My Tops of 2013 - May

IRON MAN 3 was both an entertaining superhero film and a slick pulp action flick, thanks largely to the talents of writer/director Shane Black. As a so-called finale, it's a bit underwhelming. Still, I will say that it stuck with me.

THE GREAT GATSBY was yet another failed attempt to change my harsh opinion about the novel. Leonard DiCaprio and Luhrmann's first act brought some delight but it then got suffocating pretty quick. Good soundtrack though.

42 was a good ole baseball movie, led heavily by a mighty fine performance by Harrison Ford.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS was more stupid than fun. The refreshing cast returns, along with the entertaining breakthrough performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, but they have to deal with suffocating fan service and terrible direction.

THE HANGOVER: PART III was never funny. Never.

PAIN & GAIN, however, was constantly funny and shocking. A fantastic script, great acting in the leads, and deliriously good direction makes the black comedy/crime flick a nihilistic masterpiece.

FROM UP ON POPPY HILL was a nice little film from Studio Ghibli, with some enjoyable 60's nostalgia, but it trips when a queasy plot twist enters into the romantic equation.


Best Films of 2013


1. Pain & Gain

2. Spring Breakers

3. The Croods

4. Side Effects


Worst Films of 2013


1. The Hangover: Part III

2. A Good Day to Die Hard

3. To the Wonder