Well, 2014 is well underway, the Oscar nominations are out, so my Best Films Of 2013 list is well overdue, especially given my lack of reviews last year.
I've been tossing and turning and changing around my top 5 all year, then some latecomers threw a spanner or two into the works, so I have decided to do something different this year; a best-of list with no order- just the films (16, as it goes) that have made the biggest and most lasting positive impression on me. There are films I rated higher upon first seeing them, but their content has slipped from my mind and they've been usurped by more memorable movies.
Here, then, in no particular order, are my recommendations of films released nationally in UK cinemas during 2013.
Before Midnight
Following the further adventures of a couple that meet as early-twentysomethings on a train, the series raises interesting questions about "the one that got away", romance, family, the battle of the sexes and the very concept of "happily ever after" in the face of reality.
A newcomer to the "Before..." series, I caught up with all three films (including 1995's Before Sunrise and 2004's Before Sunset) in the space of a week. And, wow, what a series. Somehow each film manages to not only improve on its predecessor, but makes its predecessor stronger in the process.
The characters are now in their early forties and the romance is long-gone as their relationship is now well-worn. At times, I even hated this film because I was so involved in these characters' relationships that I didn't like any deviation from the romantic ideal that was set up previously. A breathtaking end to a truly unique trilogy. Fingers crossed for part 4 in 2022...
Monsters University
We see the much-loved Mike and Sully meet at university, and learn to not only get along, but to use their individual strengths and weaknesses to form the successful team we know from Monsters Inc. Definitely the best Pixar film in years.
A worthy prequel to one of my all-time favourite movies. Massively under-rated by critics, it was much like its predecessor; charming, emotional, creative, hilarious, scary and oodles of fun.
Saving Mr. Banks
PL Travers, creator of Mary Poppins, is horrified at what Walt Disney plans to do to her beloved creation. Unfortunately, financial restraints force her to make the uncomfortable decision to allow him to make the film that world adored, but not without a fight.
The most recent entry in the list, and an unexpected delight. Hanks and Thompson are magnificent and whilst the Colin Farrell bits didn't work quite as well as the rest, the way it fits into the movie as a whole made for a film that's practically perfect in every way.
Philomena
A journalist stumbles across the story of a woman whose baby was forcibly taken from her during convent school, and together they search to find the truth.
Another late entry that shows you trailers cannot be trusted. An absolute delight that packs a hefty emotional gut-punch, this devastating yet inspirational true story was brought to life impeccably.
Despicable Me 2
The no-longer despicable Gru adjust to life with his new family, whilst dealing with romance, growing pains and the return of an old foe.
An enormous leap of improvement over the first, the plot is better for its simplicity, and, most importantly, we get to see a lot more of those hilarious minions. You'll never hear One-4-All's I Swear in the same way again.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Katniss and Peeta are forced back into the arena as President Snow aims to crush an impending rebellion sparked by Katniss's life-saving defiance in the first film.
Superior to the first installment in every single way. The effects, story, background, pacing, performances, costumes, subtext... I could go on. If the ending doesn't get you excited for Mockingjay, I don't want to know you.
Gravity
Two astronauts are left stranded in space after their space shuttle is destroyed by debris.
Slightly over-rated, it's still worthy of a mention purely for its achievements in film-making. A visual spectacle, the camerawork is revolutionary, and no suspension of disbelief is required as you're left simply believing this was filmed in space. Remarkable.
Frozen
Two royal sisters are separated due to a childhood accident and a magical secret. But once the secret is out, Ana is determined to encourage Elsa to return home from her self-imposed exile.
A surprisingly dark story from Disney, this still manages to work its magic with singalongs, comical sidekicks and compelling characters. Not quite up there with Tangled, it does have the best Disney songs since the 1990s and a fantastic feminist moral about the real meaning of true love.
Captain Phillips
When his cargo ship is over-run by Somali pirates, Captain Phillips attempts to defend his ship and crew.
By no means an easy watch, but certainly a rewarding one of you make it to the end.
Tom Hanks. The last 10 minutes. I'm crying just thinking about it. Amazeballs.
Prisoners
When their children go missing, two men capture and torture the man they suspect of abducting them. Meanwhile, a cop investigates.
Super-tense and phenomenally well-played. Until the usually brilliant Melissa Leo turns up and uncharacteristically spoils things. But still one of the most gripping pieces of cinema this year.
Iron Man Three
Suffering from the after effects of the events of Avengers Assemble, Tony Stark faces a new villain as his past dismissal of a potential ally catches up with him.
An early contender for film of the year, up there with Avengers Assemble as a superb example of a quality superhero movie- fantastic SFX, witty dialogue and genuinely thrilling, inventive action set-pieces. Thor: The Dark World was great fun too, but comparatively forgettable.
The Impossible
The true-life tale of a family's experience of the recent Indonesian tsunami.
I've been waiting years for the director's follow-up to The Orphanage, and it didn't disappoint. Ewan McGregor finally reminds us that when he wants to, he can be a superb actor. Another harrowing watch, but also emotionally rewarding.
Compliance
The true-life tale of a prank call that goes WAY too far.
Shocking, unbelievable, disgusting and all true. You'll never take a call from the police in the same way again.
Rush
The two leads are pitch-perfect in this incredibly faithful recreation of the James Hunt/Nicki Lauda rivalry of the 1970s. Whether you know the story or not (I didn't), or care about Formula One (I don't), this is riveting film-making.
Wreck It Ralph
A video game character grows tired of being treated like the villain, and runs away.
Disney's affectionate look at old-fashioned arcade games and more cynical modern games was an utter delight that redefines a Disney Princess.
Les Misérables
After facing a hefty punishment for a petty crime, Jean Valjean rebuilds his life as a successful businessman, but policeman Javert is rarely far behind...
And let's end with how the year began. Not so much with a bang, but with a long, sustained powerful wail. Whether it be Anne Hathaway's tear-inducing SuBo tribute or Russell Crowe's ear-gouging Pierce Brosnan tribute, I was reduced to a complete wreck by the end. Although, for me, it works better on-stage, Tom Hooper's direction makes the most of the cinematic medium to really drive the emotion home.
Honorable mentions also go to the better-than-expected likes of Warm Bodies, Hitchcock, Dark Skies and The Call which round out my top 20. Not many critics would agree with that, and that makes me want to champion them even more.
Here's hoping I can be a bit more productive in 2014. I have five reviews to write already...
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