The Best Movies Of 2013

Hello Internet! How are you today? Fantastic. So hey it's almost March, so natrually what am I talking about? The best movies of 2013? Why, good sir, (or madam) you are absolutely right! Why is this list coming out so late, you ask? I like building the suspense obviously. It has nothing to do with procrastinating or anything. Nothing at all. Well, wanna get this party started? Let's go! Here are the best movies of 2013 according to Enter the Movies. Enjoy!

10) Saving Mr. Banks (Trailer) (My Review)
So this movie has already been pretty much forgotten about. Which is a damn shame. Ok, it's definitely got some controversial points with how they portray Walt Disney and such, but that man is an extremely controversial figure as is. And, this is historical fiction anyway! If you go into this movie hoping to be entertained by a good story with some great acting, then it's absolutely worth it. Too many people were gunning for this movie from the start. There's great music, great acting, a great screenplay, and great direction from John Lee Hancock. Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks....it's great just to see them on screen together. But additionally they are both fantastic, and are huge snubs at the Academy this year. Thompson definitely deserved a nomination over Meryl Streep. That's for sure. But I digress. Despite it's major snubbing at the Oscars, this movie is definitely worth your time. Especially if you are a fan of Disney. Or Mary Poppins. Or Tom Hanks. Or, well, happiness.
My Number: 9/10

9) The World's End (Trailer) (Couldn't find my review. Sorry)
Simon Pegg is funny. Seriously. I may not have been the biggest fan of Shaun of the Dead and only found Hot Fuzz kind of funny, but I cannot deny that Simon Pegg is one of the funniest people in movies right now. However one of the reasons that this movie is as great as it is the supporting cast besides just Nick Frost. Eddie Marsan, Paddy Considine, the beautiful and talented Rosamund Pike, and of course, Martin Freeman all round out this all-star cast. Actually, Rosamund Pike was a Bond girl. Remember that? Made me chuckle a bit when Pierce Brosnan also showed up in the movie. But seriously, this movie is a great homage to the world of British cinema. In addition to being absolutely HILARIOUS. I was rolling on the floor laughing during this movie. It has the perfect blend between having a story and just improvising whatever these guys felt like doing. It's all about comedic timing to make these comedies great. You have to have the right amount of chocolate and peanut butter. And boy would Reese's be proud of this movie. (Terrible analogy, I know.) The biggest shame is that not a lot of people saw this movie, as it only grossed about $26 million. Too many people have never heard of Simon Pegg or Nick Frost. But to those of us who have? It's time to change that. Tell your kids. Tell your wife. Tell your friends. Get some beers, and show them this movie! I'd even say before Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. 
My Number: 9/10

8) All is Lost (Trailer) (My Review)
Ok. Survival flicks aren't for everyone. I get that. Too much stress. But, you realize that if there's too much stress that's because you're emotionally invested in the character and their quest for survival, right? Because boy was I stressed during this movie. A lot. I was emotionally invested in a character who spoke for about a minute throughout the entire movie. No backstory. No, "here's his home life" or anything. Just him, his yacht, and his will to survive. It is an incredibly simple premise, one which movies should take more note of. Robert Redford doesn't even have a name in this story. That's how simple it is. And yet his story is....heart-wrenching. All he has to show us are his facial/body expressions. And was I sold on this performance. The movie develops quickly, and quickly moves from event to event in this man's quest for survival. From being on the verge of rescue to the verge of certain death, Redford takes us on a journey through a world of emotions. A movie that was pretty overlooked, it is definitely worth your time if you like survival films.
My Number: 9/10

7) This is the End (Red Band Trailer) (My Review)
Haven't seen any of the movies on this list up until this point? That's ok. Here's one we can all agree with! Man this movie. So many great actors come together and make a no-shame parody of themselves here. While many in the audience may struggle to see past the vulgar and raunchy humor, those that can just might be fortunate to see how smart this movie really is. Smart comedies are without a doubt the funniest kind of comedies. And it is not easy for a comedy to be smart. This movie is smart for several reasons. One: Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg do not hesitate to insult Hollywood and themselves. Everyone here is playing the public persona of themselves. Danny McBride is an asshole. Jonah Hill is a kiss-ass. Jay Baruchel is a socially awkward recluse. Nothing is held back. Two: the movie takes its premise, the Rapture, seriously. But not seriously enough that the humor is lost. This is a balancing act, and they manage to find that "just right" portion. Here's my example of the smart humor: there's a pretty big rape joke in here involving Emma Watson. Sound terrible? I don't blame you. But how do you get away with a smart rape joke? By making the female be in the position of power after the conversation and having her own all the men involved in said conversation! BRILLIANT! It is geared directly for us college kids, however, which is also why this movie is not higher on the list. If you can get past the vulgarness and raunchiness, you just might agree with me when I say this is without a doubt the best movie of last summer. And the second funniest movie of 2013.
My Number: 9/10

6) Frozen (Trailer) (My Review)
I feel like I don't even need to say anything about this movie. By this point everyone has seen it, everyone is quoting it, and everyone knows Let It Go by heart. Including myself. No shame. But this movie really is fantastic. It has a great story, it has great music beyond just Let It Go, and the animation is the best I've ever seen. Just the whole Let It Go sequence alone is breathtaking. The "you don't need someone else to save you" theme is bold, and very unconventional for Disney. And it works wonderfully. This movie is obviously already a cultural phenomenon, and will continue to be as such for a while. I still haven't gotten Let It Go out of my head yet, guys. One of the very few bright spots in the animation department from 2013, Frozen has already inspired millions of moviegoers, and will continue to do so for quite some time. However, it is still an animated movie. It is not farther up on this list because there's only so much you can do in an animated movie. You can have great voice-acting, but personally I will take regular acting any day. The story is great, but it's also forcing its views down your throat. After all that's what kids movies do. If I were going by my numbers, I would put this movie in my top 5. But I cannot in good conscious do that. It is not top 5 worthy from last year. Sorry, Frozen fans. It's an incredible movie, but not that good. I'm putting it at 6 and leaving it there. Bite me.
My Number: 9.5/10

5) Inside Llewyn Davis (Trailer) (My Review)
Alright! Into the top 5 we go! We kick off the second half of the list with one of my favorite music movies of recent memory. The Coen brothers, coming off of many successes like No Country for Old Men, went small this time around. Very small. You might even be able to get away with calling this movie an indie movie. But it is wonderful! The story is captivating, the acting is great, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The Coen brothers did something here that is very hard to do: they manage to make Greenwich Village folk appeal to the masses. You do not have to like folk to enjoy this movie, guys. I swear. It is, at its core, the story of one man trying to just get by in the music industry. Not even make it big. He just wants to live and continue his devotion to music. Even when nothing goes his way. And the character of Llewyn Davis is fantastically written and acted by Oscar Isaac. You want to like him sooooo much, but right as your about to love him, he does something that makes you hate him again. This is the result of BRILLIANT writing from the Coen brothers, and their willingness to put their characters through hell. If you like character-driven stories, or fictional bio pics, then Inside Llewyn Davis is worth a watch.
My Number: 9/10

4) The Wolf of Wall Street (Trailer) (My Review)
Ah....Martin Scorsese, never change. Never. Unfamiliar with my personal favorite director in American cinema right now? If you've seen Hugo, The Departed, or Goodfellas then you actually are! Scorsese has been getting soft in recent years. Movies like Hugo and Shutter Island have lacked the spark and the raunchiness that some of his classics had. In both he put more emphasis on story than on character, which isn't necessarily his strong suit. While Hugo didn't suffer all that much because of this, Shutter Island sure did. Fortunately for us, however, Scorsese realized this flaw too. And in response, he produced the raunchiest, craziest, most unforgettable movie experience he's directed since Goodfellas. And it's a dark comedy. A freaking dark comedy. Easily the funniest and most controversial movie of 2013, The Wolf of Wall Street holds literally nothing back. Sex, drugs, violence, inhumanity you name it! It's there. Definitely not for the sensitive or feint of heart, those of us who are able to stomach this movie will watch brilliance unfold over the course of the 3 hour film. It's an incredible character piece, one that has resonated with me more than most. The life that Jordan Belfort creates in the book that is rather loyally recreated in this movie is one that is almost incomprehensible. This movie is worth watching just to see Leonardo DiCaprio shamelessly recreate this lifestyle. And put in the best acting performance of the year. His role is likely too controversial to win at the Oscars, but I am glad he at least got nominated. Oh and don't feel bad for the 3 hour run time. Never once was I bored. Actually it was paced rather frantically all throughout the film. But this is Scorsese, so this is nothing new to me. But it allows you to always be entertained.That I promise you. Oh, and that voice-over narration though. Some of the best I've ever heard. You know what? I'm going to raise my score on this one by half a point. There were a few flaws in this movie, (like how they mis-marketed the film) so it's not a 10, but it's definitely worth a 9.5. It is damn near perfect, and if you aren't the feint of heart, it's worth a watch. Even if you don't care about the stock market. The craziness alone is worth it. 
My Number: 9.5/10 

3) American Hustle (Trailer) (My Review)
And the finish line approaches! So we just talked about my favorite director, now let's talk about my second-favorite, shall we? I'm still pretty amazed that David O. Russell has gotten as big as he is now this quickly. I mean just 3 or 4 years ago this guy was a relative nobody, and now he is one of the most popular people in the entire business. His last three movies, The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and now American Hustle, have been nominated for a collective 25 Oscars. 25. That's ridiculous. Now the acting in this movie is ridiculous, and it's support in every single acting category at the Oscars reflects this, but this is in part because Russell is a fantastic actor's director. The story here is compelling as well, as Russell actually uses several elements of Scorsese directing to tell it. Including time-specific pop choices and voice-over narration. He does so many things here that shouldn't work. For example, at one point he has four competing narrators. FOUR! It's a crazy idea that somehow works. Movies that go out on a limb and try something difficult and innovate are the funnest to watch from a critical perspective, because it literally has you holding your breath wondering if they can actually pull these crazy ideas off or not. I also love how they approach the 70s. So many movies treat things like 70s fashion as comedic. It's nice to see a movie treat it as, well, just normal fashion. A very simple sentence that so many movies do not follow. Oh and having Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, and Jennifer Lawrence lead your movie always helps as well. Don't think I forget about this part.
My Number: 9.5/10

2) Her (Trailer) (My Review)
Surprisingly the only romantic comedy on this list, Her is a beautiful and thought provoking story about falling in love with an AI. In a world where we are so used to movies talking about AIs taking over the world, (like the upcoming movie Transcendence with Johnny Depp) it's nice to see a movie take a completely different attitude and talk instead about falling in love with one. And against what many may think, the AI here is represented and interpreted brilliantly, thanks to a great screenplay from Spike Jonze, and a great performance from Scarlett Johansson. However here's the main thing that makes this movie so great: it's grounded. Everything is grounded and rooted in it's futuristic society, thus making it easily identifiable in today's society. The movie takes place in the future, yet it's NOT constantly reminding you that it is. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix is playing arguably the most grounded and identifiable character he's ever played. This ability to identify with the main character and with the setting really makes this romantic piece as moving as it can be. There were a lot of tears by the end of this. All of the tears. A flawless story, great acting by both leads, and a wonderful supporting cast makes this movie perfect. Guys, if you want to find the best date movie of 2013, look no further. Well, ready or the number 1? No? Well then.... this is awkward....
My Number: 10/10

1) Gravity (Trailer) (My Review)
HOLY CRAP GRAVITY IS MY NUMBER ONE MOVIE OF 2013! Bet you didn't see that coming, right???? Ya. No way did you see that coming. Ok now that you've gotten over the shock that a movie that I cannot shut up about is my best movie of the year, let's break it down. If there is one movie that has resonated with me more than anything else from this year, it's Gravity. Hands down. It is a visual masterpiece, obviously, but on top of that it has a great story too! Is the story as good as Her? No. Of course not. Is it as good a story as its unofficial brother, All Is Lost? I'd say yes. But whereas All Is Lost keeps its tale to the seas, Gravity makes the incredibly bold move to take its story to the heavens. I still have no idea how this movie was shot. Not even kidding. I've watched several featurettes that have explained it, and I STILL have no idea how they did it! As I said, it is a technical masterpiece, and the single best looking movie I have EVER seen. On top of that, the movie does a fantastic job in paying attention to the smaller details. Big time. For example, as Sandra Bullock is spinning through space, there's a periodic reflection of earth in her helmet. Something that they probably could've gotten away with not doing, and yet because they did it the movie feels far more immersive. On top of this being a technical marvel, the acting is pretty great too. Clooney is essentially playing space Danny Ocean, which I have no problem with, but Sandra Bullock is the deserving star of this movie. She carries the second half of this, lending believability and suspense to her own tale of survival. Oh and did I mention this movie is a technical masterpiece? It is a movie I have already watched several times in the theater, and will watch again and again. And it is Enter the Movies Best Movie of 2013! Yay! Well, thanks for reading everyone! And if you don't agree with me.....sorry. But I will hold my ground on Gravity. I will not let it go AW F*CK!
My Number: 10/10


Honorable Mentions (In no particular order)

The Conjuring (My Review)
Have to give a shoutout to the scariest movie of 2013. Good story, good acting, and scary as hell. The complete package from the horror genre.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (My Review)
The top-grossing film of 2013 in the US, Catching Fire is a sequel that is vastly better than its worthy predecessor.

Philomena (My Review)
A heart-wrenching tale of a mother searching for her son, Philomena is a very pleasant and wonderful British surprise.

Rush (My Review)
An exhilarating racing movie, Rush has a great story on top of wonderfully choreographed racing scenes. A car movie done right.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (My Review)
Oh, don't like the fact that the sequel to one of my favorite comedies ever is an honorable mention? Too bad. 




Photo Credits
Saving Mr. Banks: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5suRJm1LmmU/UreBCzFNMwI/AAAAAAAABEo/muK6taM1s8Q/s1600/Saving-Mr-Banks-trailer.jpg
The World's End: http://www.theworldsend-movie.com/uk/img/gallery_07.jpg
All Is Lost: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/going-out-guide/files/2013/10/All-Is-Lost.jpg
This is the End: http://wvuafm.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/this-is-the-end-too.jpg
Frozen: http://cleverpinkpirate.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/disney-frozen.jpg
Inside Llewyn Davis: http://www.toddalcott.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/inside_llewyn_davis.jpg
The Wolf of Wall Street: http://stuckintraffic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/wolf-of-wall-street.jpg
American Hustle: http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/tulsaworld.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/6e/c6ecd767-4c1b-546c-bb50-b59046145dd8/52ce585a68560.image.jpg
Her: http://mettelray.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/her-theodore.png
Gravity: http://scienceandfilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/gravity-explosion2.jpg
The Conjuring: http://mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_640x430/public/the_conjuring.jpg
Catching Fire: http://blog.dailymotion.com/en/files/the-hunger-games-catching-fire-movie.jpg
Anchorman 2: http://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/anchorman-2.jpg
Philomena: http://waytooindie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Philomena2.jpg
Rush: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQUQT7H2WJU/UjfCF8M8MxI/AAAAAAAABZA/R72SpJVHAxk/s1600/MV5BNjIxMTc4ODg5OV5B Ml5BanBnXkFtZTgwNzQwNzgwMDE@._V1_.jpg