After 2012's cinematic year of artistic breakthrough as well
as blockbuster appeal, 2013 looked to do the same with films of a similar
calibre. Although 2013 certainly delivered some greats it also delivered a
large handful of disappointments, disappointments which make the year a rather
mediocre one. None the less there were plenty of good releases and more than
enough to create a top 10 list of the year.
Being in the UK a large majority of probable Oscar
contenders won't be on the list as well as a couple of other films that were
not available at the point of writing this list.
Those missed films being:
-Filth
-About time
-Before Midnight -The great beauty
-The selfish giant
-Behind the candelabra
Being a relatively competitive year there were a few too
many films that didn't make the list but are honourable enough to mention.
Cloud Atlas- An exhilarating journey on mammoth proportions,
Cloud atlas is one of the most expansive and elaborately told stories this
year, neither of which takes away from its sheer beauty.
Insidious: Chapter 2- Somehow bettering the breakout
original, the sequel brought some much needed realism that truly gets under the
skin. The intelligent scares help to oversee the films average narrative.
The Worlds end- Edgar Wrights final film in the unofficially
titled 'Cornetto Trilogy' finishes the series with a bang with excellent and
creative action scenes with on-screen performances which burst energy and
evident chemistry.
On to the top 10...
10. The Conjuring
Slowly but surely transforming the horror genre, director
James Wan gives us his best film yet and perhaps the best big budget horror
films in recent years. Following a typical family and their move into a new
home, the conjuring’s biggest success is disguised as its weakness, with the
narrative being quite clichéd and predictable the film more than makes up for
this by concentrating far more on its aesthetics and ,more importantly, its
scares. Blending various horror genres with intelligence and flair The
Conjuring reverts back to old horror classics with subtle scares and a
disturbing narrative as opposed to grandiose and unnecessary CGI set pieces.
9. Mud
Now recognised as the 'mcconissance', actor Matthew McConaughey
has more than turned his career around, going from a sub-par rom-com actor into
a more respectable thespian with acting talent to rival the best actors in the
business. Mud showed this at its clearest with his central performance driving
the film forward with very impressive supporting performances from the two boys
in the film, Jacob Lofland and Tye Sheridan. Following many narrative themes,
Mud accurately depicts each one juggling both an obvious story of friendship
and adventure whilst carrying a back story of love in the background. Riveting
from start to finish, Mud is one of the best dramas of the year.
8. Captain Phillips
Likely to receive a generous haul of awards come awards
season Captain Phillips shows the excellent portrayal of the hijacking of the
first American cargo ship in 200 years. Dramatizing the story a little for
obvious effects, the plot still remains hugely realistic as it builds the
tension to a sufficient level, waiting until we've become comfortable within
the protagonist and his crew before springing us the terrifying dilemma of
ruthless Somali pirates. Although many are praising Tom Hanks for his
performance here, and no doubt he is fantastic, there is a better performance
by main villain Barkhad Abdi, who acted with such dominance that he truly felt
in charge of not only the ship but also the film, responsible for swinging it
in the directions which it did. Often poking at themes which are unexpected,
considering the films narrative, Captain Phillips does a good job in presenting
an open opinion to the situation allowing the audience to make up its own mind
on the events.
7. In The House
Much like many cinematic success' In the house was simply
impossible to tear away from with a plot so ashamedly enticing it made you feel
a little embarrassed to eagerly await the next scene. Surroundi
ng the story of
a boy’s voyeuristic writing and his teacher’s incapability to stop reading, the
film plays out much like a book that you can’t put down treating you to a new segment
every 10 minutes or so as you, as well as the films protagonist, keeps guessing
its conclusion and next chapter. This certainly proves to be the films biggest
asset with its tone being pitch perfect, halfway between twisted and oddly
loveable it never veers into one category, always keeping you guessing until
the dying shot which ties up the film perfectly, as every great story should-
keeping you guessing. With fantastic central performances, most notably from
the boy, Ernst Umhauer, in the house proves to be riveting throughout with
excellent cinematography helping to do so.
6. Robot And Frank
An early contender for film of the year, Robot and Frank has
done a great job in holding its ground with a simple story with enough heart
and grace to subtlety seduce its audience. Constantly flowing and upbeat Robot
and Frank almost unknowingly jumps on the 'near future' bandwagon but
refreshingly provides a new view, the view that nothing will change. Proving
that Sci-Fi’s can be thrilling with the absence of ray-guns and gargantuan
aircrafts, this is a film which finally portrayals a realistic view of the
future from the perspective of a slightly bitter, yet extremely loveable, old
man whose given a basic robot to help him round the house. Together they bond a
friendship which never shows to be cheesy or drawn out as we follow Frank,
played marvellously by Frank Langella, through a looking glass as he carries
out his day to day tasks, and it truly does feel as though we are observing a man’s
life with the characterisation of Frank being so realistic. Robot and Frank is
a hidden gem which will catch audiences by surprise with its witty nature and
intriguing undertones.
5. Prisoners
Oddly overlooked despite its critical success, Prisoners
follows the story of two girls who go missing from their homes as we witness
their families' breakdown and attempt at separation from the events. With a
mysterious and intriguing narrative to
drive the film along, Prisoners is ne
ver boring as, alike real life cases, new
evidence is found frequently, and as we get to know the families of the
children, we share in their emotional devastation and desperation, hanging on
to whatever evidence we can to keep the victims alive. With a sub-plot which
initially shows to be a little unnecessary, Prisoners more than makes up for
this by using this plot more and more and to a more enticing degree as t throws
in 'red herrings' into the investigation whilst also adding in depth and
complexity. Being certainly worthy of recognition in the coming awards
ceremonies be it in acting or screenplay, Prisoners is a fantastic drama with a
riveting story, led by gripping performances. Prisoners is all in all a very
neat and enjoyable watch.
4. The Kings Of Summer
Opening up to a small release, The Kings of summer is more
than worthy of wide recognition with a strong coming of age story to rival the
greats of the genre. Fulfilling perhaps every young boys dream, The Kings of
summer follows a group of three good friends as they escape the repression of
their parents to build a house in the wild. Although comedy is not the films
central genre this doesn't stop the film from being one of the funniest films
of the year with sporadic humour which consistently arrives at the perfect
points, either to further engage within the characters or to lighten up a scene
of seriousness. With a handful of other coming of age releases this year, The
Kings of summer stands head and shoulders over the rest being far and away the
most realistic when tacking the themes of love and escapism as well as in the portrayal
of a confused young boy, conflicted between his desires and the expectations of
those around him. Never boring and consistently charming, this film is pure joy
to watch.
3. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Certainly a surprise placing it so high on the list, the
sequel to the much loved predecessor is simply a perfect example of how sequels
should be done, presenting a narrative which is a
natural step-up but which
remains hugely thrilling. After both Katnisses and Peetas controversial victory
in the games, the sequel follows their tour around the districts as they put on
a smiling face in the eyes of the intimidating dictatorship and 'celebrate'
their win. In terms of blockbuster releases this film goes the extra mile to
distance itself from its brainless summer competitors presenting a sadistic
central plot of greed and the indulgence of power, exploring these themes effortlessly
but with enough concentration to leave you pondering every inch of the world as
the film ends. Unlike its predecessor the Hunger Game's Catching fire prefers
to thrive outside of the games, instead presenting a world so full of wonder
and eccentric feeling that it’s frustrating to move away from. That said
however the film in no way loses intensity as it enters into the games, games
which prove to be far more creative than the first films with an more
interesting set pieces as well as the absence of unnecessary 'shaky-cam'.
2. Gravity
Praised as a 'huge cinematic achievement' Gravity is one of
those rare films that truly lives up to its humongous hype, with only the films
performances not living up to expectations. With an exterior plot of
meaninglessness, it’s only until you see the film and happily flock in its
beauty and narrative depth that you see its true success. With visuals that undoubtedly
better ANY other cinematic release, Gravity is a film which is very difficult
to forget about due to the emotional ride that you endure whilst watching the
film. Due to the visuals, the film is hugely realistic and terrifying as you literally
feel like you're floating through space; this is only aided by the minimalistic
yet undoubtedly stupendous soundtrack which aids in the portrayal of the
mysterious nature of the universe whilst helping to amplify its beauty.
Gripping you to the edge of your seat, Gravity will leave you agonisingly close
to breaking point, despairing in the characters losses and rejoicing in their successes.
1. Prince Avalanche
Far and away the best film of 2013, Prince Avalanche has
been all but forgotten about in the fog of Oscar contenders and blockbuster
drivel but has lost no amount of quality and charm. Following the story of two
road workers as they bask in the wilderness of their job and reminisce about
the woman they've left behind, Prince Avalanches' minimalistic narrative is unashamedly
lovable and enticing as we follow two characters that are explored in great
depth. Using just two le
ad characters works hugely in the films favour being a
character study of two lonely men and the solitude of their situation only
allows this characterisation and chemistry to flow throughout each scene,
making each one a joy to experience. This is what Prince Avalanche ultimately
proves to be, an experience, in a film where every feature is spot on and
contributes a great deal to the story. The films cinematography is amazing
using the surrounding woods and wildlife to enhance the feeling of isolationism,
contrasting with this is the equally fantastic score which gives a sense of wondrous
scope to each scene and never fails to paint a smile on your face. Add this to
the perfect chemistry of the two protagonists who effortlessly bounce subtle
humour off of each other and you get Prince Avalanche a human story of two
effortlessly likeable men, played with such enthusiasm and wholesomeness by the
fantastic Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch.
Calum Russell
Following the events of The Avengers, Captain America (Chris Evans) is working for Shield, cracking cases, finding files and generally carrying out superhero duties, this is until The Winter Soldier turns up, a seemingly unstoppable Soviet Agent, who turns the life that Captain America knew upside down. The initial plot is perfect,a change from the formulaic structure of: crisis, injury, big battle, victory, which also fits in with the past of Captain America, carrying out field duties as per usual. This is shown from the very beginning which perfectly sums up what the film should've been. It was fast, exciting, intriguing but most of all it did something that neither the first Captain America nor the Avengers did, it established his character, demonstrating his physical power with quick, painful action scenes as well as his inner personality, showing his charisma and decisiveness as the plot began to unfold. 
