The Ten Best Movies of 2013 – Nathan's List
Nathan Swank
January 3rd, 2014
2013 ended up being a great year for movies. Just outside of my list I have another 20 that could make it in the honorable mention category. There were the spiritually self reflective films with beautiful cinematography – A PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, ALL IS LOST, AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS and TO THE WONDER all did some very interesting things. A couple of little seen light-hearted gems that I can’t recommend enough – THE WAY, WAY BACK and IN A WORLD were a delight. A few entertaining moments – STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, THE GREAT GATSBY, ELYSIUM and MONSTERS UNIVERSITY were all great movie going experiences. A handful of decent films that just didn’t have the full load of goods to make the top tier – AMERICAN HUSTLE, RUSH, PHILOMENA, SIDE EFFECTS and LONE SURVIVOR just barely missed the mark. But my top five is where 2013 really got it right with the number one film being one of the all-time greats. Here are my Top Ten Best Movies of 2013.
Honorable Mention: NEBRASKA – I could have named nearly any of those films in my opening paragraph but at the end of the day I went with Alexander Payne’s examination of a small midwestern towns personality. In a year full of observational, slice-of-life pictures, NEBRASKA is the one that resonated with me the most. Humorous and sad, I was deeply interested in the lives and outlooks of these characters.
10. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE – Ten gets the fun spot and after the rewatchability of the first, I think I have a greater appreciation for the entire series. Leaps and bounds ahead of those enjoyable but light Potter films (TWILIGHT is nowhere near the same conversation), CATCHING FIRE had big expectations and did not disappoint. It also managed to be more enthralling than all the tiresome superhero films and other sequels this year. So thank you for turning mindless fun into quality entertainment with mature themes and great performances, led by the actress on fire, Jennifer Lawrence.
9. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET – I hate promoting something so vile and vulgar, but I love how ole Marty Scorsese holds his delusional lead character and his actions in such contempt. I’m still worried that the morons of the world will relish in the sinful acts portrayed but anyone with half a brain will see how empty and terrible this world and its characters truly are. Who knew Leo DiCaprio was such a gifted physical comedian?
8. ENOUGH SAID – A wonderful little relationship story that explores the advanced dating stages of divorced parents with kids headed to college. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini turn in humorous yet touching performances that bring an interesting perspective and sweet understanding to the characters.
Go to Page 2 to see 7 – 4
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