Favorite Movies of 2013

These are the movies I most enjoyed in 2013.  They may not be the “best”, highest quality, or be the Oscar winners, but they were entertaining, and well worth seeing.  In no particular order.

PHILOMENA. Judi Dench gives great depth to a simple woman who is searching for the child she gave up 50 years earlier. Funny and heartwarming.  

WOLF OF WALL STREET. A tremendously entertaining look at a reprehensible man for whom there is never enough money, women, or drugs. 

MUD. This coming of age story has great atmosphere, and Matthew McConaughey is only one of several well-drawn characters.

THE ANGEL’S SHARE. A very funny Scottish movie involving a young man’s attempt to go straight – look for it.

HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE. An exciting bridge episode between parts 1 and 3 with the evolution of the characters moving toward revolution.

CAPT. PHILLIPS. Director Paul Greengas continues with a sure hand in directing suspenseful movies, and Tom Hanks is really terrific as the ship’s captain taken hostage.

ENOUGH SAID. Because it’s nice to see the evolution of a romantic relationship between adults (Julie Louis-Dreyfuss and James Gandolini). Funny, too.

AT WORLD’S END. Because Simon Pegg is very funny.

STAR TREK. Despite the need for a little trimming here and there, still a must-see for fans.

SIDE EFFECTS. A legal thriller with Jude Law as a psychiatrist – with fun twists and turns.

GRAVITY. Just because the special effects were so well done. Maybe best on the big screen, though.

 

Best of 2009

My favorite movies of 2009

There were a lot of terrific movies this year, but my top two (I couldn’t decide which was tops) were the very different INGLORIOUS BASTERDS (Aug) and THE HURT LOCKER (July). AN EDUCATION (Oct) was a close third. I also really enjoyed THE INFORMANT (Sept), FUNNY PEOPLE (Aug)and UP IN THE AIR (Dec).

The Best Animated – UP (May). PRINCESS AND THE FROG was very good, but UP is a classic.

The Funniest – THE HANGOVER (June).

Best Science Fiction – STAR TREK (if you want to call it sci-fi :-) (May)). DISTRICT 9 (Aug), and MOON (June).

Best Foreign films – from Japan DEPARTURES (June), from Sweden EVERLASTING MOMENTS (Apr), and the Denmark FLAME AND CITRON (Aug).

Best Documentary – HARVARD BEATS YALE 29-29 (Mar).

Best Relationship Movies – (5OO) DAYS OF SUMMER (Jul) and ADAM (Sept).

Best Sports Movies – SUGAR (May)and DAMNED UNITED. (Oct)