This blog will be strictly my opinions on Films, TV shows, Music, and news in the entertainment industry. If you are looking for a blog about politics, sports, or pictures of kittens then you are in the wrong place.
As of now the layout of this blog is pretty generic, and it'll probably stay that way until I am quite a few posts into it. Any changes also depend on if I ever decide to teach myself how to make a good blog layout.
Since the rest of this post will be pretty long I'll end this introduction here, and move on to what you all (by "you all" I mean my parents and a friend or two that I force to read this) have been waiting for: My Top 20 Films of 2013 (So Far).
Top 20 Films of 2013 (So Far)
2013 has been an interesting year for film so far. So many different kinds of movies have been released this year: from the White House under attack film Olympus Has Fallen, to the White House under attack film White House Down. Throughout the year I've put off several homework assignments and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on movie tickets to be able to see a large variety of films. Somehow I saw more than 20 and was able to narrow it down to 20 favorites. Since 99% of you have already stopped reading, I might as well start listing the movies that I like.20. The Great Gatsby
Such a good movie that they decided to turn it into a book afterwards. Old sport old sport old sport old sport.
19. Man of Steel
Thought this was going to be a low-budget knockoff of Iron Man, was pleasantly surprised.
18. The Conjuring
I still have no clue what/who a Conjuring is, but this movie is pretty good.
17. We're The Millers
Not as good as that movie RV with Robin Williams, but still pretty good.
16. The Spectacular Now
This movie is the Kansas City Chiefs of movies. Pretty good, but you're not sure why. Oh poop, that's something sports related. I specifically said this wouldn't be about sports.
15. Don Jon
Joseph Gordon-Levitt's long-awaited Mike "The Situation" biopic. It's pretty good.
14. Elysium
Pretty unrealistic, no one would allow Jodie Foster to run an organization after that Golden Globes speech! Am I right guys!? Nice reference to something that happened almost a year ago. *High-fives self*
13. Prince Avalanche
On a scale of 1 to Paul Rudd's Mustache. I give this about an 8.
12. Trance
I don't have anything witty to say about this, it's just pretty good.
11. The World's End
This movie is more British than if The Beatles and the word "bollocks" had a baby. And named that baby Beckham. But if you can get past that, you'll like it.
10. Stories We Tell
This film is not only a documentary, but directed by a girl as well. Other than those 2 HUGE flaws, it's pretty good.
9. Spring Breakers
The only Disney movie on my list, which is pretty surprising to me. Little Suzie will enjoy it for her favorite Disney Channel stars. Little Timmy will enjoy it because of boobs and butts. This film is fun for the whole family!
8. Post Tenebras Lux
This is my pretentious, foreign film pick to make it seem like I know things about film.
7. Stoker
"The best creepy uncle movie you'll see all year!" - Me
6. This Is The End
There was one too many demon wieners in this film (there were 2 total). But that's just my opinion.
5. Mud
Mud a.k.a let's see how many times we can get Matthew McConaughey to take his shirt off for a practical reason.
4. Frances Ha
This film is brought to you by the guy who made the other Kicking and Screaming, that you turn on when it's on HBO and then turn it off when you realize after 20 minutes that Will Ferrell isn't in it.
3. Drinking Buddies
This film is kind of like The Silence of the Lambs, except for the fact that it takes place in Chicago, is only 90 minutes long, and has zero similar plot or character elements.
2. Gravity
To make this film an even more entertaining viewing experience, take a drink every time you think Sandra Bullock just peed in her astronaut suit.
1. The Way Way Back
I like this film because like the main character in this film (he wears jeans to a water park), I also wear clothing (shorts during the winter) that is inappropriate based on my surroundings.
In All Seriousness:
Compared to the fantastic years in film that we have had the past few years, 2013 seems pretty weak as a whole. Granted I haven't seen everything I want to see yet, but what I have seen so far has not really compared to the films from previous years that had already been released by this point in the year. With that said, I believe that there are a few gems buried beneath the sequels and R.I.P.D.'s (*vomits*) that have taken up a majority of the space in most theaters.
20. The Great Gatsby
Despite some problems, I still consider this one of the better summer blockbusters of the year. The modern soundtrack worked for the feel Luhrmann was trying to convey with this film. The fast-paced editing added to the craziness of the party scenes. The acting is fine, but I think Joel Edgerton gives an extremely underrated performance as Tom.
19. Man of Steel
It's hard for me to not like this movie because of my fondness for most of the actors involved with it. I specifically love Michael Shannon and Amy Adams. Apart from the actors, there isn't much about this film that I loved. It was an alright film that I'd be fine with watching again, but nothing overly special.
18. The Conjuring
I tend to avoid horror films due to the fact that a lot of them recently are unoriginal, or they focus on shock value with gore rather than story. I didn't have any high expectations for The Conjuring, but it was definitely a nice surprise. Some really solid acting all around, and an entertaining story in a society that is filled with paranormal stories recently.
17. We're The Millers
The R-Rated comedies of this year have been pretty hit and miss. This movie didn't break any ground in storytelling, but I was cracking up the entire time I was watching it.
16. The Spectacular Now
One thing that I'd say is a common theme with films from this year, or at least the ones in this list is the portrayal of realistic relationships. When I say relationships I mean everything from boyfriend and girlfriend to father and son, and The Spectacular Now portrays all of the above very well. The unsatisfying ending kept this from being higher on my list.
15. Don Jon
Don Jon does a lot of cool things with editing and cinematography. The story is decent, but predictable. The cast all do well as slightly exaggerated New Jersians. I don't really have much bad to say about it. But I also don't have anything fantastic to say about it.
14. Elysium
As a big fan of District 9, I was all aboard for the next Neill Blomkamp film since hearing about it. The idea was really cool, and the execution of it was nice. Something about it though keeps it from becoming spectacular. Also would have been interested to see Eminem as the lead role (he was offered it but turned it down because it wasn't going to be filmed in Detroit).
13. Prince Avalanche
This is a lesser-known dramedy that will probably slip under most people's radars this year. Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch play off each other very well in this primarily two-character film. It's hilarious and sad at the same time. Paul Rudd, in my opinion is one of the best actors who can play outrageously funny or serious.
12. Trance
I definitely have a soft spot for any Danny Boyle-directed film. Also I think Vincent Cassel is one of the coolest actors working today. I'm down to see any movie he's in. In a film with so many twists, you'd expect it to be hard to follow. However even the lesser-intelligent folk like myself can follow along pretty well.
11. The World's End
Unfortunately I have never seen Hot Fuzz, so I'm unable to rank all of Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy. I can say that while I do prefer Shaun of the Dead, The World's End was only slightly less entertaining. The cast's chemistry is pretty fantastic, and even though it's not a laugh-out-loud comedy, it has some pretty funny moments.
10. Stories We Tell
My favorite documentary from this year so far. There are quite a few I still need to watch, but this one is really creative and interesting. I won't go into detail about the story because IMDB can help you with that, but Sarah Polley is a wonderful director and I look forward to anything she does in the future.
9. Spring Breakers
I really didn't expect to like this movie at all let alone how much I did. It's clearly not for everyone, but some of the editing and cinematographic technique are too cool for anyone interested in film to not check out. The soundtrack is really awesome, and the hammed up portrayal of spring break life is at the very least entertaining if nothing else.
8. Post Tenebras Lux
Yes, this is a foreign film. Yes, I like foreign films too. This film has some of the best cinematography of the year by far, and because this film is more about the visuals, the story isn't all that important here.
7. Stoker
Stoker is a beautifully shot thriller from Chan-wook Park, the director of the Korean film Oldboy. This was a really well-acted film, Matthew Goode plays the creepy role perfectly. Mia Wasikowska deserves a lot of recognition here too. You'll definitely see her name a lot in the future.
6. This Is The End
This Is The End is my favorite R-Rated comedy of the year. It made me laugh until there were tears in my eyes. I find this cast so funny, and the fact that they played themselves made it really entertaining.
5. Mud
Matthew McConaughey is going to have a fantastic year. Mud will probably be his least acclaimed role of the year, but considering I haven't seen Dallas Buyers Club yet and The Wolf of Wall Street won't be out until Christmas, I have to talk about his performance here. He plays a southern ex-criminal who is trying to reunite with his love, and he plays this character in such a likable way that you can't help but want him to succeed. Also fantastic in the film are the two young boys that play the 2 main characters in this film.
4. Frances Ha
Greta Gerwig not only stars in this awkward, and funny indie comedy, she also co-wrote it with director Noah Baumbach. She's an extremely talented human being and is the driving force of Frances Ha. The realness, the awkwardness, everything about her character is just awesome.
3. Drinking Buddies
The way adult relationships are shown in this film is perfect. The chemistry between these actors (but mainly Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson) is incredible. You would think they have been 'buddies' for years. Also most of this film is improvised which I always have a soft spot for.
2. Gravity
Yes, Gravity is that good. It's weird that people still have doubts about this movie when more than 90% of the people that have seen this film give it praise. It is one of the most intense films I've seen in a while. Fantastic cinematography and special effects. The use of sound (and at parts no sound) is genius. A true technical masterpiece.
1. The Way Way Back
This film really hit home for me, the way it is setup makes the audience (or myself at least) sympathize with the main character straight from the beginning. As it progresses you get so happy whenever Duncan is happy, and you feel for him when he is sad. It's a feel-good movie that is perfect to watch any time of the year. It's also the only film this year that got me a choked up even remotely. Kudos to Nat Faxon and Jim Rash for co-writing and co-directing this immensely enjoyable film.
Sorry that this post is so long. They'll be shorter from now on. I just wanted to get something big out of the way, I hope you all enjoy.
~Ryan Moncrief
Despite some problems, I still consider this one of the better summer blockbusters of the year. The modern soundtrack worked for the feel Luhrmann was trying to convey with this film. The fast-paced editing added to the craziness of the party scenes. The acting is fine, but I think Joel Edgerton gives an extremely underrated performance as Tom.
19. Man of Steel
It's hard for me to not like this movie because of my fondness for most of the actors involved with it. I specifically love Michael Shannon and Amy Adams. Apart from the actors, there isn't much about this film that I loved. It was an alright film that I'd be fine with watching again, but nothing overly special.
18. The Conjuring
I tend to avoid horror films due to the fact that a lot of them recently are unoriginal, or they focus on shock value with gore rather than story. I didn't have any high expectations for The Conjuring, but it was definitely a nice surprise. Some really solid acting all around, and an entertaining story in a society that is filled with paranormal stories recently.
17. We're The Millers
The R-Rated comedies of this year have been pretty hit and miss. This movie didn't break any ground in storytelling, but I was cracking up the entire time I was watching it.
16. The Spectacular Now
One thing that I'd say is a common theme with films from this year, or at least the ones in this list is the portrayal of realistic relationships. When I say relationships I mean everything from boyfriend and girlfriend to father and son, and The Spectacular Now portrays all of the above very well. The unsatisfying ending kept this from being higher on my list.
15. Don Jon
Don Jon does a lot of cool things with editing and cinematography. The story is decent, but predictable. The cast all do well as slightly exaggerated New Jersians. I don't really have much bad to say about it. But I also don't have anything fantastic to say about it.
14. Elysium
As a big fan of District 9, I was all aboard for the next Neill Blomkamp film since hearing about it. The idea was really cool, and the execution of it was nice. Something about it though keeps it from becoming spectacular. Also would have been interested to see Eminem as the lead role (he was offered it but turned it down because it wasn't going to be filmed in Detroit).
13. Prince Avalanche
This is a lesser-known dramedy that will probably slip under most people's radars this year. Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch play off each other very well in this primarily two-character film. It's hilarious and sad at the same time. Paul Rudd, in my opinion is one of the best actors who can play outrageously funny or serious.
12. Trance
I definitely have a soft spot for any Danny Boyle-directed film. Also I think Vincent Cassel is one of the coolest actors working today. I'm down to see any movie he's in. In a film with so many twists, you'd expect it to be hard to follow. However even the lesser-intelligent folk like myself can follow along pretty well.
11. The World's End
Unfortunately I have never seen Hot Fuzz, so I'm unable to rank all of Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy. I can say that while I do prefer Shaun of the Dead, The World's End was only slightly less entertaining. The cast's chemistry is pretty fantastic, and even though it's not a laugh-out-loud comedy, it has some pretty funny moments.
10. Stories We Tell
My favorite documentary from this year so far. There are quite a few I still need to watch, but this one is really creative and interesting. I won't go into detail about the story because IMDB can help you with that, but Sarah Polley is a wonderful director and I look forward to anything she does in the future.
9. Spring Breakers
I really didn't expect to like this movie at all let alone how much I did. It's clearly not for everyone, but some of the editing and cinematographic technique are too cool for anyone interested in film to not check out. The soundtrack is really awesome, and the hammed up portrayal of spring break life is at the very least entertaining if nothing else.
8. Post Tenebras Lux
Yes, this is a foreign film. Yes, I like foreign films too. This film has some of the best cinematography of the year by far, and because this film is more about the visuals, the story isn't all that important here.
7. Stoker
Stoker is a beautifully shot thriller from Chan-wook Park, the director of the Korean film Oldboy. This was a really well-acted film, Matthew Goode plays the creepy role perfectly. Mia Wasikowska deserves a lot of recognition here too. You'll definitely see her name a lot in the future.
6. This Is The End
This Is The End is my favorite R-Rated comedy of the year. It made me laugh until there were tears in my eyes. I find this cast so funny, and the fact that they played themselves made it really entertaining.
5. Mud
Matthew McConaughey is going to have a fantastic year. Mud will probably be his least acclaimed role of the year, but considering I haven't seen Dallas Buyers Club yet and The Wolf of Wall Street won't be out until Christmas, I have to talk about his performance here. He plays a southern ex-criminal who is trying to reunite with his love, and he plays this character in such a likable way that you can't help but want him to succeed. Also fantastic in the film are the two young boys that play the 2 main characters in this film.
4. Frances Ha
Greta Gerwig not only stars in this awkward, and funny indie comedy, she also co-wrote it with director Noah Baumbach. She's an extremely talented human being and is the driving force of Frances Ha. The realness, the awkwardness, everything about her character is just awesome.
3. Drinking Buddies
The way adult relationships are shown in this film is perfect. The chemistry between these actors (but mainly Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson) is incredible. You would think they have been 'buddies' for years. Also most of this film is improvised which I always have a soft spot for.
2. Gravity
Yes, Gravity is that good. It's weird that people still have doubts about this movie when more than 90% of the people that have seen this film give it praise. It is one of the most intense films I've seen in a while. Fantastic cinematography and special effects. The use of sound (and at parts no sound) is genius. A true technical masterpiece.
1. The Way Way Back
This film really hit home for me, the way it is setup makes the audience (or myself at least) sympathize with the main character straight from the beginning. As it progresses you get so happy whenever Duncan is happy, and you feel for him when he is sad. It's a feel-good movie that is perfect to watch any time of the year. It's also the only film this year that got me a choked up even remotely. Kudos to Nat Faxon and Jim Rash for co-writing and co-directing this immensely enjoyable film.
Sorry that this post is so long. They'll be shorter from now on. I just wanted to get something big out of the way, I hope you all enjoy.
~Ryan Moncrief
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