Most Surprising Films of 2013

Let the awards commence!

This selection relates to the films that I had low expectations for or ones that I hadn't really thought much about before going to see the release in the cinema. Invariably some are going to disappoint, however this list is for the ones that managed to change my mind for the better before the end credits rolled. So let’s start the countdown.

[Original Review] Maybe it was the glossy sheen or the fumbling lovable chaps who led the movie but I enjoyed this one much more than I expected to. You have to look past the corporate agenda being constantly flagged up to find the characters – a unique band of misfits who have to come together to overcome the many, many obstacles in their path. Whether this is believable or not is a completely different matter, the interaction between the main characters is the heart of this one.


What happened if you were a Muslim living in America after 9/11? This is a chilling tale of rising prejudices and fear after the terrorist attacks of 2001, seen through the eyes of everyday man Changez Khan (played by a compelling Riz Ahmed) and how it affected his life and beliefs. Now under suspicion for kidnapping, American reporter Bobby Lincoln (Liev Schreiber), interviews him for information. Considered a box office flop, this films looks at the human elements of the aftermath from the other side. Thought-provoking and unnerving at times, but is ultimately held together by Ahmed’s performance. 

[Original Review] Lake Bell steals the show as the woman trying to make it in the man’s world of voice-overs, up against the odds at every turn. Bell’s Carol Soloman is looking for that lucky break which comes in the form of the revival of the infamous trailer introduction “In a world...”, when it comes though it’s followed with disappointment and heartbreak. Ken Marino and Fred Melamed put in excellent performances as her main rival/possible love interest and her father respectively. It’s sweet, smart and well paced. Nicely laid back allowing the comedy to shine through.

This British film really plays to me, probably because of the joke that is The X-Factor/The Voice/other manufactured music money-making machine. It sees a talented band written off because they’re getting on and don’t look the part anymore, however take the same music and have it covered by a bunch of young, pretty looking things and suddenly it’s a hit. In the end we all know how it’s going to go down but the journey getting there is great – good music, fun characters and a smack in the face to those wanting their 15 minutes of fame and the money grabbing monsters behind them.

Who knew Santa was a Russian tattooed crime fighter? And the Easter Bunny was an Australian boomerang-wielding warrior? Well they are, according to the original author William Joyce and the DreamWorks teams behind this animation. And teaming up with the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Jack Frost, this is an action packed tale of hope and belief overcoming the darkest nightmares. A great voice cast - including Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman and Jude Law - add to the characters who are wrapped up in a beautifully created environment, shaped by the mind of Guillermo del Toro.

I had been told to avoid this film – it was rubbish. However I went anyway and was glad I did. The story may get a little wrapped up in itself at the end but the beginning and middle was intriguing and easy to follow. The main point for me was probably the visuals which were ace - I did not question the authenticity of the bubble helicopter/plane thing he used to travel around in and the scenery of what was once Earth (shot on location rather than using green screen). The only down point seemed to be that director Joseph Kosinski has put so much effort into the grand that his characters are a little thin.

Frodo who? Elijah Wood puts in a lovingly crafted, creepy psycho with mummy issues performance. The funniest thing about it is that altogether he gets very little screen time, yet he’s there with you all the way through. Breathing heavily, watching you from behind that curtain, waiting for you down that dark alley. A remake of the 1970s film of the same name (which I should point out I have not seen) which keeps a good sense of suspense most of the way through. Probably most surprising was that crazy ending for the ‘one girl who got away’!

The cinematography of this film was beautiful, from the long sunset shots to the early morning sun on the tree-lined beach to the sweeping boat views. The bleached colours also managed to create a run down, almost hopeless feel throughout without making you feel completely depressed. This is just one film of Matthew McConaughey’s career revival that really highlights his talents (acting, not abs) and introduces young co-stars Tye Sheridan and Jacobs Lofland as captivating actors to keep an eye on.

[Original Review] Knowing this was a kids film from the team behind Pirates of the Caribbean, the running time was well over two hours and there was a lot of bad feelings from others about this film I was apprehensive about wasting my time seeing it. However I needn’t have been. Never to be taken too seriously, this fun caper with its fantastical action sequences and underlying emotional core keeps you entertained. Armie Hammer and William Fichtner are great as leading characters although Johnny Depp, playing another version of Captain Jack Sparrow, felt a bit forced.

This slow burning gangster flick had me hooked start to finish, which is surprising considering that genre is far from my favourite. Michael Shannon’s presence on screen was powerful and, no matter he was the bad guy, he was relatable. It is only when you think about it as based on a true story of contract killer Richard Kuklinski that makes it a little creepy. Congratulations go out to the co-stars in Winona Ryder, James Franco and Chris Evans as well, rounding out a great cast.

The story is far from a cutesy, Hollywood glamour type gangster film, instead the natural focus is on the dark, grimy side of the business. The side you are more likely to see day to day or get mixed up with accidentally. There was a good sense of tension throughout, but especially with his family, when you are just waiting for something to go wrong. Well done Ariel Vroman.

So, what do you think about my selection? Any surprises for you? Come back soon to see the next category – Most Disappointing. Don’t forget after that we’ve still got Worst Film and Best Film, as well as Best Actor categories to round out a years worth of films.