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Top 13 Of 2013's Best Movies

Jillian Baker |
December 23, 2013 | 7:18 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

Henry Cavill as Superman in "Man of Steel" (Warner Bros).
Henry Cavill as Superman in "Man of Steel" (Warner Bros).

It’s definitely been a big year for the movie business. 

As 2013 comes to a close, the time has come for Neon Tommy to announce the 13 Best Movies of 2013. Here they are, in no particular order.

"Man of Steel"

After the flopping installment “Superman Returns” (2006), fans had good reason to be skeptical of another Superman movie. But leave it to producer Christopher Nolan to save the day. 

“Man of Steel” takes a different and darker look into the iconized superhero – similar to that of the “The Dark Knight.” Henry Cavill proves to be a more believable Superman and he’s not too bad to look at either.

READ MORE: The Post Credits Podcast: 'Man Of Steel'

"12 Years a Slave"

This historical film gives a harsh but honest look into the cruel reality of slavery in the United States during the antebellum period. Based on a true story, the film chronicles the struggle of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man who is kidnapped and forced into slavery.  

READ MORE: Film Review: '12 Years A Slave'

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Need we say anymore?! The fiery sequel to the 2012 movie will leave you at the edge of your seats. Do we really have to wait another year for the next installment? Plus, Jennifer Lawrence is the bomb.com! No wonder she was named one of Barbara Walter’s Most Fascinating People of 2013.

READ MORE: Film Review: 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'

"Iron Man 3"

The third time is always the charm. With the hype surrounding both “The Avengers” and the previous Iron Man movies, it’s a no-brainer that Iron Man 3 is 2013’s highest grossing film. Robert Downey Jr. returns as cynical millionaire Tony Stark.  

"Gravity"

Alfonso Cuarón clearly did something right with this fascinating 3-D sci-fi/space drama. The film is nominated for 4 Golden Globe awards including Best Actress for the film’s star, Sandra Bullock.

READ MORE: Film Review: 'Gravity'

"The Heat"

Melissa McCarthy may be one of the funniest comedians on earth. With the help of Sandra Bullock, the duo brings a whole lot of laughs to audiences everywhere in this cop comedy. Shot in Boston, an uptight FBI Special Agent (Bullock) and a crude detective (McCarthy) must join forces to bring down a mobster.

READ MORE: 'The Heat' Movie Poster Promotes Shameful Photoshopping Of Melissa McCarthy

"Fruitvale Station"

In 2009, San Francisco’s BART transit police unjustly murdered 22 year-old, Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), on New Year’s Eve. ”Fruitvale Station” is a powerful and compelling depiction of the last 24 hours of Grant’s life. Written and directed by USC alum Ryan Coogler, the film won both the Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals; however, it was snubbed for Golden Globe and SAG award nominations.

READ MORE: Michael B. Jordan, Hollywood's Next Star

"The Wolf of Wall Street"

Martin Scorsese directs this New York tale of “The Wolf” of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort (Leonardo Dicaprio). The movie chronicles the rise of the wealthy stockbroker. Scorsese masterfully depicts Belfort’s life of excess and illicit activity.

"The Butler"

A movie with Oprah can do no wrong. “The Butler” is a historical fiction drama based off the life of White House butler, Eugene Allen. Forest Whitaker plays Cecil Gaines (the character based off of Allen), an African-American who serves as a White House butler for eight presidents. Gaines witnesses the inception and end of major social movements throughout the 20th century. 

With an all-star cast, including: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, David Oyelowo, Lenny Kravitz, Jane Fonda, James Marsden and Cuba Gooding Jr., this movie grippingly depicts the tumultuous 20th century.

READ MORE: Film Review: 'The Butler'

"Frozen"

Critics are calling “Frozen” the “best Disney film since the Lion King.” This fun, animated flick reminds us of the magic of Disney – great acting, an entrancing storyline, and of course, great music. It’s the perfect movie to bring in the holidays with family, friends and loved ones.

READ MORE: Interview: Filmmakers Jennifer Lee And Chris Buck On 'Frozen'

"This Is the End"

“This Is the End” is definitely not a movie for the whole family, but an adult audience will find the apocalyptic comedy nonsensically amusing. How could a movie with James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel and Danny McBride not be entertaining?

READ MORE: James Franco And Seth Rogen Remake Kanye's 'Bound 2'

"American Hustle"

Scandal, desire, mafia and crime mixed with a star ensemble, including: Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jeremy Renner? "American Hustle" may be the perfect shake-up to end the year.

READ MORE: Film Review: 'American Hustle'

"Fast and Furious 6"

Fast cars, money, awesome fight scenes and a buffed-up Vin Diesel will never get old. “Fast 6” kept our hearts pumping until the final second. 

But the Fast and Furious franchise hasn’t been without tragedy. The untimely death of Paul Walker shook up the cast, his family, and fans alike. However, the successful franchise holds strong – pushing back the release of “Fast and Furious 7” to April 2015.

READ MORE: Celebrities React To Paul Walker's Death

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Baker here.



 

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