Top 10 Films of 2013

All in all, 2013 was a pretty good year for film. I was able to expand my film tastes significantly, but that doesn't mean I'm not impartial to a blockbuster. I got excited for many a film this year, and more often than not, the movie delivered. I wasn't always impressed, but when I was, I truly was. There's so much I liked that it pained me to keep certain films off the list. I wanted to celebrate this year as much as possible, but ultimately, I have to keep it to the top 10. After the jump, you will find my top 10, alongside honorable mentions. This was quite a year. Let's hope 2014 can be just as good.

Movie Review: Her

Movie Review: Her

Rated R
120 minutes
Directed by Spike Jonze

Before I begin, I guess I should say that I had my top 10 list (coming tomorrow) pretty much figured out before seeing this. There were 1 or 2 slots that had kinks, but all in all, it was pretty well figured out. Now, since I've seen Her, which, by the way, makes for a very awkward experience with one or more members of family, I had much more of a difficult time. Spike Jonze ruined everything. Again. 

Final 2014 Oscar Nomination Predictions

I'm going to be quick, though not as quick as the Golden Globe winner predictions (I scored 7/14... yeesh) I will provide analysis for Best Picture only, because I have nothing to say about the other categories. I have safe bets, I have big risks, and all that good stuff. So when you're sitting on your couch at 5:30 PST in the morning, remember these. These are major categories only, because I'm too much of a wuss to predict below-the-line categories. Best Picture has 10 films, because I don't predict cut-off points. They're just the 10 most likely.

2014 Golden Globe Predictions

I'm going to keep this short, but I have here my predictions for the 2014 Golden Globes, excluding TV. There are big risks, there are small gambles, and that's about it. Now sit back, and see the predictions. If you don't, I'll eat your heart, like Butch did in The Lone Ranger (which is underrated). Exempt are what I think should win, as I have not seen all the nominees, and calling one better than the rest without seeing all of them would be unfair.

Movie Review: Desolation of Smaug

Movie Review: Desolation of Smaug

Rated PG-13

161 minutes

Directed by Peter Jackson

Before the review, let me give you my state of mind regarding the Middle Earth franchises. The LOTR trilogy was so epic. It explored character, it had great action, and they felt like events. They got me pumped for An Unexpected Journey. But when An Unexpected Journey came out, I was severely disappointed. It was over-drawn, and boring. Case in point, there was a montage with the dwarves and Bilbo walking. I was bummed, and not really looking forward to this one. But then, the trailer for Desolation of Smaug came out, and I got excited again. I saw An Unexpected Journey again, and while I still didn't like it, I found it to be far, far better. Knowing that Desolation was going to be much more action-packed, I was pumped. I was expecting a B-. And then I saw the movie...

Movie Review: Inside Llewyn Davis

Movie Review: Inside Llewyn Davis

Rated R

105 minutes

Directed by The Coen Brothers

Inside Llewyn Davis was a contender for the first R-rated film that I'd see in theaters. While it obviously was Nebraska, that doesn't make the tale of Llewyn Davis any less special to me. Folk songs tend to not work for me, so while I was greatly anticipating this film, I had somewhat lower expectations for this one than, say, Saving Mr. Banks or Nebraska. But for 105 minutes, Inside Llewyn Davis made me truly love folk music. I saw this on Monday. Since then, I've listened to the soundtrack 3 times now. That's how much of an impact this movie had on me.

Movie Review: Saving Mr. Banks

Movie Review: Saving Mr. Banks

Rated PG-13

126 minutes

Directed by John Lee Hancock

Flashbacks. They are so delicate. Do them correctly, and your film could be seen as a masterpiece. Do them poorly, and your film is terribly handled, jumping back and forth between flashbacks and current day. Of course, it's no secret that Saving Mr. Banks has flashbacks. The question is, did they make or break the movie?

New Series Midterms: Part 1

Note: CW shows are excluded. I didn't watch their pilots, because I didn't have enough time, and it's by far the lowest rated network of the big 5. 

Sunday Shows:

Betrayal

Did I like the show's Pilot? 

No.

Did I continue to watch?

No.