1. Before Midnight (2013), Richard Linklater - 4/5
The third instalment in this relationship drama (Before Midnight and Before Sunset) brings together once again, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy and Richard Linklater. In true form, the writing is smart and witty. If overtly laden with meaning and also pretentiously intellectual. Amongst this I think the film and the characters (brilliantly played by Hawke and Delpy) which have great chemistry and drama that feels authentic. They delve into the same issues that they've confronted throughout the three films as well as dealing with getting older and the complexities of their lives now. These films definitely improve with age and this film is real and bitterly funny at times, but also authentically frustrating at times.
The third instalment in this relationship drama (Before Midnight and Before Sunset) brings together once again, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy and Richard Linklater. In true form, the writing is smart and witty. If overtly laden with meaning and also pretentiously intellectual. Amongst this I think the film and the characters (brilliantly played by Hawke and Delpy) which have great chemistry and drama that feels authentic. They delve into the same issues that they've confronted throughout the three films as well as dealing with getting older and the complexities of their lives now. These films definitely improve with age and this film is real and bitterly funny at times, but also authentically frustrating at times.
2. Lovelace (2013), Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman - 4/5
This excellent and disturbing film follows the intriguing and infamous public and private life of porn star Linda Lovelace. Amanda Seyfried is excellent as Linda supported by a great cast. The film isn't overly dramatic, but it is disturbingly believable. While the film doesn't feel like it has any overall agenda, rather it delves into Linda's personal experience, which is subtly portrayed and doesn't revert to voice over or other simplistic means. Instead it uses back and forth jumps in timeline to convey this fractured and interesting story. Overall the film focuses on the tension of the very public portrayal and inner experience of "Linda Lovelace" i.e. Linda Boreman. This is an excellent drama, with great visuals and performances.
This excellent and disturbing film follows the intriguing and infamous public and private life of porn star Linda Lovelace. Amanda Seyfried is excellent as Linda supported by a great cast. The film isn't overly dramatic, but it is disturbingly believable. While the film doesn't feel like it has any overall agenda, rather it delves into Linda's personal experience, which is subtly portrayed and doesn't revert to voice over or other simplistic means. Instead it uses back and forth jumps in timeline to convey this fractured and interesting story. Overall the film focuses on the tension of the very public portrayal and inner experience of "Linda Lovelace" i.e. Linda Boreman. This is an excellent drama, with great visuals and performances.
3. The East (2013), Zal Batmanglij - 4/5
Don't be fooled by the poster, this is an intense thriller a notch above the rest. Starring Brit Marling (Another Earth) as Jane/ Sarah an intelligence agent assigned to infiltrate an eco-terror group this is an ethically and emotionally ponderous film. While the plot is relatively predictable Marling's performance gives the whole story an authentic emotional centre and you find yourself really drawn in. The visuals are good and the dialogue quite restrained, allowing the visuals and performances to tell the story. While the scenes with the cult seem outlandish to begin with, it's pretty tame in comparison to depictions of cults like that in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2012). The supporting cast is excellent including Alexander Skarsgard (best known for his role in True Blood), Ellen Page (Hard Candy, Juno) who is surprisingly restrained, Patricia Clarkson (Vicki Christina Barcelona) who takes a break from her usual bubbly or excitable roles for this more restrained, cold and corporate look and Jason Ritter (Good Dick) who plays Jane/ Sarah's real life boyfriend. On the whole, a really interesting film and although it had some obvious plot flaws the subject matter and performances are enjoyable and intense.
Don't be fooled by the poster, this is an intense thriller a notch above the rest. Starring Brit Marling (Another Earth) as Jane/ Sarah an intelligence agent assigned to infiltrate an eco-terror group this is an ethically and emotionally ponderous film. While the plot is relatively predictable Marling's performance gives the whole story an authentic emotional centre and you find yourself really drawn in. The visuals are good and the dialogue quite restrained, allowing the visuals and performances to tell the story. While the scenes with the cult seem outlandish to begin with, it's pretty tame in comparison to depictions of cults like that in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2012). The supporting cast is excellent including Alexander Skarsgard (best known for his role in True Blood), Ellen Page (Hard Candy, Juno) who is surprisingly restrained, Patricia Clarkson (Vicki Christina Barcelona) who takes a break from her usual bubbly or excitable roles for this more restrained, cold and corporate look and Jason Ritter (Good Dick) who plays Jane/ Sarah's real life boyfriend. On the whole, a really interesting film and although it had some obvious plot flaws the subject matter and performances are enjoyable and intense.
This film is probably too strange for mainstream audiences, with it's minimal dialogue and disjointed plot. However it uses visuals in a stunning way, with repeated images complemented with amplified sounds make this film a sensory experience. The plot is circuitous and is a psychological thriller that doesn't make much sense. It highlights themes such as the fragmented and changing nature of memory and how that is connected to memory. Overall as strange and compelling film with amazing performances.
5. Blackfish (2013), Gabriela Cowperthwaite - 3.5/5
A stunning and thoroughly disturbing documentary about the terrible confinement of killer whales in theme parks. Not only that the documentary also focuses on the spate of "accidents" and deaths of trainers of orca's. While the interviews and agenda are mainly one sided, it does show a good deal of footage demonstrating their points about the mistreatment of both orca's and their trainers. Overall just a disturbing and heartbreaking film.
While this is a low key quirky film it is the performances that really cement it as a great character study. It focuses on best friends Kate (Olivia Wilde, Butter) and Luke (Jake Johnson, New Girl,Safety not guaranteed). On the whole it's a small film, but it's charming and humorous and has substance. There's truth and authenticity in the story, while it is understated and doesn't fall into cliche or melodrama. Overall the performances just give it such a familiar feel as if you know these people or they could be some of your friends.
7. Side Effects (2013), Steven Soderbergh - 3.5/5
This is a surprisingly excellent psychological thriller. The performances are excellent by Rooney Mara who plays Emily and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Dr. Siebert. Jude Law and Channing Tatum are average at best and this film is really dominated by the female characters. Exploring some interesting themes it is beautifully shot and not overly dramatised. The writing is great and the twists a little obvious, but still intriguing to capture your interest. The first 2 acts are great and it comes a bit apart by the third. Overall a beautifully shot excellent psychological thriller.
This is a surprisingly excellent psychological thriller. The performances are excellent by Rooney Mara who plays Emily and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Dr. Siebert. Jude Law and Channing Tatum are average at best and this film is really dominated by the female characters. Exploring some interesting themes it is beautifully shot and not overly dramatised. The writing is great and the twists a little obvious, but still intriguing to capture your interest. The first 2 acts are great and it comes a bit apart by the third. Overall a beautifully shot excellent psychological thriller.
8. Machete Kills (2013), Robert Rodriguez - 3.5/5
Utterly ridiculous this film is amazingly fun to watch. It even tops the first film (Machete) with both it's kill count and the method of kills to absurd proportions. With a highly regarded cast (as per usual in a Rodriguez film) that doesn't disappoint. Cast includes a humorous Mel Gibson, Walt Goggins (for fans of The Shield) Lady Gaga as basically herself, and her flamboyancy fits well with the subject matter and many more great names. With lots of loughs at the crazy plot, both paying homage and parodying the action genre beautifully while at the same time retaining some small funny moments as well. Definitely on my top list of 2013 films, and a must see for Rodriguez and neo-exploitation fans.
9. Don Jon (2013), Joseph Gordon-Levitt - 3.5/ 5
When I first saw the trailer for this film I instantly lost interest thinking this was going to be one more mainstream comedy about a lothario who finds love in the typical romantic comedy style. When I first started watching it I was still a little dubious, but it's humorous style in editing, use of voice over and sound captured my interest pretty quickly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jon plays a really convincing womaniser stepping away from his traditional hipster romantic type cast role. Instead he embraces this role of a nice guy who loves porn and explores his relationships with women. For the most part it's pretty accurate about relationships and it's pretty funny. It was great to see Scarlett Johansson and Gordon-Levitt play across from each other in these different roles. The way they play these Italian-American style characters really reminded me of The Sopranos even down to specifically Tony and Carmella, but of course there wasn't the same depth of development. Showing the frustrations of being in a committed relationship in a genuine way, that isn't arduous, but is instead are funny. You really find yourself on Jon's side for a lot of the movie and it's interesting to see his story arc. Especially since unlike other movies there's no montage of the token supporting characters story lines about their relationships. Instead it's really solidly focused on Jon's arc which is great. For the most part I thought it was pretty sex positive in this movie, but I found the ending to be a little too neat and brought into cliche somewhat and returned to a somewhat sex negative approach. Overall this is a pretty funny film that deals with some interesting issues, and while it isn't a deep drama it was very enjoyable to watch.
10. Stoker (2013), Chan-Wook Park - 3.5/5
From the director of Lady Vengeance (2005) and I'm a Cyborg, but that's ok (2006) comes this powerfully atmospheric and sensual thriller. The performances are mostly good, especially Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, 2010) who plays the main character India opposite Nicole Kidman who plays her mother Evie. However, the strength of this film is it's cinematography by Chung-hoon Chung long time film partner with director Chan-Wook Park and the art and sound design. Each frame is remarkably edited by Nicolas de Toth (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 2009). There is an impeccable eery quality to the film from the very beginning. The visual imagery is just stunning, using soft camera movements in contrast with sharp cuts as well as the use of reflections which are just some of the reasons this film is a visual feast. The use of POV's and the emphasis of sound are paired with editing to match India's (Mia Wasikowska) perceptions, focalising her experience as the experience as that of the audience. In spite of the gorgeous visual style and sound design, the plot is rather predictable and implausible despite the restrained tight dialogue. Overall Chan-Wook Park brings he's very unique and exquisite style to the film, lifting it above what might have been just another trashy predictable Hollywood thriller.
11. Computer Chess (2013), Andrew Bujalski - 3.5/5
This hilariously awkward film from the mumblecore director Andrew Bujalski (Funny Haha, Mutual Appreciation, Beeswax) brings a whimsical and warm note to something that could have been dry and all too nerd centric. Focusing on the dawn of the computer age, the film is set at the computer chess tournament in the 1980s in a hotel, this seminal point in history is awkwardly portrayed alongside ageing hippies and the naiveté and hopes of the technological advances. Filmed as a quasi documentary in black and white, true to form Bujalski has created a film that focuses on a select group of people and in this case a subculture that is both humorous and telling. While it has a great nostalgia about it for those who grew up in that time it is also highly accessible and funny. It also satisfies those who prefer a rougher video look, in todays age of high definition and blu ray quality. This film isn't Bujalski's best work, as it fails to hit some of the more poignant notes explored in Mutual Appreciation and Funny Ha Ha, but it does however show a great tenderness and more humour in both the writing and the visuals that is really enjoyable. If you missed it at MIFF it's definitely worth a watch for all those fans of 80s computers and anyone who just loves a funny film.From the director of Lady Vengeance (2005) and I'm a Cyborg, but that's ok (2006) comes this powerfully atmospheric and sensual thriller. The performances are mostly good, especially Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, 2010) who plays the main character India opposite Nicole Kidman who plays her mother Evie. However, the strength of this film is it's cinematography by Chung-hoon Chung long time film partner with director Chan-Wook Park and the art and sound design. Each frame is remarkably edited by Nicolas de Toth (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 2009). There is an impeccable eery quality to the film from the very beginning. The visual imagery is just stunning, using soft camera movements in contrast with sharp cuts as well as the use of reflections which are just some of the reasons this film is a visual feast. The use of POV's and the emphasis of sound are paired with editing to match India's (Mia Wasikowska) perceptions, focalising her experience as the experience as that of the audience. In spite of the gorgeous visual style and sound design, the plot is rather predictable and implausible despite the restrained tight dialogue. Overall Chan-Wook Park brings he's very unique and exquisite style to the film, lifting it above what might have been just another trashy predictable Hollywood thriller.
11. Computer Chess (2013), Andrew Bujalski - 3.5/5
This is a really nice light hearted film focusing on Alice (Alice Taglioni, The Pink Panther) an odd young woman obsessed with Woody Allen. Alice is quirky and funny which compensates for the rather generic romantic comedy plot. Much of the film is a homage to Woody Allen and his films, even down to Alice's reflections talking to her poster of Woody Allen. Overall it's a sweet and funny film, not too serious or deep.
Great at the beginning this is an awkward, quirky and funny film. While it does devolve a bit in the middle into cliche it peaks at the end. Overall a surprisingly good film from Ben Stiller.
13. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), Ben Stiller - 3.5/5
Great at the beginning this is an awkward, quirky and funny film. While it does devolve a bit in the middle into cliche it peaks at the end. Overall a surprisingly good film from Ben Stiller.
14. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013), Ethan and Joel Coen - 3/5
The Coen brothers latest feature is pretty interesting, but perhaps not their best work in my opinion. With a really slow pace it focuses on the winding life of a folk singer trying to make it. Some may find the slow pace and lack of typical story ark kind of arduous and pretentious, but I quite liked this quirky story. It defies your expectations at every turn and it's humorous in a dry way rather than laugh out loud.
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