2013 Cinema: The Best and The Worst of the Year

2013 Cinema: The Best and the Worst of the Year

By Brett Takeshita

Overview of 2013 Cinema

2013 was a solid, if a bit uneven, year for the movies. I noticed a strange pattern in which some of the best movies came out earlier in the year, and at least for me, cinema as a whole declined in quality as the year went on. (I'll admit that I'm not that ecstatic with this year's Oscar nominees). Nevertheless, what I will remember and appreciate from 2013 is that cinema dared to be different. It was stamped with modernity. It dared to be bolder and take more risks by having loftier ambitions. Whether the movies succeeded or failed, they left lasting impressions.

The Best Female Performances

Supporting:

5. Octavia Spencer in Fruitvale Station - Subtle, graceful, and heartbreaking.

4. Scarlett Johansson in Her - Makes you fall in love with a character you never see.

3. Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street - Sexy, funny, and 100% committed.

2. Lupita Nyong'o in 12 Years a Slave - Beautiful, passionate, and devastating.

1. Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle - Fierce, fiery, hilarious, unhinged, and unrelenting.

Lead:

5. Julie Delpy in Before Midnight - Sensational in her comedic and dramatic timing.

4. Greta Gerwig in Frances Ha - Whimsical, charming, quirky, and winning.

3. Adele Exarchopoulos in Blue is the Warmest Color - Accomplished and natural beyond her years.

2. Sandra Bullock in Gravity - Extraordinary as grace under pressure.

1. Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine - Funny, dark, haunting, moving, and entirely effective.

The Best Male Performances

Supporting:

5. Dane DeHaan in The Place Beyond the Pines - A devastating knockout.

4. Alexander Skarsgard in What Maisie Knew - Lovely, charming, and sympathetic.

3. Michael Fassbender in 12 Years a Slave - Absolutely terrifying and hauntingly committed.

2. Sam Rockwell in The Way Way Back - Hilarious, heartwarming, and insanely likable.

1. James Franco in Spring Breakers - Frightening, riotous, strange, unpredictable, and brave.

Lead:

5. Ryan Gosling in The Place Beyond the Pines - Brilliant, haunting, and empathetic.

4. Michael B. Jordan in Fruitvale Station - Heartbreaking and wonderfully moving.

3. Joaquin Phoenix in Her - Makes a one-man show so touching and watchable.

2. Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave - Devastating and haunting beyond words.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street - Revelatory tour de force of cool, nasty comedy.

Technical Achievements

Best Costumes: The Great Gatsby

Best Cinematography: Spring Breakers

Best Editing: Spring Breakers

Best Makeup/Hair: The Great Gatsby

Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby

Best Visual Effects: Gravity

Best Original Song: "Young And Beautiful" from The Great Gatsby

Best Original Score: TIE - Spring Breakers and The Canyons

Best Sound Mixing: Gravity

Best Sound Editing: Gravity

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Original Screenplay: Her

Best Director: Harmony Korine, Spring Breakers

The Worst Films of 2013

5. Upside Down - One of the year's biggest disappointments, Upside Down is a film that had the potential to be great but falls incredibly short. Despite its dazzling visuals and cool concept regarding two lovers who can't be together because of polar gravitational forces, this is a repetitious and dull film that can't pull off its awesome aspirations.

4. Admission - This "comedy" featuring hugely charismatic stars Tina Fey and Paul Rudd should have been a knockout. Instead, it's a terrible slog featuring annoying, unsympathetic characters. It's a problem when you don't care who the pathetic protagonist's son is when that is the whole premise of the movie. What wasted potential, and what a serious bummer.

3. Pain & Gain - When I think back upon this thriller featuring bogus bodybuilders who pursue the American Dream via crime, I get furious. Why did I waste my time watching this movie? Absolutely one of the stupidest and most irritating films I've ever seen, Pain & Gain was tough to sit through. I get that the characters are supposed to be stupid and unlikable, but at least we should care about them. I never did. The action falls flat every time, and this film felt like it was 5 hours long. This is garbage. But hey, you want to know what they did get right? The first word of the title.

2. Scary Movie 5 - I can't believe that Scary Movie has its first true misfire with its fifth installment. None of the other films let me down, but this one was just disgraceful. This is Hollywood filmmaking at its laziest. When the blooper credits take up nearly as much time as your running time, you've got a problem. And seriously, how could the writers have written a movie spoofing horror films that just came out? You can't work off of source material if you haven't seen it. This film just seemed like a paying gig for actors who wanted easy work. They look miserable on screen. Trust me- so are us viewers. Make installment 6 a return to hilarious form, or don't make it at all.

1. A Haunted House - Surprise! Turns out that Scary Movie 5 isn't the worst spoof movie of the year, or even of all time! That title belongs to A Haunted House! Wow, is this one of the worst moviegoing experiences of my life. I was cringing at how awful all of the jokes were. Not once did I ever laugh or crack a smile while watching this spoof film about horror movies. I don't think I've ever seen a comedy that didn't at least make me smile once. A Haunted House 2 is supposedly coming out this year. Why, Hollywood, why?! Why would you torture us with this stupid, nonsensical trash filled with fart and poop jokes that not even pre-schoolers would find funny? I'm not even joking when I say that this is one of the worst movies I've ever seen in my life. I hated, hated, hated this movie.

Honorable Mentions for the Best Films of 2013

20. You're Next - The most exhilarating and insanely fun horror film in years, You're Next is a wicked blast. It takes a conventional plot -- masked strangers who intrude upon a family reunion and wreak havoc in a remote house -- and flips the horror/home-invasion thriller genre on its head. It delivers some heart-stopping thrills and sinister chills in the quiet, slow-building first act. Then, once the gore gets kicked up to 10 million, it churns out some of the most hilariously wild dark comedy you'll ever see. This is a future classic.

19. Fruitvale Station - One of the most powerful and important films of the year is Fruitvale Station, which tells the true story of 22 year old Oscar Grant's final day on earth before he was tragically gunned down by BART police on New Year's morning. This is a film of exquisite beauty and heartbreaking tragedy with miraculous, transcendent performances from Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, and Melonie Diaz. With its racial and social undertones, this film truly shook me to the core.

18. Blue Jasmine - At this age, Woody Allen really has nothing more to prove. However, he whips out the brilliant dramedy Blue Jasmine that is one of his finest works in years. It's a wonderful surprise. Cate Blanchett is startlingly fantastic as the alcoholic and possibly insane Jasmine, who is navigating life in the Bay Area after losing everything. This is a fascinating character study filled with dark humor and surprising sadness. Even though Jasmine is a terrible woman, we always root for her to find some sort of happiness or to clean up her act. The final scene in this film is so haunting and truly magnificent.

17. Frances Ha - One of the most joyous and real films of the year is the insanely likable Frances Ha. The exuberant Greta Gerwig stars as 20-something year old Frances, who just can't seem to find her place in the world. Even though all the odds are stacked against her, Frances will stop at nothing to find true happiness. And boy do we root for her. Frances Ha, which deftly moves between warm comedy and dark drama, is a wonderful gift of a film that will have you smiling the whole time. This film just makes you feel happy and good. Don't we need more charming little gems like this?

16. Disconnect - This stellar drama that explores the dangers of technology is absolutely mesmerizing. The way that director Henry Alex Rubin magnificently navigates three complex stories that involve cyber bullying, identity theft, and sexual activity is extraordinary. The stories connect and collide into one satisfying whole that will blow your mind. This is a film that made me question and reflect upon our current technological dependence. Just as this decade's cinema should be, Disconnect is timely, modern, and thought-provoking.

15. Only God Forgives - This follow-up to Nicholas Winding Refn's masterpiece Drive is one of 2013's most polarizing films. Most are positing it as banal and pretentious, but I was gripped by this arthouse thriller about a damaged man (a silent yet sensational Ryan Gosling) who must track down a malicious crime lord who is as unstoppable as "God." This was by far one of the most unique and stressful cinematic experiences of my life. I clenched onto my arm rests and felt my heart beating out of my chest because I was so nervous. The way Refn is able to cast this sweat-inducing spell upon the audience, while simultaneously challenging it with gorgeous enigmatic imagery, is masterful. While I didn't understand all of this movie, I was floored by it.

14. The Best Man Holiday - If you're in the mood for a film that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, then The Best Man Holiday is for you. This is a joyous and winning film of passion, love, and tenderness. This sequel to 1999's The Best Man follows the same group of wonderful friends as they navigate relationships and secrets. In my opinion, it improves upon the original in nearly every way, as the jokes hit harder, the story moves faster, and the positive messages truly warm the heart. Beautifully written and impeccably acted (by one of my favorite ensembles ever, I must add), The Best Man Holiday is the fantastic, feel-good movie of the year.

13. Her - I can't remember the last time I've seen such a beautiful and original work of art, a film of extraordinary vision and sheer brilliance. This timely piece about a man who falls in love with his personalized operating system is masterful in its thought-provoking ideas and gorgeous execution. Spike Jonze, once again, proves why he is such a brilliant writer and director. Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johanson, and Amy Adams floor us with their astonishing performances. This is a fantastic film that really touched me and caused me to reflect. It's truly an unforgettable cinematic experience.

12. Lone Survivor - With its heart-stopping intensity, Lone Survivor is one of the best war films in recent memory. This unbelievable yet inspiring true story about American soldiers who find themselves in brutal conditions while on a Taliban mission is bolstered by an incredible cast (Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch). Lone Survivor also contains some of the best stunt work and sound design of the year. This is a riveting piece of work that amazed me.

11. The Great Gatsby - I do not understand the hatred for The Great Gatsby. As a fan of the book, I was pleasantly surprised with how faithful this adaptation was to the novel. In addition, I was absolutely mesmerized by the dazzling visuals. This is one of the most insanely beautiful films of the year, with its lush cinematography and gorgeous production design/costuming/art direction. The performances are universally excellent, and Jay Z's magnetic soundtrack is a knockout. Baz Luhrman proved to be the right man to direct this film, for he nails the style and excitement of the "Roaring Twenties." One of the most underrated films of the year also happens to be one of my favorites.

The Best Films of 2013

10. Gravity

Believe the hype- Gravity is truly one of the most amazing theater-going experiences you can possibly have. Right from the get-go, which is a masterful and uninterrupted 12-minute shot that introduces us to our main characters (and anchors) and the beauty of space, I was sucked in. Then, as the plot thickens and Sandra Bullock's Ryan is sent hurtling into space, I was entirely enveloped in the world of Gravity. I got goosebumps on this thrilling ride. Director Alfonso Cuaron uses 3D in an unparalleled fashion that makes you realize that this format is still vital. And he crafts some of the most amazing suspense-ridden set-pieces in any movie this year. From a technical standpoint, Gravity is flawless, with its extraordinary cinematography, special effects, sound design, and editing. And from an acting standpoint, Sandra Bullock gives one of the most phenomenal performances of her entire career. Gravity is a movie that will be remembered years from now as a game-changer. It truly makes you believe in the power and limitless possibilities of cinema.

9. 12 Years a Slave

It's usually pretty cliche to say that a movie is "essential." We throw around the word too often. However, in the case of 12 Years a Slave, "essential" is justified. I truly believe that years from now, people will look to this film as one of the quintessential movies about slavery and American history. 12 Years a Slave tells the heartbreaking true story of Solomon Northup, a free man who is tricked into slavery. We see the concepts of intolerance and cruelty through the eyes of this amazing character. Director Steve McQueen amazes because he tells this heart-wrenching story without judgment. He simply shows the events as they occurred and forces us to observe. 12 Years is also a masterclass in acting, with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o giving some of the best and bravest performances of the year. Despite being difficult to watch, 12 Years is a film for the ages.

8. Blue is the Warmest Color

Disregard whatever pre-conceived notions you may have about Blue is the Warmest Color. Forget the three-hour running time and the explicit sex scenes. Just go in with an open mind like I did, and hopefully, you'll experience the same plethora of emotions that I did. This is the best and most effective romance film since Blue Valentine. We follow a young woman named Adele as she discovers her complex feelings for the blue-haired stranger named Emma. What follows is an engaging and unpredictable drama about love and humanity. With its sensational performances and beautiful direction, Blue is the Warmest Color is a film that will stick with me for quite some time.

7. The Bling Ring

The Bling Ring is a criminally misunderstood movie. I often hear complaints from people who say that this movie is too shallow -- the characters are blank stones, there is an icy remove to everything, and nothing matters. What I often say back to these people is that The Bling Ring is sensational because of the coldness, distance, and emptiness that pervades the film. Based on the true story of a group of celebrity-obsessed high schoolers who steal from the homes of Hollywood A-listers, The Bling Ring is a brilliant exploration of today's youth. Director Sofia Coppola never passes judgment on her occasionally despicable characters but instead shows a genuine fascination for Generation Y through these characters who are actually defined by their Facebook profiles and social media. Simultaneously hilarious and disturbing, The Bling Ring proves to be one of the most fascinating films of the year.

6. The Place Beyond the Pines

Even though it was released earlier in the year and was wrongfully shadowed by later releases, The Place Beyond the Pines continued to stay with me. After seeing it, I knew I had seen one of the year's best films. From gifted writer-director Derek Cianfrance comes an incredibly ambitious film exploring the concepts of fatherhood and love through three stories. The execution is simply terrific and surprisingly intimate. This is an intense, thought-provoking, and haunting picture filled with complex characters and brilliant performances. Ryan Gosling and Dane DeHaan are the real standouts here, with Ryan Gosling's segment of the film containing some of the finest acting and storytelling I've seen in any film this year. The Place Beyond the Pines proves that movies are most powerful with compelling personal stories and relatable characters. This is a film of sheer beauty and humanity.

5. The Canyons

When I first posted my "three-and-a-half" star review of The Canyons, I got a lot of "what the f***" responses. This was one of the worst reviewed movies of the year, and the only thing that was worse than the reviews was the controversial process of making this cheap indie. (If you haven't read the stories regarding the making of The Canyons, then Google it. It's truly unbelievable). But to them I say, "Don't judge me until you have seen the movie." And when they ask me if I'm serious, I just tell them that this is in my top 5 for 2013 and ask them again if they think I'm joking. This dark and juicy drama about twenty-something Los Angelenos navigating the difficulties of Hollywood and the people who comprise it is magnificent. Sexy, suspenseful, surprising, and sad, The Canyons deftly shows the dark yet truthful side of Hollywood that is rarely explored in most other movies. In a role that tragically yet ironically blurs her on-screen and off-screen personas, Lindsay Lohan is in excellent form here as the troubled woman linked with her crazy producer boyfriend (a promising debut from porn star James Deen). And Nolan Funk dazzles as the struggling actor attempting to break into the industry. With Bret Easton Ellis' compelling writing and characters, and Paul Schrader's fascinatingly cold direction, The Canyons is a haunting knockout.

4. Before Midnight

Before Midnight proves that you don't need million dollar set-pieces and fancy-schmancy special effects to dazzle. If you have two wonderful characters and brilliant dialogue, then you have all you need to make a successful movie. Just like its two masterful predecessors Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, Before Midnight again follows Jesse and Celine as they walk and talk across a gorgeous town (this time, it's in Greece). They discuss the usual favorite topics such as life, love, and art. However, Before Midnight dips into some surprisingly dark territory. The light and cute vibes of the previous movies are stripped away, as Jesse and Celine's relationship is put to the test. (The whole entire last act of the film is a riveting and devastating verbal match between our favorite couple). What follows is an absolute gem of a movie -- funny, heartbreaking, and tender. Again, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy prove why they are some of the best writers/actors in the world. The dialogue that they wrote is truly wonderful, and they are so gifted at making Jesse and Celine real human beings whom we love. Richard Linklater's direction is pitch-perfect in its naturalism. It's amazing that in this absolutely flawless trilogy (which I actually consider to be the best cinematic trilogy ever created), Before Midnight might just be the best installment yet. This is a movie that I loved deeply.

3. What Maisie Knew

What Maisie Knew is a film that a lot of people missed last year. It's such a shame, for it's one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking films I've ever seen. Based on the 1897 novel by Henry James, What Maisie Knew brings us into the world of Maisie (played by the magnificent Onata Aprile, who gives one of the best ever performances by a young child). This sweet and adorable little girl lives a terrible life in which she is shipped from parent-to-parent during the middle of a custody battle. We see everything through Maisie's young and innocent eyes, and co-directors Scott McGehee and David Siegal do a sensational job of bringing this world to life. What's most amazing is how dialed down and non-manipulative this film is. The sadness and joy that you experience while watching this film all come forth from a place of subtlety and naturalism. The supporting work by Julianne Moore, Steve Coogan, and Alexander Skarsgard is uniformly excellent, and even when you hate the nasty parents, you will always find them fascinating. What Maisie Knew has stuck with me because of its beauty and pathos. Seek this gift of a film out, for it would be a sin to miss it. 

2. The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street is a jolt to the system. It's a dizzying spectacle that cackles with life and electricity. The sheer giddiness that I experienced after seeing this orgasmic piece of work is indescribable. Based on Jordan Belfort's memoir, this film throws us head-first into stockbroker Jordan's nasty and seedy world of drugs, cars, property, women, and most importantly, money. We follow his unbelievable journey as he transforms from struggler to hustler and builds an empire by taking advantage of the foolish. Wolf is a masterclass in filmmaking. Martin Scorsese's vibrant direction is truly amazing. He takes us on a dark and hilarious journey that makes three hours feel like one. I can't remember the last time I was so completely invested in every single moment of a movie, and Wolf did this beautifully. It never drags. The cinematography and editing are insanely gorgeous and accentuate the ridiculous and perhaps ludicrous appeal of Jordan's world. And Leonardo DiCaprio gives the greatest performance of his incredible career that is a tour de force in comedy and commitment. This is a revelatory feat of acting that is without a doubt the most impressive by any actor, male or female, in 2013. The Wolf of Wall Street is the most exciting and entertaining ride of the year, and I loved every minute of it.

1. Spring Breakers

Right after I saw Spring Breakers, I knew I had seen one of the greatest films of all time. No, I'm not joking. Spring Breakers is a masterpiece unlike any other. It takes a ridiculous premise -- after robbing a chicken joint, four college girls go on spring break and get pulled into a world of sex, drugs, crime, and violence -- and tells an insanely thought-provoking story that is packed to the brim with meaning and intelligence. Seriously, you could analyze this film for years. Every time I watch it, I find a new layer to it. (I wrote a 15-page essay on this film regarding it's handling of sex and violence with regards to violent women in cinema). You might think that this is a stupid, trashy, and sexist film for the MTV Generation, but it actually is a hard-hitting, thought-provoking examination of the MTV Generation. Writer-director Harmony Korine simply understands today's hedonistic youth, and he deftly explores contemporary society through the brilliant use of candy-colored visuals, off-kilter picture and sound editing, and a wild electronic score. Every single frame in this film is an artistic stroke of genius. This is a sensory experience that gave me chills because of its stunning execution. The four girls, magnificently played by Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine, are brilliant characters who are fascinating windows into Generation Y. Alien, played by the phenomenal James Franco, is truly one of the best movie characters of the past few decades. He is creepy, weird, frightening, funny, and somehow sympathetic. He will be quoted for years to come. Sometimes hilarious, frequently suspenseful, and always magnetic, Spring Breakers has cult-status written all over it. This magical and mesmerizing cinematic experience can be summed up with Alien's fantastic mantra: "SPRING BREAK FOREVER."