Movie Review 2013 (Part 1)
February 17, 2014
I mist say, I have always wanted to do a yearly-movie roundup. Originally, I had about 30-odd movies in this post, but as the post has been in my draft section for close to two months now, and had I waited to finish everything before publishing it, we'd probably only be able to read it come May!
So, movies here are split up in three parts, and in part one I'll be reviewing the first 10 movies I'e seen in the year 2013, based on their release dates (don't haggle me as to why Monsters U or Wolf of Wall Street isn't here!)
Identity Thief
2011's Bridesmaids introduce us to Hollywood's latest funny woman in Melissa McCarthy, and what better way to spearhead her career alongside the ever reliable Jason Bateman and the director of Horrible Bosses? Unfortunately the movie was a massive step-down with its rather generic storyline (cross country across America) and boring supporting casts, with its two leads the only saving grace.
A Good Day to Die Hard
After touring the United States in the last installment, John 'now Invincible Man' McClane visits Russia to save his son Jack (played by a rather plain and stale Jai Courtney). Riddled with unbelievable action and bland characters, the movie's so bad, even Bruce Willis looks like he doesn't give a damn anymore. The weakest entry in the series by a long way.
Welcome to the Punch
Set in the crime-ridden dark side of central London, James McAvoy attempts to take down mob boss Mark Strong after he comes out of hiding. A relatively bland and tired story saved by the performance of its cast (The slo-mo shootout scene was while fun to watch, was unnecessary).
G.I. Joe Retaliation
The second movie in our list featuring Bruce Willis, GI Joe Retaliation offered plenty of comedy and action from its wide variety of cast, with the help of newcomer Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Just don't go in expecting an Oscar-winning story.
Pain & Gain
Based on a horrifying yet true story, this movie stars Mark Wahlberg (who loves his body way too much) trying to live the American dream, with the humorous Dwyane Johnson and Anthony Mackie providing support to this 'probably over exaggerated movie'. One word to sum this movie up - Over-the-top (or is that three words), it's no wonder that the movie is directed by Michael Bay (yes, it has explosions).
Iron Man 3
Marvel's Phase Two begins with the hero that started it all, as Tony Stark faces off against his biggest threat in The Mandarin...... played by Sir Ben Kingsley Guy Pearce (SPOILERS!). Overall, it's a smart and entertaining movie that reinforced as to why Marvel are the best in the superhero movie business at the moment. To be honest, I don't get why people hate the Trevor twist at all, I actually loved what they did it (and making Trevor a Liverpool fan too)! The real winner here is definitely Marvel's marketing team, who successfully hid this surprise for the months leading to its release.
Star Trek Into Darkness
Aiming to be bigger than its predecessor, JJ Abrams definitely delivers upon that, with a terrorist from within threatening James Kirk and the Enterprise crew. However, the unsurprising reveal of Benedict Cumberbatch's character (which he played really well, I must add) and the lousy ending, not to mention the recycled elements from the Wrath of Khan makes this film a slight miss after promising so much.
The Hangover Part III
When director Todd Phillips decided to ditch the hangover storyline of the previous two films and start afresh, people were overjoyed. But they got what they wished for in the form of a painful and boring to watch romp around Mexico and Las Vegas. With Zach Galifianakis and Ken Jeong pushed as main characters, the film lost its humour and charms from the previous 2 movies (when both of them were more-or-less supporting acts), a sad end to the Hangover trilogy. P.S. John Goodman was one of the few shining lights in this movie... and Mike Epps, who returned as Black Doug.
Fast & Furious 6
You have to applaud a movie series that is still going strong even in its sixth installment, and while the story leaves a lot to be desired, you don't expect people to go and watch the Fast & Furious movie expecting a good story! The series is defined by it's fast-paced action, colourful ensemble casts and non-stop gear shifting, with this film showing TONS of it, making this an entertaining popcorn flick. Over to you now, James Wan.
This is The End
One of the funnier comedies in 2013, with a relatively low budget, directors Seth Rogen (on his directional debut) and Evan Goldberg had the creative freedom to do pretty much whatever they wanted, getting all their Hollywood friends over to make an end-of-the-world movie, while making fun off each other throughout (Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill being slagged off about Green Hornet and Moneyball respectively was hilarious) The end result is comedic gold that will get you laughing all the way. Besides, who didn't laugh at foul mouth Michael Cera and THAT magazine scene?
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