Top 12 Movies of Summer 2013
This has been an amazing summer for movies, but also has been a big bust. There's several films I haven't seen yet (most of them being the animated ones because I refuse to go to a theater for a kids' film with a bunch of screaming kids around), so I only got to see twelve films this summer, so I've ranked them from the worst to the best.
See if you agree...
#12: White House Down
Roland Emmerich once again gave an explosive, way-too-long epic about an attack on the White House. Not even the chemistry between Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx could save this blunder of a film, perhaps it would've been better if it wasn't released only months after another (and better) White House abduction film, "Olympus Has Fallen."
#11: The Great Gatsby
An excellent source material, some excellent actors, but unfortunately all of that was overshadowed by way over-the-top effects and highly elaborate set pieces which should've accentuated the main story, but instead they became it.
#10: The World's End
Not everyone's particular style, and I prefer "Shaun of the Dead" over this. The storyline didn't make a lick of sense, but it was pretty darn funny.
#9: Elysium
Neill Blomkamp's second outing as director wasn't as successful as "District 9," even with the inclusion of Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. There didn't seem to be a whole story there, and Foster's character was highly underdeveloped and underused.
#8: The Conjuring
One of the best horror films I've seen in years, a great blend of scary atmosphere, great cast chemistry, and an utterly terrifying tale slow-burned throughout to keep the suspense coming.
#7: Man of Steel
Either you love it or you hate it, for me I loved it because I never really cared for Superman as a character, but this film helped me gain a little bit of respect for him. Great effects, super-sized fighting, but lacking in characterization (especially with Amy Adams, who was completely undervalued here).
#6: Iron Man 3
A lot better than the second, but nowhere near as good as the first. The majority of the film was great, until the ending and some of the twists that were revealed came from left field and severely damaged the authenticity of the first act.
#5: Star Trek Into Darkness
I was never a Trekkie growing up, and the first I ever saw of any Star Trek was the JJ Abrams reboot years before. While "Into Darkness" wasn't as good as the film preceding it, it was a great addition to the franchise.
#4: Now You See Me
A spectacular spectacle of magical wonder, if only it delved into the characters of the magicians more, but otherwise it was a great film from start to finish which left you guessing and longing for more.
#3: Fast & Furious 6
Who would've thought that a small film about underground racing in 2001 would result in a multi-billion dollar franchise that's still revving audiences twelve years later...not only that, but also give a great story and amazing action to boot? The addition of Dwayne Johnson re-ignited this series, which resulted in another great addition.
#2: Pacific Rim
It's a shame more people in America didn't appreciate this gem, but its understandable because it wasn't really made for them. Stories about monsters and giant robots meet a small group of people, and it really met my needs, filled with awe-inspiring visuals and crazy over-the-top fighting, it never lets go from start to finish.
#1: World War Z
Zombies...Brad Pitt...Zombies...Zombies. I love zombies. Sure, the first half with the literal sea of zombies was a little irritating, but it gave way to a spectacular second half which transforms the scene from hordes of undead to only about 20-30 in a small, claustrophobic-enducing scenario really drove home the intensity and sheer terror of the ordeal. If only it were rated R.
So there's the list, stay tuned for the end of the year list, and find out which of these movies will make that list as well!
See if you agree...
#12: White House Down
Roland Emmerich once again gave an explosive, way-too-long epic about an attack on the White House. Not even the chemistry between Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx could save this blunder of a film, perhaps it would've been better if it wasn't released only months after another (and better) White House abduction film, "Olympus Has Fallen."
#11: The Great Gatsby
An excellent source material, some excellent actors, but unfortunately all of that was overshadowed by way over-the-top effects and highly elaborate set pieces which should've accentuated the main story, but instead they became it.
#10: The World's End
Not everyone's particular style, and I prefer "Shaun of the Dead" over this. The storyline didn't make a lick of sense, but it was pretty darn funny.
#9: Elysium
Neill Blomkamp's second outing as director wasn't as successful as "District 9," even with the inclusion of Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. There didn't seem to be a whole story there, and Foster's character was highly underdeveloped and underused.
#8: The Conjuring
One of the best horror films I've seen in years, a great blend of scary atmosphere, great cast chemistry, and an utterly terrifying tale slow-burned throughout to keep the suspense coming.
#7: Man of Steel
Either you love it or you hate it, for me I loved it because I never really cared for Superman as a character, but this film helped me gain a little bit of respect for him. Great effects, super-sized fighting, but lacking in characterization (especially with Amy Adams, who was completely undervalued here).
#6: Iron Man 3
A lot better than the second, but nowhere near as good as the first. The majority of the film was great, until the ending and some of the twists that were revealed came from left field and severely damaged the authenticity of the first act.
#5: Star Trek Into Darkness
I was never a Trekkie growing up, and the first I ever saw of any Star Trek was the JJ Abrams reboot years before. While "Into Darkness" wasn't as good as the film preceding it, it was a great addition to the franchise.
#4: Now You See Me
A spectacular spectacle of magical wonder, if only it delved into the characters of the magicians more, but otherwise it was a great film from start to finish which left you guessing and longing for more.
#3: Fast & Furious 6
Who would've thought that a small film about underground racing in 2001 would result in a multi-billion dollar franchise that's still revving audiences twelve years later...not only that, but also give a great story and amazing action to boot? The addition of Dwayne Johnson re-ignited this series, which resulted in another great addition.
#2: Pacific Rim
It's a shame more people in America didn't appreciate this gem, but its understandable because it wasn't really made for them. Stories about monsters and giant robots meet a small group of people, and it really met my needs, filled with awe-inspiring visuals and crazy over-the-top fighting, it never lets go from start to finish.
#1: World War Z
Zombies...Brad Pitt...Zombies...Zombies. I love zombies. Sure, the first half with the literal sea of zombies was a little irritating, but it gave way to a spectacular second half which transforms the scene from hordes of undead to only about 20-30 in a small, claustrophobic-enducing scenario really drove home the intensity and sheer terror of the ordeal. If only it were rated R.
So there's the list, stay tuned for the end of the year list, and find out which of these movies will make that list as well!
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