Each year Tony and I compile our list of best movies from
that year. We’ve enjoyed sharing these lists, because we always get some good
feedback and usually get a tip or two on a great movie that we have missed. So,
we would love for your to send over your top movies from the past year, they
don’t have to be in “Top 10” form. And now, on to my list……
10)Saving Mr. Banks: Tom Hanks is
great. Emma Thompson is great. The story is interesting, but a bit heavy. It
was expected to be a great movie, but misfired just a touch, and fell a little
flat, but still a good movie.
9)Room 237: This must have been the
year of documentaries for me. This film and one other made my Top 10 list, and The
Stories We Tell would be an Honorable Mention (if I had an Honorable
Mention list). This quirky, funny, and interesting look deep into the film The
Shining was very enjoyable, but I will let Tony talk more about this
one….
8)Prisoners: Dark, painful, and
unrelenting. This film is a great look at the nature of loss, justice, and
revenge. If we are not careful we can all become prisoners to something.
7:Salinger: This is the second
documentary on my list. J.D. Salinger was a fascinating man, and this film delves into
his eccentric and talented life in such an interesting way, that it made me go back and
read The Catcher in the Rye. Any film
that drives you to action after you have seen it is worthy of a Top 10 slot.
6:The Great Gatsby: It’s impossible to
translate a book as amazing as Fitzgerald’s The
Great Gatsby onto film, but it’s also impossible to not be engaged by this classic
story. Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan were great as usual.
5:Zero Dark Thirty: I felt this film
was overlooked during awards season more for political reasons than for its actual merits. It’s an
intense and driven look at the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Jessica Chastain was
brilliant and in my opinion should have received the Oscar for Best Actress for
her performance.
4:The Way Way Back: Heart-warming
tales of overcoming family dysfunction are a Hollywood staple right now. So,
it’s rare when one is thoughtful enough to stand out, but that’s exactly what The Way Way Back does. It’s honest
without being too gritty or depressing and hopeful without being cheesy and
predictable. Also, who knew Steve Carell could play such a convincing jerk?!?
3)In A World: There
always seems to be an indie movie or two that pops up and surprises. This year
it was In A World, a movie about family, love, hope, and of course, doing voice-over work for movie previews. It had heart and avoided being cheesy or too self-important.
Lake Bell did a terrific job as the drifting and aimless underdog who finally
takes a chance on the career of her dreams.
2)Fill The Void: This
film was the most emotionally evocative of any I saw in 2013. It left me
thinking long after the movie had ended. It’s a glimpse into the life of a young
Hasidic Jewish woman who is pressured with regards to marriage and family. The
story delves into tradition and the law as it slams up against love and mercy. If
you are ready for a film that will make you feel and think, and won’t do all
the work for you, rent Fill the Void
immediately!
And #1……
Silver Linings
Playbook: Jennifer Lawrence was literally flawless in her role as the young
eccentric widow with a passion for life. Bradley Cooper does well as Pat, a young man fresh from a stint in a mental hospital. His return home is difficult, as he battles his
own thoughts and the expectations of the world around him as he seeks for
contentment and direction. This film struck all the right notes for me. It told
an entertaining story without reaching or preaching, and was incredibly
enjoyable. Also, is there any way that David O. Russell isn’t the best director
in Hollywood right now? His last three films include The Fighter, Silver Linings
Playbook, and American Hustle.
Weigh in here or on Facebook, I would love to hear about the
best films you’ve seen in the past year….
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