My Top Films of 2013

The following films are what I consider the best released this past year. They are in alphabetical order.

12 Years a Slave
 

This film is long overdue! Director Steve McQueen turns a vicious slavery tale into a somewhat beautiful aesthetic and moving tale. Chiwetel Ejiofor hands in what I consider the best performance of the year (and, yes, even above Matthew McConaughey's role in Dallas Buyers Club). Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'o both turn in wonderful supporting roles as well. The only slavery film that has come this close to reality was John Singleton's 1997 film Rosewood -- although, even though the film is based on the true story of the 1923 racist lynch mob that destroyed an African American community, that film still has somewhat of a "Hollywood touch" to it. With this film, McQueen has really earned his place amongst some of the great contemporary directors. Also, Hans Zimmer's score is haunting, beautiful, gripping and frightening all at once -- one of the best scores I've heard in a while!

In this film, Ejiofor's Solomon Northup is completely robbed of his freedom, only to be shuffled from master to master -- mostly due to his rebellious nature -- and trying not to get himself killed. Along the way, he meets the hard worker Patsey (Nyong'o), who is also mistress to their alcoholic slave-owning master Epps (Fassbender). This is a film that needed to be made. Not only because it addresses racial issues, but also, in general, inequality issues -- a topic that is ever-so-present today. 

MEMORABLE MOMENT: When a large group of slaves are first introduced to their new master Edwin Epps (Fassbender), who reads from the Bible/Scripture of Luke 12:47, to justify slavery. And Northup is freed.

42
 

Chadwick Boseman gives an outstanding performance as the legendary Jackie Robinson! I didn't think I would be that impressed by this film, but the story of Robinson's struggle is brave and heartfelt. It is a testament to the strength of his character. All performances here are great and the film is a landmark amongst others of its ilk this year -- namely, The Butler and 12 Years a Slave. It's easy to see why the man is considered a hero by many. He had to swallow a lot of pride and anger to lead the way for other men of color. And the world is all the better for him.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: When Robinson asks Major League executive Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) if Rickey wants a player who doesn't have the guts to fight back against the taunts and physical threats of teammates and other baseball players and coaches. To which Rickey replies, "I want a player who's got the guts not to fight back!" This enlightens Robinson to use tolerance and restraint as opposed to violence and revenge. Throughout the film, when Robinson comes against these taunts which would cause most of us to fly into a rage, Robinson keeps his cool.

American Hustle

David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook was so good I couldn't wait for his next film -- especially when I heard he was getting Bradley Cooper and the uber-cool Jennifer Lawrence to star, as well as a previous star of his film The Fighter (Christian Bale). I was not disappointed. American Hustle, loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM operation of the late 1970s/early 1980s, follows FBI agent Richie (Cooper) as he forces two con-artists, Irving (Bale) and Sydney (Amy Adams), into trying to prove Camden, New Jersey's mayor (Jeremy Renner) is corrupt and illegally using Mafia money. There is no surprise with this roster of actors that the acting is superb and the story does have its twists. This was one of the few Christmastime releases I enjoyed. I'm a little surprised that I've liked Russell's latest films as I was not too crazy for any of his earlier work (Flirting With Disaster, Three Kings, and I Heart Huckabees). If you're a fan of any of these actors and Scorcese films, I recommend this one.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Irving comes clean. 

Blackfish

When the tragic death of SeaWorld Killer Whale (Orca) trainer Dawn Brancheau in February 2010 by one of the killer whales, Tilikum, occurred, people were shocked. Well, after watching this documentary, you won't be surprised anymore. In fact, you'll be downright saddened and angry. This is a documentary about an immoral group of creatures: SeaWorld executives. I know, I know. But SeaWorld gives those animals a good life, and, besides, those animals don't have any real feelings. Well, I've got a movie I think you should see. This doc follows the history of capturing killer whales (particular Tilikum and his history) as well as the previous "accidents" of orca trainers with their animals. This film is just proof positive why documentaries are just as important as -- if not more so -- the news media, especially in this age of poor, oftentimes biased reporting.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: When one of the fishermen who caught Tilikum (as a calf) described (and video is shown) of Tilikum's pod (family) crying and calling out to him as he was being taken away by the fishermen.

Captain Phillips
 

It should be no surprise by now that Tom Hanks is a great actor and puts out great films -- especially when teamed up with a great director and writer(s). In this case, the story is based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama, adapted by Billy Ray (Breach, The Hunger Games), and directed by Paul Greengrass (United 93, The Bourne Supremacy). Phillips is one of those films where even though the viewer knows what's going to happen, the events onscreen nevertheless keep you on the edge of your seat with an intensity that is exceptional storytelling. What is even better is that Greengrass chose to get no-name actors (and real-life Somalis) to portray the hijackers (Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Mahat M. Ali), adding to the authenticity and believability of the actors. I have to admit that I'm not a guy who's usually impressed by military actions but what the Navy SEALs accomplish in this film is amazing! And it's true to how they actually saved Capt. Phillips. By the end of the film, the viewer is just as emotionally drained after the past two+ hours as Hanks, and Hanks' acting in the final scene is just one pure example of why he's considered one of the best in his craft.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Near the end of the film with the Navy SEAL mission to save Phillips in an almost-inescapable situation, and Hanks' emotional response in the med bay.

The Conjuring
 

This was a surprising year for me in terms of horror movies. I don't usually like them or am impressed by them enough for them to make this list. But director James Wan (Saw, Death Sentence) and screenwriter brothers Chad and Carey Hayes have gotten my full attention with this one! And it's not just because it's a "scary movie." It's because of the way the story takes precedence over its mission to scare you. Yes, there are plenty "what's-in-the-dark, jump-out-and-scare-you" scenes and effects, but the true story of a paranormal investigating husband-and-wife team, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), adds to the other side of the story -- the creepiness of ESP and the true suffering and wrath of the spirits they come across ... and the sometimes hit-or-miss moments of their job (like when they are called to inspect a house only to find out it's just a draft from the pipe work). There is no gore in this -- just good ol' fashioned possession (fans of The Exorcist, take note! And be sure to listen closely for the Amityville Horror reference at the end of the film). The story may be as cliché as a rom-com's but it's one of the most finely-tuned takes on the story I've seen in a long time.

Memorable Moment: Annabelle the Doll gets her hair brushed. And Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor) gets trapped in the basement!

Don Jon
 

Let's hear it for rom-com that does not follow the usual formula with which movies of this genre typically use! Writer/director/actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in his first role as writer/director, stars as Jon Martello, an Italian-American man who loves his women and his porn. Most women he has sex with, he immediately leaves afterward. Then, one day, he meets Barbara (Scarlett Johansson) and he falls hard for her. She talks him into waiting to have sex and he tolerates her love for rom-coms, which he finds completely annoying because he finds them unrealistic. When Barbara finds out Jon is addicted to porn, their relationship comes into trouble. Now, I know what you're thinking -- you think you know where this is going to go because of the usual formula that Hollywood rom-coms (romantic comedies) have shoved down viewers' throats for the past 34 years or so. But ... you would be wrong. What starts out as looking and sounding (oh, the cussing!) like a Jersey Shore wannabe film turns into a film with undercurrents of philosophical meanings and metaphorical moments -- all wrapped up in an independent Hollywood package. An especially interesting turnaround is the metaphor about how Jon believes all rom-coms are the same and unrealistic, but he fails to realize that porn falls into the same category. This aspect runs parallel with the solitude in Jon's lifestyle throughout most of the film; most activities he does keep him alone and it isn't until Jon truly feels a connection that he begins to connect with others. The film features a great cast -- Tony Danza, Julianne Moore, Glenne Headly, and Brie Larson -- and proves that Gordon-Levitt is a new triple threat force to be reckoned with!

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Jon's sister's (Larson) words of wisdom, and Jon's final confrontation with Barbara.

Evil Dead
 

... And here's the second horror film to grace the list! I'm also not usually one for re-makes, especially with the Evil Dead films! But I have to admit, this one rocks! The only aspect I did not like about this version is the way the reading from the book of the dead was done. In the original, writer/director Sam Raimi had the brilliant idea of not following the usual cliché of some idiot teenager reading from some evil-looking book, the passage is read by a professor on an audio recording. In this version, director/screenwriter Fede Alvarez made the mistake -- in my opinion -- of having one of the characters read the text, thusly running into the same cliché the original had so brilliantly avoided. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed every other aspect to the story -- especially the metaphor of Mia's (Jane Levy) heroin addiction running parallel to her possession by the book. Whereas The Conjuring didn't feature any gore, this movie has it in abundance.

Memorable Moment: It starts raining blood! BLOOD!

Frozen

 

As a father, it's pretty much a given that you're going to start inadvertently memorizing all Disney movies and characters. Luckily, for me, I don't mind Disney films -- in fact, I'm quite damn fond of 'em -- especially the way Disney makes them now! Whereas Brave centered around mothers and daughters, Disney's latest, Frozen, is about sisters. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale The Snow Queen, Disney's adaptation is about sisters Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) who grow up close at first, but, after an accident, become estranged. When Elsa ends up placing her kingdom in eternal winter, it is up to little sister Anna to seek her out and try and get Elsa to stop the curse. What is so beautiful about this story is the many metaphors racing throughout the story. Elsa's "talent" is representative of anyone who is different; and the love in the film is a love that is more important than some romantic "true love's kiss" kind of love -- it's unconditional love. With films such as Up, Wreck-It Ralph, Wall-E, Tangled, Toy Story 3, Brave, and Frozen, Disney has proven that they are no longer merely a movie producer of "kids movies." Their stories are some of the most heartfelt, well-written and -plotted I've seen in recent years.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Anna's act of true love.



 

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

 



Director Peter Jackson's first act of his Hobbit trilogy, An Unexpected Journey, fell flat for me and did not make my "best of 2012" list. Fortunately, with Smaug, Jackson gets back on track to what made his Lord of the Ring films so great and fun. I would easily see (and buy) an extended version of this film! The addition of the love triangle between Legolas, Turiel, and Kili doesn't really bother me as it did not take central focus of the story (not yet, anyway!), and the addition of Gandalf's visit to Dol Guldur is very welcomed as I greatly approve of Jackson's tying this film series to his masterpiece LOTR series. As for the dragon Smaug, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, he met every expectation I had; then again, I'm a little biased because, when it comes to Cumberbatch, I'm a BIG fan of his (if you have not seen his Sherlock on BBC yet, I immediately order you to Netflix, rent, or buy the first two seasons)!  

To me, whereas the only real highlight of Journey was the meeting between Bilbo (Freeman) and Gollum (Serkis); in Smaug, the highlight was the barrel river ride/fight scene. Seeing Legolas in action was a sight to behold just like in the LOTR films, and even seeing what fighting these dwarves could do in such a tight situation gave me a newfound respect for them and The Hobbit franchise. Up until this movie, I found the movie series and the book to be not that impressive simply because I didn't quite care for the dwarves or their plight. To me, I had the same belief that Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt), the "skin-changer," has: "I do not care much for dwarves. They do not think of anything that they feel is beneath them."  But this film has finally returned to the magic that made the LOTR films so great! This is one of the few blockbusters I was really wowed by this year!

MEMORABLE MOMENT: The barrel river ride/fight scene!

The Impossible

 

Based on the Alvarez's -- a family of four -- harrowing real-life story of their experience during the 2004 earthquake and tsunami that hit Phuket, Thailand, the day after Christmas. In this film, the family's nationality was changed from Spanish to British, but it makes no difference. If you see any film that emotionally guts you, it's this one. The action, terror and drama never subside in this film, and, by the end, you feel like you've gone on a major emotional rollercoaster. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor are both superb (as usual), but one of the major heavy hitters here is 14-year-old actor Tom Holland, who plays Lucas, the oldest of the sons. The film is a beautiful testament to the fragility of life and the fact that we are all here to help one another. You can only watch this film in awe, while realizing that life is a gift and beautiful. A powerful movie!

MEMORABLE MOMENT: The tsunami hits.

 

Let the Fire Burn

 

Truly one of the most captivating documentaries I've had the pleasure of watching! Director Jason Osder takes previously unreleased archival footage, new footage, and public hearing meeting footage, and edits it together to make a masterpiece of documentary cinema. The film centers on the May 13, 1985, assault on a radical group called MOVE in a Philadelphia neighborhood, which created a six-alarm blaze, destroying 61 homes, and killing 5 children and 6 adults. What's worse is that the blaze was started -- and allowed to persist -- by Town officials and police. This documentary perfectly captures how intolerance, prejudice and fear can lead to incredible violence. It is a bipartisan film that focuses on the wrongdoings of both sides -- the town and police officials, and the MOVE members. I could not take my eyes off of every interview and scene presented -- even though they were recorded some 28 years ago! The music is powerfully affective and this documentary is essential viewing about a tragedy in America's history which most in this country either have no knowledge of, or have completely forgotten!

 

MEMORABLE MOMENT: When the evidence is presented that the police commissioner intentionally did not convey to the Fire Chief to extinguish the blaze, therefore causing the death of innocent lives and the destruction of several innocent neighborhood residents' homes.



 

 

Man of Steel

 

So this is it. The moment all Superman fans have been waiting for since it was revealed that Dark Knight trilogy helmsman Christopher Nolan and director Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead, 300, Watchmen) were rebooting the franchise. Of course, Man of Steel is better than any current standalone Marvel Comics movie (i.e., Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Wolverine, or any of the Iron Man trilogy). But the question most people may ask is: "Is it better than The Avengers?" More on that in a moment.

If you were to think more about Superman's plight, you'd see that he doesn't have it so easy either. There are many philosophical complexities and moral dilemmas presented in Superman's stories. Man of Steel features all of these complexities of Kal-El's existence:

  1) The knowledge that despite his love for humans and his feeling of being one, knowing he will always be an outsider -- check!

  2) The knowledge that any time an alien comes to defeat him or make him suffer, it is his mere presence on Earth that brings them there so he believes any destruction or human casualty is his fault -- check!   3) The knowledge that any small physical reaction could lead to instant disaster and would garner great scrutiny and fear from the humans he so loves -- check!   4) Having to truly sacrifice those he loves the most ... even meaning letting loved ones die for the "greater good" -- check!   5) Being solely opposed to killing ... no matter good or evil -- check!

It has been reported that the "controversy" (if that's what you want to call it) of Man of Steel particularly touches on two aspects of the film. One involves that last bullet point I just mentioned. The other is the destruction of Metropolis at the end of the film when Superman (Henry Cavill) fights General Zod (Michael Shannon) and his Kryptonian cronies -- an inevitable result considering a bunch of super-powered alien beings are there to take over the planet and trying to kill Superman (this is definitely no Superman II where Superman flies away to avoid destruction and human casualties). The fact that the destruction of a city is even an issue proves that critics and audiences are merely nitpicking for any negative criticism they can find. What would one expect when a group of beings with the same superpowers as Superman -- but with no morals -- and determined to rule Earth, come here? Also, was there a lot of this nitpicking when The Avengers, Watchmen, Transformers 3, or G.I. Joe were released (and that doesn't include all of the numerous alien-related films where New York is destroyed)? Did their destruction of a city sully the film's worth? Besides, if you want to get into semantics, then you have to remember that Superman has unlimited strength and can move at the speed of light, so I'm sure the city could be rebuilt in no time. Besides, if it weren't for the heavy action you expect from a Superman film, then those same critics who are moaning about the destruction of a city would be saying how little action there was in the film (remember what most people said about Bryan Singer's 2006 Superman Returns?).

So ... onto the question I originally posed: Is Man of Steel better than The Avengers? Yes. And I'll tell you why. Basically the same type of threat that was in The Avengers (i.e. a demigod being attempting to have alien beings take over Earth, starting with a major city) is the same threat in Man of Steel. The one major difference? The threat that took an entire superhero team (and a few random regular humans) to diffuse in The Avengers took only one man (and a few random regular humans) in Man of Steel! But it's just not that. Man of Steel takes the audience into every aspect of Superman's character (his birth and more background into his birth parents and home planet, his formative years, and his reclaiming his heritage and powers), and also injects some of the new origin material that has inhabited the comics for the past few years. The scope is massive and Snyder pulls it off without making the audience roll their eyes. To say this is not your grandfather's or father's Superman is a huge understatement! Man of Steel introduces the audience to the contemporary Superman. Nolan and screenwriting partner David S. Goyer inject more of the alien world and technology of Krypton into the story, which is necessary seeing how the main hero and villain(s) are alien (Kryptonian) and this is an origin story. The film explores both Clark's farm-bred past and his isolated present, which is what makes the story so great. Unlike Avengers, which would not have worked if not for each character (save Hawkeye and Black Widow) having their own respective movie before its release, Man of Steel shows both Kal-El and Zod's background, almost making Zod a character with which to sympathize. In fact, there is a bit of art imitating life when it comes to Zod's views as well as the reason behind Krypton's fate. But I cannot go into those points without giving away the story. I believed an updated cinematic origin and retelling of Superman was long overdue, and Nolan, Snyder and company have greatly succeeded! The acting is well-done, the writing is stellar (with plenty of quotable lines), there is plenty of action (at least enough of what a fan would expect from a Superman movie), and every major complexity of Kal-El's life is conveyed in all of its bittersweet glory.

It should be pointed out that if Nolan & company did a somewhat "traditional" origin story -- the same one all audiences have seen over and over again -- critics and audiences alike would be quick to point it out and complain about how unoriginal and ho-hum the film would be. If there are two things that Man of Steel is not, it's unoriginal and ho-hum! If Man of Steel is the beginning franchise in what DC Comics Films will be offering, we're in for one hell of a fun, imaginative, heartfelt, cool ride! Man of Steel is the best big movie of the summer and the best action film I've seen so far this year!

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Superman versus the Kryptonians in Smallville. And Jonathan's sacrifice. It's hard to choose because there were so many moments that gave me chills.

Now You See Me

 

 To be honest, this movie was not some wonderfully clever script or deep, meaningful story -- just a fun, entertaining film to watch. There are plot twists aplenty in this heist comedy-action-mystery directed by Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, Clash of the Titans) -- a director with which I am not a big fan. Nevertheless, the cast is wonderful with Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Melanie Laurent, and Dave Franco. The use of magic and deception -- along with the plot twists -- keep my mind guessing and the story never stalls. Not many films can do that, and, for that, as well as having more of a story than I thought it would, this film makes the list.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: When Dave Franco and Mark Ruffalo get in a tussle.

Prisoners

 



The best crime thriller of the year! If there was any justice Hugh Jackman would have gotten nominated for an Academy Award/Oscar for his role in this film, and the film itself would've been nominated for best picture. Prisoners is about the abduction of two young girls and the families, detective (Jake Gyllenhaal), and suspects involved. This is director Denis Villeneuve's first American film and writer Aaron Guzikowski's second feature film, and, wow, what a film for beginners! The film has its fair share of twists and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat -- even more so than You're Next -- as well as guessing who took the kids and if the kids are even still alive. As a parent, these types of films are difficult to watch because the topic of abducted children hits too close to home; one can't help but think the worst. However, I was very impressed by this film! All of the performances are powerful, and the story just works. The great aspect to this story is that it makes the viewer question his/her values and morals. It makes you ask yourself the question How far would I go to find my kid? And How far is too far?

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Keller (Jackman) figures it all out.



 



Saving Mr. Banks

 

This was probably one of my most favorite of the year. Even though the scene near the end of the film portraying Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) as weeping because of her facing up to what happened to her father, which was not the case in real life; Travers wept because she did not approve of the Disney film version of her books. Nevertheless, the drama works for this film and Thompson's performance as well as Tom Hanks' portrayal as Walt Disney are nothing short of fantastic. The story of Disney adapting Ms. Travers' Mary Poppins is no surprise who know the history of the production on the 1964 film. But for those who don't know, they would be surprised to find out that Travers was not enthused at all at having her creation made famous by Disney, and she was quite difficult to work with. The acting, directing, music and story all mix together splendidly, while also getting a big glimpse into Travers' childhood. Ironically, this film is one of my favorites this year, right up with another Hanks film (Captain Phillips).

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Disney pays Travers a visit in London. And Ms. Travers thinks of her father while viewing the film Mary Poppins.

Short Term 12

 

Writer/director Destin Cretton (who is mostly known for his short films) has hit one out of the park with this film! The story -- about a group foster home supervisor (Brie Larson) and her struggles with both the kids' issues as well as her own -- leaves the viewer with many feelings, most of which stem from the oftentimes pain and difficulty one has to go through when it comes to love and healing ... but without being pretentious or falling into that genre of "troubled-kids-who-just-need-an-inspiring-teacher-who-believes-in-them" (i.e. Dangerous Minds, Stand and Deliver, Lean on Me). I can't gush enough about how great the story and Larson are in this film. Hopefully, it will be an Oscar contender.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever), one of the foster kids, sharing the children's story she wrote.

Star Trek Into Darkness

 

This one was really good, but it barely made my list. If the writers of the new re-booted Star Trek franchise had not have set up the time travel loop like they did in the first installment, then I would've hated this movie. Basically, it's Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan (so those of us who remember viewing the original will see the many aspects J.J. Abrams and his writers lifted from that film), but also being a prequel to that film. Nevertheless, it's action-packed, well-acted (especially with the inclusion of Benedict Cumberbatch), and has a cool story that lives up to its equally awesome trailer. I also enjoy the way the crew is sort of splintered in this sequel; there had to be some way to show that this crew works their best when they work together. Yes, it's a popcorn action flick, but it's one of the few good ones in 2013.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Harrison's (Cumberbatch) revelation as to who he really is. And the fight of Spock vs. Harrison.

TWA Flight 800

 

Of all the documentaries I watched this year, this one may very well be the most important, angering, and heartrending I've seen. The film follows independent investigator and physicist Dr. Tom Stalcup as he enlists the assistance of actual National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators who worked on the crash of TWA Flight 800 when it happened. After much in-depth research and hundreds of eyewitness interviews, they come to the conclusion that Flight 800 did not crash as a result of a mechanical failure or malfunction of the fuel tank, but rather because of a missile attack. Most may say it sounds crazy or use that "c" word, but, trust me, just watch this once and you'll seriously by questioning what the public was told then, and is still told today. A powerfully intense documentary that will keep you thinking about it for several days, weeks after watching it.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: The FBI and NTSB get help from the CIA (in the form of producing a video broadcast) trying to explain how several people saw lights ascend toward the plane (the video says the light was not ascending, but rather it was a part of the plane descending) and how "there was no conspiracy." And eyewitness proof of FBI's altering of evidence. And the investigators present their new findings to some of the family members of the victims of the Flight 800 crash.

Warm Bodies

 

The last (sort of) horror film on my list, albeit it's more of a black romantic comedy rather than a horror film, but it deals with zombies, so I'll run with "horror romantic comedy." Warm Bodies, based on the 2010 novel by Isaac Marion, is basically William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet with a zombie spin. The film centers around zombie R (Nicholas Hoult), who narrates his thoughts and feelings since he cannot talk. He ends up falling in love with human Julie (Teresa Palmer) and, after R saves Julie's life, the two end up spending time together ... but in a guarded way since, you know, R is a zombie. I like that the film's story doesn't take itself too serious but gives out a meaningful message of two different races getting along for the common good. A fun film that's sharp, witty, full of action and snarky romance.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: The cool concept that zombies can experience their victims thoughts and feelings when consuming their brains. Gross, but interesting.

The Way, Way Back

 

 Screenwriters/actors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (who also wrote the wonderful movie adaptation of Alexander Payne's The Descendants) have written one of the best films of the year! But it wasn't that easy getting their story to screen; it took years to find a distributor for the film. Luckily, for the movie-going audience, Fox Searchlight picked it up, and even though it was released in mid-summer to mostly limited theaters, it proves that some of the best films are rarely seen ... or widely distributed. The film centers around 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James), who is on his way to a small resort town for summer vacation with his mother Pam (Toni Collette), her jerk of a boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), and the boyfriend's daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). Feeling alienated and awkward, Duncan does not quite fit in anywhere ... until he meets Owen (Sam Rockwell), the owner/operator of a local water park. One of the reasons I was especially drawn to this film was because I deeply relate to the Duncan character in how shy and awkward he is around others; I was the same way when I started high school. It wasn't really until I started work at an amusement park that I really started coming out of my shell and feeling like I belonged. This coming-of-age film has a special heart to it -- with superb acting, a great soundtrack and quite a bunch of laugh-out-loud moments.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Duncan confronts Trent at a party. And Owen has a heartfelt moment with Duncan.

You're Next

 

A film that some may categorize as horror but I'd list it more as a thriller. Newcomer director Adam Wingard (V/H/S) and writer Simon Barrett (V/H/S) have hit one out of the park with this starts-off-being-a-slasher film that quickly transforms into a thriller/suspense/survivalist flick! Die Hard fans rejoice! Only, instead of a high-rise building, it's a giant backwoods mansion that the victims must survive. The movie is simple. A family comes together for the parents' 35th anniversary, only things go awry when someone starts killing off the guests. Sounds like every other story we're used to seeing; however, things change for the killer when one of the guests starts fighting back. I have to say -- this is a film where the pacing doesn't rest, the music is creepy and intense (think cheesy 1980s synth, but it's cool!), and the twists and turns in the story keep the audience guessing and satisfied. The best thriller of the year!

MEMORABLE MOMENT: The blender gets put on puree.



MATT'S BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF 2013:

The worst film of 2013, by far, is Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim! But, I sort of figured that would be the case; I'm only happy I didn't pay to see it in the theater or to rent (I watched it at my brother-in-law's house). So I have to list the one film that I was most disappointed in this past year. A film I thought would be good but was one big flop! And here it is:

A Good Day to Die Hard

 

Remember when John McClane (Bruce Willis) was cool? Yeah, me too. I even remember seeing the kick-ass trailer for this film and getting so excited! That's why I was so pissed off, disheartened and sick all at once upon viewing this lame sequel to the impressive 2007 fourth installment Live Free or Die Hard. What's especially lame about this installment (besides the story's main threat/MacGuffin) is the way McClane -- one of the coolest, toughest characters created -- is written and portrayed. They make Willis' McClane out to be some lame, old fogey, while making McClane's son Jack (Jai Courtney) the new badass. Blasphemy! What the viewer starts off thinking, "OK. This will be a father-son adventure flick like Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his dad, Henry (Sean Connery), in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," turns out to be just the opposite -- plain awful. John McClane says stupid things that are supposed to be funny (I guess?), but they just leave those of us who saw the first Die Hard puke a little in our mouths.

The Die Hard movies have always had action sequences that are hard to swallow (remember in Live Free or Die Hard when McClane drives a car into a flying helicopter?), and I've always taken these sequences with a grain of salt. But A Good Day to Die Hard's action scenes are too much to stomach. Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe a man can live through being thrown at full force from a helicopter high in the air, through a large plate-glass window and onto a hard, cement floor, and then not have any broken bones. Maybe he can survive exposure to an area of Chernobyl in Pripyat, Ukraine (an area that Ukrainian officials says won't be habitable for another 20,000 years!) ... even without the special contraption to keep away the lethal radiation. Maybe it's just me, but these sequences (and more), as well as the transformation of McClane into a lame fogey, are too much to take. During the film, there were numerous times I was insultingly chuckling at how bad the scenes were and rolling my eyes. Plus, add on to it that the overall story simply isn't that good, and this movie is a stinker. But what's worse is -- as opposed to the Voltron rip-off story of Pacific Rim -- A Good Day to Die Hard had such great potential! Willis has hinted that there may be another Die Hard installment in the future, and as a die-hard fan, for his sake, I only hope the writers get it right next time!



My Top Albums of 2013

The following albums are what I consider the best in music released this past year. Unfortunately, I must point out that there are a number of soundtracks on this list; a genre I usually try to keep off the list, but, because of the lack of good material released in 2013, there is a substantial amount of soundtracks on here. My picks are listed in alphabetical order by artist.

Gavin DeGraw -- "Make a Move"

Gavin DeGraw has come back after two years since his last studio release (Sweeter) with a pop vengeance! The piano man's latest release is definitely features him at his most pop rock -- with songs like "Best I Ever Had," "Make a Move," "Finest Hour," and "Heartbreak." While most fans may be wary, trust me when I say they should have no worries in regards to Mr. DeGraw's latest. DeGraw utilizes many more synthesizers and modern instruments in his latest album, but his songwriting does not suffer. The lyrics are still meaningful and poetic, while also being, at times, something to dance to. Favorite track: "Best I Ever Had"

  A Firm Handshake -- "Fix Me Up"

In 2012, Zach Sobiech formed this band with his close friends Samantha Brown and Reed Redmond. All of the material on this EP was written by Sobiech and Brown, and it proves that the two had much music to share with the world. Unfortunately, Sobiech succumbed to osteosarcoma on May 20, 2013, at the age of 18. Sobiech was a true "superman" who saw the best of his situation and lived life to its fullest. The music and voice he left behind is inspiring as well as heartfelt, soulful, and fun. Brown's voice matches most female singer-songwriters nowadays and the album's sound compares to that of Jason Mraz. Sobiech's life and music with his bandmates and friends echoes even though he is gone. But don't think this is simply some pop-coated album; listen closely and you'll hear lyrics dealing with breaking up ("Blueberries"), friends dealing with leaving -- which could be a thin metaphor for Sobiech and Brown dealing with Sobiech's terminal illness ("Ames"), and the acceptance of not being able to fix all of each other's problems ("Fix Me Up"). Favorite track(s): (tie) "Blueberries" and "Clouds"

In Memorium: Zach Sobiech (May 3, 1995 - May 20, 2013)

Foxygen -- "We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic"

These guys seemed to have come out of nowhere -- and they practically have with two EPs released prior to this debut album. Foxygen's music can only be compared to the likes of The Beatles,  MGMT, Pink Floyd, Donovan, The Flaming Lips, and 1960s psychedelic/avant-garde rock. Despite all of these comparisons, it was still refreshing to hear this California band's take on 60s nostalgia mixed with modern day lyrics. My favorite has to be the song with the "Suspicious Minds"-type chorus intro: "On Blue Mountain." Favorite track: "On Blue Mountain"



 

Valerie June -- "Pushin' Against a Stone"

Tennessee-born Valerie June has released three prior EP albums but her mix of blues, soul, folk, gospel, country, Appalachian, and bluegrass makes her a formidable singer-songwriter artist. Her beautiful soul shines through on torch songs and ballads such as "Somebody to Love," "Trials, Troubles, Tribulations," and "The Hour." In an age where most musicians just make music to have radio hits, June makes emotionally honest, meaningful music, and I'd take one of her over 10 Maroon 5s! Favorite track(s): (tie) "Somebody to Love" and "You Can't Be Told"

Thomas Newman, et. al. -- "Saving Mr. Banks Soundtrack"

I've never been a big fan of Thomas Newman (Less Than Zero, The Green Mile, The Help) but this film's musical score is quite an achievement. I guess it should be no surprise considering the film the score accompanies. After all, one of the best films of the year calls for a great score! Newman's use of strings and woodwinds as well as every so often incorporating the genius music of Richard and Robert Sherman from the Mary Poppins music makes for an emotional and entertaining score. Favorite track: "Forgiveness"



 Pearl Jam -- "Lightning Bolt"

I have to admit that aside from Pearl Jam's debut album (Ten), I only liked a few of their songs afterward and since. So when their newest studio album released in just under four years since their last album, I felt so-so about it. However, when I heard it, all I could think was "Thank God." Released halfway through the year, when I thought all albums of 2013 were crap, Lightning Bolt gave me hope for music and for the alternative rock which was born and rose to popularity during my teenage years. Frontman Eddie Vedder has proven his mettle as a musician the past few years and it shows so eloquently on this album. If there's one rock release from 2013 to check out, it's this one. Favorite track(s): (tie) "Sirens" and "Future Days"



Pickwick -- "Can't Talk Medicine"

Seattle indie rock band Pickwick rocked a debut album that caught my attention this year! Often compared with the likes of the Black Keys, Pickwick's rock and soul makes them stand out in an age of pop music with not much -- if any -- soul. If you like Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, and/or Cold War Kids, check out this band! Favorite track: "Well, Well"

 

Alice Smith -- "She"

Alice Smith's sophomore album proves that the dreaded "sophomore slump" doesn't affect all musicians. This contemporary jazz torch singer dazzles with a voice that would make Joss Stone jealous! She has range beyond compare and her songwriting is one-of-a-kind. I've always been a fan of 60s girl group-type singers as well as blues singers and torch singers. And if you're a fan too, then look no further than Grammy-nominated Alice Smith. Favorite track: "Cabaret"

 

Tegan and Sara -- Heartthrob

I really love Tegan and Sara! These sisters are great songwriters with a one-of-a-kind sound. I have to admit that their previous two albums did not "wow" me, and I was a bit concerned when I found out they were going in a slightly different direction -- using synthesizers and electronic instruments -- with their next album, Heartthrob. They've touched on 1980s new wave rock as well as some slight Springsteen-ian sounds -- all while maintaining their own unique sound. Truly one of the paramount releases in 2013! Favorite track(s): (tie) "Closer" and "Now I'm All Messed Up"

Frank Turner -- "Tape Deck Heart"

After the brilliance of Frank Turner's 2011 album England Keep My Bones (and his 2012 re-issue of that album, with B-sides, Last Minutes & Lost Evenings), he has returned with his same punk folk rock that catapulted him to stardom in the U.K. Turner is a singer-songwriter whose lyrics are amazingly poignant but also isn't shy from utilizing a cuss word or two. Most of the album reminds me of Ryan Adams' excellent Gold album. The progression of the album contains the same production which goes into a mix tape: from fast to slow tempo. Brilliant music to listen to whether in the car or at home. Favorite track: "Good & Gone"

Various -- "The To Do List Soundtrack"

For anyone who was a teen in the 1990s, this album will take you back! The film is set in 1993 and features music from artists such as 2 Live Crew, Salt-N-Pepa, Mazzy Star, Naughty by Nature, Elastica, Gin Blossoms, James, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, and Tears for Fears. The movie was OK, but the soundtrack is awesome! Favorite track(s): (tie) "Fade Into You" (Mazzy Star) & "Stutter" (Elastica)

Various -- "The Way Way Back Soundtrack"

One of my favorite films of the year has an equally spectacular soundtrack, featuring artists such as Mr. Mister, Army Navy, INXS, The Apache Relay, and Edie Brickell. The music has a great mix of thought-provoking alternative indie rock and fun pop rock. Favorite track(s): (tie) "Power Hungry Animals" (The Apache Relay) & "Alone" (Trampled by Turtles)

Gin Wigmore -- "Gravel & Wine"

New Zealand pop singer Gin Wigmore has ridden the revival wave of '60s girl group pop that was rejuvenated by Amy Winehouse, but she has produced some hits that have kept her personal stamp of pop music and a smoky, gravelly voice. You might even recognize her song "Man Like That" from the Heineken ads featuring actor Daniel Craig because of its tie-in advertising for the film Skyfall. Wigmore proves with each album that although she's not a household name yet, she should be -- and most likely will be soon. Favorite track: "Sweet Hell"

Hans Zimmer -- "Man of Steel Soundtrack"

OK. I'm a Superman fan. That's obvious. But you don't have to be a big fan to enjoy this score. Even several modern day percussionists were brought in by Zimmer to play on the album -- including Sheila E and Pharrell Williams. I was ever-so-slightly disappointed that John Williams' classic "Superman March" (featured in the original 1978 film) was not featured in the new score/film. However, I can understand why director Zack Snyder and composer Zimmer chose not to -- it would have undermined the reboot DC and Snyder were attempting. With the deluxe edition, there is even more music as Zimmer features a 28-minute-long "sketchbook" and remixes of the score by Junkie XL. The music is sweeping, epic, emotional, and action-packed -- everything a listener and fan would hope for in a Superman film. Favorite track: "What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World?"

The Brilliance of ... "Mary Poppins"

THE BRILLIANCE OF ...

Yes. You heard me right. Mary Poppins is brilliant. And right now, you can definitely tell I'm a father. But I must confess that I've loved this Disney musical since before I had a kids! Based on the 1934 book series written by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins tells the story of a magical nanny (Julie Andrews) who comes to watch over two nice, sweet children -- sister Jane (Karen Dotrice) and brother Michael (Matthew Garber) Banks -- who also happen to be somewhat emotionally ignored by their parents, George (David Tomlinson, one of my favorite underrated actors) and Winifred (Glynis Johns). Everyone who knows even slightly about the movie knows that songs are sung and wackiness ensues. But what most viewers are missing is a deep, underlying message in the story. 

1.) Saving Mr. Banks

At the end of the film, it is not so much the children Jane and Michael who are "saved" as it is their father George.

With the upcoming release of the Tom Hanks/Emma Thompson film about the making of Mary Poppins and the rift between Walt Disney (Hanks) and Travers (Thompson), it is great in knowing that Travers' true story of Poppins will come to the forefront in pop culture knowledge. Travers' (whose real name was Helen Lyndon Goff) father, Travers, was a bank manager (eventually demoted to bank clerk), much like the George Banks character in the book/film. Unfortunately, he died young in 1907 at age 43. And it is, what many Travers biographers say, her father who inspired the George Banks character in her book. 

Throughout the film, Banks is always "on schedule," thinks "children should be seen and not heard," does not believe in make-believe, and is only concerned about living a comfortable life with money and the perfect image (as evidenced in the songs "The Life I Lead," "A British Bank (The Life I Lead)" and "Fidelity Fiduciary Bank"). Even though all of the adults around him are welcoming to Poppins' magic and ways, it is Banks who consistently puts down her tactics and beliefs in raising children. It is not until the end of the film when he opens up about his dreams and fears to Bert (Dick Van Dyke), and then realizes, thanks to Burt, that -- despite his blaming Poppins -- his children will grow up one day -- it happens fast -- and not only will he not have the same time he has with them now, but they also  may "not have time for him" just like he never did with them. The movie reminds us, through the George character, that life doesn't have to be taken so seriously ... especially if you have kids, because time flies fast and our own mortality is just around the corner. This storyline reminds us of the truly important things in life.

As seen in the scene above, Banks says Poppins "tricked" him into spending time with kids. It is then that Bert delicately lays down the law.

It can be said that -- like that cheesy reality show Nanny 9-1-1 -- Poppins was there to save Mr. Banks ... and ultimately his entire family. One cannot think of the "happy ending" in Poppins and not think about how Travers herself most likely yearned for her father while she was growing up (he died when she was only 7). The origin for Poppins came to Travers when she was a little girl, writing stories for her little sisters, and at a time when her father was being demoted, was an alcoholic, died and left her family destitute; her mother became hysterically overcome with grief, leaving her emotionally unbalanced (Picardie 2008). 

As shown in the 2013 movie, Saving Mr. Banks (to be released December 20, 2013), Travers was extremely annoyed with Walt Disney when she read what screenwriters Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi had come up with. The songs plus the inclusion of the cartoon world (i.e., penguins, race horses, etc.) especially irritated her. It is legend that after viewing the movie at its premiere (to which the author was not invited), Travers cried ... out of disappointment!

2.) The Music

Written by brothers Richard and Robert Sherman, the music for Mary Poppins follows a certain leitmotif. This theme is introduced in the song "The Life I Lead" and is appropriately heard throughout most of George Banks' songs -- even more proof that the story is just as much about him as it is about the children. For those who don't know the brilliant Sherman brothers' work, you do; you just don't know it. They've written songs for classic animated movies The Jungle Book, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The AristoCats, The Sword in the Stone, Charlotte's Web, as well as live-action movies Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Parent Trap, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the Disney park staple song "It's a Small  World (After All)" and the 1960 Johnny Burnette hit song "You're Sixteen." Their legacy was covered in the 2009 documentary The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story, and I consider them two of the most prolific songwriters in music history.

Recently, The Hollywood Reporter attended a special sing-along with Richard Sherman (sadly, his brother Robert passed away last year), and asked him about he and his brother's first introduction to Mary Poppins. According to the Reporter article, "Sherman remembered that he and his brother had been called in for a 10-minute meeting with Walt Disney to discuss the project, but the meeting ended up running for two hours because they discussed in great detail the chapters of the Poppins novel. At one point they played some notes from a song that would become 'Feed the Birds' -- which, in turn, would become Disney's personal favorite song -- 'and he gave us our job,' Sherman said."

The Sherman brothers also convinced Disney to change the setting from the depression of the 1930s (which is what is in the book) to the Edwardian rule of 1910 England. This caused more of a rift with author Travers as she then only wanted classic music pieces that were popular during that time period. Luckily, the Sherman brothers stuck to their guns and what is delivered are some of the most popular, recognizable music of our time! The Sherman brothers used the music to their advantage when it came to advancing the women's civil rights movement -- through Mrs. Banks' song "Sister Suffragette," which puts her at odds with her husband (who does not believe in the women's right to vote), although she never voices her opposition and tries to go along with his "merry life" he leads. All of the songs -- especially "The Life I Lead," "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Jolly Holiday," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "I Love to Laugh," "Feed the Birds," "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Step in Time," and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" -- are catchy, superb songs that capture every young person's ear and stays with them through the years.

To this day, the Mary Poppins soundtrack remains one of my most favorites! I sing "Feed the Birds" to my young daughters right before bedtime. In fact, "Feed the Birds" -- like Mr. Disney -- is one of my favorite songs of all time. Disguised as a mere ballad or lullaby about a bag-lady who sells bird feed, the song is about so much more. The song is not just about feeding birds. The birds represent mankind -- particularly the poor and meek -- and the message is that no matter what amount, whether monetary or material, we can all give of ourselves to help our fellow man. It is a God-like thing we can all do, and is represented in the lyric: "All around the cathedral the saints and apostles/Look down as she sells her wares/Although you can't see it,/You know they are smiling/Each time someone shows that he cares." Take that element, along with Julie Andrews' beautiful voice, and it is no wonder the film won an Academy Award/Oscar for best music!

 3.) A Trailblazing Author

Before there was J.K. Rowling, Harper Lee, or Flannery O'Connor, there was Helen Lyndon Goff, who would change her name to P.L. Travers. Some of her detractors thought of her as a "cold" woman, but she had quite the career. In the early 1920s, Travers was an actress, touring throughout Australia and New Zealand with a Shakespearean company, while also writing and publishing poems. In the early 1930s, she moved into a cottage in Sussex, England, and began writing Mary Poppins, which was eventually published in 1934. Even though the first story was officially published in 1934, Travers had early composition books from her childhood which held Mary Poppins stories she had written for her younger sisters.

During World War II, Travers lived in Manhattan, where she worked for the British Ministry of Information (England's publicity and propaganda machine), and was approached by Walt Disney's older brother and business partner Roy Disney about selling Poppins to Disney Studios in order to make a film. Whereas most authors would jump at the chance, Travers was hesitant. For more than 20 years, Walt Disney periodically made efforts to convince Travers to allow him to make a Poppins film. He finally succeeded in 1961, although Travers demanded and got script approval rights. Planning the film and composing the songs took about two years. Travers objected to a number of elements that actually made it into the film. Somehow, Disney was able to attain the rights and the relationship between he and Travers was "icy." Later, in 1993, when Broadway producer Cameron Mackintosh met with Travers -- who was in her 90s -- to acquire rights to make a Broadway musical adaptation of Mary Poppins, Travers said he could do it on one condition: only English-born writers and no one from the Disney film production were to be directly involved with the creative process of the stage musical. Thus, Downton Abbey creator/writer Julian Fellowes wrote the adaptation.

In her personal life, Travers was known to have romantic relationships with both men and women, and, at the age of 40, she adopted an Irish boy named Camillus Hone. She never married and, in a time when being a single parent was unheard of, she did just that. Her character Mary Poppins is a testament to a strong female character and paved the way for many other such characters -- in both realism and fantasy.

4.) Groundbreaking Technology

Before Mary Poppins came on the scene in 1964, only two prior films had mixed live-action actors with animated characters: first, in 1945, with Anchors Aweigh, which featured Gene Kelly dancing with Jerry the mouse (from Tom and Jerry); and, second, in 1946, with Disney's Song of the South, which featured actor James Baskett interacting with an entire animated world. While the former found Jerry being drawn onto the live-action film, the latter was not very popular and did not really get much notice from audiences. But when Poppins came along, critics, audiences and filmmakers alike all noticed the mixed cartoon/live stage world that Poppins, Bert, and the children stepped into.

The technology used in Poppins and its predecessors would be used to make films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and would go on to inspire special FX artists -- and even computer graphic artists -- around the world. If it weren't for Poppins, it's safe to say that this technology may have taken even longer to get off the ground. 

What's more important than technological advance, though, is how it sparked every viewer's imagination. Watching the actors interact with cartoon characters made the viewer believe these characters were in an animated world and it helped the film all the more for it.

Just a few years ago, I was eager to show my daughters Mary Poppins and continue the tradition started when I was a kid. For its great music, animation, lively story and spark of imagination, Mary Poppins is a brilliant film!