Top 10 Best Movies of 2013

We got another taste of actor Christoph Waltz who after his roles in ‘Inglorious Bastards’ and ‘Water for Elephants’ would have given him the honor of the person you just loved to hate. Tarantino gave him a shot of redemption with the role of former Dentist, Dr. King Shultz who turns bounty hunter and buys the freedom of a slave (Django) and trains him to become his deputy bounty hunter. He becomes incensed by the cruelty afflicted on Django’s wife, Broomhilda, played by the extremely talented, Kerry Washington and takes on the mission of aiding his deputy in rescuing her. 

Kerry delivers a moving performance that would bring you to tears as you watched her suffering. The show also gave us a little bit of Samuel Jackson who played one of the most controversial types of Negro back in the time the movie was set. His character Stephen is one who loves his master and will do anything including selling out his own to please him. Leonardo Di Caprio also gave a good performance as the Colonel Sanders styled Calvin Candie who could not have gotten a better ending for all his evil deeds. Leonardo was at the centre of the best part of the movie when he insisted that he shake hands with Dr. Shultz to seal the deal. Django is indeed a must see movie for 2013 and should be enjoyed to the fullest on the big screen.

Jeremy Lee Renner who plays a handsome and strong Hansel is fast becoming one of the most attractive action actors in Hollywood. Since his debut in shows like, The Avengers (2012), The Bourne Legacy (2012) and MI Ghost Protocol (2011), he is a joy to watch. It was refreshing to see Hansel portrayed as a gun wielding hunk rather than a chubby little boy weak to the lure of candy. If you are a fan of Renner than you will watch this movie, not only to see him in action again but to support his rocketing career.

Minus the kinks and the parts that made you go- huh? You will appreciate the presence of Gretel played by Gemma Arterton. If the name doesn’t ring a bell then perhaps her movie credits will. You would remember Gemma from being one of the many fatal loves from Quantum of Solace (2008) or the reason we sat through Prince of Persia (2010) and the all time favorite mythical adventure Clash of the Titans (2010). Gemma is an award nominated and winning actress. Hansel and Gretel may not quite be up to par with the directing but it is still one of the must see movies for 2013. 

Although it is still waiting to be released on 14 February, this latest installment of the Die Hard franchise is one to watch. Bruce Willis gives his usual best in this film. It seems as though he is most comfortable when pointing a gun in the face of his enemy. This time around, John Mc Lane (Bruce Willis) is in Russia with his CIA agent son Jack (Jai Courtney).  John goes to Moscow with the intent to help his presumed wayward son, only to find out that he is in fact a trained CIA operative on a mission to stop a nuclear weapons heist. John is like the loose cannon type, old fashioned, take-no-prisoners cop which is a huge contrast to his son Jack who is more like a precision missile when it comes to taking out the bad guys. The two have to work together to prevent the onset of war while being pursued by the relentless Russian underworld.

In this film we can see though that it doesn’t matter what language you speak, a bullet to the head gets your point across clearly. I look forward to seeing Jai Courtney again since the only other movies I could remember him from are Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010) and Jack Reacher (2012).  I don’t think action lovers will be disappointed with this film as I have yet to see Bruce Willis falter in his delivery. Director John Moore has quite a few credits to his name but no record breakers but that’s not too bad since action movies like this rarely pluck in the billions. These films though are just made for us to sit back and watch the different ways you can shoot, punch or kick someone. 

If you are still reeling from Johnny Depp’s performance in the gangster thriller, Public Enemies (2009) or Denzel Washington’s in American Gangster (2007), then you are in for the ride of your life in director Ruben Fleischer’s, Gangster Squad. Starring Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the movie takes you back to the corrupt city of Los Angeles in the year 1949 where a ruthless mob king, Mickey Cohen has the city under siege. Two ambitious sergeants work together with a secret crew officers to try and stamp out the king of the mob.

The movie opening weekend was 11 January 2013 and it delivered on action-packed emotional thrill ride intent. Though the plot is a bit predictable the direction was spectacular and you got to see vigilante justice in all its guts and glory. Bring on the popcorn and the rest of the gang and take in this film on the big screen. Ryan Gosling as top sergeant Jerry Wooters, was good to watch. I still can’t get over his voice though which I thought was overkill. Emma Stone who plays Grace Faraday, a woman hell bent on becoming a star,  has been shining ever since I saw her in Easy A (2010) and The Help (2011).  Sean Penn is wicked-good at playing Mickey Cohen.  It’s got the crime, suspense, action and the drama you want in a Gangster film.