Best Films of 2013 - Non-Mainstream Edition

Finally, we come to our last list. These are the films that were either (pretty much) exclusive to one cinema or that I saw in a film festival. I'm sorry it's taken so long to get these all done, but technical difficulties and the weather got in the way of me finishing earlier. Anyway, I hope you like the final list. And just another reminder that while some of these films may have come out in 2012, or even 2011, in other countries, they all premiered in Australia in 2013. Enough stalling, let's get on with it.

10. Barbara

I originally didn't expect this film about life in East Germany in 1980 to appear on this list, but for some reason I kept coming back to it, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's set in the country-side, rather than East Berlin or one of the other major cities, which is rare for films dealing with this period in history. Second, the acting is excellent, especially Nina Hoss as the titular character, and Ronald Zehrfeld as her co-worker, Andre. And thirdly, this is the least sensational film I have seen this year. There aren't sweeping scores highlighting the longing looks that the characters give, there aren't any sentimental goodbyes and I love you's that take 10 minutes. No, instead we get a very honest and realistic look at what it was like to live during a time where you could be arrested at any moment by anyone you know. And it's that honesty that has made the film stick with me.

9. Gentlemen of Fortune

This Russian film is so unknown that not only does it not have a Wikipedia article, but from what I've seen it doesn't have a IMdB page either. Which is a shame, because this is a hilarious film. A remake of a classic 1972 Russian caper movie, we follow children's party entertainer Lesha (Sergei Bezrukov) as he gets mistaken for a notorious criminal, Smiley (also Sergei Bezrukov). Shenanigans and mistaken identity fun stuff ensue. Again, a film that I had fun watching gets on this list. All praise should go to Bezrukov for pulling off two completely different characters so well. And if you're looking for a funny little movie to pass the time, then this should do nicely.

8. The Hunt

Mads Mikkelsen has had an excellent year. Not only with the incredible TV version of Hannibal, but also this film from Thomas Vinterberg that spent months at Nova. The premise might turn some people off (trigger warning: suspected child abuse) but once you go see the film, you realise that it's actually about something else; the prejudice an entire town can create around one person. I don't want to say much more about it, because this is one film where you don't want to know too much. I will say this though, while most people might consider The Conjuring to have the biggest scares this year, this is the film that had me exclaiming in the cinema. And not because it's scary, but because it comes out of nowhere. Horror directors should watch this film and take notes.

7. Kill Your Darlings

Anyone who thinks that Daniel Radcliffe can't act needs to see this film. After the great disappointment that was On the Road in 2012, this film was needed to restore my interest in the beat generation. If you don't know anything about the beat generation, then this is as good a film as any to introduce you to the key players and their ideals, whilst also showing how the group almost fell apart due the actions of Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan). Again, I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but needless to say it is an interesting look at that time in America, and how society reacted to certain things as well as a look into how one of the most influential movements started.

6. 20 Feet From Stardom

A celebration of the women who probably worked the hardest in the music industry and yet got hardly any recognition. This documentary looks at a few key back-up singers from the past 60 years or so and how they all tried to break away from being at the back, but few of them find any success at the front. The talent in this movie is incredible, from the unstoppable Darlene Love, who is now 70-ish, to the incredible Lisa Fischer, who has a voice that could rival both Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. It doesn't paint a particularly pleasant light on the record industry and how they treated these women, but the way each of them get back up to perform again and again is inspiring. A must watch for anyone interested in music.

5. Broken

I already did a review of this! This film is excellent, Tim Roth and Rory Kinnear are two of my favourite actors, Cillian Murphy is the cherry on top. But of course, all the praise and awards should go to Eloise Laurence who creates a character that is a joy to watch and completely sympathetic as well. Seriously, read the review I did on this one, my brain is melting. Fucking weather.

4. First Position

 So, not only was this a year of excellent genre films but it was also a year of excellent documentaries. And this one was my favourite. This is a very well put together film, following 6 young dancers as they compete in the Youth America Grand Prix. You get so drawn into each of these characters worlds and why they are doing what they doing. All the passion that each performer brings is inspiring and you want them all to succeed so badly. It's rare that a film can draw you in so much, but this film does. If you like dancing, then I'd recommend this film. Hell, if you like watching films in general, I recommend this. It's inspiring, beautiful and unforgettable.

3. Compliance

This was one of the first films I saw in 2013. Considering that I can still remember chills running up and down my arms after almost a year later, I'd say that automatically puts this on the best of list. Again, this is one of those films where the less you know the better. But to give you some idea of what it's about, the film centres on how easy it is to manipulate people into carrying out whatever it is you want. The acting is superb, and the pacing is also really good, moving the film forward just quickly enough, but neither rushing nor going to slowly. If you're looking for a good thriller, then this is the best that last year had to offer.

2. Blancanieves

Pablo Berger must've kicked himself when The Artist came out only a few months before this film was finished. But in all honesty, I would call this the better film. The Artist was good, but it was a very Hollywoodenised movie. Blancanieves on the other hand is more artistic and a lot more interesting. It's the only adaptation of Snow White that I've seen where I've actually felt threatened by the stepmother (played wonderfully by Maribel Verdu) and the only one brave enough to not include a handsome prince character and instead make the romantic relationship between Snow White and one of the dwarves. The acting is incredible, it's so good that you can almost watch the film without the intertitles. And it looks absolutely gorgeous. Seriously, do yourself a favour and checkout this underrated gem. It is twice the film The Artist ever hoped to be.


1. National Theatre 50 Years on Stage

Nup. Don't care if you say this doesn't count. This was amazing. It was the best thing I saw last year, period. And it deserves to be number one. So, if you don't know what this was, the National Theatre of Great Britain turned 50 last year, and they decided to put on a showcase of the best works performed with the best actors performing them. If you have any interest in theatre at all, then it is a crime not to see this. Performers like Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Derek Jacobi, Ralph Fiennes, Helen Mirren, James Corden, Michael Gambon, Rory Kinnear and countless others performing works like Shakespeare, Stoppard, Guys and Dolls, The History Boys... I can't remember them all!!! There were too many glorious moments!! See this thing, if you don't see anything else from these lists then see this. Needless to say, I was tears by the end. To see such an ensemble of talent gathered together to perform some of the greatest written works. It's truly spectacular, and I unashamedly choose it as my number one for Best Non-Mainstream film of 2013.

Best Films of 2013 - Mainstream Edition

As usual, I saw too many good films this year to just make one list. And because I see a range of movies from arthouse to action, again I am splitting the year into mainstream and non-mainstream. I just think that if a film has impressed me a lot, then it should be recognised in a list of some sort. And if I've left off a film that you liked, there are three reasons for this. 1; it hasn't been released in Australia yet, 2; I haven't seen it or 3; I didn't like enough as the movies on this list.

And just to remind everyone, I consider mainstream movies to be films that were released through more than one cinema. So even if the film was only released through Palace and Nova, I'm counting it as mainstream. There may be a few inconsistencies between the lists, because I've forgotten what was exclusive or whatever. But I figure that no one will really mind. Anyway, let's begin!

10. About Time

Goddamn these little British movies and their sentiment! Always making me cry! I'm sure everyone else in the cinema is annoyed at me crying all the time. Anyway, this is apparently Richard Curtis' final film, as either a writer or a director. And I think it's the best note to leave on. This is a film about Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) who is told by his father (Bill Nighy) that the men in their family possess the ability to travel through time. Tim uses this to better his life, marry his dream girl, Mary (Rachel McAdams) and live as much as he can. There isn't much plot, rather a series of episodes that show different scenarios in Tim's life and how time travel effects that. But I don't mind that. This is a small film about the small things in life, and I think it's the perfect way for Curtis to say goodbye.

9. Warm Bodies

Oh, I was exited for this one. I even read the book beforehand! Zombies are my favourite supernatural/horror creature, mainly because they haven't yet been done to death like other such creatures, and so I'm always interested when something different appears in the zombie sub-genre. This film reminds me a lot of Fido (which is possibly my favourite zombie film), they're both about life after the zombie apocalypse and how humans and zombies interact. The biggest difference though is that Warm Bodies is from the perspective of the zombies themselves. I just find it really interesting. It's also a good adaptation, with some things done better than the book (namely the climax), but I think I like it mainly because it's nice to see a film about the apocalypse that isn't bleak. And Nicholas Hoult is kinda attractive as well.

8. The Best Offer

This film had me at Geoffrey Rush and Donald Sutherland. Jim Sturgess was just the cherry on the cake. So, it's nice to see a thriller actually take it slow for once. This film builds nicely to climax that while some might see it coming, it is still entertaining and heartbreaking thanks to Geoffrey Rush's performance of art auctioneer Virgil Oldman. The mansion where most of the film is set is beautiful, and the cinematography is fairly spectacular throughout. I just really liked this film, it may not be the best, it may not be the most original, but I think it's gorgeous to watch and it did hold my attention for the whole 2 hours. And it has Geoffrey Rush. And Donald Sutherland.

7. Gravity

Looking back, this wasn't the great film that everyone is saying that it was. And yet at the same time it is. Let me try and explain myself. The major problem with this film is the plot, it gets a little convoluted and then abruptly ends. But if you suspend your disbelief and just go with it, then this is one of the most rewarding films of the year. Well, for me it was. And I think it's because of the acting and the choice of actor. Sandra Bullock is one of my favourite actresses, and I think it's a shame that she hasn't been getting good roles for a few years. So on one hand it was excellent to see her in something that gives her a lot to work with. But the real reason I like this film so much is that for 90 minutes we are basically watching one woman and her struggles. And she isn't being all badass like Ripley, no. She is vulnerable and almost gives up numerous times. But she succeeds, and I think in a world with "Blurred Lines", we need more movies like this, with more female characters like her.

6. Trance

Speaking of strong female characters and actresses who frequently get not good roles. I suppose you could say I am a Danny Boyle fan, I've liked all the films of his I've seen so far. And despite some rather gruesome moments at the beginning, this is a really good psychological thriller. It kept me guessing right up until the end, after multiple twists and turns. The three leads, James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel and Rosario Dawson, are all excellent, but I think extra praise has to go to Dawson, whose character and motivations I just love. I don't want to say too much, because it's better to go into this knowing the bare minimum, but it is one of the best and darkest thrillers of the year.

5. Goddess

I was seriously considering putting this on the most underrated list, because it seemed like all anyone could remember about this film was that the girl on the poster looked like Nigella Lawson. But I enjoyed this film too much. Again, like Austenland, this film if just pure fun. And a film that entertains is worth more to me than all the fancy cinematography, full-proof script and A-lister actors. This is a charming, little musical with a great lead in Laura Michelle Kelly, and to top if off, Magda Szubanski is in it in a role that finally allows her the dignity she deserves. And the musical numbers are really good. So, yeah, I put this little Aussie flick above Gravity and Trance and all of them simply because I had fun while watching this film. And I hope everyone else who sees this movie has fun too.

4. Stoker

This film is absolutely gorgeous! The sets, costumes and cinematography all come together to create a beautiful background for one the most interesting films from last year. Mia Wasikowska does an excellent job playing the strangely cold India Stoker, a girl who has to deal with the death of her father and the sudden appearance of her oddly sinister uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode), whom she didn't know existed until now. Again, I don't want to say too much, but this film has images that will haunt you after you leave the cinema. The nods to Alfred Hitckcock's Shadow of a Doubt is also a nice addition that will benefit repeated viewings. If you like horror, or anything vaguely gothic, then I would definitely recommend this.

3. Pacific Rim

This really was the surprise hit of the year. Looking at the trailer, it really doesn't give away how good this film actually is, especially given the premise. But an action movie that has character development, excellent action sequences and a kick-ass female role, this film becomes more groundbreaking the more I think about it. I don't really know what else to say that hasn't already been said by a thousand other reviewers. This is one of the best action movies of the past few years, and definitely the best of this year.

2. The World's End

Oh yeah, there was no way this wasn't going to end up on my list. What a way to end the triology! There are about 3 different films crammed into this, one right after the other. But the writing and editing are so good that the transitions between the different parts are so smooth. I love the comedic trio of Ed Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and Hot Fuzz is one of my favourite films of all time. The World's End had big shoes to fill, but this tale of the most epic pub crawl gone wrong is excellent on all levels. I may have let my fangirl go a little crazy putting this so high on the list, but I don't care. It deserves it!

1. Philomena

My dad once said that he has never seen Judi Dench give a bad performance. This is no different. This is also the best thing I have ever seen Steve Coogan do. The fact that he co-wrote the script is astounding. This film works so well because there is no right or wrong, there is no bad guy. Instead we just get s fairly simple film about a mother who was forced to give up her son, the repercussions it had for her and her journey to finding him. And it's the simple telling of the events that makes it so good and makes it easy for the audience to connect with the film. When I first saw this film (I saw it twice, I liked it that much), there was a moment in the film when the entire audience gasped, and I'm fairly sure that I wasn't the only one with wet eyes by the end of the film. If you haven't seen it yet, then I suggest you do! My favourite and what I consider the best mainstream film of 2014.

Well, sorry that this took so long. If you live in Melbourne, then you can probably guess why I haven't been wanting to write anything. This has been a pretty standout year for genre films. I could easily justify putting other films like Patrick and The Conjuring on this list. Anyway, I hope the heat is getting to everyone else like it's getting to me. Until next time, with the last list for last year.

Most Underrated Movies of 2013

I forgot to add to the disclaimer to the start of the previous list that all the films mentioned in this list are films that were released to Australian cinemas this year. So some of the films that turn up, may have been released in 2012 or even 2011, but because Australia is apparently so far away we didn't get them until last year.

Anyway, if you hadn't guessed it, the films featured on this list are just a few that I think were criticised and ignored despite how good they are (or at least how good I think they are). Some of you may disagree with me, to which I say "So?" I just wanted to share some more films that I enjoyed that wouldn't fit on my other two lists, and that no one else thought was good.And anyway, there's only five of them. So, on with the list.


5. I'm So Excited

This new Pedro Almodovar was the opening night film for MIFF, and it met with a resounding 'meh'. And I can kinda see why, it's not as strong a farce as his earlier films, and comes as quite a clash after a film like The Skin I Live In. But I had so much fun watching this. It might've been because I saw the last session at the Rivoli, and I was the only person in the cinema. It was one of the greatest experiences of my cinema going life! The freedom of an empty cinema is something that I recommend everyone experience at least once in their life. As for the film, if you just go with the craziness and randomness of what happens then it offers a lot more enjoyment. Besides, it has the best musical moment of last year! If you're an Almodovar fan, or even just a fan of fun sex romps, then I would definitely recommend this.

4. Hansel and Gretel, Witch Hunters

I'm not going to lie, when I first about that this was being made, I was so excited! It looked so silly and so fun. I wasn't disappointed, but apparently a lot of other people were. All I can say is, what were you expecting? It's called Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters! Anyone who was expecting anything more than what we got was deluded from the beginning. I'm actually surprised we got something that made sense, had good leads, an overacting villain and a good helping of gore. But if that doesn't grab you, then I guess our tastes are too different.

3. Anna Karenina

The use of a theatre to show how the characters have to put on an act to survive the society that they live in divided many people who saw this film. But I put this to you; if the film had just been your average period drama, without the theatrical element, then would people actually remember it? By setting the film partly in a theatre, it not only adds some symbolism that Tolstoy would've approved of, but it elevates the film above the normal period dramas that we get. I just think it's a lot more interesting. I also really love the music, and the costumes. And I think that it's one of Keira Knightley's better roles. It's not for everyone, but give it a chance, you'll find it better than people might think.

2. Kon-Tiki

No one saw this film! It was nominated for an Oscar and no one went to see it! I can sort of see why, it does look like it's just about a bunch of Scandinavians (and a few others) getting hairier on a raft in the middle of the sea. But there's so much more! I think I like this film because I saw it just at the right time, in the middle of my archaeology course. But the other reason I like this film so much is that it's real, it's about a real expedition, a real archaeologist. I'm not against Indiana Jones, but he is more of an antiquarian than an archaeologist. And I think there are many other people out there that should be more in the mind of the general public and just aren't. So I'm glad that Thor Heyerdahl at least got a movie, and I hope more people see it and find out about him.

1. Austenland

You know what. Fuck you all. This film should've gotten a more mainstream release. I saw this glorious comedy two times in about two weeks, and I am not ashamed. Much like I'm So Excited this was one of the most fun films of the year. And it's still on at Nova! I reckon if this did get a more mainstream release, then this would've been one of the most popular films of the year. Okay, the plot is predictable, the acting isn't the best and there are a few plot holes. But I don't care!! This film was fun, and sometimes that's all you want! So do yourself a favour if you haven't seen this, GO AND SEE THIS FILM!!

So, yeah. That's it for the most underrated. I'm going to try and write up another list this week, but not promises. Until next time, readers.

Worst Films of 2013

And once again the time comes to rank the films seen this year in numerous lists. Like last year, I will be doing one Worst Of and two Best Of, mainstream and non-mainstream editions. This year has been a surprisingly good year for movies, and what I mean by that is I couldn't think of enough titles for this list to make it to ten. Instead, there are only seven films that I think deserve to be on a list like this. This could just be because I had less time and money to see all the films I would've done otherwise, but also I think there were some better films released this year.

Because of the slightly smaller Worst Of list for this year, I will also be doing a short list of the films I think are the most underrated for the year, mainly because I want to talk about some other films that really deserve to be mentioned, but I couldn't actually fit them onto the Best Of lists. Anyway, enough explanation, let's get on with the shaming!

7. The Butler

Over the years, I've begun to build up an intolerance for blatantly obvious Oscar movies. And this was the most obvious Oscar-wanting film I've seen for a while. It's everything the Academy likes; a story about a man over-coming his struggles in a country plagued by racism... I'm not getting at the man the film is based on, but this film is just so bland and cliche ridden! The acting is good, and Alan Rickman gives his best American accent to date as Ronald Reagan, but the plot is so predictable and boring! It's not the worst film of the year, but it is one of the ones that disappointed me. Expect it to get nominated, multiple times.

6. The Man Who Laughs

Talk about disappointments, this has to be the biggest one of the year. In reality, I should blame myself for only watching the trailer in French, but in my mind I blame this film for luring me in with beautiful imagery, Gerard Depardieu and an interesting synopsis, and then giving a melodrama that makes no sense with some of the worst acting I have ever seen. It's so ridiculous! Just when you think something good is going to happen, something even more terrible comes along. The plot is just one bad thing after another. Which is a shame, because it looks amazing. Maybe the dialogue is better in French, but I doubt it.

5. A Good Day to Die Hard

The Die Hard films series is one of my favourites (I even don't mind the questionable fourth film), and this film fails first by not being a Die Hard film. Oh sure, it's got all the elements to be a Die Hard film. Terrorists, explosions, guns, Bruce Willis. But it lacks the energy and effort of the other Die Hard movies. It feels as though some people were trying to make an action film and Bruce Willis turned up on the set and wouldn't move, so they had to rearrange the script around him. It's just a mess. An annoying mess that stains the otherwise pretty strong series. I almost hope they make another one just so we don't end the franchise on this sour note. But I doubt that another sequel will be made, and I am quite glad for that.

4. Hitchcock

When a film advertises itself to be about the making of Psycho, then you at least expect that film to be in some part about the making of Psycho. I'm not even sure what this film was about. It's a waste of good actors, and doesn't tell the audience anything about Alfred Hitchcock except that he was a bit odd. Thankfully, it's so bland that it doesn't sally my favourite horror film. But it does leave with the question of whether or not it should actually exist. Hitchcock deserves a much better film about him than this trash.

3. Spring Breakers

This film thinks it's smarter than it is. It also thinks that its provocative portrayal of youth spiraling out of control is going to shock, but there are far more shocking things on the internet than this film. Really, the only thing this film is is annoying. Annoying characters, annoyingly scripted, annoyingly acted and filmed. I was so full of hate for this film when I first saw it, but now looking back on it, it really doesn't deserve my anger. It's too annoying and mediocre for that. There is one good sequence in this that saved it from being in the top two, but one good sequence does not make this film, that seems to have been made just so Harmony Korine could spend time with a lot of girls in bikinis, anything more than an annoying waste of time.

2. The Counselor

To anyone thinking about going to see this film, watch the trailer. It's more exciting and makes more sense than the actual film. I am so pissed off with the script for this movie, I want to punch Cormac McCarthy in the face. Does he not know that films are different from books? After seeing this turd, I was so confused that I had to go to on Wikipedia to find out what actually happened. I'm still not sure what the film was about. The most interesting thing about the film was the drug truck, and yes, I am being serious. It just baffles me how so much talent could produce such a badly put together film. Anyway, someone else I know who saw this film said it best; "This film will go down as the film in which Cameron Diaz has sex with a car." Yep.

1. Oz the Great and Powerful

James Franco pissed me off the most this year. Not only was he so disgustingly annoying in Spring Breakers, but he also shat all over one of the greatest series of children's books ever written. Chez Apocalypse did a blog on this, and it pretty much sums up everything I hate about this film. But even more than that, this film was just not needed. It doesn't do anything for the Oz universe, except make the witches more sympathetic than the wizard (not a good thing when you re-watch the original film. That film needs to have an unsympathetic villain). But right now, it doesn't deserve any more of my time. It can go fuck itself.

Well, this was a hard list to write. It may come as a shock, but I don't like writing horrible things about the medium I like the most. But these things need to be said sometimes. So, hopefully soon the next list will come out. Not sure when, and I'm not going to give a date I can't keep. I also don't know which one I'll write next. Probably the Most Underrated one. Anyway, until next time readers.