Films of the Year 2014

Every year I forget what a struggle writing this list is, but I've finally finished it. 

As I don't write regular reviews on this blog, I have very little to go on other than my rather flawed memory, which causes a fair amount of problems when looking back to the earlier months of the year.  This can lead to my list weighing heavily in favour of films released in the second half of the year, but I think that I've managed to keep it fairly balanced this year. Hopefully 2015 will be the year that I get back to writing regular posts. 

These are the films that have had the greatest impact on me personally over the past year, so they're not necessarily the greatest movies of the past twelve months, but a collection of recommendations.  Over the years my review of the year has become unintentionally verbose, so I've aimed for brevity this time, which I hope should make this a more concise and helpful read. As usual any feedback and discussion is welcome. 

Disclaimer! - Many other films of the year lists will contain films yet to be released in the UK. I don't include these in mine, even if I've seen them at preview screenings. We usually get these films in January and February, so there's lots to look forward to early in the year. This year those films include "Enemy" (2nd January), "Foxcatcher" (9th January), "Whiplash" (16th January, which I saw at a preview and loved), "A Most Violent Year" (23rd January), PT Anderson's latest "Inherent Vice"(30th January), "Big Hero 6" (30th January) and a little bit later in the year "Force Majeure" (10th April).  A number of notable films are still awaiting a UK release date; "Snowpiercer", "Listen Up Phillip", "Dear White People" and "The Tale of Princess Kaguya".

This years Trends - subtle sci-fi, great soundtracks, sexual encounters

10. Nymphomaniac Volumes 1 and 2
(I saw the two films in one showing so I'm counting them as one)

Lars Von Trier's latest offering goes from the sublime to the ridiculous to the just plain awful. Over two hundred and forty minutes it's not surprising that the quality control is often a bit all over the place, but overall the film has enough style and gusto in it's best scenes to drag you through the terrible ones. The sex obviously caused a lot of controversy and grabbed all the headlines, but I didn't find it too gratuitous, always serving the story. At it's best it is well acted, memorable and thought provoking in a way films are. However on the downside, this film features Shia LeBeouf using the worst accent I've ever heard. Even now I'm not sure what country he was meant to be from.   


9. Under the Skin

Early buzz had raised my expectations to unreasonable levels when I first saw "Under the Skin", so it is included only after a second viewing.  I now appreciate this slow and subtle sci-fi film a lot more, especially the visual links between the themes in the first and second acts of the story. Filmed in a unique way in and around Glasgow, making full use of hidden cameras in the early parts of the film, and with many disturbing but beautiful scenes (especially the beachside incident), director Jonathan Glazer explores humanity from the view point of the aliens, creating a distant unflinching tone. I think it's best to go into this film knowing as little as possible, so I won't say too much except to say that Scarlett Johansson is excellent in the main role as we see her character develop through her experiences on Earth. The film also features my favourite opening sequence of the year, with it's abstract sounds and shapes setting the tone to follow.

8. Calvary

A fascinating look at morality and religion, carried off in emotional yet darkly comedic fashion. A harder watch than McDonagh's previous film "The Guard", which also starred the fantastic Brendan Gleeson, the movie winds its way through a rogues' gallery of potential murderers (all played by wonderful character actors, such as Dylan Moran), one of whom has threatened to kill a good priest in revenge for the actions of a bad one. This priest must look to his past and to his future to decide what his life has meant and what his (and all priests') purpose in modern society is, as the clock counts down on his life. 


7. Guardians of the Galaxy/Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Choosing two films here is, of course, a complete cheat. However I'm a big fan of both movies and find it interesting how they complement each other in Marvel's ever expanding universe. Whilst "The Winter Soldier" is Marvel's best attempt at combining long-form multi-movie storytelling with a satisfying singular film, "Guardian's of the Galaxy" finds them expanding their stories into interstellar sci-fi. Both films hope to widen their appeal past the norms of the superhero genre, as Marvel must do to survive as people tire of their tried and tested formula. "The Winter Soldier" is superhero film as paranoid spy thriller with the interplay between Captain America, Black Widow and Falcon creating the feel of a buddy cop movie. The film also really moves the overall story arc on by destroying the status quo of previous Marvel universe films. "Guardians of the Galaxy" meanwhile is a fun space romp littered with oddities that make it a joy to watch. Chris Pratt leads a fresh comedic cast who flesh out a diverse team of misfits that includes an angry talking Raccoon and anthropomorphic tree. This is all aided by an excellent retro soundtrack that tonally binds the disparate elements together.


6. Her

Handled perfectly by Spike Jonze, who takes a somewhat goofy subject and creates a subtle and heartfelt film. As Joaquin Phoenix falls for his operating system (voiced by Scarlet Johansson) it feels more like a genuine love story than a gimmick and offers a thoughtful reflection on our contemporary relationship with technology and how this might progress in the future. The story also does well to avoid saccharine cliches and builds to a believable and satisfying finale. I was also impressed with the holistic approach that Jonze takes in building his futuristic world, with gradual and believable progress not only shown in the use of technology, but extended into possible architecture and fashion (this future features high waisted trousers and ubiquitous moustaches).


5. Frank

Loosely based on Jon Ronson's time in a band with Frank Sidebottom, director Lenny Abrahamson creates a powerful look at mental illness yet retains a light comedic touch throughout. This tonal balance is an impressive feat, which is aided greatly by top performances from it's cast. Michael Fassbender is, of course, brilliant as the titular Frank, despite having his face covered behind a mask for pretty much the entirety of the film, but my favourite performance comes from Scoot McNairy who enhances any film he graces. Like many other films this year, it also has a great soundtrack with the finale song cutting to the emotional core of the movie.

4. '71

The most consistently intense film of the year, "'71" harnesses the burgeoning star power of Jack O'Connel in a frightening look back at the violent conflict in Northern Ireland. O'Connel's soldier must survive in an inhospitable area of Belfast after his unit leaves him behind during a riot, unsure of where to run or who to trust. This distrust between the two sides leads to horrific acts that haunt both O'Connel's lost soldier and, more deeply, the community that lives in this area of Dublin. This compelling film on a recent dark time in the nation's history is enlightening to those who know little about these times and serves to remind us all of the past mistakes that lead to such violence.

3. Inside Llewyn Davis

A kind of comedic, slow-burn, existential horror movie, this is the Coens in "Barton Fink" mode with the added bonus of a beautiful soundtrack. The film follows the hapless Llewyn Davis as his poor decisions lead him to deeper and deeper failure. Whilst funny (especially the "Please Mr Kennedy" song) it has the creeping fear of failure woven throughout. The Coens are great at exploring artistic failure and the fine line between that and success and this film painfully follows Llewyn's attempts to thrive artistically and not just exist. It's also a film that really rewards repeat viewings as its ambiguity allows for multiple readings of its meaning (it's worth googling some fan theories). 

2. The LEGO Movie

A film so full of exuberant fun and energy that it's like pure, bottled childhood enthusiasm. Creating such a great movie when the base concept called for just one long advert is another great achievement for directors Lord and Miller, who excel at turning improbable concepts into winning films. This visually inventive film manages to capture the battle between structure and freedom that is key to LEGO's popularity and place it at the centre of its fun filled story. Astounding animation brings this all to life and whilst I'm not so crazy about the live action sections (as they break the momentum that has thrilled throughout), they do bring an emotional heft to the movie that perhaps it need to avoid being too light and frothy.


1. Ida

At the opposite end of the movie scale to the exuberant "LEGO Movie" is "Ida", a small, quiet, black and white film about Wanda, a trainee nun exploring her past in nineteen-sixties Poland. Director Pawel Pawlikowski uses Wanda's journey to explore the broken communities left behind by Nazi occupation, exposing dark secrets and fractured families. Agata Kulesza's contemplative Wanda is perfectly juxtaposed with her expressive and explosive aunt Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska) and the interplay between the two forms the backbone of the film.  Beautifully shot, heartbreaking scenes intermingle with touching scenes of love and humour.  A personal story brimming with wider issues, this is brilliant movie storytelling.

Worthy Mentions

Not quite on the main list...

Nightcrawler - Incredibly close to making the main list, this is a gripping movie that exposes the dark heart of capitalism. Jake Gyllenhlall is fantastic in the lead role.

Only Lovers Left Alive - Another outstanding soundtrack. Jim Jarmusch's cooler than cool modern vampire tale is brimming with interesting takes on Nosferatu cliches. Very close to being in my top ten, you'll never cast better vampires than Tom Hiddleston and the imperious Tilda Swinton.
Grand Budapest Hotel - Another lovely Wes Anderson film, with added historical heft. This would make my top ten most years, but my love of his previous movie, "Moonrise Kingdom", probably diminished this film's achievements for me.

22 Jump Street - A triumphant follow up to an improbable hit, this very funny self aware sequel only lost out on being in my top ten due to the presence of another Miller and Lord film, "The LEGO Movie".

Jodorowsky's Dune - A great documentary about one of my favourite film makers, but it was on my 2013 list.
Whiplash - I loved this film and it would have featured near the top of my 2014 list, but as I saw it at a preview and it doesn't go on general release in the UK until 2014, it'll have to wait until next year.

The Double - Another impressive film from Richard Ayoade, but its visuals skewed a little too much towards copying "Brazil" when it would have been more interesting if it had its own unique look.

Blue Ruin - Jeremy Saulnier's revenge drama does a great job of examining the ramifications of revenge. When perpetrated by an average joe, violent retribution doesn't work out like it does in your average action movie. 

American Hustle - A really fun long-con film with a fantastic cast.

Boyhood - A fantastic achievement and brilliantly acted. However, I found the teenage years dragged on a bit and I was a little distracted as the lead actor grew into someone who looked exactly like one of my old school friends.

Starred Up - Another showcase for Jack O'Connel's macho acting talents. An intense prison drama with great support from the menacing Ben Mendelsohn.

Gone Girl - A surprisingly funny thriller (albeit in dark fashion) from David Fincher. 

Pride - Full of cliches, but great performances from a fantastic cast lift this heartwarming tale to another level.

The Guest - Retro horror with a stand out performance from Dan Stevens, shaking off his "Downton" baggage as a psychotic young man bringing trouble to a small town.

We Are the Best! - Lukas Moodyson's warm storytelling finds a great subject in this coming-of-age tale about a group of young punks growing up in 80's Stockholm. 

Neighbors - One of the best comedies of the year. Zach Efron's muscle bound jock battles young parents Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. 

Dallas Buyers Club - A touching and brilliantly acted film.
Wolf of Wall Street - Very entertaining, but it fell a little flat for me in the final half hour.

Worth a Watch

Films worth a look -

"12 Years a Slave", "The Babadook", "20,000 Days on Earth", "The Unknown Known: The Life and Times of Donald Rumsfeld", "X-Men: Days of Future Past", "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)", "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes", "Mr. Turner", "Life Itself", "How to Train Your Dragon 2", "Chef", "Noah", "A Field in England", "The Trip To Italy", "The Imitation Game"

Disappointments

Interstellar - It seems your enjoyment of this film is dependent on the size of the screen and sound system. I saw the film on a modest screen where the deficiencies in script could not be overcome by bombast. As a massive fan of all Nolan's films up until the messy "The Dark Knight Rises", I'm still hoping for a return to form.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - While I generally enjoyed the film and it was technically brilliant, the story was cliched and talked down to it's audience.
Godzilla - Like "Interstellar", my enjoyment seems to have been hampered by a quiet screening where the audio couldn't sweep me off my feet. While beautifully filmed, the convoluted plot line and bland characters didn't appeal to me.
Locke - This film opened to almost universally positive reviews, but I didn't find it engaging at all. I'd rather re-watch Rob Brydon's similar, yet brilliant, "Marion and Geoff".
X-Men: Days of Future Past - Entertaining, but for a film designed to free the franchise of its numerous missteps, it seemed to leave plenty of its own problems behind. The Quicksilver scene was one of the best of the year however.
The Babadook - I really enjoyed the film, but the central monster looked so much like the Hitcher from "The Mighty Boosh" that it was hard to be scared of it. 
12 Years a Slave - Whilst I admired the film greatly, I felt it lacked the feeling of time passing, which diminished the effect of his long years of trauma. 
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - This franchise is such a mess, not even Emma Stone could save it.

Probably Not Worth a Watch

"Dom Hemingway"

The ones that got away...
In an ideal world, I would have seen these too -

"Night Moves", "The Rover", "John Wick", "The Skeleton Twins", "Get on Up", "Lucy", "The Wind Rises", "Cold in July", "The Muppets: Most Wanted", "The Raid 2: Berandal", "A Most Wanted Man", "Leviathan", "Two Days, One Night"

Hope you enjoyed reading my breakdown, Happy New Year!

2013 Update
The ones I caught up with that I missed last year...

"Monsters University", "G.I Joe Retaliation", "Mud", "The Bling Ring", "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug", "The Great Gatsby" 

The ones I didn't...

"Evil Dead", "Fast and Furious 6", "The Purge", "Europa Report", "Pain and Gain", "No", "Beyond the Hills", "Good Vibrations", "Spring Breakers", "A Touch of Sin", "The Selfish Giant", "Norte, The End of History", "Stranger by the Lake", "The Hunt", "Rush, Filth", "What Richard Did", "We Steal Secrets: The Story Of Wikileaks", "The Impossible", "Caesar Must Die", "Wrong", "All is Lost"

Last Years Top Ten

10. Cloud Atlas

09. Upstream Color

08. Jodorowsky's Dune

07. Zero Dark Thirty

06. Frances Ha

05. Short Term 12

04. The Act of Killing

03. Much Ado About Nothing

02. In a World...

01. Gravity

My Films of the Year 2013

Looking back on 2013, it was a year of underwhelming blockbusters, ambitious follies, strong female led dramas, a return to black and white, great smaller independent films and fascinating documentaries. 

Below I've selected my ten favourite films of the year, not necessarily what might be considered the "best" films of the year. I've tried to make my selections based purely on my own personal enjoyment or the emotional impact they had on me, but I hope you'll enjoy watching them too. As always, any feedback is, of course, welcome! 

(Disclaimer! - U.S. films of the year lists may include "American Hustle", "12 Years a Slave", "Her" and "Inside LLewyn Davis". However none of these were released in the UK in 2013, so aren't featured on this list. Also with so many films coming out towards the end of the year, there's a few I missed over the festive period that I preferably would have seen before writing my list. These films included "All is Lost" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" amongst others)

10. Cloud Atlas

Finding a film to finish off my list proved difficult, with many options on a fairly level pegging, but I've gone for "Cloud Atlas" for its incredible ambition. 

The Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer's adaptation of David Mitchell's sprawling novel (which I'm afraid I've yet to read) works incredibly well considering it has to weave back and forth between multiple storylines and characters spanning over hundreds of years. It's visually striking throughout, which you'd expect from this directorial team-up, but I wasn't expecting it to provoke such a strong emotional response from me (I may have shed a tear or two at times). A lot of credit it for this must go to the actors, but I feel the real star is the score, which pulls at the heart strings and binds the often disparate narratives together (as it should, being central to many of the individual storylines within the film).

But let's deal with the elephant in the room. The makeup is pretty ridiculous and your enjoyment of the movie hinges purely on being able to get over this. I struggled for quite some time with the myriad makeovers involved in allowing the central actors to portray so many different characters throughout time. However, I eventually I came to accept this and really enjoyed the film so my advice is to give it a chance.

9. Upstream Color

"Upstream Color" represents the triumphant return of director Shane Carruth, nine years after the release of his critically acclaimed time travel procedural, "Primer".  Rather surprisingly, "Upstream Color" eschews the scientific pragmatism of "Primer" and finds itself somewhere more spiritual, like a Terence Malick directed sci-fi romance.

The opening of the film is extremely unsettling, scary in a "Synedoche New York" kind of way, as a series of mysterious experiments ruin the life of a young woman. This opening section is one of the best of the year, beautifully shot and brilliantly engaging as we're drawn into the mystery. We then witness the woman attempting to piece her life back together, developing an unorthodox romance with a fellow victim whilst striving to find some reason for their ordeal.

I loved the first half of "Upstream Color" and it seemed to be hurtling up my favourite films list, however I found the last third of the film a little unsatisfying. Caruth's "Primer" prided itself on its detailed look at time travel, but "Upstream Color", with its more elusive Malick-like approach, leaves the exact details hanging in the air. This would usually appeal to me, but I don't think it quite works here. Despite this, I actually prefer Caruth's sophomore effort to "Primer" finding it far more emotive and aesthetically developed. 

As a final note, my other main criticism, I imagine, is quite personal. A large amount of the second half of the film requires you to be very emotionally attached to a group of pigs, which while mostly effective, can also come across as unintentionally amusing...  

8. Jodorowsky's Dune

A documentary detailing Alejandro Jodorowsky's ultimately doomed cinematic version of "Dune", this film is an inspiring look at an ambitious and highly creative project, even if the risk averse attitude of the film industry can leave you slightly depressed by the end.

Jodorowsky, the excitable psychedelic director, is a magnetic presence throughout the movie as he details his vision of a film that he claims would have transcended any previous cinematic experience. His narrative is enriched with enlightening interviews and breathtaking artwork, but I'd happily watch the visionary director speak passionately about his work for hours without any further embellishment. His energy seemingly undiminished at 84, it's heartbreaking to see the pain caused by the project's collapse. His hand-picked team of collaborators all individually went on to receive great acclaim, with many central to the success of the original "Alien", so it's easy to see why he felt so let down by its failure to go into full production. 

This is a fascinating look at a lost film of magnificent ambition and bravery, a collaboration of creative minds that intended to show us a completely new universe. We'll sadly never know if it would have reached these heights, or whether the sight of Mick Jagger acting alongside Salvador Dali in a psychadelic sci-fi epic would have been inspired or insane (or, most likely, both).

As a massive fan of Jodorowsky's masterpieces "El Topo" and "The Holy Mountain" this was bound to appeal to me, but I feel anyone with an interest in the film making process or science fiction will enjoy this documentary.

7. Zero Dark Thirty

The curse of the early release date has hit "Zero Dark Thirty" I'm afraid, as back in January I would have placed this far higher. 

I really should have found time for a second viewing in the last few months, as my memories of this procedural thriller that details the hunt for Osama Bin Laden have slipped from my mind as the year has progressed. However, I recall being highly impressed by Kathryn Bigelow's film's balanced storytelling and lack of sentimentality. I never found it promoted or justified torture as the media furore around the time of its release claimed, it purely aimed to detail how their objective was achieved as closely to the truth as possible (whilst allowing freedom for creative license). 

"Zero Dark Thirty" is essentially the opposite of a Michael Bay action film; smart, detailed and restrained. Rousing, jingoistic patriotism is for the most part absent and in its place we are shown patriotism through the dedication of the many intelligence agents striving to bring Bin Laden to some kind of justice. To Director Bigelow's credit, the film maintains a tense tone throughout the investigation, culminating in an action-packed final siege that is both exciting yet easy to follow (a rarity in post Bourne-action films).

Bigelow's storytelling is matched by a great cast and an inspired choice of leading lady. Jessica Chastain is superb in the central role, utterly believable throughout, offering a determined yet relatable performance (without the need for fluffy back story). The rest of the cast are also excellent, with Jason Clarke in particular providing a nuanced performance in some challenging scenes. 

6. Frances Ha

Noah Baumbach co-writes and directs this black and white "dramedy", which along with its New York setting, inevitably has a touch of classic Woody Allen about it. This film is no throwback, however, and brings verve and life to the perennial problems of balancing career ambitions, friendships and relationships. 

The ridiculously lovable Greta Gerwig is key to the film and dominates the movie with her clumsy charm.  She co-writes with the director and plays the titular Frances, a failing dancer facing multiple crossroads in both her personal and professional lives. We watch her as she endeavours to find her place in the adult world through a series of funny, often embarrassing, set pieces that capture small, yet defining moments in her life. 

"Frances Ha" will strike a nerve with anyone who finds themselves in their late 20's with their lives not quite going to plan. It encapsulates perfectly that feeling of being left behind as friends and colleagues mature and move onwards and upwards. In Frances' case, this is predominantly illustrated through her relationship with her flatmate Sophie, whose flourishing publishing career and increasingly serious relationship with her boyfriend, sets her at odds with Frances' laid back, student-like lifestyle. How this shift in status quo affects their friendship and other relationships is key to what makes this such a fun but engrossing watch. 



5. Short Term 12

Director Destin Cretton has crafted a great all rounder in "Short Term 12". Funny, dramatic and emotional, his assured direction and great cast create an immersive story that makes you feel part of their world.

Drawing on his past experience working in a foster care home, Cretton builds a narrative that explores the problems of both the young people and the staff to which their care is entrusted. He handles his young cast incredibly well, with all the young actors giving honest and touching performances, particularly Keith Stanfield and Kaitlyn Dever as two of the most troubled youths.

Despite the strength of the youngsters' stories, the main narrative thrust comes through the character exploration of the troubled supervising carer, Grace, played with great subtlety and talent by Brie Larsson. Her performance slips easily from assured charm to wild fury, remaining completely captivating throughout. To be honest, I find it baffling that she's not already a much bigger star. This surely must be the film to lead her to stardom.

Much the same can be said of the actor who delivers my favourite performance of the film. Playing Grace's co-worker and boyfriend, John Gallagher Jr. is funny and effortlessly likeable, in a way that reminds me of a young Paul Rudd. The chemistry between these two actors is the key ingredient in making this touching film so effective. It's a cliché, but this is truly the kind of film that will make you laugh and cry.

4. The Act of Killing

A film oddity that packs an emotional punch, "The Act of Killing" is one of the strangest and most unsettling cinematic experiences of the year. Director Joshua Oppenheimer has found a truly unique way of bringing attention to the horrific acts of death squads operating on the behalf of the Indonesian military after a military coup back in 1965.

It is thought that they killed more than a million alleged communists, ethnic Chinese and intellectuals in under a year, yet they are treated like heroes. They have been allowed to write their own history, justifying the need for their atrocities, with no need for regret. Oppenheimer plays on the vanity of these former death squad leaders, or "gangsters" as they call themselves, to cleverly force them into confronting the horror of their actions.

Using their love of American cinema against them, he convinces former death squad leaders to recreate their 1965 killings for prosperity. Buoyed by the possibility of forever capturing their achievements through the medium they love, they enthusiastically throw themselves into creating cinematic versions of their past deeds, including "comedy" drag queen scenes and musical numbers to lighten the tone.

At first, they seem completely unaware of how atrocious their actions were, giddily dancing and singing on the site of a mass killing, but slowly, as they reenact more and more of the blood shed, now crucially also having to play the role of victims to create the scenes, doubts start to creep in. This progression is incredibly powerful, bringing some catharsis to the viewer for sitting through the long uncomfortable minutes that precede it. 

Full of bizarre visuals, twisted morality and enlightening interviews, this is a true one off that has to be seen.   

3. Much Ado About Nothing

For many years I argued that Shakespeare is nearly always best left to live theatrical productions. Although there are rare successes (and admittedly some stories like "Romeo and Juliet" sit very easily in the film world), few translate well to the big screen, especially when updated to a more modern era. Coriolanus tried gainfully a few years ago, but failed, in my opinion, despite director Ralph Fiennes' brilliant performance. So it takes a special film to make Shakespeare work on the big screen for me and Joss Whedon has managed just that here. 

His "Much Ado About Nothing" has an effortless quality that makes it a delight to watch. Filmed in just 12 days in black and white at his home in Santa Monica, L.A, he brings us the classic love story through a group of partying 1950's socialites without any tonal jarring. The narrative moves briskly and is always easy to follow, mainly due to a fantastic cast whose excellence elevates the film.

They manage to make light of the bard's antiquated language, speaking the lines as if it came as naturally as breathing. This is the key for me, as one of the major problems for me when watching Shakespeare is often that the too obvious enthusiasm of the actors involved detracts from the narrative. There seems an extra glint in their eyes, a roll of the tongue when delivering lines and the constant hint of a smile that comes from performing Shakespeare, almost like they're enjoying it too much. This is not to be found here, with the actors using a light natural delivery that carries the story forward with ease, with characters in natural conversation. 

The whole cast is excellent, with special mention going to the charming Alexis Denisof, hilarious Nathan Fillion, stoic Agent Coulson Clark Gregg and newcomer Jillian Morgese, who Whedon discovered as an extra whilst filming "The Avengers". Amy Acker as Beatrice is the stand-out star for me though, whose sharp delivery and quick wit entertain throughout.

From TV action adventure, to superhero blockbusters, to black and white low budget Shakespeare adaptations, Whedon has proved he is the king of the ensemble cast.

2. In a World...

At number two we find a small, but perfectly formed movie. Lake Bell's directorial debut left me with a smile on my face throughout, with her oddball cast of characters bringing consistent laughs in a film overflowing with charm.
It might seem odd to have an offbeat comedy in such a lofty position when I've placed heavy-hitters like "The Act of Killing" lower on the list, but it's so enjoyable I had to give it its due. 

"In a World..." opens with an ode to the titular line, as it heralds the beginning of countless movie trailers. However, we soon learn that the voice behind these lines has passed away and a brand new voice will be needed... 

Bell writes, directs and stars in a "dramedy" that shines a light on this little explored aspect of the film making process. Bell plays a struggling voice-over artist striving to make a big breakthrough in a male dominated industry. Her father, himself a legendary voice-over artist, is dismissive of her ambitions and instead throws his considerable weight behind his protege, played with a smug arrogance that only Ken Marino can bring.

This relatively straightforward premise is enriched with family drama, heartbreak, gender politics and some genuinely touching moments. Bell directs her script with great pacing and comedy timing, making the most of her fantastic cast who are note perfect throughout. In the central role, Bell leads the charge with a performance of awkward charm that eschews vanity to make the most of her brilliant physical comedy. With this great cast chemistry, the laugh count is higher you might expect and I doubt you'll find a more rounded comedy this year.

"In a World..." is an excellent showreel for Lake Bell's talents as a writer, director and performer and I eagerly await her future work.

(It also has some great little cameos, so look out for them.) 



1. Gravity

In the opening of the film we are told "Life in space is impossible" and we soon find out why in this cinematic force of nature conjured by director Alfonso Cuaron ("Children of Men"). 

I had to go for Gravity as my number one, as no other film this year, or any recent year, has kept me so immersed and on the edge of my seat. I remained tense and engaged throughout, overwhelmed by the intense visuals and score. This is a film made to be seen on the big screen, even justifying the use of 3D as part of the immersion. This is the closest most of us will come to being in outer space, and after seeing this, probably the closest we'd want to be.

Gravity encapsulates the intense and harsh cruelty of space, using it like a horror movie uses an unstoppable serial killer. Although the beleaguered astronauts find moments of solace and calm, you know it's only a matter of time before gravity draws back the barrage of lethal space debris to torture them again. The score echoes this horror-film-like quality, with long sections of quiet, building menacingly as it slowly ratchets up the tension until it reaches full blown audio mayhem for the action set pieces. Subtle it's not, but it's certainly effective in spreading dread amongst the audience.

The film is also incredibly beautiful from beginning to end, with memorable images strewn throughout its running time, notably the air lock womb scene (you'll know it when you see it, it lingers a little too long just to make sure you've got the idea).

Like most films though, it does have its faults. As I hinted above, it sometimes lays the symbolic imagery on a bit thick and I'm not a fan of the fake-out scene, which jarred terribly with me. Many also point to its scientific inaccuracies, which if the film gave you time to think about them (which I don't feel it does), are pretty glaring. However, the main criticism has to be aimed at the dialogue, which it has to be said, can be pretty terrible. Clunky back stories are developed over the characters' radios, that in all honesty weren't really necessary and could have derailed many films.

Thankfully Cuaron has selected the perfect antidote through his casting of George Clooney and, more surprisingly, Sandra Bullock. Clooney's warm soothing voice could sell nearly any script and Bullock's tough portrayal of Doctor Ryan Stone makes you believe in her slightly contrived back story. With a cast this small you have to get the right actors and Bullock's selection as a grieving, emotionally detached mother is pretty perfect. She seems the perfect age to play this character too, all of the actresses linked with the role before she claimed it (Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, even Angelina Jolie) would not have conveyed the required experience to play an astronaut as well as her. There's also an unexpected muscular physicality that she brings to the role.

Alfonso Cuaron has created something unique with "Gravity". It's simultaneously a small personal story, a tense thriller, a monster-less horror movie, an inspirational survival story and a big action packed Hollywood blockbuster. It's a film that's been seven years in the making, with Cuaron having to wait for technology to catch up with his vision so he could fully implement his project. Looking at the results, it was worth the wait. 

I'd like to add one caveat. I imagine the power of "Gravity" will be much diminished when screened at home, as the film is almost like a ride or experience. It'll be interesting to see how effective it is without the bombast of the cinema, but I would hope it will still hold up. 

Worthy Mentions

Not quite on the main list...

Alpha Papa - This is how to translate a TV sitcom to film; don't stray too far from what made the original show so great. It felt like a long episode of "I'm Alan Partridge" and was all the better for it.
Stories We Tell - Sarah Polley investigates hidden family secrets 

Django Unchained - I love westerns and this an ambitious and entertaining entry, but I'm still struggling with the jarring tonal glitches Tarantino has insisted on since the Kill Bills. 
Star Trek Into Darkness - It may not have made a lot of sense, but its great cast and brisk pace made this one of the most enjoyable films of the year.
Despicable Me 2 - Consistently funny whilst maintaining a lot of heart, 
Captain Phillips - Incredibly high on tension, my only complaint is a lack of character development to really make me feel for those involved. Still pretty great though.
Robot and Frank - It was on last year's list, but maybe should have been counted as a 2013 film as I saw it at a preview.
The Double - I was impressed by Richard Ayoade's follow up to "Submarine" when I saw a preview screening at Brighton's CINECITY film festival, however, it's official release date isn't until well into next year, so I've excluded it from this year's list.

Worth a Watch

Films worth a look -

Pacific Rim, This is the End, Behind the Candelabra, Before Midnight, Stoker, Les Miserables, Thor: The Dark World, The Great Beauty, Philomena, Blue Jasmine, A Field in England, Nebraska, About Time

Disappointments

Man of Steel - Not my vision of Superman, too brutal and angsty. The collateral damage and murdering did not sit well with me. On the plus side, great casting and I liked the updated costume.
Only God Forgives - Nicolas Winding Refn teams up with Ryan Gosling again, but unlike Drive, the style completely overwhelms the substance. 
World War Z - A disappointing adaptation. It jettisons everything that makes the book so great.
The World's End - It get's going about half way through, but doesn't reach the heights of the previous Cornetto films.
Iron Man 3 - Entertaining, but my problem with the film was.... IT MADE NO SENSE.
Like Someone in Love - For such an acclaimed director as Kiarostami, this felt quite minor.
Trance -  Probably the best opening twenty minutes of the year, but the pace is soon lost in the messy plot.
The Place Beyond the Pines - I really enjoyed the initial section involving Gosling's stunt motorcyclist, but its ambition to span through generations of the family involved caused the film to become over-long and lose its early momentum.
To The Wonder - A  tiresome self-parody by Malick. 
Lincoln - Too long for its own good, I also felt part of the film was missing. The soldiers introduced in the opening scenes would have been a fantastic way of showing how Lincoln's stubbornness, whilst justified, lead to more deaths through the extension of the war.

Probably Not Worth a Watch

World War Z
Gangster Squad

The ones that got away...
In an ideal world, I would have seen these too -

Monsters University, Evil Dead, G.I Joe Retaliation, Fast and Furious 6, The Purge, Mud, Europa Report, Pain and Gain, The Bling Ring, No, Beyond the Hills, Good Vibrations, Spring Breakers, 
A Touch of Sin, The Selfish Giant, Norte, The End of History, Stranger by the Lake, The Hunt, Rush, Filth, What Richard Did, We Steal Secrets: The Story Of Wikileaks, The Impossible, Caesar Must Die, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Great Gatsby, Wrong, All is Lost

Hope you enjoyed reading my breakdown, Happy New Year!

2012 Update
The ones I caught up with that I missed last year...

Safety Not Guaranteed, Lawless, Compliance, Berberian Sound Studio, Once Upon a Time in Anatolia, Silver Linings Playbook, Damsels in Distress, Ruby Sparks

The ones I didn't...

Sinister, Anna Karenina, The Campaign,  Resident Evil: Retribution, Iron Sky, Frankenweenie, Ill Manors, "I, Anna", Wrong, This is Not a Film, The Imposter, Bernie, The Kid with a Bike, Margin Call,  Rise of the Guardians

The ones I didn't see despite owning the DVD or being able to to stream them (so I'll hopefully watch them soon)...
Sound of My Voice, Your Sister's Sister, Alps, Haywire, Monsieur Lazhar, The Bourne Legacy and The Hunt.

Last Years Top Eleven

12. Life of Pi

11. Amour

10. Room 237

09. The Raid

08. Seven Psychopaths

07. Killing Them Softly

06. Martha Marcy May Marlene

05. 21 Jump Street

04. Robot and Frank

03. Moonrise Kingdom

02. The Master

01. Avenger Assemble