The following is my favorite ten films of 2013.
1. “Mud”
When two young boys in Arkansas befriend a strange man named Mud living on an island, they find themselves trying to help him escape while being pursued by law enforcement and a vengeful family who wants to kill him.
Matthew McConaughey gives a career-best performance as Mud and director Jeff Nichols establishes himself as one of the best indie directors around. It’s hard to truly describe this film but you’d be hard-pressed to find any other in 2013 that could rival it.
2. “Much Ado About Nothing”
Director Joss Whedon’s third film proves he is capable of handling both small independent films and big-budget blockbusters with relative ease. Shot in black-and-white at his house in California, the cast consists mostly of actors who have worked with him in film and television, such as Nathan Fillion and Amy Acker. This is easily one of the best Shakespearean adaptations ever.
3. “Upstream Color”
Due to its abstract narrative, this film is not for everyone but offers substantial rewards for anyone willing to appreciate its complexity. It’s basically a love story about two people drawn together after a strange experiment. With rich visual style and hypnotic music, this film makes for an unforgettable experience.
4. “Short Term 12”
At the heart of this painfully realistic yet surprisingly heartwarming drama set in a foster-care facility lays one of the best things a movie can provide: a genuine human story. Brie Larson leads a colorful cast of characters whose personalities bring strong credibility to an already superb piece of craftsmanship.
5. “Gravity”
This film is a definite case of style over substance but that’s not always a bad thing. It’s a visually stunning tale of survival in the void of space that combines good old-fashioned moviemaking and mindboggling psychological thrills. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney’s talents display a unique chemistry that hopes to reunite the stars in the future.
6. “The World’s End”
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s latest adventure is a truly bombastic comedy adventure that sacrifices juvenile gags in favor of witty sci-fi homages that make for the year’s best comedy. Whether it be fighting alien robots or dishing out hilariously quotable dialogue, there’s never a dull moment with these guys especially with a talented ensemble of buddies this time around.
7. “12 Years a Slave”
This adaptation of ex-slave Solomon Northup’s memoir is definitely not for the squeamish but is nevertheless a stirring cinematic achievement bolstered by stellar performances and stylish direction. And despite such horrifically brutal content, the story of one man’s fight to survive against injustice still conveys a welcome sense of hope.
8. “Before Midnight”
Eighteen years in the making, the final installment in director Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy isn’t quite as refreshing as the first two films but remains a satisfying conclusion that boasts superb performances from Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. “Titanic” and “The Notebook” have absolutely nothing on this epic cinematic love story.
9. “Fruitvale Station”
The real-life story of Oscar Grant, who was shot and killed by a police officer in 2009, unfolds like a stylish thriller that proves engaging while still providing plenty of emotion. Michael B. Jordan’s superb performance as Oscar brings in a whole new level of credibility that most other actors would have difficulty replicating.
10. “Rush”
They really don’t make movies like this anymore. Ron Howard’s biopic/thriller about the real-life rivalry between Formula One racers James Hunt and Nicki Lauda puts nearly every blockbuster of 2013 to shame with its breathtaking race sequences and charismatic style. It also establishes Chris Hemsworth as a capable dramatic actor. Given the choice between watching this again and Superman destroy cities, I’ll gladly pick this again.