The Top 10 (and 2 Worst) Films of 2013
As the title suggests, here is a list of my top 10 films of the year and the two I disliked the most. Hopefully, I have included at least one of your favourite films of the year and that my two most disliked films aren’t on your top 10 list! The list is probably a bit horror heavy, but I like horror. Also featuring on the list will be a remake, a sequel, a documentary and one or two surprises.
My 2 worst films of 2013
1. THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE
What is incredible is how I managed to make it to the end of this interminably boring missed opportunity. A decent cast is wasted, as is the chance to really stick it to the world of the current illusionists.
If ever a film didn’t need a part 3 (or part 2 for that matter) it’s the Hangover. The first was a sleeper hit and many were happy to leave it at that, but no, the film makers nor the studio were having any of that. They trotted out Part 2, which was part 1 in a different country. Then we get to Part 3, a mix of very dark humour and more of Allan proving that he does need a full-time minder. Worst thing is, it’s just not funny. Hopefully, this will be the last we see of the wolf pack. It certainly will be for me.
Top 10 of 2013
Honourable Mentions – V/H/S 2, Would You Rather, The Battery
10. 100 BLOODY ACRES
A great, fun little Australian flick that didn’t get enough recognition or love in its home country. I am doing my patriotic duty by putting this at number 10. A really fun ride and, for a horror film, it’s charming as hell.
9. JUG FACE
Another indie film, and yes, another horror film. Jug Face is very well made and honestly paints backwoods folks as rational, loving people… Kidding! They’re terrifying!
Totally skewering yourself and your friends must be a fun thing thing to do if this is any indication of how it turns out. Seth Rogen’s crazy end of the world flick is hilarious and contains far more demon wang than expected.
Yet another horror film makes the list, but this one was a studio driven flick. Apart from making some big money, it was very well made, very well acted and most importantly – very scary!
6. IRON MAN 3
The sign-off film for stand alone Iron Man films (for the moment at least) was a very fun film, which had great action and brought something a little different to the series. Some fans of the comic weren’t happy with the portrayal of the Mandarin, but Iron Man is now the domain of the box-office. So, accurate portrayals be damned!
5. PACIFIC RIM
Sure to anger some people, but I thought Pacific Rim was a true blockbuster. Sure, the writing or acting wasn’t outstanding, but it has giant robots punching the snot out of giant creatures. Oh yeah, it was entertaining too.
4. ROOM 237
Crackpots rejoice! Room 237 was not about theories put forward in relation to THE SHINING, but it was more about the obsession the film(s) can cause. Came out of nowhere, but it is utterly enthralling.
If placing PACIFIC RIM at #5 didn’t make you angry, then this might. The most decisive film of the year was also one the best. Harmony Korine skewered the current generation, while James Franco delivered a performance that was part in-joke and part genius.
2. GRAVITY
Huge budget film that delivered. This film was really good and sometimes great. Effects, music, acting… Oh, it was also a hand-over-the-mouth, arm rest gripping thriller!
1. MANIAC
When Hobbits go bad… First off, a remake is my number one (there goes credibility). However, Maniac was an amazing film, willing to get down and dirty and at times extremely graphic. Elijah Wood owns this film despite rarely being on camera. Speaking of which, the decision to shoot this mostly POV is inspired. A brutal, yet intelligent, horror film. Surely something that deserves the number 1 spot.