2013 Recap - Movies and Performances

Out of the movies I watched during the 2013 calendar year, these are the ones that affected me more than any other whether it be comedy, action, drama, fantasy, or any other genre. If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you should have a pretty clear understanding of how I judge movies which may not be typical when compared to other writers that take on this similar task of creating reviews.

Fanie Fourie's Lobola (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Fanie Fourie's Lobola is a heartfelt comedy from South Africa that was written and directed by Henk Pretorious. Eduan van Jaarsveldt, Zethu Dhlomo, Jerry Mofokeng, and Marga van Rooy all star in this delightful tale of people from vastly different cultures who manage to fall in love despite everything working against them.

The Wolf of Wall Street - Movie Review

The Wolf of Wall Street is a movie about the meteoric rise of a man named Jordan Belfort and the eventual consequences of the lifestyle he found himself trapped in. Martin Scorsese is the director of the movie which is based on a story written by Terence Winter and Mr. Belfort himself. Actors portraying characters in this movie include Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau, and Jean Dujardin.

American Hustle - Movie Review

American Hustle, writer and director David O. Russell's latest feature film, tells the story of five people doing everything they can to get ahead during a time when being on top was more important than doing the right thing. This flashy period piece stars Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jeremy Renner.

August: Osage County - Movie Review

August: Osage County, directed by John Wells, is based on a popular stage play written by Tracy Letts. The movie features an amazing cast including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Juliette Lewis, Chris Cooper, Sam Shepard, Abigail Breslin, Dermot Mulroney, Margot Martindale, Julianne Nicholson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Seriously, I shouldn't have to say anything else to get you to see this movie...but I will because otherwise this would be a very short review.

Thor: The Dark World - Movie Review

 

The God of Thunder returns to save the day in Thor: The Dark World but an ancient evil may be too much for even the mightiest of warriors to handle on his own. Chris Hemsworth returns as the hammer wielding Avenger along with Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Kat Denning, Anthony Hopkins, and Stellan Skarsgård. Alan Taylor, best known for his work in Game of Thrones, takes over the director's chair from Kenneth Branagh who originally brought Thor to the big screen.

Gravity - Movie Review

Alfonso Cuarón has created a groundbreaking theatrical experience called Gravity that demands to be viewed in 3D on the largest movie screens available. The movie was written by Mr. Cuarón along with his brother Jonás Cuarón and features outstanding performances from both Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

Rush - Movie Review

Ron Howard returns to the director's chair with Rush which is based on the true story of rival Formula 1 race drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, and Alexandra Maria Lara star in a movie written by Peter Morgan.

The To Do List - Movie Review

The To Do List, Maggie Carey's debut feature film both as a writer and as a director, checks off all the key elements of the teen comedy  genre with hilarious antics and raunchy humor from top to bottom. Aubrey Plaza, Bill Hader, Alia Shawkat, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Clark Gregg, and Rachel Bilson star in a movie that goes deep into the mind of a teenager as she opens herself up to every experience she can think of.

Fruitvale Station - Movie Review

If you pay attention to the news at all, you know the story of Oscar Grant who was killed by an Oakland transit police officer on New Year's Eve. Protesting and riots ensue over what appeared to be a gross act of misconduct that was all caught on video. Fruitvale Station, written and directed by Ryan Coogler, is the story of that young man during the 24 hours leading up to a moment in time that will live in infamy forever.

Pacific Rim - Movie Review

Since the first time I saw the very first trailer for Pacific Rim, I have been waiting not so patiently for its arrival. Seriously, this is giant robots fighting giant alien monsters in a movie directed by Guillermo del Toro and I had no doubt in my mind this would be nothing less than a glorious display of 3D awesomeness. Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Ron Perlman, Charlie Day, and Rinko Kikuchi are also in the movie because I guess there needs to be some people in it, too.

Fast and Furious 6 - Movie Review

The Fast and Furious franchise has gone through some major changes since the first installment first became a surprise smash hit. What started as a way to capitalize on the import car culture that had captured the youth of America's attention has now become one of the world's biggest action series. Director Justin Lin once again takes the reigns as The Rock, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tyrese Gibson return to their starring roles in Fast and Furious 6.

The Croods - Movie Review

Dreamworks Animation continues to raise the bar for animated features with their newest feature film titled The Croods. Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds provide their voice talents to help create a prehistoric three dimensional adventure like you've never seen before.