Raptures Lost’s Top 10 Movies Of 2013

2013 gave us some great movies that will be remembered for many years to come but when it comes down to it, what were the best films of the past year? This turned out to be quite a tough question to answer with 4 movies missing the cut and making up my ‘honourable mentions’ section at the bottom of the page. Without going into much detail on the plotlines of each entry I’m just going to briefly give my thoughts on what I liked about each movie, Enjoy!

Number 10 – The World’s End

If you enjoyed ‘Shaun Of The Dead’ & ‘Hot Fuzz’ then you’ll certainly enjoy the final entry into the ‘Cornetto Trilogy’. The World’s end does a great job of mixing together sci-fi and comedy with Simon Pegg in particular holding nothing back in what is a fantastic performance. The film is packed full of some very funny scenes and one liners that are delivered well by the excellent cast. I do hope this isn’t the last Pegg, Frost & Wright collaboration because this is arguably their best yet and there really isn’t anything like them.

Number 09 – Kick Ass 2

I’m a huge fan of the original ‘Kick Ass’ but went into this one not really knowing what to expect; thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. Christopher Mintz-Plasse stole the show as the notorious Motherfucker unrelenting in his efforts at revenge which were hilariously pathetic and effective all at once. His ability to execute each scene with comical bravado enabled him to surpass his fellow cast members in terms of performances. Enjoyable side characters such as Colonel Stars and stripes, battle-guy, Dr Gravity and the unforgettable Mother Russia keep us amused throughout the movie with sharp one liners and humorous stories. In my opinion Kick Ass 2 continues what was great about the original; it progresses the characters nicely and doesn’t become too unrealistic, sticking to the real world theme and there are some very dark moments that reinforce this.

Number 08 – The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby’s usage of CGI is excessive, but it’s one of those rare occasions of the more the merrier, it is beautiful and breath-taking. The actor’s portrayals of each character are excellent and fitting, particularly Leonardo Di Caprio who steals the show as usual. The Usage of new era music was fantastic and fitted almost perfectly. I really enjoyed the 1920s style of The Great Gatsby and found the story to be highly interesting and gripping throughout. Not only that but it’s certainly one of the finest 3D movies I’ve ever seen especially because of how effectively its used.

Number 07 – Man Of Steel

I’m fully aware that amongst the internet there seems to be something of a love, hate relationship with Man Of Steel. Many of the people who dislike this movie are huge fans of the original Superman films starring Christopher Reeve and feel as if Man Of Steel completely lost what those movies once were. Personally, I loved this movie and found it to be the perfect introduction into the characters and storyline of which I didn’t actually know that much about prior to seeing it. The action sequences are relentless and spectacular. I also really enjoyed Henry Cavil’s portrayal of Superman and found this origins story to be dramatic, emotional and satisfyingly face paced.

Number 06 – The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

I really enjoyed this sequel to ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ there are some really awesome action sequences, the story is progressed really well and there are some cool new characters introduced. I saw this in IMAX 3D and it was one hell of a visual feast for the eyes. I do however have a few issues with the usage of CGI which is quite poor at times and most noticeable on the Orcs; go back to practical effects please Peter Jackson. Oh and Smaug, yeah Smaug is pretty damn special.

 Number 05 – The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty

Although this movie hasn’t received the strongest of reviews from the “professional” reviewers you’ll be hard pressed to find many negative things said about it on sites such as IMDB. The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is one of the most beautiful, inspirational movies of the year and it’s helped by its quality acting, amazing cinematography and wonderful soundtrack. Ben stiller Stars and directs here and he’s truly at the top of his game; anyone that says he’s incapable of being a serious actor will be lost for words by the time the credits role. There are some very funny moments throughout the film but they are integrated in a way that makes sense in context with Walters’s intense imagination. This is a film about life and not letting anything get in the way of you experiencing everything it has to offer but it portrays the concept in a very honest, heartfelt way that It will be hard to forget it.

Number 04 – This Is The End

After seeing this in the cinema I was certain that it was one of the funniest movies I had ever seen but initial reactions can be wrong at times. After recently reviewing it on DVD I must say that I can only reconfirm this. If you’re not really a fan of Seth Rogan or Danny McBride or movies like Pineapple Express then it’s likely that this won’t be your cup of tea but I personally loved it. The concept is creative and there are just so many funny moments and one liners that will keep me laughing well past 2013.

Number 03 – Filth

Filth wins the award for most underrated movie of the year with James McAvoy giving the performance of his life as a bipolar, corrupt police officer in Scotland. This is a movie that deserves to be seen but be aware that it will leave you feeling pretty dirty as it holds back on literally nothing. It’s a serious shame that because of its content McAvoy will likely miss out on any major award nominations because I cannot express how amazing he is here.

Number 02 – Oblivion

I seriously love a great Post-apocalyptic/ Sci-Fi movie and that’s exactly what Oblivion is and then some. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of Tom Cruise I cannot recommend this movie enough because of its creative storyline, breath-taking visuals and one of my favourite movie soundtracks ever. People have criticized Oblivion for taking certain plot points from other well-known Sci-Fi movies and putting them all into one but I genuinely think that it’s one of its biggest strengths because of how well it’s executed.

Number 01 – Gravity

If there’s any movie that came close to being perfect this year then it’s Gravity. A truly beautiful, heartfelt story that really makes you think about life and appreciate the little things that are all around us. The acting is really great and the effects are so realistic that it had me questioning whether or not they were… Definitely the most accurate representation of space ever put on film.

Honorable Mentions –

01 – Insidious: Chapter II

02 – About Time

03 – Elysium

04 – Evil Dead