So it's getting close to Oscar time and I'm feeling confident that I've seen MOST of the better films released in 2013. Here are my top 25 in no particular order:
(Click on the titles for trailers)
Nebraska- If there wasn't such tough competition this year, I'm sure both Bruce Dern and June Squib would win Oscars for it.
The Battery- The best zombie film in years. Almost all of it takes place in the outdoors yet it always feels so claustrophobic.
Philomena- Deserves the Oscar for adapted screenplay. Full disclosure; I am a huge Steve Coogan fan.
Broken Circle Breakdown- The saddest movie I have ever seen. Should win for best Foreign film.
Gravity- I wasn`t interested until I found out who the director was. Then I was all in. I`ll go on a limb here and say it`s the best movie of the year from a technical and direction standpoint.
Computer Chess- One of the most bizzare films I have ever seen. You`d swear it was a documentary from the 80`s. The best part is where the programmers start to experience the glitches from their programming in their own lives.
Stoker- Go Buy everything Chan-Wook Park has ever done. He has an attention to detail that is superhuman.
Upstream Color- Incredible performances and cinematography with very little dialogue.
The Act of Killing- A difficult to watch documentary about Indonesian mass murderers reenacting their killings.
Mood Indigo- The latest from Michele Gondry starring Audrey Tautou. Such playful scenery.
The Great Beauty- Italian film reminiscent of Felinni`s 8 1/2. Think of it as a guided tour of the most beautiful aspects of Rome.
Dallas Buyers Club- I can`t stand Jered Leto but have to admit that he`s incredible in this film. McConaughey is a shoe-in for best actor.
Star Trek: Into Darkness- Star Trek has never been more enjoyable than when it`s directed by JJ Abrams.
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa- Huge Steve Coogan fan over here! The movie continuation of the very popular British character. I could not stop laughing.
Frances Ha- Greta Gerwig is one of the brightest and most relatable actresses working today.
The East- Another film starring one of the most promising actresses out there: Brit Marling.
Blackfish- A documentary about Orcas in captivity. It may single handedly destroy marine parks.
Kings of Summer- Nick Offerman should be in every movie.
The Dirties- If you ever wondered how school shooters were made.
Escape From Tomorrow- Shot in Disneyland without Disney`s permission. Worth watching for it`s notoriety alone.
The Way Way Back- The directoral debut of Nate Faxon and Jim Rash after winning screenplay Oscars for The Decendents. The cast is stacked.
The Spectacular Now- Great drama with a really young cast.
The Conjuring- Really effective ghost story about the real life Warren couple.
Pacific Rim- I love giant monsters. I love giant robots.
The Worlds End- Pegg, Wright, and Frost`s 3rd in the Cornetto Trilogy. So much more than what anyone else is doing.
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