We'll concede off the top that "best" isn't exactly a scientific term. It depends who you ask. Then of course not all the contenders are in. And we admit we still haven't caught the second part of The Hobbit yet. So, a little hedging of one's bets is called for.
I'm guessing though that - having been produced pretty much simultaneously with the first part - it will share the initial installment's charms and weaknesses: more fresh humor than you'd expect, but maybe just a little too loud. LOTR did a good job for the most part of keeping the right balance between action adventure and introspective soul search. The first part of the Hobbit leaned too far into the action genre. We remain hopeful though that part 2 will redeem the franchise. But we'll see.
Otherwise, though, the field is pretty well revealed. Considering what's been already released, and screenings achieved by our secret sources, ahead of the general population, confidence oozes as we declare for the best movies of 2013 - or, rather, the best movie! Some will suggest that the decision is made by the people. They have cast their ballots with the laying down of their hard earned money.
If you want to take that route, our winner would be Iron Man 3. This very morning, Box Office Mojo says it has grossed just shy of $410 million Shekels. As a brief aside, I have to admit being stunned by this fact. Would anyone, honestly, have anticipated the star of The Pick-Up Artist and Two Girls and a Guy, or the persona of Larry Paul from the Ally McBeal show, being the superhero star of a multi-million dollar action franchise? Really? Goodness, that's about as likely as Tobey Maguire being the superhero star of a multi-million dollar action franchise. And that's impossible, right?
But, no, this is no democracy here at The Best Movies of 2013. We're going to evaluate on something more than merely bums in seats. It's quite possible that the best movie of the year actually was the delightful and intriguing Sound City. This documentary tells the story of one of the best kept secrets of both American rock and the San Fernando Valley. Tucked away discreetly amid rows of ramshackle warehouses, this extraordinary studio, on the strength of its technical excellence would win its way into a legendary place within the subculture of American pop and rock stars.
The list runs from Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young to Nirvana and Metallica. The film tells the story of this off the beaten track studio whose acoustic excellence transcended its sketchy setting, through the perspective and experience of those who were so influenced by its contributions to the music of our time. If you have any great appreciation for contemporary music, you won't go wrong choosing this viewing opportunity. Best movie of the year, though? Come on. You know we're not so namby-pamby as to select a documentary as number one. Sheesh
No sir, here at Best Movies of 2013, we're leading the charge, of what we expect to be a critical avalanche and making it official (unofficially) that our best movie of the year is Le Week-End. Don't worry; it's not one of those obscure, self-indulgent foreign films. (Heck a documentary would be better than that.) The French flavored name refers to the setting, in Paris. There we find a British couple on the last legs of their relationship. The performances are brilliantly acted by the still exquisitely beautiful Lindsay Duncan and the heart-breaking dowdiness of Jim Broadbent.
We don't want to give too much away, the dialogue is too rich and delicious to spoil, but if you're a fan of Richard Linklater's great Before Sunset series, imagine Jesse and Celine right at the end of their relationship, where cleverness has been reduced to passive aggressive cruelty. It really is though more fun than that makes it sound.
Special mention too has to be made of the wonderful supporting contribution of Jeff Goldblum. He's becoming a master of these colorful supporting roles later in his career. This still isn't up to the spooky, darkly menacing performance in Igby Goes Down, but it's still mighty fine. It is a performance for which the tall guy will long be remembered.
And there you go, officially unofficial, that's our story and we're sticking with it. Undoubtedly some other titles have received a well deserved not. Le Week-End, though, is our choice, with its dark, brooding, funny and cruel, dialogue that scorches the soul and maybe wells up a tear or two. That's our choice for the very best movie of 2013. And, if you think we're wrong, well, tell us why.
I'm guessing though that - having been produced pretty much simultaneously with the first part - it will share the initial installment's charms and weaknesses: more fresh humor than you'd expect, but maybe just a little too loud. LOTR did a good job for the most part of keeping the right balance between action adventure and introspective soul search. The first part of the Hobbit leaned too far into the action genre. We remain hopeful though that part 2 will redeem the franchise. But we'll see.
Otherwise, though, the field is pretty well revealed. Considering what's been already released, and screenings achieved by our secret sources, ahead of the general population, confidence oozes as we declare for the best movies of 2013 - or, rather, the best movie! Some will suggest that the decision is made by the people. They have cast their ballots with the laying down of their hard earned money.
If you want to take that route, our winner would be Iron Man 3. This very morning, Box Office Mojo says it has grossed just shy of $410 million Shekels. As a brief aside, I have to admit being stunned by this fact. Would anyone, honestly, have anticipated the star of The Pick-Up Artist and Two Girls and a Guy, or the persona of Larry Paul from the Ally McBeal show, being the superhero star of a multi-million dollar action franchise? Really? Goodness, that's about as likely as Tobey Maguire being the superhero star of a multi-million dollar action franchise. And that's impossible, right?
But, no, this is no democracy here at The Best Movies of 2013. We're going to evaluate on something more than merely bums in seats. It's quite possible that the best movie of the year actually was the delightful and intriguing Sound City. This documentary tells the story of one of the best kept secrets of both American rock and the San Fernando Valley. Tucked away discreetly amid rows of ramshackle warehouses, this extraordinary studio, on the strength of its technical excellence would win its way into a legendary place within the subculture of American pop and rock stars.
The list runs from Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young to Nirvana and Metallica. The film tells the story of this off the beaten track studio whose acoustic excellence transcended its sketchy setting, through the perspective and experience of those who were so influenced by its contributions to the music of our time. If you have any great appreciation for contemporary music, you won't go wrong choosing this viewing opportunity. Best movie of the year, though? Come on. You know we're not so namby-pamby as to select a documentary as number one. Sheesh
No sir, here at Best Movies of 2013, we're leading the charge, of what we expect to be a critical avalanche and making it official (unofficially) that our best movie of the year is Le Week-End. Don't worry; it's not one of those obscure, self-indulgent foreign films. (Heck a documentary would be better than that.) The French flavored name refers to the setting, in Paris. There we find a British couple on the last legs of their relationship. The performances are brilliantly acted by the still exquisitely beautiful Lindsay Duncan and the heart-breaking dowdiness of Jim Broadbent.
We don't want to give too much away, the dialogue is too rich and delicious to spoil, but if you're a fan of Richard Linklater's great Before Sunset series, imagine Jesse and Celine right at the end of their relationship, where cleverness has been reduced to passive aggressive cruelty. It really is though more fun than that makes it sound.
Special mention too has to be made of the wonderful supporting contribution of Jeff Goldblum. He's becoming a master of these colorful supporting roles later in his career. This still isn't up to the spooky, darkly menacing performance in Igby Goes Down, but it's still mighty fine. It is a performance for which the tall guy will long be remembered.
And there you go, officially unofficial, that's our story and we're sticking with it. Undoubtedly some other titles have received a well deserved not. Le Week-End, though, is our choice, with its dark, brooding, funny and cruel, dialogue that scorches the soul and maybe wells up a tear or two. That's our choice for the very best movie of 2013. And, if you think we're wrong, well, tell us why.
About the Author:
He also writes on television, check out his recent post to the Pretty Much Dead Already site, The Walking Dead Fanfiction.
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