My Top Ten Movies of 2013

The 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards airs live on The CW January 16th!  Ten of the year’s finest films will compete for best picture, some of which also made my Top 10 List!  These are my favorites of 2013:

10) The Way, Way Back

The best living example of a true dramedy. I wish Allison Janney was garnering more buzz for her perfect performance.  But this movie has it all: from laughs to cries to cringes.

9) The Sapphires

A musical!! This one really flew under the radar earlier this year.  Again, a dramedy… and my fave Aussie film since Muriel’s Wedding!

8) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Proudly in the minority trumpeting this film – and with all my general disdain for Ben Stiller… he makes magic here.  So gorgeous you could enjoy watching this film on mute! But the story will captivate you; fantasy, reality, Stiller and all.

7) The Wolf of Wall Street

Scorsese and DiCaprio are the new Burton and Depp.  Sure it’s longer than any movie should be and makes you wanna go to rehab after viewing, but whoa!  That’s a movie!

6) Blue Jasmine

Cate Blanchett transcends Woody Allen – and that’s with all due respect to the auteur.  This movie doesn’t feel like an Allen flick, though it still has all his usual touches in font, etc.  The screenplay, ensemble and star all shine.

5) Frozen

Idina Menzel belting out a tune to almost rival Defying Gravity. This is instant classic Disney with all the humor, joy, beauty and heart as the best of them.

4) Gravity

What?! This movie is a game-changer.  All hail Alfonso Cuaron and his son for the screenplay and the man, himself, for the cinematic achievement so stunningly on display.

3) August: Osage County

As if Meryl could outdo Meryl.  Drah-muh!  …the likes of which make your own family look normal.  I watched it twice in a row.

2) American Hustle

One of the most subtly brilliant films in many years – and Amy Adams with such complexity you could dissect the performance for hours. Aside from the obviously stunning details in hair, costuming and music, the writing, editing, camera work and ensemble performances take it to a level beyond any other this year.

1) Oz the Great and Powerful

Bottom line – Oz is my jam.  Seeing the magical land created with today’s technology, and in 3D, while bringing my favorite characters to a modern audience, it still managed to slyly pay homage to the iconic 1939 Judy Garland classic – even without licensing Dorothy and her ruby slippers.

If I could choose more than just 10:

I also loved Don Jon, Love is All You Need, Stoker, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and in honor of its 75th Anniversary, The Wizard of Oz 3D.