Here they are….the top 5 on my year end list. I’ve also noted my runner-ups.
Let’s begin.
5. “Instructions Not Included”
It’s funny to think I almost passed on the opportunity to interview this film’s actor, co-writer and director Eugenio Derbez. I am SO glad I didn’t. Derbez is a huge star in Mexico and this movie is his American debut. I told him during our interview that he would have huge success with “Instructions.” When the movie did open to big numbers at the box office (it has since gone on to become the highest-grossing Spanish-language film to open in North America) Derbez sent me a direct message via Twitter thanking me for the interview and to tell me I was right with my prediction. He is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever interviewed. Can’t wait to see the next project he gives us here in America.
4. “Frozen”
I’m calling it now….this WILL win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. It’s a new spin on the “classic” princess story. Yes, the movie is a musical. It is also Disney delivering what it is good at- entertainment for the entire family. Be warned- you WILL be singing (or humming) the main song “Let It Go” long after leaving the theater.
3. “Nebraska”
Here’s another one I didn’t think would make it to my year end list. When I heard the film was shot entirely in black and white, I thought there was no way I would enjoy seeing it. Was I ever wrong. It’s a quirky story that shows the dysfunction of a family trying to cope with each other. Bruce Dern delivers a solid performance that will get him a Best Oscar nomination. June Squibb also shines in one my favorite roles of 2013 by an actress.
2. “12 Years A Slave”
Wow. Yes, that was my initial reaction after seeing this POWERFUL film. The blunt depiction of slavery in this movie makes it a difficult film to sit through. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even more outstanding. If there is a front-runner for Best Picture, it is this one.
1. “Saving Mr. Banks”
When I heard Disney was planning a full length release detailing the relationship between Walt Disney and “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers, I got very excited. When I heard Tom Hanks was cast to play the role of Disney, I got even more excited. He nailed the role.
Being a Disney fan, I knew some of the back story of Disney’s 20 year effort to produce “Poppins” and the struggles between him and Travers. What I didn’t know was how turbulent it really was. Travers didn’t like Disney and really fought to “protect” her story. Eventually, Disney prevailed and we should be grateful he did. Can you imagine a world without “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?” I can’t.
Runner-ups:
“Dallas Buyers Club”
Another powerful film. Matthew McConaughey is stellar in his role as Ron Woodroof, a freewheeling rodeo cowboy who refuses to accept his diagnosis of being H.I.V. positive. Jared Leto also shines in this movie and will more than likely receive a Best Supporting Actor nomination. He’ll probably win as well.
“Captain Phillips”
I wanted to like this more than I did. Yes, it’s a good film, but I wanted more from this true story of pirates taking control of a ship off the coast of Somalia. Another solid Tom Hanks performance, “Captain Phillips” might be one to see at home rather than forking out the price of admission at your local theater.
Dave Morales is a member of the Houston Film Critics Society
