George Beremov's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2013 PART 2 [10 - 1]

CM's Best-Reviewed Movies of 2013

PART 2 [No. 10 - 1]
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1. Snowpiercer (9.75/10)

Overall summary: "Snowpiercer" is thrillingly uncompromising, at times shockingly violent, but always hugely engrossing, and jaw-droppingly imaginative gem of a post-apocalyptic movie, that grabs all your senses with its originality, and highly contrasting bleak-to-vibrant imagery.

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2. 12 Years a Slave (9.50/10)

Overall summary: It's a beautifully-shot, and marvelously-acted film about American slavery, in which the lush cinematography contrasts dramatically with the tough subject matter of the story, as does the raw emotion against the devastating violence.

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3. The Conjuring (9.50/10)

Overall summary: James Wan is hands down at the top of his game with "The Conjuring" - an old-fashioned, atmospheric, tastefully-crafted, and genuinely frightening creepfest, that can be easily considered one of the ten best horror movies of the past decade!

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4. Frozen [3D] (9.25/10)

Overall summary: With its magically adventurous, yet sweet story, charming characters, breathtaking and richly detailed animation and phenomenal use of 3D, "Frozen" is the very best animated feature of 2013, and also one of Disney's most finest!

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5. Pacific Rim (8.75/10)

Overall summary: Giant robots, even more ginormous sea monsters, confident characters, stunning visuals, stupendous action, sensational special effects, and all this directed by the uber-imaginative Guillermo del Toro. What not to like, even love, really?!?

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6. Iron Man 3 (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Every bit as engaging, witty, and humorous, as it's visually spectacular and impressively action-packed, "Iron Man 3" never takes itself way too seriously, and has all the right ingredients for a cool, successful, and highly enjoyable superhero flick.

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7. Man of Steel (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Yeah, "Man of Steel" is too much, but too much of awesomeness! The sci-fi-ish approach feels different, the ambitious story keeps you drawn in, Snyder's visual style is slick as usual, the CGIs are flawless, and the action is kinetic.

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8. The Grandmaster (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Its unevenness aside, "The Grandmaster" is not only a wise and philosophical film, but also one of the most polished martial arts movies ever created, flaunting Kar-wai's elegant direction, and Woo-ping's masterful fight choreography.

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9. Prisoners (8.50/10)

Overall summary: 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.

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10. Gravity (8.25/10)

Overall summary: Technically truly exceptional, visually-sumptuous, well-acted and thoroughly intense from start to finish, yet tad overhyped, "Gravity" showcases Cuaron's great versatility as a director, and his ability to provide his audience with something unique.

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George Beremov's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2013 PART 1 [20 - 11]

CM's Best-Reviewed Movies of 2013

PART 1 [No. 20 - 11]
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11. The Wolf of Wall Street (8.25/10)

Overall summary: 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.

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12. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (8.00/10)

Overall summary: The river sequence is perfection, but apart from that "The Desolation of Smaug" is slightly less exciting and spectacular than the previous film, and yet still a great entry that proves Peter Jackson's solid consistency as a filmmaker.

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13. Rush (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Not only "Rush" gives us an intimate look at one of the biggest rivalries in professional car racing ever, but it's also a splendidly crafted film about passion, raw enthusiasm and inner drive, that delivers as much adrenaline rush as it does drama.

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14. Blue Jasmine (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Led by its clever plot structure, "Blue Jasmine" is a bright, elegant, darkly-comic, and vividly-shot riches-to-rags dramedy, that features arguably the best and most riveting female performance of 2013, by the magnificent Cate Blanchett.

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14. American Hustle (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Boasting a clever storyline, authentic vintage vibe, engaging characters, and probably the best ensemble cast of 2013, "American Hustle" is definitely Oscar material, and also director's second best movie after 10's "The Fighter".

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16. Dallas Buyers Club (7.75/10)

Overall summary: 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.

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17. Philomena (7.75/10)

Overall summary: Judi Dench is nothing short of phenomenal as the title character, the story is every bit as moving, emotional, and powerful as it's thoroughly compelling, and the cinematography has that arresting beauty about it, it just can't go unnoticed.

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18. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (7.75/10)

Overall summary: Grimmer, darker, slicker, and better than the cult original, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is 'more of the same', but that's okay as it still works on so many levels, especially when it's crafted with such care and precision.

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19. Now You See Me (7.75/10)

Overall summary: The best thing about this film is nothing is what it seems, and that's exactly what keeps you drawn in. Moreover, "Now You See Me" is smart, energetic, original, and as entertaining as a first-class illusionist show. The camera work is magic!

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20. Thor: The Dark World (7.50/10)

Overall summary: More about Asgard, and less about the Earth, as it should be, "Thor: The Dark World" is, certainly, superior the original, impressing with its darkly engaging story, big sense of humor, and some truly astounding imagery and special effects.

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Honorable mentions:

Saving Mr. Banks (7.50/10)
Enough Said (7.50/10)
Star Trek Into Darkness (7.50/10)
Nymphomaniac: Vol. I (7.50/10)
The Croods (7.50/10)
Trance (7.50/10)
The Way Way Back (7.50/10)
The Wolverine (7.50/10)

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