Photo by Julian Jensen, via flickr
Martell Harding/Staff Writer
A new year means a new start for some. There is no doubt that you will hear several of your friends on Facebook say “I’m becoming a new me.” As long as the “new me” doesn’t use the terms “YOLO” and “twerk,” this year may have a chance at a fresh start.
That said, last year wasn’t just about Miley Cyrus. It was a year which contained a few shockingly disappointing films, such as “After Earth” and “Oldboy.” But it also had some shockingly great ones. Here is my list of the top 5 films of 2013:
Action: “Iron Man 3”
This year got off to a late start in terms of quality, and what better way to start the excitement than with Robert Downey Jr. as the genius that is Tony Stark? This movie is great for three reasons. Reason number one: it’s funny. I’m sure I don’t speak for only myself when I say that action films that take themselves too seriously are awfully boring. Reason number two: the Iron Patriot. We’ve waited a long time to finally see Rhodes (played by Don Cheadle) suited up in all of his glory and it was worth it. Last, but not least is reason number three: Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts — no explanation needed.
Comedy: “This Is the End”
Sadly, this was not a year for comedies. Adam Sandler came out with… something… and Vince Vaughn couldn’t do anything better, but with that said, there was one great comedy to fill the void of all the other disappointments. To call “This is the End” hilarious would be an understatement. Based on a short film Seth Rogen had in mind, “This is the End” instead became a huge blockbuster hit. Besides, who can’t love James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Danny McBride and Seth Rogen all in one movie? Oh yeah, let’s not forget the forgettable Jay Baruchel.
Drama: “12 Years a Slave”
I’ll be the first to admit this film is tough to watch. It’s violent, cruel and sometimes very unforgiving. Yet there is something beautiful about the film. It shows one man’s downfall and his fight for survival through events in which anyone else would have surely surrendered. Solomon Northup did just the opposite. I had the opportunity to read the memoirs of Solomon Northup, the free man from upstate New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. His story isn’t one to be taken lightly. The film is a testament to those who have forgotten the brutality of slavery and the hope of humanity.
Book Adaptation: “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”
I grow tired of the constant teenage book-to-film adaptations. They are repetitive, dull and pointless. In other words they are a way of making Hollywood a few million dollars off of the numerous amount of teenagers joyously rushing to see their favorite book come to life. The first “Hunger Games” was one of those cliched movies. It didn’t draw my attention and it was oh-so-stupid. Never in a million years would I have thought that redemption would be found in its sequel. However, “Catching Fire” is a very good movie. It has a smart plot, great action and this seems to be a great year for Jennifer Lawrence. That said, go see “Catching Fire” if you haven’t yet. You won’t be disappointed.
Animation: “Frozen”
Last, but most certainly not least, is a new Disney classic. “Frozen” came to be the biggest surprise given Disney’s recent animated failures, “Planes” being one of them. “Frozen” brings back the delight of the good old days. It’s fun, climactic, memorable and full of lovable characters. “Frozen” makes the list for being the only animated feature to not completely bomb at the box office last year.
martell.harding@fiusm.com