My Five Favorite Films of 2013

Review By: Sean Kayden

5. Fruitvale Station - On Jan 1^st, 2009, in the wee hours of the night, tragedy struck Oakland that would forever change a city. Oscar Grant, 22 year-old African American, was shamelessly shot and killed by a transit police officer at the BART train station. “Fruitvale Station” is the film based on the last day of Grant’s life. You already know the outcome, but “Fruitvale Station’s” retelling of an ordinary man trying to do well will move you and ultimately, leave you shattered. Actor Michael B. Jordan gives a subtle yet stirring performance as Oscar. The film follows Grant as he tries to navigate through his laborious day. Everyone who comes across Oscar’s radiant personality is somehow, some way moved by him. He isn’t a thug. He isn’t a bad human being. He’s made mistakes that he’s paid the price for. Oscar is genuinely trying to improve himself for those who continually lift him up. “Fruitvale Station” is an undeniably small movie that tells a larger story of a man’s life unexpectedly coming to an end for really no good reason other than the misguided intentions of particular police officers’ definition of “protect and serve.” Since the audience is already aware of what happens in the end, the results are a little less painful, but nonetheless heartrending. While the movie surely isn’t for everyone and doesn’t scream typical summer escapism, “Fruitvale Station” stands tall as the one of the most important films of 2013.

4. Dallas Buyers Club - McConaughey stars as Ron Woodruff, an electrician by day, a rodeo riding, drug taking, and woman loving homophobic man by night. Bigoted and selfish, Ron’s life takes a dark turn after he collapses one evening at home. Shocked to hear he’s been diagnosed with HIV and has a mere 30 days left to live, Ron doesn’t come to terms that he actually has the disease.  After a night of binge drinking and drug use, Ron doesn’t feel the same. He starts to look into the causes of HIV and discovers you can contract it from other things aside from homosexuality. His world turns upside. McConaughey, weighing in at 135lbs, gives what should be hailed as not only his finest performance, but also one of the best of the year. While the film could have easily been an utter downer, director Jean-Marc Vallée finds dynamic wit and humor in the grimmest situations. McConaughey gives a fearless performance and Jared Leto’s presentation, while subtle, is intriguing and delicate. “Dallas Buyers Club” hits you hard in some scenes, but it never desperately tries to tug on the strings of one’s heart. However, you will feel something though Woodruff’s plight. It’s refreshingly straightforward with a pair of brave, unconventional performances that place them among the very best of the year. What “Dallas Buyers Club” is sellin’ is worth buyin’.

3. The Spectacular Now - Writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber crafted a joyously heartfelt, wryly humorous, endearingly sweet coming of age tale that embodies the teenage human spirit. Director James Ponsoldt brings a deep sensitivity to the film. “The Spectacular Now” on the surface appears to be another coming of age, puppy love story, but it’s so much deeper than merely just that. In fact, it tackles a considerably darker theme that enfolds greatly in the third act. The film is a rare depiction on screen of two 18 year-old high school seniors that look and feel like real human beings. Sutter and Aimee’s relationship doesn’t seem manufactured. The mistakes they make feel authentic and they’re hell of a lot more confident on the outside than on the inside. Their story unfolds naturally and there’s so much beauty on display. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia or any artificial beats. This is a truly stunning portrait of what it’s like to be the youngest you’ll ever be. When you’re on the cusp of a new chapter in life, filled with both promise and uncertainty. “The Spectacular Now” will have you remembering what it was like to be young, free, and carrying much needed momentum. It also reassures you that all that can be gone in a heartbeat. Wherever you are in life, don’t forget that living in the now will prepare you in living for tomorrow, for better or worse that is.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street – Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese once again team up to make the most entertaining and high-energy film of the year. DiCaprio stars as real life stockbroker, Jordan Belfort, who ultimately throws away everything for his obsession with money, drugs, and power. The film, which is definitely a black comedy, is three hours of pure adrenaline. With a copious amount of drugs, sex, and money being thrown at you on screen, you almost need an intermission to catch your breath. Every second of this movie was spectacular. “The Wolf of Wall Street” has more energy and liveliness than other film released this year and it comes from a director who’s 71 years old. DiCaprio gives a brilliant, over-the-top performance and if this doesn’t earn him the Oscar this year, something just isn’t right. The film has a running time of 179 minutes, but never is there a monotonous moment to be found. It was one of the few films this year to have by undivided attention from beginning to an end. It’s riotously funny, wildly audacious, and undoubtedly the most fun you could have at the theater all year. This one actually deserves all the buzz and attention over the unwarranted acclaimed “American Hustle.”

1. Short Term 12 - “Short Term 12” is a moving drama about Grace (Brie Larson), a fierce yet fragile twenty-something year-old supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. In addition to navigating through the trouble waters at the group home, she is dealing with her own personal issues and difficult past. However, by her side is her long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.). When a problematic teenage girl enters the facility, Grace is reminded of her past that she’s tried to put behind her. This leads to an electric connection between the two girls. With a subject matter that is often ominous and multifarious, “Short Term 12” easily finds the balance of drama and humor in the most unexpected scenarios. Destin Daniel Cretton’s second feature film (adapted from his own short film) supplies superb performances, razor-sharp writing, and stunning direction. “Short Term 12” is sincerely poignant and an exceptional movie going experience that should not be missed by film lovers of all ages. It’s a prime example of not only what independent filmmaking is truly all about, but also all cinema alike. It will move you, send chills down throughout your body, and may even have you shedding a tear or two. At the same token, it’ll toss a few laughs your way, inspire you, and have you leaving the theater with a smile. If that’s not a rare experience these days, I don’t know what it is. “Short Term 12” is the best American film of 2013.

*Note: At the time of writing this, I haven’t seen the following possible contenders from 2013: “Blue Jasmine,” “Gravity,” “Her,” “All is Lost,” “Nebraska,” and “Inside Lleywn Davis.”