“Rush” took moviegoers on a dramatic joyride that focuses on a legendary Formula One rivalry. (Poster property of Universal, Exclusive Media & Revolution Films)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Jake’s Take continues its celebration of the best of 2013 with a look in the best of cinema.
Here are 12 of the most memorable comedies, dramas and action films of the year:
12. Rush
Ron Howard’s Rush speeds into our countdown at the number 12 spot. Moviegoers were left on the edge of seats as the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda brewed over the Silver Screen.
11. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
Peter Jackson’s fifth Lord of the Rings films showed how one lone Hobbit helped a group of dwarves return home to face a monstrous dragon. Meanwhile, Gandalf the Grey dealt with the return of Sauron to Middle Earth.
“We’re The Millers” left everyone in stitches. (Poster property of Warner Bros. & New Line Cinema)
10. We’re the Millers
David Clark (Kansas City native Jason Sudeikis) teamed up with Rose (Jennifer Aniston), Casey (Emma Roberts) and Kenny (Will Poulter) smuggle marijuana from Mexico and into the United States. Despite their constant bickering, their hysterical adventure transformed them into a family.
9. Iron Man 3
Robert Downey, Jr. wore the Iron Man armor for one final solo adventure as he took on the forces of the Mandarin, while dealing with the Avengers’ aftermath. According to Box Office Mojo, this film is the highest-grossing film of the year!
8. The Heat
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCartney made audiences laugh out loud this past summer with their hysterical antics!
Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi squared off in a duel of ideals in “Captain Phillips” (Poster property of Michael De Luca Productions,
Scott Rudin Productions,
Trigger Street Productions & Columbia Pictures)
7. Captain Phillips
Captain Phillips was one of the most intense films of 2013! Both Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi delivered impeccable performances as the titular role and Abduwali Muse respectively and were nominated for Golden Globes.
6. Blue Jasmine
Cate Blanchett delivered a tour-de-force performance as a New York socialite that flew from grace in Woody Allen’s dramedy set in San Francisco.
5. 42
2013’s best historical sports drama focused on the legacy of Jackie Robinson. Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford’s great student-teacher relationship combined with the brilliant screenplay from director-screenwriter Brian Helgeland made 42 an impeccable ride from start to finish.
With a star-studded cast, a superb screenplay and outstanding directing, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” is strong contender to dominate the 2013 award season. (Poster property of The Weinstein Company, Windy Hill Productions & Laura Ziskin Productions)
4. Lee Daniels’ The Butler
Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey’s Cecil and Gloria Gaines sat in the heart of this two-hour and 12-minute production that showcased Mr. Gaines’ multi-decade tenure as a White House butler.
3. Gravity
Audiences held their breath as they watched Sandra Bullock’s Dr. Ryan Stone’s attempts to escape the perils of space and head back to Earth. Bullock’s performance, the Cuarons’ screenplay and Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography made this film a frontrunner for the 2014 Academy Awards.
2. American Hustle
Director David O. Russell transported audiences to the late 1970s and early 1980s where con-artists Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are forced by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to take down corrupt politicians. Adams and Jennifer Lawrence deliver career performances as Rosenfield’s lover and his psycho wife, Rosalyn, respectfully.
“Saving Mr. Banks” showcased how Mickey’s creator was able to convince “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers to bring her character to life. (Poster property of Walt Disney Pictures & BBC Films)
1. Saving Mr. Banks
From the first few notes of “Chim Chim Cher-ee” to the final moments of the film, Saving Mr. Banks will captivate multiple generations into the inside story of how Mary Poppins was brought to life. Emma Thompson owned her role as Mary’s bitter author while Tom Hanks excellently portrayed Mickey Mouse’s creator. I hope that this film gets some Oscars because it was the best film of 2013!
