In a summer full of disappointing big-budget backfires, "Into Darkness" was one of the rare franchise entries to actually match (or surpass) the quality of its predecessor. Director J.J. Abrams successfully capitalized on the revitalized energy of this classic series after he rebooted it back in 2009. Brilliant British actor Benedict Cumberbatch ("Sherlock") joined the already-stellar ensemble as the villain -- a stroke of casting genius that helped elevate "Into Darkness" into this summer's most satisfying, thrilling, action-packed, character-focused, well-reviewed blockbuster of the season.
While definitely better than the messy "Iron Man 2", this third entry still couldn't match the superb levels of Tony Stark's first outing. But any film headlined by Robert Downey, Jr. is going to be a great time, and "Iron Man 3" was no exception. Many fans of the comic were outraged by the film's handling of the iconic villain Mandarin, and the last act was a bit bloated, but overall "Iron Man 3" delivered the goods in a typically fun, zippy manner.
One of the biggest surprises of the summer. While most blockbusters this year were overlong and over-focused on explosions, "The Wolverine" was a lean, mean flick bearing less in common with this summer's crop of popcorn flicks and more with old Hollywood spaghetti westerns. It actually toned down the action from previous "X-Men" movies in favor of exploring the character of Logan and what really makes him tick. Hugh Jackman's best turn in the role and a supporting cast of mostly unknowns helped the film exceed expectations. It is, however, hampered by a very silly final act involving a giant samurai robot.
What could have been a run-of-the-mill rock-em-sock-em robot movie was given a unique artistic touch by director Guillermo Del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth", "Hellboy"). Sure, the story was light and the characters were archetypal, but for pure creativity, artistic vision, awesome action and overwhelming sense of fun, "Pacific Rim" was a winner. Kudos are due to the excellent effects team who made the brawling robots here look more realistic than the gleaming, perfect machines in Michael Bay's "Transformers" franchise, a result achieved by integrating the robots with textured environments like the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or the bottom of the sea.
Decried by many as disappointing, "Man Of Steel" is actually a better film than its reputation. Did it live up to its enormous hype? No, but that would have been impossible. Could it have been better? Yes, which is why it only ranks at #5. But it was largely successful in what it set out to do: namely, reintroduce Superman to a new generation that, thanks to Christopher Nolan and his "Dark Knight" trilogy, now wants its superheroes brooding and conflicted, rather than campy and optimistic. Hopefully the sequel, with Ben Affleck joining the cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman, will be even better.
Cate Blanchett delivers what is surely to be an Oscar-nominated performance in Woody Allen's best film in years. The story of tortured soul Jasmine and her spiral towards an inevitable breakdown is both hilarious and heartbreaking, and always captivating.
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reunite nine years after "Before Sunset" (and eighteen years after "Before Sunrise") to continue the story of Jesse and Celine. Even though they're now married with children, their story is far from over. The stellar writing and pitch-perfect performances combine to create a subtle, dynamic, realistic portrait of a relationship, for better and for worse.
Based on the true story of Oscar Grant, who was fatally shot in Oakland by a police officer on New Year's Day in 2009, this profoundly moving film recounts the events of Oscar's last day. Rising star Michael B. Jordan ("Chronicle") delivers a complex performance, detailing both Oscar's flaws and his struggle to better himself. The film is ultimately as much a celebration of life as it is a grieving of a senseless death.
Written by the Oscar-winning screenwriters of "The Descendants", this coming-of-age story is populated by an incredible ensemble cast including Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney and Maya Rudolph. With its laughs derived from awkward situations, "Way Back" is similar in tone to the likes of "Little Miss Sunshine", and the story of an awkward teenager coming into his own is sure to resonate with anyone who's been young (i.e. everyone).
Another coming-of-age story, this time anchored by rising young stars Miles Teller ("Rabbit Hole") and Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants"). It for the most part avoids the saccharine tropes of most coming-of-age films, instead providing a surprisingly raw and honest portrayal of a young man struggling to live life to its fullest while saddled by demons.
What were you favorite films of Summer 2013? Tweet us @StageBuddy to let us know!
