Best Films 2013 - Numbers 10-1.

And now for the top ten of 2013. 

10. Pain & Gain

I don't really need to explain the inclusion of this film in my top ten. Pain & Gain sits proudly next to Bad Boys 2 as Michael Bay's best film. One of Hollywood's most reviled auteur's turns in a great film which is over the top in ways that the Transformers series would never be. It wallows in the terrible nature of the characters with an amazing amount of black comedy - especially for a Michael Bay film. Sorry Bad Boys 2, but Pain & Gain has taken your place as my go to over the top film. Oh, Dwayne Johnson, he fucking rocks in this as well.

9. Captain Phillips

The saddest thing about the 2013 Oscars is the fact that Tom Hanks was overlooked for a nomination as Captain Richard Phillips. In a career as varied and as strong as Hanks', Captain Phillips showcases him at his finest. Simply, this is Tom Hanks best performance. Some may know the story of Cinderella Man in which I lost it about halfway through, I was an emotional wreck. Well, Captain Phillips has a scene which brought me to that same emotional point. It's a moment which feels like it is above acting, where you're no longer seeing an actor playing a person on screen, but that real person.

8. Before Midnight

When people talk about great trilogies, they usually bring up the original Star Wars trilogy, or the Lord of the Rings trilogy, or more relevant, the Three Colours trilogy. All are very good without a doubt, but for me my favourite trilogy is far and away the Before trilogy. Acting as almost a 7-Up style assessment of a relationship over the years, Richard Linklater's Before series has continually been a truthful portrayal of a couple in love, and with Before Midnight, a couple potentially falling out of love. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are never better than Jesse and Celine. 

7. Blue Jasmine

For a while there it looked like Woody Allen films were doomed. Anything Else and Hollywood Ending hinted at a master near the end of his game. Then Match Point and Vicky Christina Barcelona hit and something happened. Woody's films were relevant again. Blue Jasmine then comes along as the most relevant Woody Allen film in a while. Not only that, but it showcases career best performances from Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins and (the always under appreciated) Bobby Cannavale. Blue Jasmine is a film which can sit proudly alongside Husbands and Wives and Hannah and Her Sisters as one of Woody's finest dramas.

6. Amour

Michael Haneke has always created challenging cinema. It's what draws people back to his films. Amour is that great kind of challenging, it demands you watch and empathise. Emmanuelle Riva gives - in my opinion - one of cinemas greatest performances. There's subtlety to her performance, a gentle humanity to it. People often say that it's easy to play the dying person in a bed because it doesn't ask much of you, but Riva brings a level of acting hardly seen in films nowadays. 

The next five films could all have vied for the top slot so it was quite difficult to chose their order.

5. Only God Forgives

The first time I watched Only God Forgives I didn't know what to think of it. At first I tired of the long takes of empty hallways and the strange karaoke scenes. And when I finished it I still didn't know what to think. About two weeks later though, it was all I could think about. It somehow crept into my mind. I've watched Only God Forgives the most out of my top 22 films and I'm still in awe of how great it is. I'm sure most people were assuming this would be Drive Part 2, but this is more in line with earlier Winding Refn films and it's better for it. I still love Drive, but I feel this is the film I will revisit more often.

4. Stoker

Stoker is a masterclass in film making. From the sound design, to Chung-hoon Chung's cinematography, to Clint Mansell's score, there is not a poor moment in Stoker. Mia Wasikowska continues to prove why she is one of the better young actresses working today. Nicole Kidman delivers another great performance that has hints of Birth. Matthew Goode is also in fine form; his performance a nice opposite to his performance in Burning Man. It's also great to see the Australian talent on display here with Wasikowska, Kidman and Jackie Weaver as well as Wentworth Miller writing.

3. Zero Dark Thirty

I no longer have a deep resentment towards Kathryn Bigelow for winning the Oscar for The Hurt Locker. Without her having made The Hurt Locker, she wouldn't have been able to make Zero Dark Thirty. This isn't a film which makes you feel comfortable with the state of the world. Nor does it take a side with who is good or bad. It presents the story of Osama Bin Laden's capture as fact (something many people had problems with) and is a better film because of this. The torture scenes aren't pleasant to watch, but nor should they be. Jessica Chastain is just perfect here. 

2. Rust & Bone

Also known as 'the other killer whale movie'. Rust & Bone is a lot more than just that though. Yet it would detract from the story to explain more. Marion Cotillard has simply never been better, and Mathias Schoenaerts is deeply affecting as well. But it's Jacques Audiard who once again asserts that he is a director to be remembered. From The Beat that Skipped My Heart to A Prophet, and now Rust & Bone, he is one of Europes modern great directors. 

1. Gravity

Gravity is a more important film than 12 Years a Slave. It's a career best from all involved, but that's not why it's more important. It's simply more important because at a time when film piracy is rising, Gravity presents itself as a film that demands a cinematic viewing. It demands to be seen at the cinema on the biggest screen possible. Where 12 Years a Slave is a good film - and a very effective one - it serves as a reminder of what has gone on in our past. Gravity on the other hand is more universal than 12 Years a Slave. It promotes the experience of visiting the cinema. It is never better than on the big screen where you're immersed in the darkness of space. I could go on, but really, Gravity is more than just a great action film. It's more than a space adventure. It's about the power of cinema. 

Best Films 2013 - Numbers 22-11.

2013 is a year which should be remembered as a slight revival in great female characters. From one of the better child performances in years with Onata Aprile in What Maisie Knew, to one of the oldest Oscar nominees with Emmanuelle Riva in Amour. That's not to say that 2013 didn't have great male performances either - Tom Hanks delivered the best performance of his career in Captain Phillips. 

This year there are 22 films that I've singled out. And number 22 is... 

22. Thor: The Dark World

But Andrew, how can you have Thor: The Dark World in your favourite films for the year and yet you don't like Django Unchained or American Hustle? Well, the simple reason is is that this is the best Marvel film to date. Chris Hemsworth is ridiculously charismatic as Thor. Most importantly, this is the first Marvel film which has consistent action sequences. The finale is an enjoyably choreographed world swapping action extravaganza (yes, I just used the word extravaganza). In a year where Iron Man 3 disappointed, it's nice to see a big budget comic book flick which actually delivers.

21. Cloud Atlas

 The Wachowski's finally deliver another film which matches the quality of The Matrix. Visually, this is one of the most imaginative films released in 2013. The actors here create some of the most interesting and varied characters in a recent sci-fi film. The plot strands can be hard to follow at times, but as the finale approaches they all weave together in intriguing ways. 

20. Fast & Furious 6

I'm not defending my love of these films. Why should I? This series has constantly delivered over the top chases that defy logic, but you don't buy a ticket to these films for logical plot and action. A never ending take off strip? Sure. Jumping tanks? Ok, physics defies it, but whatever. You know what you're getting with these films, and you're either on board or not. Fast & Furious 6 is as over the top as it gets, but dammit, it's also the best in the series. 

19. This is 40

I was skeptical that a pseudo-sequel to Knocked Up would work. Just like Stephen King as a writer, Judd Apatow is a director in search of an editor. Funny People was overlong and became bland. This is 40's two hour plus running time felt like it could overstay its welcome, but fortunately enough the dramatic elements work well alongside the comedic elements.

18. Sightseers

A perfect companion film to God Bless America. Ben Wheatley is the most interesting British director working today - take that Christopher Nolan (I still love you though). Sightseers is as black a comedy as you can get. Just like Wheatley's horrific Kill List (which is still one of the finest modern day horror films), Sightseers has some fantastic deaths. 

17. Prisoners

The hardest thing about Hugh Jackman playing Wolverine for all these years is that it's kept him from being in films like Prisoners. Behind the claws, there has always been a great actor. Fortunately though, he's able to show his worth in this underrated film. Jake Gyllenhaal is also at the top of his game. Beneath the story twists is a great assessment of what parents are capable when a child goes missing.

16. The Conjuring

2013 was not a good year for horror films. There was the reimagining of Evil Dead and I'm vaguely aware that there was another entry into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series. What did stand out though was a classic ghost story in The Conjuring. It's a fitting send of for James Wan that this may be his last entry into the horror genre. The usual tropes are there - mysterious bumps, noises that shouldn't be there, legs being pulled by invisible beings - but it's the way that Wan handles it with respect and seriousness that gives The Conjuring weight. There's a real admiration here for the ghost story that the Paranormal Activity films unfortunately don't have.

15. Lincoln

Even now I still can't believe how good Lincoln is. On paper it sounds boring - big tall man stops slavery for good, yay? But Spielberg brings class to the story. His respect of American history is matched by the powerful performances of both Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field. Tommy Lee Jones also is grand amongst a fine cast of supporting actors. Lincoln plays like a 1800's version of The West Wing. 

14. Life of Pi

The beauty of Life of Pi is not in the sumptuous CGI assisted cinematography. It's not in the ultra realistic CGI tiger. It's not in the ability to add 'no Richard Parker, that's my tuna' to any conversation (try it). It's the fact that a staunch atheist like myself can still find the joy and beauty in this religious fable. It works wonderfully in showing the sides of stories and how altering them can help give their essence a greater meaning. The visuals are reason to watch the film, but the story makes for a memorable film. Sidenote: it's also one of the finest uses of 3D in a film to date.

13. The Imposter

This list isn't as documentary friendly as I'd like it to be (I'm still yet to watch The Act of Killing, Stories We Tell and Blackfish). The Imposter is a film which demands you should know nothing about it prior to watching it - and not in the Catfish 'don't read about this before you see it' way. This is a thrilling film that still surprises you to the end. 

12. Enough Said

One of the more devastating aspects of 2013 was the loss of James Gandolfini. It's always been obvious that he was a great actor, but it took Nicole Holofcener to bring out another nuanced performance from him. Playing a divorcee seems like an easy role, but Gandolfini fills it with such humanity - which sounds trite, but watch the scene where he tells Julia Louis-Dreyfuss that she broke his heart and tell me that's not something else. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is also sublime here. It's nice to see her take on a role that isn't purely comedic. It's also great to hear Toni Collette with her Australian accent.

11. What Maisie Knew

I won't lie. I almost didn't see this film purely for the fact that it's produced by the people who produced 'The Kids Are All Right'. I'm glad I did though. The array of performances here is phenomenal. Julianne Moore gives one of her best performances to date. Alexander Skarsgard is also in fine form. Steve Coogan proves he's fine at doing drama. But the real star is Onata Aprile. The greatest thing about What Maisie Knew is the position that David Siegel and Scott McGehee place the camera is always from Aprile's Maisie's point of view. The depth of her performance is astounding for a child of her age. The innocence of her performance gives the film a much greater emotional weight than a lesser actress would bring. 

Five Disappointing Films: 2013 Edition.

As per usual with every year, I try and find a few 'worst' films. These aren't necessarily the worst films of the year, but possibly the most disappointing.  

5. American Hustle

American Hustle is not a bad film. It's surprisingly quite enjoyable. But just like the fact that Jeremy Renner is in this film, it's awfully forgettable. The best thing to happen to this film is that it didn't win any Oscars. Just as Silver Linings Playbook displayed a change in David O'Russell's career, American Hustle brings him even further away from the I Heart Huckabee's and Three Kings high that he had over a decade ago.

4. Spring Breakers

Without a doubt, the only reason to watch Spring Breakers is to see James Franco chew scenery. This is saying a heck of a lot given the amount of skin that's on display here as well. It's a visually interesting film, but unfortunately like the girls who inhabit the film, there's nothing to it. Maybe that's the point. There is one great tracking shot in this film though. Other than that, here is the thirty seconds of Spring Breakers worth watching:

 

3. World War Z

Unlike the other films on this list, World War Z isn't exactly loved by the critics. This is one of the most appallingly entertaining films in the past few years (Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 takes the crown though). Brad Pitt's hair rules the show, but other cinematic atrocities include the sudden ejection of his wife when the army thinks Mr Pitt is dead from a ship, and the great 'sigh' that Pitt does at an 'emotional' point in the film. It's easy to hate on World War Z because it's simply so damn stupid, but unlike the other films on this list, it's not as if they were trying to begin with.

2. Silver Linings Playbook

The best thing about this film is that it gave the world the phrase 'two time Oscar nominee Jackie Weaver'. I do not like Jennifer Lawrence at all. The number one argument between my wife and I occurs on a weekly basis and it is always about how undeserving Jennifer Lawrence is of a nomination for Winter's Bone. Obviously the Academy must have fallen in love with whatever golden turds Jennifer Lawrence dispenses (yes, Jennifer Lawrence shits too, she's not exempt from diarrhea) to reward her for such an over the top performance as her 'mentally disturbed' dancing queen. Especially over the greater performances given that year.

1. Django Unchained

I always look forward to a new Tarantino film. Who doesn't? I walked out of Django Unchained thinking it was brilliant. Over the top, topical and challenging. It contained the majority of the things required for a good Tarantino film. Then time occurred. And time is not kind. Django Unchained is a turgid film to watch. It's a painful film to watch. It's painful in knowing that Christoph Waltz won a second Oscar for a character which was not a stretch from his Inglourious Basterds character. It's painful knowing he won over the much more deserving Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who gave his career best performance in The Master). 

Above all though, it's also painful to see a Tarantino film without Sally Menke as the editor. It would be like watching a Martin Scorsese film without Thelma Schoonmaker as the editor. Or The Coen Brothers not editing their own films. There's a flow to Tarantino's films that Menke created. This is desperately lacking with Django Unchained. Django feels too long - and at 180 minutes, it is. A great editor understands the language of the film and the beats that the director was working towards. Menke brought this to Tarantino's films. She helped bring the brilliance to his films. It's going to be interesting to see how his films progress from here.

Oscar Predictions 2013.

The time has come, to talk of many things... 

Particularly, Oscar predictions for the year 2013. This is one of the most enjoyable years in recent memory because a fair amount of the awards are still up in the air. Will Gravity win Best Picture? Probably not. But, unlike Argo, The Artist or The King's Speech, it's not a certainty that 12 Years a Slave will walk away with Brad Pitt's first win. 

As per usual, bold is my prediction and italics is what I would like to win. An asterix is what could upset (and believe me, I'll still take credit for it if that one does win.)

Best Picture

12 Years a Slave
American Hustle*
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
The Wolf of Wall Street

It's quite interesting to see that this year 12 Years a Slave could win Best Picture with only two other wins. Gravity really should win this as it's a better film than 12 Years a Slave. Yet, just like American Hustle, if Gravity did win the backlash against a good film would be strong. Look at the immediate backlash Argo had last year. Depending on how the show goes, American Hustle could upset.

Best Director

Alexander Payne - Nebraska
Alfonso Cuaron - Gravity
David O'Russell - American Hustle
Martin Scorsese - The Wolf of Wall Street
Steve McQueen - 12 Years a Slave*

There's simply no way that Alfonso Cuaron isn't going to win Best Director. The film is a directors film all the way through. Yet, unlike other years, it feels like a fair year if any of the directors won (especially given there has only been one winner in the bunch.)

Best Actor

Bruce Dern - Nebraska*
Chiwetel Ejiofor - 12 Years a Slave
Christian Bale - American Hustle
Leonardo Di Caprio - The Wolf of Wall Street
Matthew McConaughey - Dallas Buyers Club

Leonardo Di Caprio is overdue, that's a certainty. But is his role in The Wolf of Wall Street the one he deserves to be recognised for? I would argue that yes, it is. However, it's not a role which is easy to like him in. He's a possible upset against McConaughey, but really, it's Mr Alright Alright Alright's to take home. I still live in hope that Tom Hanks name will get called for Captain Phillips even though he isn't nominated. 

Best Actress

Amy Adams - American Hustle*
Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine
Judi Dench - Philomena
Meryl Streep - August: Osage County
Sandra Bullock - Gravity

I'm still unsure how Meryl Streep got a nomination this year. She's good in August: Osage County, but it's hardly a nomination worthy role. As has been mentioned elsewhere, her performance feels more like how much acting she can do, rather than how good her acting is. Cate Blanchett gives the performance of her career in Blue Jasmine. This is a performance which will be discussed in years ahead like Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood. The upset here could be Amy Adams as some people feels she's overdue. Though, if Amy Adams wins for an adequate performance and Leonardo Di Caprio doesn't, well, there's no justice. But we already knew that.

Best Supporting Actor

Barkhad Abdi - Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper - American Hustle*
Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club
Jonah Hill - The Wolf of Wall Street
Michael Fassbender - 12 Years a Slave

Barkhad Abdi is so immensely powerful in Captain Phillips that it wouldn't be a surprise if he took away the award. He's a heroic villain. Bradley Cooper is the major contender against Jared Leto though. Leto's role is ok, his character is adequate, and he's getting all the buzz, but it's not a very memorable performance. Abdi's questioning about where the elders are at the end of Captain Phillips is powerful, Cooper's co-lead role is the best in American Hustle and he has the most interesting arc in the film as well. 

Best Supporting Actress

Jennifer Lawrence - American Hustle
Julia Roberts - August: Osage County
June Squibb - Nebraska
Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years a Slave*
Sally Hawkins - Blue Jasmine

As much as it pains me to say, I believe that Jennifer Lawrence will win a second Oscar this year. The love for her is at fever point. She's serviceable in American Hustle, a role which is showy more than anything else. Lupita Nyong'o's abused slave is a heart breaking character, but less so for her arc and more for the actions taken against her. In another year Sally Hawkins or June Squibb would be getting a lot more attention; Hawkins in particular gives a career best performance alongside Cate Blanchett.

Best Original Screenplay

Bob Nelson - Nebraska
Craig Borten - Dallas Buyers Club
Eric Singer & David O'Russell - American Hustle*
Spike Jonze - Her
Woody Allen - Blue Jasmine

If we're talking the most original screenplay, then hands down Spike Jonze's Her takes the cake. The screenplay categories tend to favour the odd films that other categories don't reward. Add the Lost in Translation comparisons, and Spike Jonze will be looking to clear a spot on his mantle. Depending on how much love the Academy wants to throw towards American Hustle though, they may throw the film a bone here. Maybe they feel O'Russell is overdue for any award and giving him a screenplay award is just as good as a Director.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Billy Ray - Captain Phillips
John Ridley - 12 Years a Slave
Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater - Before Midnight*
Steve Coogan - Philomena
Terence Winter - The Wolf of Wall Street

There was a point where trilogies would get recognition for their final film. In a perfect world, Before Midnight would win here - a just reward for Delpy, Hawke and Linklater. However, unfortunately, 12 Years a Slave needs to win another award to make its Best Picture win easier to digest and this one will be it.

Best Editing

Alan Baumgarten, Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers - American Hustle
Alfonso Cuaron, Mark Sanger - Gravity
Christopher Rouse - Captain Phillips
Joe Walker - 12 Years a Slave*
John Mac McMurphy, Martin Pensa - Dallas Buyers Club

Ah, editing. The precursor to saying 'this film will win Best Picture'. Captain Phillips won the ACE Eddies award. People are tipping Gravity's editing to win - and a film of perfect editing it is as well. The surprise could be 12 Years a Slave - a film which feels like it's heavy handed editing over anything else, just like Meryl Streep's performance in August: Osage County, the in your face editing reinforces the films 'slavery is bad' aspect. 

Best Cinematography

Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
Phillipe Le Sourd, The Grandmaster
Roger Deakins, Prisoners*

Roger Deakins is overdue. Well overdue. He's a consummate cinematographer who is one of the finest in his field - in fact, quite possibly the finest in his field. Lubezki is also good, however just like last years Life of Pi, the cinematography is more computer assisted than in camera cinematography.

Production Design

12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
Gravity 
The Great Gatsby*
Her

Sound Mixing

Captain Phillips*
Gravity
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Inside Llewyn Davis
Lone Survivor

Sound Editing

All is Lost*
Captain Phillips
Gravity
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Lone Survivor

Costume Design

12 Years a Slave*
American Hustle
The Grandmaster
The Great Gatsby
The Invisible Woman

Sound Mixing/Editing, Costume Design and Production Design are so hard to tell as everyone votes for them. So whilst a film which truly excels at sound editing - as All is Lost apparently does - may deserve an Oscar for its fine job, it may not win. Same goes for Costume Design. A film like 12 Years a Slave has finely made costumes, as does The Great Gatsby, but maybe the cleavage on display in American Hustle may be taken as being great costumes over just a pretty dress.

Original Score

Alexandre Desplat - Philomena*
John Williams - The Book Thief
Steven Price - Gravity
Thomas Newman - Saving Mr Banks
William Butler, Owen Pallett - Her

Steven Price's score in Gravity is the third character which helps drive the film. It's a fine score which helps build the tension perfectly. I haven't listened to the other scores, however the score for Her was damn fine. However, unlike Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, I can't see some of the guys from Arcade Fire winning an Oscar.

Foreign Language Film

The Broken Circle Breakdown
The Great Beauty
The Hunt*
The Missing Picture
Omar

Apparently Blue is the Warmest Colour was robbed here. Sure, that's fine. I can't comment on it, or any of the other films here. However, The Hunt feels like a topical film which deserves a win. The Great Beauty feels like it will become a classic in years to come though. This award is all over the shop at times.

Documentary Feature

20 Feet From Stardom
The Act of Killing
Cutie & the Boxer
Dirty Wars
The Square*

As much as people would like The Act of Killing to win, it's just too much of a brutal film to win. The violence on display is all suggested, but it's still a film which is just too intense to reward. Maybe it will be like 12 Years a Slave where people reward it because it's the film they should reward, but I don't see that happening here. I feel people will have gladly watched a ninety minute film about backup singers rather than a two and a half hour epic about mass murders in Asia. 

Animated Feature

The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises*

The only chance of an upset here is if the Academy wants to reward Miyazaki one last time. He would deserve the win. Given the topical subjects Frozen deals with though, it's got the award in the bag already.

Visual Effects

Gravity
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug*
Iron Man 3
The Lone Ranger
Star Trek Into Darkness

The dragon in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a great spectacle, but the effects in Gravity are just too great to ignore. 

Best Makeup

Dallas Buyers Club
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa*
The Lone Ranger

Just like Norbit has come before it, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa has the better make up of the bunch here, but the Academy just won't reward an MTV film. 

Best Song

Happy - Despicable Me 2
Let It Go - Frozen
The Moon Song - Her
Ordinary Love - Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom*

Please, please Oscar Gods, don't reward U2. Please.

Live Action Short

Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?
Helium
Just Before Losing Everything
That Wasnt Me
The Voorman Problem

Documentary Short

Cave Digger
Facing Fear
Karama Has No Walls
The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Prison Days: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

Animated Short

Get a Horse!
Mr Hublot
Ferals
Possessions
Room on the Broom

These shorts... fuck them. I can never pick them properly. 

The best thing about this year though is that it's looking to be a genuinely enjoyable ceremony with a few surprise wins. Ellen Degeneres will no doubt be a bland host, but she's no James Franco.