Best Films of 2013

First, let me take some time to mention 3 films that might have been overlooked by a lot of people. While these 3 films did not make my top 10, they definitely deserve some special recognition.

1. Trance
2. Stoker
3. The Angel's Share

If you haven't seen any of these films (as well as the films below), take the time. You won't be disappointed.

Now, onto the list.

10. Nebraska

A beautiful examination on growing old that is both humorous and heartbreaking at the same time.

9. The Place Beyond the Pines


















Derek Cianfrance creates a sweeping film that examines how one man's actions can have repercussions that lat far past their lifetime.

8. To The Wonder

Terrence Malick returns to form in a emotional examination of love and love lost. And of course, some of the most beautiful and powerful photography of the year.

7. 12 Years A Slave

'12 Years A Slave' is certainly unflinching in its examination of slavery in the US. But more than that is is a wonderful examination of one man's fight for survival and freedom.

6. Inside Llewyn Davis

The Coen Brother's 'Davis' is a true love story to the folk music scene in New York City in the 1960s filled with wonderful characters and fantastic songs written by the talented T-Bone Burnett. Isaac's Davis is a lead character that you can't help but fall for.

5. Ain't Them Bodies Saints
















If Terrence Malick were to create a mainstream film, it would be 'Ain't Them Bodies Saints' and that is a complement all films should strive for.

4. Laurence Anyways

















On the surface, 'Laurence' is about a man finally embracing his sexuality in an era in history when being transgender was an extreme taboo. But in fact it is a melancholy examination on what that decision could have on the ones a person loves.

3. Her

















'Her' is both wonderfully quirky and beautifully touching. It's Sci-Fi, yet completely plausable. Jonze has crafted a fantastic love story that is performed by a masterful Phoenix.

2. The Grandmaster

Every kung fu film in history has looked at the martial arts as a means for action. Wong Kar Wai masterfully shows it in it's true form: a philosophical way of life that goes beyond the fight and shapes the soul of those who follow its teachings.

1. Gravity

I have never been so emotionally involved in a film in my life. Never before have I sat in a theatre and fully transported into the world on screen which is a testament to Alfonso Cuaron's talent and visionary style of filmmaking.

Worst Films of 2013

5. Only God Forgives

The only thing saving this excruciatingly slow, meandering film is that it has some of the most beautiful cinematography of the year. But that's nowhere near enough to carry the rest of the flaws.


4. The Canyons

With the exception of Lohan, the acting in this film is on par with a bad middle school play. Throw in a totally unfocused, far fetched script and the film is just a mess.


3. Frances Ha

This film is the epitome of hipster pretentiousness. Nothing ever happens, the acting isn't anything worthwhile, and the characters are totally unlikeable. And of course, it just has to be in black and white.


2. Bad Grandpa

There's nothing wrong with a good hidden camera prank movie. However, don't treat your audiences like they're idiots and make them pretend that this isn't a film with Johnny Knoxville in tons of make up and then force a horribly, well, forced storyline down their throats on top of that. The scenes between pranks were just utterly awful.


1. We're The Millers

I'm not sure what's the worst aspect about this film. The fact that every joke is horribly unfunny, or that you can see every one coming from a mile away. This film is the absolutely unoriginal, uninteresting, and a total waste of a viewers' times. The cast of this film should've known better.

Best Albums of 2013

5. Sky Ferreira - Night Time, My Time

4. Kanye West - Yeezus












3. The Naked & Famous - In Rolling Waves













2. CHVRCHES - The Bones of What You Believe













1. Tegan & Sara - Heartthrob

BONUS:
Best of 2013 Playlist (click on song for music video)

1. Thirty Seconds to Mars - Up in the Air
2. Desaparecidos - Anonymous
3. Bloc Party - Ratchet
4. CHVRCHES - Recover
5. The Naked and Famous - I Kill Giants
6. John legend - All of Me
7. Tegan & Sara - How Come You Don't Want Me
8. Sky Ferreira - You're Not the One
9. She & Him - I Could've Been Your Girl
10. Sigur Ros - Isjaki
11. Paramore - Daydreaming
12. Kanye West - New Slaves
BONUS 13. The Lonely Island (feat. Adam Levine & Kendrick Lamar) - YOLO