Worst Films Of 2013

Terrible films that just missed the list include: Bless Me Ultima, Tyler Perry's Temptation, and We're The Millers

10. Instructions Not Included

9. Broken City

8. Oblivion

7. White House Down

6. The Counselor

5. Runner, Runner

4.  The Lone Ranger

3. A Good Day To Die Hard

2. Red 2

1. Pain And Gain

Top 10 Films of 2013

Honorable mentions: The Conjuring,  Frozen,  The Way, Way Back, Captain Phillips, Fruitvale Station, and This Is The End

10. Zero Dark Thirty

9. Dallas Buyers Club

8. Star Trek Into Darkness

7. American Hustle

6. Elysium

5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

4. The World's End

3. 12Years a Slave

2. Prisoners

1. The Wolf of Wall Street

LA Movie Review- Frozen

   Sister-princesses Anna and Elsa are the best of friends as kids. Elsa has ice powers which make her a threat to her sister leading Elsa to make the choice to exile herself from Anna. After her powers are revealed Elsa decides to further exile herself by leaving the entire kingdom causing Anna to go after her, seeking to save whatever remains of her sister and the kingdom itself, which is thrust into an unforgiving winter. Co-director Chris Buck, director of Tarzan, and co-director Jennifer Lee, who has the distinction of being the first woman to ever direct an animated Disney film, team up to create an homage to previous Disney classics that can not only stand on it's own two feet, but also stands above every other animated movie this year.

   This movie takes on many themes and does it very well. Early on the film deals with loss and responsibility. The character of Elsa must learn to accept the responsibility of her abilities and her authority and the consequences that they hold. She also serves as a symbol of bullying for children. She is afraid that because she is different she will be hated. The film conveys a message that you should be proud of your differences and not fear what others may not understand. The films also exemplifies the importance of friendship and the power of love between siblings and the idea that no one is ever beyond saving.

   Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel star as Anna and Elsa and they sing their heart outs. While Bell is great, Idina Menzel steals the movie when she performs the instant classic song,  "Let It Go" which is absolutely fantastic. The song is a big character moment for Elsa which pays off in a big way due to Menzel's incredible vocal talent. Anna and Elsa are joined by a Kristoff, a mountain man, and Josh Gad's hysterical snowman, Olaf. The adorable snow man delivers big laughs and heartfelt moments whenever on screen.

   Frozen is a tribute to classic Disney, featuring many nods to classic Disney staples. While it is a tribute to old Disney, it does deliver a breath of fresh air in the romance angle of these movies. This animated musical is a much welcomed return to form by the creators of Tangled and Wreck It Ralph. Unfortunately they haven't out done 2012's Wreck It Ralph. It's hard to beat perfect. The film does have a few too many songs,  moments that are too cutesy, and jokes that don't land. However it is worth noting that this is the second year in a row that Disney's computer animation department has delivered a better film than it's in-house competition, Pixar.

   Frozen is sure to be considered a Disney classic in the future. It is also guaranteed to win the Academy Award for best animated picture and win best original song for the show stealing "Let It Go". Frozen is a delightful film that is the animated movie of the year.

4/5 

LA Movie Review- Nebraska

   When an alcoholic father attempts to make his way from Montana to Nebraska on foot in order to collect one million dollars from a sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly agrees to drive him. Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, and Bob Odenkirk star in this Alexander Payne directed film, shot entirely in black and white. 

  The film does start off at a very slow pace, which may cause interest to fade. The film picks itself up after Will Forte's character drives his father into a small town that he grew up in, reuniting with many familiar faces. From then on the film unfolds and you begin to see what a gem this truly is. Bruce Dern really elevates the movie with his performance. He is truly magnificent in the role. He is able to translate so much across the screen with simple looks. As motivations become clearer, you are able to really relate to Dern. A father who knows that he's towards the end of his life, but is too stubborn to put down the bottle, yet with enough good in his heart that makes you see that the ends truly justify the means. You can't help but think fondly of this character and Bruce's performance after leaving the theater. Will Forte is the voice of reason in the movie. He portrays a loving and understanding son. Forte and Dern worked very well off of each other. June Squibb plays Forte's mother and Dern's wife, and while she may not be as famous as these other actors she nearly steals the film. June is incredibly funny in this. She delivers her dialogue with the utmost sincerity and it is a pleasure to watch. Bob Odenkirk from Breaking Bad fame, plays Bruce Dern's oldest son. Odenkirk doesn't make the movie with his presence, but does what he needs to. 

   This small story about these people who willingly know there is only disappointment ahead and choose to march forward anyways really felt earnest. Seeing this family deal with the people of their hometown laugh at them behind their backs is so unlike anything else seen in cinema these days. That's the type of filmmaker that Alexander Payne is. He enjoys telling smaller, human stories, which I happen to be a fan of. There are no bombastic moments, no bullets flying, no car chases or explosions. Just a simple father son story shot in black and white featuring a great performance by Bruce Dern resulting in a film that happens to be quite charming.

3.8/5

LA Movie Review- Oldboy

   A man is kidnapped and imprisoned for twenty years. When he is released he seeks out his captors for revenge and answers as to why they imprisoned him. Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Shartlto Copely, and Samuel L. Jackson star in this Spike Lee directed remake of a well received South Korean thriller. This is an incredibly dark and disturbing movie that is not for everyone. It is a scaring film that goes beyond anything in recent memory. The film's journey is harrowing and dives into places that are completely unexpected and damaging.
   Spike Lee is a very outspoken director. His direction is at times uneven when setting the tone for the film. Some scenes feel out of place within the film. The style of cinematography changes as the film goes on which proves to be distracting as it can pull you out of the movie and remind you that you are in fact, watching a movie.
   Josh Brolin is terrific in this film. He delivers an intense and determined performance. He goes through a transformation as a man who struggles through alcoholism, isolation, and an unbelievable anger. Brolin also manages to convincingly perform action even when the action sequences seems as though they take place in a heightened reality. Shartlto Copely, fresh off of his turn as the villainous Agent Kruger in Elysium, adds this menacing performance to his repertoire. He is in a word diabolical, though even that word almost doesn't seem strong enough to describe how truly evil his character was.  Newcomer,  Elizabeth Olsen plays a doctor who joins Brolin's efforts of revenge. Her role in the film provides an emotional connection to Brolin and Olsen gives a good performance. Samuel Jackson is fun in the film, but he isn't given much to do.
   The screenplay is fine. There are a few conveniences in the plot now and again but you forgive it since you are getting wrapped up into the story. Then you arrive at the film's final moments. There is a moment that will make you ask yourself, "Oh my god, did they really just do that?" and "Did they have to take it that far?". This will be the moment that is burned into your brain and will light up when ever you think about this movie. I enjoyed a very large part of this film, however, the final moments were just more than I could bear, and thus cost the film a higher rating.
4/5