Movies + Music In 2013
Very few are actual 2013 releases - these are just things I was exposed to this year |
| 1 |  | Mew
No More Stories
Castaway On The Moon (2009) - One of the most honest and sincere movies I've seen. It's the story of man whose suicide attempt fails and it leaves him even more broken and alone. Beautiful tale of survival and appreciation and hints of comedy help keep the story in check. |
| 2 |  | Counterparts
The Difference Between Hell and Home
Prisoners (2013) - Wanted to watch this one in theatres but saw Gravity instead. Nonetheless, I didn't feel my experience was in any way demeaned watching it on smaller screen. One of the darkest movies I've seen, leaving you with an ending devoid of any subjective morality. Also, tight acting (Hugh Jackman and Jake Gylenhaal) and high production value makes this a great 2013 movie. |
| 3 |  | Sights and Sounds
Monolith
Mary and Max (2009) - The Australians have proved that they don't have to be Pixar to produce a movie with mature themes while keeping it grounded and accessible enough to children. Filled with narration and primarily dialogue driven, this movie comes off more as a novel than anything else. |
| 4 |  | A Lot Like Birds
No Place
American Hustle (2013) - Most recent movie I've seen in theatres. It sports the best cast for any movie of 2013 by far shot - Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Louis CK and Jeremy Renner. The plot may be slow at times and the reveal at the end could have definitely been better (was hoping The Usual Suspects' level) but the acting is so good that you're more focused on the characters than anything else. Slightly sad at the fact that Christian Bale got fat for this movie. |
| 5 |  | Until June
Young and Foolish
Disconnect (2012) - From its description, "A drama centered on a group of people searching for human connections in today's wired world." It's interesting for a movie to take a look at modern communication and succeed at not letting a bias infiltrate the story. This movie definitely left me feeling empty at the end but it was a piece of art that succeeded on multiple levels. |
| 6 |  | Yellowcard
Southern Air
Paperman (2012) - This is actually one of those short movies featured before the main act, in this case, Wreck-It-Ralph. Being an Oscar-winning 7 minute movie, it would be worth anyone's time to watch this short film. While it delves a bit too much in the fiction, it is a sweet and short story that will leave you feeling warm. |
| 7 |  | From Indian Lakes
Able Bodies
Django Unchained (2012) - Quentin Tarantino. |
| 8 |  | Climates
Reconcile
Thank You For Smoking (2005) - Written by the same guy who did Up In The Air, so it made sense to go in with high expectations and they were definitely met. This is a story of a father whose job is to promote smoking (imagine the backlash and criticism), all the while trying to make his son see him as someone to look up to (since he's divorced and the child lives with the mother). Strong writing and clever dialogue made this a definite personal favourite. |
| 9 |  | Daughter
If You Leave
Shutter Island (2010) - Great psychological thriller featuring DiCaprio and Mark Rufallo. If you're a fan of movies like Inception, Fight Club, Memento, this is a must-watch - the ending will definitely leave you wondering which version of "reality" is real (although the internet does help clear a lot of things you'd probably miss on your first-watch). |
| 10 |  | Anberlin
Devotion
5 Centimetres Per Second (2007) - This movie is beautiful and that's probably the best way I could describe it. It's the perfect movie for any romantic or those who want gorgeous visuals and landscapes with satisfying and fulfilling music. Spanning only an hour long with three equally divided arcs each tackling a different phase of life, love and intimacy, this movie will send you through a series of emotions. |
| 11 |  | State Faults
Resonate/Desperate
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - Unique movie that tells the story of Benjamin (Brad Pitt) aging backwards. Equal parts fun and dramatic and it did a great job at portraying the changing of time. Also got nominated for a total of 13 Oscars, of which it won 3. |
| 12 |  | Turnover
Magnolia
Lost In Translation (2003) - A story about two people trying to find themselves in the midst of the busy city of Tokyo, despite both being visitors. Was very surprised to find out that it was an original story and not an adaptation. It was also nice to see Scarlett Johansonn not play a role as a sex symbol. |
| 13 |  | Now, Now
Threads
The Usual Suspects (1995) - This movie will surely go down as one of the best movies of the 20th century. The balance between the ever-increasing suspense and the reveals from Kevin Spacey as the sole survivor is incredible and the fact that this movie never strays into pretentiousness makes it all the better. |
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