My Favourites for 2013

Around this time of year, we start getting all the top films, best films, and perhaps favourite film lists. There is a difference between what they mean, because I believe most of these lists list the best made films, which are usually the critical darlings. That's not to say a critical darling can't also be a favourite, but, for my list, these favourites may have been critically savaged. For some reason or another, I just enjoyed these films the most.

I keep a record of what I see at the cinema each year, but not what I watch at home. Well, the home viewing is actually recorded on the facebook page here, but, I wasn't doing it all year, so I won't include those films in my favourites for 2013 list. So, out of the 37 films I saw at the cinemas this year, these are my top picks. I'm still picking 10 films, even though the overall list is low. Something tells me I could change a few of these if I was to re-do the list in a few weeks. But, this is it for now. Enjoy!

In no particular order either.

This was a really fun film. Very witty scripting, and an effective mystery thriller. I look forward to seeing Tom Cruise continue in the role in a potential sequel that was recently announced. And no, I have not read any of the books yet, so I don't have any issues with Tom Cruise in the role. Although I don't think Christopher McQuarrie is a great director, I am keen to see what he and Tom cook up for Mission Impossible 5.

I read the book just before seeing the film, and it was amazingly adapted. Such beautiful cinematography and excellent computer effects. The mix between real tiger and cgi is practically flawless. A great story of courage and strength under, well, quite tense circumstances. How would you go in a boat full of wild animals? Ang Lee did a great job here. 

Again, another book I read before seeing the film. The book was the toughest read I've had, not that I have read a lot. But, it is just not straight forward at all. The film isn't either, but, it is fantastically re-created on screen by the great Wachowski's (Matrix Trilogy). The performances of the entire cast in different roles is excellent. This is grand story telling. 

 A critical darling from early in the year, this is a very well made drama comedy. Jennifer Lawrence bagged her Oscar for this role, and she just keeps getting better and better. Her and Cooper work well together as the 'slightly off mentally' strangers that fall in love. Not your typical love story I suppose. 

Well, this film was not very well received. In fact, it probably is not as good as the first, but man, did I really have a lot of fun watching it. It is the cast that makes this film. They work so well with other. The story, well, I thought it was perfectly entertaining, and don't have any of the fanboy or Trekkie angst that others have with how the main villain was handled.

My most anticipated film of the year. Wow, I was giddy as hell going into this. And, it didn't disappoint. It is epic stuff. Sure, a lot of the complaints are how it messed with the traditional story we know of Superman. But, why not change it up a bit. We've had plenty of the traditional Superman before (5 films?), so, I think the change is welcome. Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner in the one film, sign me up for sure. Henry Cavill was great as Clark/Kal-El. It's not perfect, but, it was great reboot. I really do wonder how they will fit Batman into this world though.

This was, for me, the perfect blend of love and laughter. The time travel aspect only added more fun to the mix - and I do love a time travel film. The feel good movie of the year.

What an adrenalin charged film. A fantastic recreation of the 70's world of F1, with some very effective racing sequences. The two main stars were brilliant. I love cars, and this was great fun. 

What a dark film this was. Just the shittiest of situations for any parent - what would you do if your child went missing. Hugh Jackman takes his Wolverine and amps it up by 10. It would be a crime if he doesn't win the Oscar for this.

The closest most of us will get to knowing what it is like in Space. This is a marvel of a production. A very taunt film, I had sweaty palms on many occasions during this movie. Beautifully filmed. 

 

American Hustle Review (No Spoilers)

Well, we're getting into awards season (Golden Globes and Oscars plus various others), so we're starting to get a few more dramas and overall award bait films coming through. I don't get to catch them all at the cinema, but I try to when I can. American Hustle is one such film. Director David O. Russell last gave us the excellent Silver Linings Playbook. He has cast two of his stars in that film to be part of this ensemble crime/drama/comedy with satisfying results. 

We've got Bale, Adams, Cooper and Lawrence firing on all cylinders here. Christian Bale really could be the most dedicated actor in the game. He'll thin down to sickening levels for some roles, beef up to play The Dark Knight, and then pile it on to play a fat hustler. It helps that he is also a great actor. He nails his performance here, as per usual. He's kind of the anti-hero in this film - a bad guy, but a good one too. Amy Adams is sultry as fuck in this. Oh my god, those cleavage baring outfits were heaven sent - oh, and her acting chops are top class as well. Cooper is probably the least talented of the bunch, but he's still quite good - he is certainly developing as an actor in some quite meaty roles. In fact, the intensity and chemistry between Cooper and Adams in some scenes was electric.  Jennifer Lawrence, well, what can I say, she is a showstopper. Such talent from a young actress. And man, does she play a bitch in this.

Cooper plays an FBI agent wanting to nail a supposedly shady politician, and essentially blackmails Bale and Adams into helping pull off a con (hustle). There are some hilarious moments, real gritty dramatic ones, and a highly enjoyable tone throughout the whole film. The 70's setting is well done, with a soundtrack that is just so catchy - I want that tracklisting. 

Overall, this is satisfying cinema, with a cast and story that is very engaging and occasionally quite tense. Probably not as good as Silver Linings for me, but still well worth it. 

Rating:

4 out of 5.

Ender's Game Review (No Spoilers)

It's been a while since my last post. A combination of busy weeks and laziness is to blame. There is never really anything not to write about, it's just about gettiing around to pouring my thoughts out onto the keyboard. But remember, I do publish shorter rewiews on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TooMuchToWatch

A couple of weeks ago I checked out Ender's Game. I love sci fi, in any form really - I also love that dystopian future we occasionally get to see in films. Following on from Oblivion earlier this year, this is another pretty cool take on the genre. However, this movie is based on a popular novel from the mid 80's by author Orson Scott Card. I know nothing about this book or the author, so won't even comment on that work or recent news stories about him. The film follows kids, around early to mid teen, that are in training to fight our new enemy - an ant-like alien species known as the Formics. The Formics almost wiped us out, and now, we have gathered these elite youngsters to be our last hope against annihilation. 

The cast is led by Asa Butterfield as Ender Wiggin - weird name. He does a stellar job as the chosen one - the one to lead the army of young soldiers into battle. This film is not your typical kids film - it has a darker edge to it. Asa is supported well by the likes of Harrison Ford, Viola Davis and Ben Kingsley. Although, I did find it weird that Ben Kingsley plays a Maori, even with a solid Kiwi accent. Why not just get a Maori actor - no star power? I know, plenty of actors have played characters from other backgrounds - this one urked me a little. I do love Ben Kingsley though.

The production and future technology in this film are excellent, and the story of Ender's rise from the academy cadet to leader of the resistance (no, this is not Star Wars) is interesting, if not cliched. Overall, I enjoyed this movie, and would be interested to see where the story goes in a potential sequel.

Rating:

3.5 out 5.