Tony Northrup BEST 2013 FILMS

It is hard to believe that another year of films are put in the vault. It seems like it went by so fast, but not fast enough for us not to notice some really good films this year that took even me by surprise. However, with every great film there’s a bad one right behind it. Sequels, Reboots, Remakes, or just plain, “Why?” films ruled the box office in 2013 as well. So, now that the holiday’s are behind us, let’s take a moment and look back at 2013 and the Year in Films with my own personal Hit’s and Misses as well.

I would like to share some films I feel were worth seeing, but didn’t quite make the list, such as MAN OF STEEL, THE PURGE, THE INTERNSHIP, THE CONJURING, THE BUTLER, and THE WOLVERINE. These films were “good” and entertaining, however, I felt they fell a bit short either in the end or maybe a little too much, but the concept was there and performances were well done, just not quite a “Top Best” material, but certainly worth your time. There were films in 2013 that fans have been waiting for, but fell flat. Not completely “bad”, but just disappointing such as: KICK ASS 2, MACHETE KILLS, CARRIE, FAST & FURIOUS 6, IRON MAN 3, and PLANES. These films come from very popular and well-loved franchises, but sometimes it’s best to stop while you’re ahead.

And now for my Least Fav Film of 2013: EVIL DEAD. This film is a “remake” of the 1980′s Classic Cult Horror film from Ted Raimi and starred Bruce Campbell with two very successful sequels. However, this remake is completely boring, over-the-top gore, and almost no feeling of it’s original. The original had laughs, goofball humor, and very cheesey F/X which made it so popular and historic, whereas this film was trying for pure gore and no substance. A remake that never should’ve been made. And now it’s time for My Fav. Films of 2013. This list is based on what I actually saw in 2013 and my personal choice. Enjoy!

(13) THE BLING RING – This is an Independent film based on a true story of rich teenagers who go to celebrities homes and rob them in the middle of the night while they are gone. Well told and truly captures the Hollywood glam scene perfectly.

(12) OZ the GREAT AND POWERFUL – This was a “Prequel” to the Classic film, The Wizard of Oz. It tells us how Oz himself ends up on the other side of the rainbow. Very entertaining, nods to the original ‘Oz’, and eye-candy in the F/X’s department.

(11) WARM BODIES – At first, I thought this was just going to be a “zombie version of Twilight”, but I was completely wrong. It has a nice twist to the zombie genre and was quite entertaining.

(10) PACIFIC RIM – There is always one film every summer that defies the “Summer Blockbuster” title, THIS is that film for 2013. I had a lot of fun watching this SUPER-SIZED film which felt like a cross between Transformers meets Godzilla! A modern day “nod” to the Monster films of the 50′s and 60′s.

(9) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS – Very rarely does a sequel do just as good, if not better than it’s predecessor. The crew of the Enterprise faces one of it’s biggest foes in this action-packed sequel.

(8) SPRNG BREAKERS – This is what we call an “under the radar” or “sleeper” type film because not many people heard about it, but they should. This is the most hardcore film I’ve seen in a long time. It is raw, stylish, and hip. Young college girls go on Spring Break to Florida, but enter a world they never expected. Not for young viewers.

(7) WORLD WAR Z – There have been TONS of zombie films, but this film of a zombie takeover is done with eye-popping attack scenes, suspense, and a twist on the genre on how to actually beat the zombie’s. A sequel is already in the works.

(6) OUT OF THE FURNACE – This is a dark tale of two brothers, one trying to do the right thing and the other just trying to survive even if it means working for the wrong people. Although it was a tad long and the heart of the story was simple, it has very strong performances by Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, and Woody Harrelson.

(5) MONSTERS UNIVERSITY – Pixar is truly the dominating film company when it comes to family entertainment. Their hit films are now spawning sequels and in this case a prequel where our beloved Mike & Sulley go to college and meet for the first time. I enjoyed every second of this film and liked the message it tries to share with the audience.

(4) HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE – Very rare does a sequel do as good if not better than it’s predecessor, in this case it did and then some. Katniss Everdeen returns for more ‘games’ and the start of a revolution to come.

(3) THE WAY WAY BACK – These next Top 3 choices were very hard to choose from because they are all perfect films. The Way Way Back is one of the Best Films I’ve ever seen! It is a story of a boy, his mother, & her boyfriend who spend their summer at a beach house. It is funny, it is heart-warming, and it is perfect! I highly recommend it!

(2) AMERICAN HUSTLE – When it comes to great films, having an interesting plot helps, but what’s even better is an amazing cast with performances that are through the roof! That is what you get with American Hustle. Based on a true story of cons conning the feds in 1970′s New Jeresy, this film is a crazy ride which makes it so hard to believe it’s all true! The performances by Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Amy Adams are top drawer! I predict THIS will get Best Picture come Oscar time. It sure deserves it and so does the cast. I highly recommend it!

(1) CBGB – This is yet another film that is an “under the radar” or “sleeper” film that very few heard about, but should. This film is based on the true story of the famous club in New York, CBGB where every band you can think of got their start there from The Ramones to Blondie to The Talking Heads to The Police. Alan Rickman plays the club owner that deserves an Oscar nom as well. For true strong acting, a good story, and the best soundtrack you’ll ever hear – I highly recommend this film fully!

Well, there you have it! The Best of the Best of 2013! There are still some great films out there I have not seen but recommend such as The Hobbit, Saving Mr. Banks, Her, The Wolf of Wall Steet, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. You can find the films on my list on dvd or still at the theater, but all are worth your time. I look forward to 2014′s batch of releases and discovering all new favorites. Until next time … see you in line! And Happy New Year!