Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 07]

Le passé a.k.a. The Past (2013) - It's nowhere near as memorable and affecting as "A Separation", but "Le Passé" is an incredibly well-acted domestic drama, that has an intriguing enough story and characters to make up for the utter lack of energy. (6.00/10)

Her (2013) - Its odd, yet sensual nature certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea, but "Her" daringly and accurately represents exactly what the 'promising' future holds for us -- advanced technologies, lack of physical communication, and sheer alienation. (6.00/10)

Mud (2013) - Engaging, if hardly memorable, "Mud" is a character-driven crime drama with a touch of adventure, that benefits from its gorgeous Southern scenery, and the genuine on-screen chemistry between Mattew McConaughey and the two children. (6.25/10)

Fruitvale Station (2013) - At first you may find the story a bi too plain and uninteresting, but later on it will most likely win you over with its honesty, pure simplicity, and lack of gimmicks, especially in its absolutely heart-wrenchingly devastating final 15 min. (6.75/10)

Jagten a.k.a. The Hunt (2013) - It would have sucked if it was made by Hollywood, but because it's Danish, well-executed and acted, and tense, "The Hunt" feels special, despite its straightforwardness and familiar subject matter, thanks to Mikkelsen. (6.75/10)

The Spectacular Now (2013) - It's not your typical coming-of-age story, nor is your usual teen love story. "The Spectacular Now"'s lack of tired cliches and unnecessary sentimentality makes it truly honest, genuine, realistic, and emotionally bitter-sweet. (7.00/10)

Short Term 12 (2013) - Emotional, sensitive, and deeply moving, "Short Term 12" brings you into the foster care world with all of its ups and downs, mostly struggles, revealing its flawed, but truly lovable characters with heartfelt honesty and affection. (7.00/10)

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) - Powered by McConaughey and Letos truly Oscar-worthy performances, "Dallas Buyers Club" is a film as much about desperation as determination, that is supposed to be feel-bad, but ends up being very touching instead. (7.75/10)

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - Perky, cocky, self-centered, and cynical, but also insanely funny in the most outrageous way, this might be the busiest, most talky film of 2013, due to Scorsese's direction on steroids, and Leo DiCaprio's savage performance. (8.25/10)

 

Prisoners (2013) - Slightly overlong, yet always compelling, and quietly intense, "Prisoners" is a brilliantly-conceived, and smoothly-executed crime thriller with a grit that matches its grim tone, complemented by the two outstanding central performances. (8.50/10)