It's odd that I look back at 2013 as a somewhat disappointing year in film because in reality it has been anything but. Making this years list has been far more challenging than last years. Maybe it's because summer was a bit of a non-event in terms of massive memorable blockbusters. I just think Man of Steel when I think of summer which was pretty meh.
The year started very strong however and had a great finish as well. I've only been writing reviews since April but I've been scoring films for years and this year I have thrown out more 9s and 10s than any other year.
At this point I gives some honourable mentions to some truly great films that just missed out on making the list. So take a bow- Captain Phillips, Wreck-It-Ralph, Gangster Squad, Gravity, Fast and Furious 6, Rush, World War Z, Thor 2 and Hitchcock. Great films I'd happily watch again.
Also I've not seen Frozen yet so bare that in mind.
So here it is- the top 10 films I saw in 2013.
10.The Look of Love
I really hoped this would be on my top 10 list and I can honestly say I think it warrants this position. There's a chance you've never heard of it as it was only out for about a week. The Look of Love is a British film about the life of Paul Raymond who at one point was the richest man in Britain. How did he get so rich? Porn, magazines, clubs, smutty shows- it sounds a bit smutty and for some of the film it was. But it actually went much deeper and explored his family life and the toll it took on him and the people around him. You wouldn't expect a film about Steve Coogan playing a porn mogul to have you in tears yet as the credits roll there was an unquestionable lump in my throat.
Best bit- As soon as Raymond starts his 'slide' as his lifestyle all gets a bit much there's some surprisingly emotional moments.
Review-
http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-look-of-love_29.html
9.Warm Bodies
So much more than just 'Twilight with zombies' Warm Bodies was a surprisingly heart-warming film that felt quite British as much as the film was shot in the states. The relationship between Julie and Nicholas Holt's zombie character was very sweet and the journey they both go on is a joy to watch. It never takes itself too seriously but still produces a great love story. They're probably my favourite movie couple of the year.
Best bit- When R (zombie Holt) is trying to communicate with Julie you really find yourself backing him. He has a lot of character as much as he can barely get his words out.
8. Trance
It's been a good year for James Mcavoy. As well as hugely acclaimed Filth he was in Danny Boyle's mind-bending Trance that was almost too clever for it's own good. It was stylish as hell and there were great performances all round. If you didn't mind getting a bit lost, and by a bit I mean very, during a lot of the film you'll be rewarded with a very satisfying finish.
Best bit- Never quite knowing when the film is over. Questioning if what you're seeing is in fact real or just part of a Trance. It's very clever for a film to be able to make you question that without losing you completely.
7. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The slow middle bit aside the Hobbit gave us some of the most epic scenes in cinema this year courtesy of Smaug the dragon. The action scenes are incredible to watch and the end makes you pine for next years instalment. It's all very epic in every sense of the word.
Best bit- I think it's pretty clear, any scene with Smaug the dragon is mind-blowingly cool.
Review-
http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-hobbit-desolation-of-smaug.html
6. Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 split opinion more than any other film I saw this year but I'm glad I was in the 'loved it' category. Iron Man is just badass and the mix of serious action and humour is just something that Marvel does so well. It's like a comic book come to life and there's rarely any slow-down. As for the Mandarin- I had no problem with him as I haven't read the comics but I can understand why some felt a little let down. For me though it was just a nice twist.
Best bit- The Airforce One scene springs to mind. Fun fact- there was no green-screen involved in that scene, they were actual skydivers to make it look authentic.
Review-
http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/iron-man-3.html
5. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I was worried that the 'The Hunger Games - AGAIN!' premise wouldn't quite work but thankfully it really does and adds to what I'd say is the best film franchise of current times. The overall atmosphere of Catching Fire is what really stands out here and the feeling of gloom and desperation to find some sort of hope is felt by the audience. It maybe doesn't all wrap up the way you'd like leaves you wanting more which is never a bad thing.
Best bit- That ending where you're not entirely sure what's going on before that cliffhanger. Can't say too much because spoilaz etc but if you saw it you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Review-
http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-hunger-games-catching-fire.html
4. Kick Ass 2
Summer's saviour- that barely anyone saw. I was never Kick Ass's biggest fan when I saw it but this film turned me. It just feels very original as much as the premise is quite basic. The violence is OTT but I never felt it was disturbingly so and the side story of Hit-Girl trying to fit into normal life turns the film into something brilliant. Chloe Grace Moretz is fantastic and she almost steals the show if it wasn't for the massive hero throw down as the end.
Best bit- It's a bit wrong but the part I find myself remembering more than any other is 'the sick stick'. If you don't know what it is go watch it- through your fingers probably.
3.Saving Mr.Banks
I'm a big Disney fan so it's clear while Saving Mr.Banks appealed to me. It was just all very heartfelt and a constantly interesting look into the Disney studios at the time. You don't often see Disney producing a film like this based at an adult audience about what sounds like an almost dry subject- the arguments between a pernickity older woman and Walt Disney. But it's presented in a wonderful way and makes you watch Mary Poppins in a totally different way.
Best bit- When she finally sees what Walt has done with her treasured book it really gains some 'feels'.
Review-
http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/saving-mr-banks.html
2.The Great Gatsby
I was unfamiliar with the actual Great Gatsby story so for me this was me experiencing the book as well as the the incredible style and feel shown in this adaptation of the novel. I just thought the whole thing was pretty beautiful- the visuals, the modern sounds mixed with the 20s era backdrop. Just hearing the dialogue for the first time gave me goosebumps, especially those end lines. Gatsby split opinion but I'm glad I was in the half (quarter) that loved every minute of it.
Best bit- The first of Gatsby's parties really takes your breath away. It makes every party you've ever been to look a bit rubbish.
Review-
http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-great-gatsby.html
STOP THE PRESSES
After starting this top 10 I did indeed see Frozen. And it was fantastic. So fantastic I can't not include it. Suppose I could just remove the Look of Love but it needs attention since so few people saw it. So here it is- joint second place
2= Frozen
Disney back on form- I just finished the review of Frozen and here it is- http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/frozen.html
1. Les Miserables
Not released til January in the UK so it makes my top 10 of 2013. And it doesn't just make it- it rightfully tops it. I like films that make you feel emotion as I've made clear before and Les Miserables had me an absolute mess - no shame. I have no other words than just saying it's just powerful powerful stuff and perhaps the greatest musical ever created.
Best bit- Hearing 'Do You Hear The People Sing' and feeling the goosebumps run up your arms and down your back. Rowsing, Moving, liberating stuff.
And there ends my list of films in 2013. It's tough to make predictions for 2014 but I hope Dawn of The Planet of the Apes doesn't let me down and there's several surprises along the way.
