Joe’s Top Ten Movies of 2013
1. Man of Steel
Cliché? Maybe. Predictable? Sure. But this is the movie that the DC Universe needed to kick off their cinematic universe. And though it had its faults (and a pretty big body count, Kal), it represents something bigger – and far more awesome – than a single Superman movie. Henry Cavill was everything you could want from Superman. Bring on the DCU!
2. The Place Beyond the Pines
There’s no way to not feel strongly about this movie. You either love it or hate it. But for my money, career performances from everyone in it (except maybe Ray Liota, but you have to consider the tremendous roles he has had before this). See it, then hug someone you love.
3. Evil Dead
I’m usually not a big fan of remakes. If you listen to the podcast, you’ve heard my rants. But Evil Dead was brilliant. You could feel the love for the original series in every shot of this film. It also does a great job of setting up some very intriguing future installments. Groovy.
4. The Conjuring
American horror is back! Coming from me, that’s probably one of the best compliments you can get. This movie will have you on edge, has great pacing, and some truly scary moments. It features quite possibly the scariest first 10 minutes of a movie in the last 25 years.
5. Anchorman 2
HIYO! While it’s not going down as Ron Burgundy’s Dark Knight, it was still a solid sequel full of some laugh-out-loud moments and highly quotable quips. In my opinion, Ron Burgundy and the channel 4 News Team never gets old. I sincerely hope there’s a third installment.
6. This is the End
This movie was great. If you saw the trailer and even thought ONE line was funny, see this movie. It’s pretty much non-stop comedic mayhem from some of the funniest dudes on the planet. Danny McBride steals the show, but that’s pretty obvious if you’ve ever seen him in anything. Tremendous cameos, too.
7. Pacific Rim
Monsters Vs. Robots. If that idea alone is not enough to get you to watch the movie, then it isn’t for you.
8. Mama
Solid, solid horror movie. Excellent skin-crawling chills with atmospheric creepiness to match. It would be higher on the list but the last 20 minutes really take away from the film as a whole. But the other hour and ten minutes is some of the best horror on the block. Great to see the creator/director of the original short, Andres Muschietti, bring his vision to Hollywood with minimal strings attached (except that ending… Sheesh).
9. Olympus Has Fallen
This movie was pretty much Die Hard for a new generation. To me, it’s great to see that this kind of hard-R action flick can draw critical acclaim and commercial success. Even if it doesn’t spawn seven sequels, this movie is a blueprint for modern Hollywood for an action movie with balls and brains.
10.The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
Without sounding too cliché, it was the surprise comedy hit of 2013 for me. Solid performances all around from top to bottom. This movie really flew under the radar, and that’s a shame.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Gangster Squad
2. Movie 43
3. Bullet to the Head
4. Monsters U
5. Iron Man 3