I am a big fan of Steven Soderbergh
and his films, so this was no different. This psychological thriller had me at
the edge of my seat throughout its 106 minute runtime. Soderbergh does an
excellent job of concealing the true identity of the nature of the movie. There
are so many twists and turns that kept me engaged through the movies’ monotone,
but necessary, dialogue. Rooney Mara gives another outstanding performance.
Mara’s acting differs with every drug she takes and really proves her place in
the acting world. The film effectively shows the dangers of prescription drugs;
meanwhile, it examines the extent a person would go to for money. There are
points, early on, where the film drags, but it ultimately satisfies with parts
of intensity. Soderbergh always uses a subtle yellow filter that accentuates a
scene in a major way. It’s the little things like the filter that accents the
screenplay perfectly to make for a great time watching this movie.
4. Mud
Going in, I had low expectations for
this film since Matthew McConaughey was leading the charge. I was sorely
mistaken for doubting Mr. McConaughey’s abilities as he gives an outstanding
performance. This tale of a poverty-stricken town shows how the citizens within
the city deal with hardships. This movie is a slow-burner and emotionally
gratifies in a physical way. Although McConaughey gives the best performance of
his career, it is Tye Sheridan who steals the show. The young sixteen year old
actor gives a gut-wrenching performance that will bring you to tears. The movie
is a mixture of different aspects of life at different ages. It is a
coming-of-age tale, a mature love entanglement, and the story of a broken
family. All of these pieces create a whole that meshes perfectly into a gritty
drama. The combination of these stories makes this movie enjoyable to a
wide-ranging audience, and that is what I was satisfied with the most.
3.
Disconnect
The best cautionary tale I have ever
seen. What makes this account so real is the depth of human sorrow explored.
Disconnect does a brilliant job of presenting individuals and their human
failings. The believability of the situations involved is high which makes you
more attached to the storyline and the characters within it. This attachment
makes this movie so moving and emotional; it is certainly a tear-inducer. Jason
Bateman definitely gives the most serious performance of his career as he leads
an excellent ensemble. It is the acting that truly makes this story work. Had
the casting been altered in any way, the film would have felt much less
satisfactory. The movie is not just visually emotional, but it is auditory as
well. The soundtrack to this movie pushes the extravaganza that is happening
on-scree over the edge. The perfect combination of visual and auditory make
this movie a lasting, emotional thrill ride.
2. Gravity
I have never truly experienced 3D
until this movie. I normally dismiss the extra fees for the additional features
such as 3D and IMAX. However, this movie was the one exception to this rule; I
embrace it entirely. Alfonso Cuaron masterfully uses smoke and mirrors to alter
perception while viewing his masterpiece. There are moments when the theater
feels empty and you are alone in the depths of space. Moreover, every gasp that
Sandra Bullock takes, you take right alongside her. The sheer visual mastery of
the film will earn it Oscar nominations, the story will only advance that
journey. Bullock and Clooney tether perfectly and prove once again why they are
academy award winners. To see this film in anything other than IMAX 3D should
be a crime and will only dissatisfy the consumer. The breathtaking visuals are
unforgettable, the story is uplifting, and the acting is outstanding. These are
all measures of a fantastic movie.
The
Kings of Summer easily sits upon the throne as the best movie I have seen in
2013. This was not only the funniest movie I saw this year, but the most
sentimental as well. This coming-of-age story will have you rolling on the
floor with laughter from start to finish. The film had the ability to jump from
complete humor to sincerity in a matter of seconds, and with ease. The movie
hits all high notes in compassion, humor, cinematography, and acting. The movie
is simply about the freedom that kids desire but are not entirely ready to
handle, and writer Chris Galletta capitalizes on that. As a growing adult, this
film hit me close to home. The visceral reactions from the young collection of
characters demonstrate the ignorance of youth in a fairytale-like setting. The
alteration from comedy to drama happens so fast that it hits you like a truck.
Similarly to Mud, the movie leaves a cringing pain in your stomach that can
only be caused by true emotional gratification.
Side
Note: Here are some notable feature films that almost made the list.
