I see a lot of movies every year, so for a movie to make it into my top 10 it has to be special. It needs to make me feel something, it needs to make me think about scenes from the movie days after I've seen it, and it needs to be accessible to the average movie goer.
I hate those top 10 movie lists of 10 movies you've never heard of much less had a chance of ever seeing. Besides, I thinks that most of those lists are self-serving pieces made to make the author feel cinematically superior to his or her readers. That, to me, is a complete waste of time.
Below are my top 10 movies of 2013. I'm sure my list is not the same as yours, and that's great! I'd love to see your list. Just leave it in the comments section.
10. ABOUT TIME - Rated R
Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, and Bill Nighy
Plot: A man discovers he can travel through time and uses his gift to find the girl of his dreams.
Trailer: ABOUT TIME
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
ABOUT TIME has a great cast, a compelling plot and interesting twists and turns that make you think about what you would do if you were given the ability to travel through time.
9. GRAVITY - Rated PG-13
Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
Plot: A scientist turned astronaut must find a way back to earth after her spaceship and crew are destroyed by space debris.
Trailer: GRAVITY
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
GRAVITY would have been higher on my list if it had more compelling dialogue and a slightly deeper plot. What it lacks in plot and dialogue it makes up with stunning visuals and edge-of-your-seat action.8. IRON MAN 3 - Rated PG-13
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce
Plot: Tony Stark's ingenuity that led him to create Iron Man now must help him take down the Mandarin, a foe that has stripped Tony of all that is important to him.
Trailer: IRON MAN 3
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
IRON MAN 3 is the best IRON MAN yet. The thing that makes this movie so good is that Tony Stark isn't able to succeed as Iron Man, he must rely on his brains and his humanity to save all that is dear to him.
7. AMERICAN HUSTLE - Rated R
Stars: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner
Plot: A small-time con team are forced to work with the FBI to bring down high-ranking politicians.
Trailer: AMERICAN HUSTLE
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
6. FROZEN - Rated PG
Stars: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel
Plot: A princess with uncontrollable magical powers turns her town into a frozen wasteland, forcing her younger sister and a team of misfits to track her down and save the town.
Trailer: FROZEN
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
5. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS - Rated PG-13
Stars: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi
Plot: Somali pirates hijack the Maersk Alabama forcing the captain and crew on a terrifying journey.
Trailer: CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now
Despite the controversy over whether this movie follows the actual truth, this is an incredible movie. It is compelling, dramatic and fast-paced. Tom Hanks should have been nominated for an Academy Award for his performance.
4. MUD - Rated PG-13
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sherridan, Jacob Lofland
Plot: A fugitive enlists the help of two young boys to find his girlfriend and escape the law.
Trailer: MUD
Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now
It seems like there are always a couple of movies every year that are released too early for Hollywood to remember them when award season finally rolls around. MUD is one of those movies. It's intense, caring, and McConaughey gives an Oscar-worthy performance. (At least he'll get one for DALLAS BUYERS CLUB).
3. THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY - Rated PG
Stars: Benn Stiller, Kristen Wiig
Plot: A daydreaming homebody goes on the adventure of a lifetime when he loses a photo his company needs.
Trailer: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY
Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now
I really wanted this movie to be good. I walked into the theater with expectations that were unfairly high. Surprisingly, this movie surpassed my expectations. This is a joyous, exciting and feel-good movie from start to finish.
2. THE WAY WAY BACK - Rated PG-13
Stars: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell
Plot: A teen boy is forced to spend the summer with his mom and her boyfriend. He finds purpose and a mentor at a waterpark job.
Trailer: THE WAY WAY BACK
Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now
This is another movie that was release too early to be remembered at awards time. Sam Rockwell's performance is outstanding and Steve Carell plays a character that you will love to hate from the first second he opens his mouth. If you haven't seen this movie, find the DVD and watch it as soon as possible. You won't be disappointed.
1. SAVING MR. BANKS - Rated PG-13
Stars: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell
Plot: The story of Walt Disney trying to buy the film rights of Mary Poppins from P.L. Travers
Trailer: SAVING MR. BANKS
Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now
I know a lot of people did not like the "Disneyfication" of this story, but when it's all said and done, it's a movie, not true life. The on-screen story is fantastic and the flashbacks are heartwarming then heartbreaking. Even though I see about 100 movies a year this one stuck with me days after I saw it. Any movie that can do that deserves high praise.
What a great list! Thanks. Love your to-the-point reviews. There are a few on here that I'd hoped to see in theatres, but never made it...eagerly awaiting the DVDs.
ReplyDeleteNice collection of movies!! I want to add some more movies of matthew mcconaughey which were famous and box office hit movies. I hope you will add my selection to your list.
ReplyDeletemovies with matthew mcconaughey