10. Trance - Danny Boyle's latest film is a great mindf**k. Being one of the most diverse filmmakers out there, I never know what he's going to create.
9. - La vie d'Adèle/Blue is the Warmest Color - This film could have been a masterpiece with a spot within my top 3. However, it has huge issues (which I shouldn't get into here) that prevents it from reaching full potential.
8. Frozen - We all love Disney. At first I didn't think this was as good as Tangled, mainly because I hated how they made Hans a villain. When that happened I just groaned. I wish they just made him a friend character, who just wasn't right for her. Imagine a Disney film with no villain, that would be so cool. It also annoyed me that the good old 'dead parents' clichè is still around. Tangled handled that better too. However, a couple of days later I found myself singing the songs. What can I say.....'reindeers are better than people'
7. Captain Phillips - Paul Greengrass does films based on real events really well. In this one, Tom Hanks gives another fantastic performace, and ex limo driver turned somalian actor Barkhad Abdi turns in an amazing first role. The breakdown scene at the end is unbelievable, I love Hanx.
6. Prisoners - All star cast, excellent story about kidnapping, I loved it. Before this I hated Hugh Jackman, now I can't really say that. He's growing on me. In fact I think he should have gotten an oscar nom for it, yet it doesn't look like it's going to happen.
5. Rush - Ron Howard is among my favorite directors and his latest flick is great. Daniel Bruhl's performance is one of the best this year and he is my pick for best supporting actor. I feel Jared Leto will probably get it, but Leto did win the golden globe, so I do have some hope for it.
4. Her - Such an amazing film! For a while I considered putting this as my number one this year, but it ended 4th. Joaquin Phoenix should have won best actor last year, so it would be fun if he was nominated again. He wouldn't win though. Chiwetel Ejiofor gets best actor this year.
3. The Hobbit: The Desolacion of Smaug - AUJ was probably my most anticipated film ever, and though it didn't make my top 3 last year, I am so glad part II did. An improvement in all areas that were lacking. I loved the new characters, Smaug is the best cinema dragon so far and the way they portrayed Sauron was brilliant. The Kili/Tauriel romance got to me, the black arrows were better than the book and during the barrel scene I was all smiles.
2. Wolf Children - Japanese animated film. For more information on this and why I chose a largely unknown movie for my 2nd spot, check out my review of it on the media forums.
1. 12 Years a Slave - At this point, I feel we have had enough of these movies. However, this is probably the best such film we have. Excellent performances all around, and director Steve McQueen shows he has skills. One day he might be remembered more than his namesake: actor Steve McQueen. As I said, unless Ejiofor doesn't win best actor, I will attack random people with sticks.
Alright, spots number 10 and 9 are probable place holders, as there are a couple of films I haven't seen which will definately end up in my top 10.
They are:
Inside Llewyn Davies - One of my most anticipated films of last year, it doesn't show up in Norway until february. That sucks.
Gravity - I can see this now if I wanted to, but since I actually missed this in the theater I'll wait for the BR and watch it on a projector.
American Hustle - This doesn't strike me much, but it sure is getting lots of love. We'll see.
The Wind Rises - Miyazaki's supposed last film. Can't wait to see it.
The Wolf of Wall Street - I hate Marty Scorsese. I don't know why I put this here. I guess my love for Leo and the fact that I like Jonah Hill is enough. But it doesn't look like the masterpiece people are saying.
Alright, you guys got any favorites this year? You can just list em off, not going so much in depth. I might just be too into films at this point.
