Top 15 Best Movies of 2013

Here are my top 15 movies of last year that I appreciated. I found 2013 to be an underwhelming year in film so I am thankful for these selections that I was able to enjoy. Honorable mentions include Mud, Warm Bodies, Star Trek Into Darkness, Evil Dead, Pacific Rim, Her, Prisoners, Wadjda and Enough Said.

15. The Great Gatsby

Outrageous, extravagant and a whole lot of fun. Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby put the roar in the roaring 20s. Great surprising soundtrack too.

14. Fruitvale Station

Michael B. Jordan, wow. What a performance. I was thoroughly impressed. I only wished this movie was longer so we could get more of Oscar.

13. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

 The impressive sequel that finally drew me into the world of Panam. No doubt this was way better than the original and a great setup for MockingJay Part 1 later this year.

12. Drug War

A movie that flew right under the radar. Drug War boasts some of the most riveting action scenes and a kick-ass ending. Look out for the American remake soon.

11. The Wolf of Wall Street

 The Wolf of Wall Street didn't even feel like 3 hours to be honest. It was wild, hilarious and Leonardo DiCaprio did a great job leading the way.

10. Dallas Buyers Club

 Dallas Buyers Club gives us a realistic look at the mid-80s, the AIDS panic and it was spearheaded by remarkable performances from Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto. Career best for both and I was thoroughly impressed with the screenplay.

9. 12 Years A Slave

 Probably the most realistic movie about Black slavery you'll ever see. Solid performances by the cast and commendable direction from Steve McQueen, who has gone 3/3 in my book.

8. The Selfish Giant

A British indie film that broke my heart at the end. Foul-mouthed but beautifully shot and superbly acted.

7. Short Term 12

 Another indie bright spark of 2013. Short Term 12 had me fully invested in its story, characters and had me fully moved. Great acting.

6. The Way Way Back

 A coming-of-age film that had the usual cliches but had me smiling the whole time. Super charming and I was surprised how hilarious it was. Sam Rockwell, Liam James and Allison Janney are awesome here.

5. Captain Phillips

 Tense! Paul Greengrass does it again. Captain Phillips had me nervous for the crew and on the edge of my seat the whole time. Our Somalians did a great job and Tom Hanks capped it off with a real touching ending.

4. Before Midnight

Who knew a romance trilogy thriving off just dialogue could be this cool? Before Midnight is a soothing, often times funny and emotional conclusion to Richard Linklater's remarkable trilogy. I'm hoping for another one.

3. Upstream Color

 The movie that left many confused and bewildered at its complexity, but Upstream Color left me in total awe It was so mesmerizing, so sensual, so beautiful to look at, so mysterious and it made perfect sense to me.

2. Frozen

 The best animated film of the year. Beautiful animation, voicings and songs. I'm even proud of Disney for switching it up in regards to story - that was refreshing. The characters were great, especially Olaf the Snowman --- he stole the show!

1. Gravity

 Last but not least, the technical achievement of 2013 - Alfonso Cuaron's masterpiece Gravity. Cuaron gave us space like we have never seen it before. I was completely submerged and blown away. Visual effects were off the chain. Alfonso Cuaron made space so terrifying but yet so beautiful. I felt like I was literally there. Amazing direction.