Joe's Top Ten Films of 2013

by Joe Moss

Much the same as my counterpart Cinephile, Trevor, already stated, it was surely a difficult time narrowing the outstanding films from this year to a TOP TEN list. He and I heckled back and forth over the past month regarding numerous films that spoke to each of us on different levels. You will see some of the same titles, but indubitably, our lists are unique and rarely mirror each other. I live in a more rural area than he, so his access to a few of the more independent and/or lower budget films affords him greater variety from the more main-stream films I can access. I hope that you have enjoyed our first year of Cinema Bytes, and I hope you will stay tuned for many years to come. Without further ado, here is my list of the ten BEST films from 2013, in descending sequence:

10. The Spectacular Now

Sutter and Aimee on their first date.

This coming of age drama entails an age-old lesson that is embedded into all of our psyche at an early age--"don't judge a book by it's cover." The films follows the teenage dalliances of Sutter (Miles Teller), the quintessential "popular high school" guy who ultimately falls for the rather well-put-together "nobody," Aimee (Shailene Woodley). What ensues throughout the film is a whirl-wind of teenage emotion as each is forced to grow up into the world around them, rather than simply live for the "now." The film reminds everyone what it is like to truly fall in love for the first time, but told from a young-man's perspective rather than a females. It is funny, pathetic, sarcastic, and raw...otherwise, Spectacular!

9. The Place Beyond the Pines

Emotional overload from the actors in Place Beyond the Pines

The decade of Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling would not be complete without this emotionally charged conflict-drama. With the emotional intensity of a runaway train, we watch the suspense build in the story of a boy (Dane DeHaan) who lost his unknown father (Ryan Gosling) early in life become much like his dad in all aspects. He gets pulled into the fold of the "new kid in town," AJ (Emory Cohen), who is the local police commissioner's son (Bradley Cooper). Told in inter-twining tales (with many flashback sequences), we learn from this film that the world is a really small, and that each action of our lives affects another person--even if in a small seemingly innocuous way. This was the first 4-star review I published this year, and has stuck with me ever since. The ending is Perfect!

8. Her

Theodore waits for a life changing moment.

Spike Jonze is bound to be one of the most unique and visionary (if not the most unique) filmmaker of the last 20 years. From "Being John Malkovich" to a decidedly very-children's like "Where the WIld Things Are," Jonze has once again taken film to new depth. "Her" is the story about Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) who is lost in love. Not lost in the traditional sense of love, rather a man who is emotionally UN-able to connect with his former girlfriend, Catherine (Rooney Mara) and even seems slightly disconnected from his friends. His life takes a turn for the better when he purchases a new artificially intelligent operating system for his home computer network, named Samantha (Scarlett Johannson). Through his time with Samantha, Theodore quickly learns to appreciate life; learn about love; and embrace himself as never before. This is assuredly one of the greatest original screenplays of the last decade...and definitely my choice for the 86th Annual Academy Award winner for Best Original Screenplay. Jonze pushes the boundaries of love and relationships into unknown waters and does so with aplomb.

7. The Kings of Summer

Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio jump-starting their adventure.

In my opinion, the best coming of age drama that I have seen since "Stand by Me." Joe (Nick Robinson) and Patrick (Gabriel Basso)  are life-long best friends who have decided that enough is enough. At the age of 16, they are tired of their parents ruining their lives. They are sick of being belittled, and micromanaged in every activity. As summer descends upon them, they take matters into their own hands and run-away to live in the woods outside of town. They build a massive home from scraps gathered from around town and become Kings of their domain. Along the adventure, they take Biaggio (Moises Arias) into their fold--as he adds a much needed comedy element to keep the mood balanced. However, after about a week, things begin to head south as friendships are tested by love, family drama, and the unspoken rules of brotherhood. We are shown how friendships are a fluid organism. That to remain unaltered (not losing emotional volume), there is a delicate balance that must be achieved though mutual respect and understanding. The care-free effort of this film, and the easy way with which the young actors play their roles speaks volumes of maturity. I can understand easily why this was an "Official Selection of The Sundance  Film Festival 2013."

6. 12 Years a Slave

Solomon Northrup's (Ejiofor) enslaved talents at work.

While many people may consider this a tired-old tale of Civil War era proportions, Steve McQueen and company made this film leap from the pages of the book of the same name (written over 150 years ago) in one very prolific adapted screenplay (John Ridley). Solomon Nothrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is an accomplished musician known across New England. For a very generous sum, is asked to join a traveling group in performances throughout the South--basically told that his abilities will lift the entire troupe to the next level. However, just as far south as Washington, D.C., Northrup runs afoul of trickery and is taken into slavery. He finds himself purchased by a kindly slave owner, Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch), at first sale; only to be traded at a later time to one of the most sadistic slave owners, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender). Epps lustful eye and his ardent cruelty is not solely directed at Northrup, but at a young female slave, Patsey (Lupita Nyong'o) as well--who's performance is absolutely spellbinding. This harrowing tale of a free black-man sold into slavery is one that will evoke deep emotions and pure sympathy for Nothrup's struggles. Chiwetel gives the performance of his varied career. Magnificent!!

5. Before Midnight

Celine and Jesse in the throws of a sarcastic argument.

Before Sunrise (1995)...Before Sunset (2004)....and now, Before Midnight. Written and directed by Richard Linklater (with help from Julie and Ethan on the screenplay for last two films). I was supremely enchanted by this third installment of the artful, and intimate, love story between Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy). I have grown with both of them over the years, and it is almost as a visit to a long-lost friend every nine years when the films are released yet again. For 109 minutes, I am able to catch up with my friends in the latest installment of their lives, their struggles and their dreams for the future. I can glimpse the joie de vivre that they entail and then, all too short...I am having to wish them au revoir until we meet again. This is one of my most favorite trilogies, and my choice for best adapted screenplay this year. I can only hope to see them again in nine years hence.

4. Short Term 12

Group meeting with the whole gang at Short Term 12.

Soulful, gut-wrenching, and intensely powerful. This story involves the evolution of Grace (Brie Larson) as she struggles to live with her life choices, the mistakes of her past, and the unknown future. She works at a facility for teenagers in-between foster homes and/or adoption. She is not a counselor, she is not a teacher, she is just supposed to help monitor their behavior and make them happy for their stay. She and her boyfriend, Mason (John Gallagher, Jr.) met here while working, and their relationship has slowly changed from friends, to lovers--but there is a small piece missing. Grace, for all her patience with the wards of Short Term 12, cannot seem to find it within herself to open up about her own inhibitions and her own demons. That is, until she is forced to face them head-on with the addition of a new ward to the facility, Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever). This screenplay (Destin Cretton) is nothing short of magical. I cannot wait to see many more films from this young writer/director.

3. Blue Jasmine

Jasmine (Blanchett)  contemplates her fate.

What more can I say other than this is Woody Allen at his best! Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) has run into some money troubles as her philandering and crooked husband Hal (Alec Baldwin) has been indicted for multiple counts of fraud by the SEC. In order to escape the entire situation (and because she is 100% broke), Jasmine, packs her Luis Vuitton and moves to San Francisco to live with her estranged sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins). What ensues is a magical performance from Cate Blanchett that will surely have her grasping the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her depth of emotions range within this 98 minute film is breathtaking and surreal. Were the category for Original Screenplay not so crowded, I would suggest this as a surefire win...alas it faces tough competition from "Her" and "American Hustle."

2. The Wolf of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort celebrating his life of excess.

As I stated in my original review of this film last month, I have never been a huge fan of either Leo DiCaprio or Martin Scorsese. But with "The Wolf Of Wall Street," my opinion has shifted. This was the role of a lifetime for Leo DiCaprio as he truly BECAME Jordan Belfort on screen. This film was adapted from Jordan Belfort's book by Terence Winter, and it is electrifying on all senses. To steal from myself,  "the 180 minute run time [of the film] flies by as though on a cocaine high with a Quaalude kicker." I loved every minute and was riveted to the screen. There is so much recreational drug-use and sexual debauchery flashed across the screen that the movie may even have deserved an NC-17 rating. But this truly shows that Marty is not afraid to show the Excessive 80's as they truly existed for the Ultra-Elite Wall Street tycoons. Not only was DiCaprio outstanding, support from Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie completed the all-star cast that propelled this film into the heights of film legend. While "Wolf" could have easily topped my list for #1 film of the year, it has to run second to what I felt was the most prolific film-making I have seen in a very long time (since perhaps I first fell in love with "Star Wars" in the 70's).

1. Gravity

Ryan Stone (Bullock) is propelled into space as the shuttle disintegrates behind her. 

 Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a medical engineer who was tasked by N.A.S.A. to fix a probe (that she designed) on one of the satellites in constant orbit around Earth. During the mission, an accident occurs that destroys the mission and jeopardizes all of their lives. Commander Kowalski (George Clooney) is on his final mission before retirement and is tasked with trying to get both of them back to earth as quickly as possible--before life support systems and all mode of transport are obliterated. This film was so outstanding, it has been at the top of my list of films for 2013 since Opening Weekend in October. Alfonso Cuarón has directed (and co-written) a masterpiece of modern film  that showcased the acting chops of those lucky enough to have been involved. Breathtaking scenery, a mesmerizing "at-the-edge-of-your-seat" screenplay and perfect editing (sound and film) suspended the belief of all in the audience. The film was shot and designed for 3D viewing, and the IMAX presentation did not disappoint. After the movie, I was speechless for a few moments...the entire time thinking nothing but a resounding "WOW!" This film showcases what green-screen and computer age-movie making should be about--ELEVATING the acting abilities of those on screen out of the thermosphere into PROLIFIC status. This film has already been racking up accolades for Cuarón and many nominations for Bullock. I view it as one of the front-runners to earn a unique place in Academy Award history as the FIRST space film to win Best Picture of the Year. Regardless if I am wrong, it will remain my choice for such.

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My Individual Awards are as follows: (not Academy Award Predictions, but my personal choices)

Best Picture of the Year - Gravity
Best Director - Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity)
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Jared Leto (Dallas Buyer's Club)
Best Original Screenplay - Spike Jonze (Her)
Best Adapted Screenplay - Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy (Before Midnight)

Honorable Mentions: (films that I struggled to include on my list that "almost" made it)

11. The Way Way Back
12. Nebraska**
       I was never able to see this film, so did not include it on my list of 10 becuase that would have been false. But from every review I read and every trailer and interview I saw, I know that when I am FINALLY able to get my hands on a copy, I will love this film...and it may very well make my DECADE list.

This year was one of those years that reminds me WHY I love the movies and the Academy Awards. I can only hope that next year does not fall flat. Bring it on!!!

Trevor's Top Ten Films of 2013

by Trevor Kirkendall

I think the last time I had this much difficulty putting together a Top Ten List was probably about ten years ago. Seriously, how great of a year was 2013? Sure, there were plenty of bad movies that we don't even want to mention again, but that's the case every year. This year especially, there were so many great films that if I was to write out a Best Twenty List, I would still have a hard time narrowing down the final films to include. But alas, this is a Best Ten List so I will only mention ten movies. There were so many great technological advances in film this year, and it also seemed like the studios took an active interest in returning to the basics of designing a great story. There were so many great scripts turned into great movies this year. Some big name movies will probably be missing from my list. It's not that I didn't like them; it's just there was an abundance of greatness this year, especially from the studios. Here are my picks for the ten best films of 2013, followed by my individual awards.

10. Upstream Color

Shane Carruth comforts Amy Seimetz in UPSTREAM COLOR

Shane Carruth’s sophomore feature is a visually stunning and sonically engaging story of a man and a woman brought together through bizarre circumstances. The story is designed to confuse the audience just like its characters. One part romance, one part science fiction, “Upstream Color” is reminiscent of the early films of David Lynch. To a degree, it even looks a little like some of the more recent work of Terrence Malick but with much less whispered voice over narration. It contains some of the best uses of sound I've ever heard in a low budget independent film. Amy Seimetz puts on a powerful performance as Kris, a woman struggling to make sense of the strange circumstances that caused her to lose valuable parts of her memory. The film is cerebral and almost dream-like in its presentation. It’s masterfully done.

9. The Wolf of Wall Street

Leonardo DiCaprio in THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Leonardo DiCaprio puts on one of his best performances to date in one of Martin Scorsese’s best films to date. It’s no “Goodfellas” and it’s no “Mean Streets” but the chaotic nature of “The Wolf of Wall Street” fits perfectly into Scorsese’s already illustrious career. The film does not glorify the overindulgent lifestyle of its main characters, but rather illustrates the dark world that surrounds an unlimited supply of wealth. Money changes people, sometimes for the worse which is what is being displayed here. This film is all about excess, from the mammoth three-hour run time to the fierce performance by DiCaprio. We’ll be talking about this film for years to come.

8. Mud

Tye Sheridan and Matthew McConaughy in MUD

While Matthew McConaughey has received endless recognition for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” (and rightfully so), it was “Mud” that got my attention. This was the first of many coming-of-age stories I saw this year, and until “Mud” I thought the genre was overdone and washed up. But there were so many great stories this year that tackled the coming-of-age subject, and “Mud” was one of the best. While McConaughey is great, the movie really belongs to the young star Tye Sheridan. Writer-director Jeff Nichols is proving himself to be one of the best up-and-comers in the business following 2011’s “Take Shelter”. And with “Mud”, Nichols has once again turned out one of the year’s finest films.

7. Gravity

Sanda Bullock holds on for dear life in GRAVITY

What’s left to say about “Gravity” that hasn’t already been said? Alfonso Cuarón’s epic space thriller was far and away the most visually stunning film of the year. It could even make a case for most visually stunning film ever, but let’s not start that debate. Cuarón has single handily revolutionized the way audiences will want to see their movies. The cinematography and visual effects are years ahead of anything else currently in production. Once other filmmakers figure it out, we could be looking at the dawn of a new age of cinema. Sandra Bullock’s task in this film was challenging but she turns in the best performance of her career. “Gravity” is just a marvel of technical achievement. The screenplay may be a little bland, but this film is all about its visuals and propelling the future of big budget filmmaking.

6. 12 Years a Slave

Michael Fassbender and Chiwetel Ejiofor in one of the most
powerful scenes in 12 YEARS A SLAVE

There have been a handful of movies made about slavery in the United States, but none quite like this. “12 Years a Slave” is a powerful film about the horrors of slavery. The film is based on an actual account from Solomon Northup, a black man born free but kidnapped and sold into slavery for 12 long and grueling years. Director Steve McQueen holds nothing back by showing all the atrocities this man had to endure. The screenplay from John Ridley is one of the best adaptations of a book I’ve ever seen. It’s filled with many contrasting types of emotions, all portrayed on screen with such proficiency by McQueen. Chiwetel Ejiofor, as Northup, is absolutely sensational. And his costars, Michael Fassbender and newcomer Lupita Nyong’o, turn in two of the year’s absolute best performances. This is truly a great film, one that will be shown to make sure the memories of this dark time are never forgotten.

5. The Spectacular Now

Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley in the spectacular film
THE SPECTACULAR NOW

Yet another coming-of-age film from 2013, “The Spectacular Now” is a small but emotionally rich movie that follows one of the most popular kids in high school and his attraction to someone not so popular. Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley play two of the most realistic characters I’ve ever seen on film. Director James Ponsoldt has such a keen eye for the depths of human emotion found within this wonderful screenplay (from Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber). The dialogue is subtle and never becomes monotonous or boring. Teller and Woodley are revelations and are definitely the rising stars of tomorrow. Every single frame of this film is beautiful and deserves to be seen by all. 

4. Nebraska

Will Forte, Bruce Dern and Stacy Keach in NEBRASKA

Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” is about as damn near perfect of any movie you’ll see in this year or any year. Bruce Dern’s portrayal of an aging alcoholic is the best and most perfect performance of any actor or actress this year. SNL alum Will Forte is perfectly cast has his estranged son. June Squibb’s performance steals the scene whenever she’s on camera. Screenwriter Bob Nelson has taken us into the lives of people in middle America as opposed to New York or Los Angeles, the cities which dominate so many of the contemporary movies these days. The film is shot in perfect black-and-white which helps paint the Nebraska landscape in a much different light than other settings we usually see. And director Payne couldn’t have handled this simple story with any more care. This is a film about the relationships we share with our families and there’s no one else in Hollywood today who is better equipped to handle that subject matter than Payne. This is about as close to perfection as you’ll see. 

3. Blue is the Warmest Color

Adele Exarchopolous and Lea Seydoux were mesmerizing in
BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

No other film in 2013 gripped me quite like Abdellatif Kechiche’s French masterpiece “Blue is the Warmest Color”. The story follows a young teenage girl, Adele, over the course of several years. The highlight of the film is the relationship she shares with a blue haired art student, Emma, who is a few years older than her. We are a fly on the wall as we observe their relationship from the start to the bitter end. We see just how their lives affect one another. We easily empathize with every emotional high and low they experience in their romantic relationship. Both stars, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux, are electrifying in their roles but it’s Exarchopoulos who turns in one of the most memorable performances I have ever seen. A lot of controversy surrounds this film, but throw all that aside. There wasn’t much better in 2013 than “Blue is the Warmest Color”.

2. Her

Joaquin Phoenix in his spellbinding role in HER

In a year full of rich storytelling, Spike Jonze's "Her" might have been the richest. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a lonely man who forms a extremely strong and ultimately romantic relationship with the voice of his new smart operating system. The computer is voiced by Scarlett Johansson who is so spectacular in her delivery, you almost forget she's never on camera. Jonze's love story may be a bit unorthodox, but everything about the relationship Phoenix has with his "girlfriend" is completely organic. Jonze handles the human (and computer) emotions brilliantly while concurrently painting a bleak picture about our future. Technology controls every aspect of his futuristic world that people don't know how to make new connections. There's so much subtext here that it would take another calendar year just to sort it all out. Suffice to say, this is a brilliantly executed love story full of heart and - most importantly - originality.

1. Short Term 12

Brie Larson and Kaitlyn Dever in the best film of 2013,
SHORT TERM 12

The best picture of 2013 is Destin Cretton's "Short Term 12", a small film very few had the opportunity to see. Brie Larson plays Grace, the supervisor of a state run institution for at risk teens. We meet her at a time in her life when she's romantically involved with her co-worker Mason (John Gallagher, Jr.), whose child she's carrying. Of course, she doesn't tell this to Mason because she's not certain motherhood is right for her. She's also trying to welcome in a new resident, Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever) who has been bounced around from institution to institution for several years. There are no words to describe the ferocity of Larson's performance. She holds a strong exterior, but inside she's completely broken and damaged. She wears all the emotions of this character on her sleeves. Never before have I seen such an emotionally powerful acting from someone of her age. No other actress this year comes close to touching Larson in this performance. Dever is also sensational in her role. Larson owns this film, but Dever holds her own against her co-star. Writer-director Cretton's screenplay is short but packs an enormous emotional punch. "Short Term 12" is a mesmerizing motion picture, completely unmatched by anything else in one of the best year's at the cinema I can remember. I was completely zeroed in on this film from the moment it began and couldn't divert my attention for a second. This is a beautiful and subtle masterpiece, and is my pick for best picture of the year.

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My Individual Awards: (personal choices, not Oscar predictions)

Best Picture of the Year: Short Term 12

Best Director: Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity)

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Brie Larson (Short Term 12)
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Bruce Dern (Nebraska)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave)

Best Original Screenplay: Spike Jonze (Her)

Best Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley (12 Years a Slave)


We can only hope that 2014 will be half as great as 2013. This year definitely has a very tough act to follow. Sure, we may be seeing a surge in the number of sequels, remakes and reboots coming out of Hollywood, but those are such a small percentage of what we actually see! The good movies are out there, folks. You might just have to look a little harder to find them. I'm very excited to see how the technical achievements of the films of 2013 and how a seemingly new found appreciation for the art of story within the studios will affect the movies of 2014 and beyond. You can continue to save me a seat in the dead center of the theaters.