. Yet, I've FINALLY whittled down 2013 (and early 2014) to my favorite 10+5 & have included
after each entry how many times I have seen the film:
1.
Short Term 12: I think my real reason for seeing
this movie besides Brie Larson bringing a powerful performance was because a
friend was dying to see it. So I went and immediately fell in love. The first
scene intriguingly pulls you in while the music, pacing, cinematography, real
acting and story grasp you for the remainder. One of the most emotionally
moving films this year that was highly underrated (I’m still writing in Brie to
win Best Actress at the Oscars…). (1)
2.
Gravity: This film began building an immense
amount of anticipation from the first teaser released in May. After that I
forbid myself from watching any trailer or TV spot, and boy did it pay off. I
was entranced from the moment the lights dimmed in the movie theatre. There is
no one aspect that makes Gravity one of the best this year: it was a true
collaboration between newly designed special effects, the actors, editor,
cinematographer, composer, and countless others. (3)
You can read my earlier review about the film here.
3.
The Spectacular Now: At first I was skeptical
about seeing another film about high school love. Granted, this was back at
Sundance when all I knew about the film was a two-line description and the main
cast and crew. This was also before Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller blew up,
so forgive me. When I finally saw it in early fall, I had realized that a
heavy-high school partier (definitely not me) was still capable of caring for
others. I identified with some of Sutter’s fears and traits while I initially
considered myself more like the down-to-earth Aimee. Films like this illustrate
that small-budget independent pieces can still pack a savory punch! (1)
Read my earlier review here!
4.
Before Midnight: My friend and I marathoned
(thank you Netflix for making this a verb) the first two Before films the night
before we saw Midnight. The dialogue between Celine and Jesse starts off with a
bang in Sunrise but gets more and more intense throughout the series. The
locations of these films are a perfect backdrop against this maturing
relationship: the ancient and rocky, yet preserved and breathtaking Grecian
waterfront. (2)
5.
Her: This masterpiece would have been higher if
not for the raunchy, vulgar sex scenes that detract from the later depth of the
film. Theodore and Samantha develop one of the deepest and truest relationships
of the year that show audiences the possibilities, emotions, and paths of true
love. (2)
6.
12 Years A Slave: This is another film that
began building anticipation early on, especially as rave reviews and standing
ovations at festivals began pouring in. (1)
Read my full review
7.
Blue is the Warmest Color: one of the
most-buzzed and controversial films this year. I was nervous even as the film
began, but after three hours, I felt transformed and motivated just like Adele.
My preconceptions of the ‘three-hour lesbian movie’ were violently changed into
‘true love story everyone needs to see and experience.’ Masterfully directed, Blue boils down to a love story between
two people, detailing life’s intimacies, troubles, and happiness. Adele’s
perspective allows the audience to experience love naively at first, but by the
end can feel how heavy her heart has become due to years of discovering love. Exarchopoulos and Seydoux give outstanding
performances and are well worth not only a 3 hour film, but their respective
Cannes Palme d’Ors. (1, but the bluray is pre-ordered!)
8.
Frances Ha: a minimalist look at one of New
York’s quirkiest and most frustrating artists-to-be. While I don’t fully back
all of Baumbach’s films, once this hit came to Netflix, I was ecstatic to
watch. The opening scene will hook you with its wit, quick editing, and relaxed
nature between BFFs Sophie and Frances. Gerwig plays the most interesting
character of the year and shows that a performance takes an entire film to
understand. I know this sounds vague, but early-Frances does not equate with
Paris-Frances who doesn’t equate with 15 other Frances-types throughout the
film. Multiple viewings are sure to entrance you with a highly stylized yet
stripped and alternative (not quite hipster) look at life in the Big Apple.
(1.5)
9.
The Wolf of Wall Street: Hands down one of the
funniest movies of the year. Yes, also
one of the most vulgar, raunchiest, craziest things I’ve seen in years. While
Leonardo Dicaprio may be snubbed since many were unamused by Scorsese’s
unorthodox and raucous parade, his performance was outstanding and surely
unmatched by any actor this year (in terms of emotional range). (2)
10. About
Time: Because emotions. I cannot wait for this to come out on DVD so I can
watch it every month, bawl, and realize how important it is to live every day
with no regrets and as if it were my last. I’m not big on romcoms, but this
film focuses on the father-son dynamic with a supplementary love story (Mary,
played by McAdams, isn’t even introduced until 20+ minutes into the film). Despite
its fantasy nature, the film reveals the true meaning behind family and love. (2)
Honorable Mention:
11. Philomena:
Another underrated hit that shocked me by its depth and range. Coogan’s
screenplays always delight (see The Trip)
while Dench’s performance gives power back to the 80+ Club. I loved how the duo
was a well-rounded dialogue between atheism vs. Catholicism. Even though the
film has a slant against nuns selling children, I feel that the discussion
always highlights both sides of the conversation. (1)
12. Inside
Llewyn Davis: A typical Coen Brothers ending will give you enough reason to see
it a second time! While the film definitely leads you to believe of the more
depressing scenario, it is still up to the audiences’ decision to figure out
how the circle is being completed. Oscar Isaac’s vocals are magnificent: he’ll
teach you that ‘life ain’t worth living without the one you love.’ (1)
13. Dallas
Buyers Club: While I had expected a hearty film, I was not fully expecting such
a well-made film with deep messages that hit home. Strong performances that
have gained so much award buzz frame this powerful story of a man sentenced
with 30 days left to live after being diagnosed with AIDS. He (McConaughey)
becomes a hero for the suffering by learning about and gathering the most
effective medications for other AIDS patients. Even the most masculine of
Southern cowboys shatters homophobia to build a wholesome relationship with
Rayon (Leto), an HIV-positive transgender woman. (1)
14. August:
Osage County: I was surprised by how much I loved this movie as well. I’m not
certain if the theatrical adaptation made this screenplay so strong, but it
certainly makes for a tour-de-force with such an A-list cast. An unsettling
suicide brings this family back together, only to open more sores in each
member. All of the ends are tied up nicely, but only after Julia Roberts (and
Meryl Streep, for that matter) gives one of the most powerful performances of
her career (I wouldn’t want to be her child who doesn’t eat his vegetables). (1)
15. The
Kings of Summer (Toy’s House): Not only was I in this summer hit, but it was
filmed in my hometown, Cleveland, OH, too! I had the pleasure of seeing it
premiere at Sundance last January and hear from the director and some of the
cast and crew. Wit, imagination, a playful yet colorful art direction, and a
hilarious cast (Nick Offerman, Megan Mullaly, Alison Brie, and Moises Arias to
name a few) round out this successful comedy. Think Superbad meets The
Breakfast Club or a 2013 rendition of Stand By Me. (2)
My newest smoothie addition: kale!
The You-Won't-Know-It-Has-Veggies smoothie
1 cup frozen (and smashed) kale
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 banana
1/2 cup pineapple
1-2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, or both)
milk
ice
