Top ten lists are the hardest things to do, in my opinion. I'm always worried that I'll leave something out, or that I'll spark controversy with my choices. Well this year I say screw it, I'm going to do it anyways. So here are my personal top ten films of 2013.
10. Thor: The Dark World
Marvel has been churning out the superhero movies by the bucketful since their movies are usually vastly superior to other superhero films and definitely a lot more mainstream. I think this year, however, they hit a bit of a snag. Iron Man 3, while awesome, simply didn't live up to the huge expectations. Thor: The Dark World, however, was filled with fun, action, and some incredible acting and world building. I love the mythology of Thor and I was pleased to see that they explored the different realms. It was my favorite superhero flick of 2013.
9. The Conjuring
Horror movies have faced some hardships lately because they've just lost originality and directors seem to just want to make them for the money now. Most audiences settle for some jump scares nowadays, but The Conjuring gives us a bit more for our buck. It's still filled with jumps, mind you, but it also focuses on characterization and has some solid writing and suspense, making it a standout as a horror film and a film in general.
8. Monsters University
I don't care what anyone says, Monsters University had to have been my favorite animation of 2013. Don't get me wrong, I loved Frozen, Despicable Me 2, and The Croods, but Pixar just has a knack for making lovable movies for any age group. The voice acting was awesome, the animation was stellar, and the story was a nice throwback to a classic of my childhood.
7. Prisoners
This film was so under-looked this year, and it was one of the best thrillers I've seen in recent memory. Hugh Jackman especially steals the scenes he's in, as the movie makes us question our morals as we watch in high suspense. It's a gripping, gritty suspense film filled with controversy and emotion.
6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
What a beautiful film this was. Filled with genuine human emotion and determination, and is visually incredible. I fell in love with it immediately and it made me see life in a completely new perspective. Any movie that can do that is deserving of a spot on my top 10 list.This movie shows you how you should never stop exploring, and always follow those huge dreams we tend to put away as we move into adulthood.
5. Gravity
Talk about gripping. Gravity was, hands down, the most visually stunning movie I think I've ever seen. It didn't rely on much of a script, yet it told the story all through the actions and scenery surrounding it. It was a defining moment in movie history as a huge step forward for visual effects and 3D. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are fantastic, but the true feat was how jaw-dropping the movie's visuals were.
4. American Hustle
This movie had the best ensemble of actors of the year, in my opinion. Amy Adams brought intensity and determination. Bradley Cooper was filled with life, Christian Bale grounded the movie, and Jennifer Lawrence brought the insanity and unpredictable side of the movie. It really had such good characterization, that even though the script was a little fuzzy and confusing at times, the actors pulled this one through.
3. The Way Way Back
I saw this movie back in the summer and reference it on a near daily basis. It's a story following a teen struggling with a new step dad and overall just trying to fit into this crazy world. It's relatable, funny, heartwarming, and real.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
My favorite book series is unfolding quite nicely with this second installment being spot on. The actors, especially Jennifer Lawrence, bring their characters to life like I've never seen before in a young adult film franchise (except of course, Harry Potter). The world building, plot progression, and suspense building all make this continuation one to remember.
1. Saving Mr. Banks
I didn't know how much I'd fall in love with this movie before I saw it. The story shows that hardships in the past can really drag someone down, but everything can get better when you accept things and begin to look towards a bright future. I was not expecting all the emotional punches and it was definitely my favorite film of 2013.
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