by Bradley Merk ‘14
2013 is stacking up to be an impressive feat for cinematic quality and entertainment. It feels like nearly weekly for months now new films have been infiltrating Ignatian conversations due to the plethora of great movies that, maybe someday, will be considered classics. Luckily, the films that have made up this year show no signs of slowing down (Anchorman 2 and The Wolf of Wall Street, anyone?) as we turn to December and the new year. Now as we look back, there is a great opportunity to showcase what movies have epitomized the year:
Gravity
Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity has shown us that movies do not need terrifying antagonists or complex plots to enthrall us. Gravity is a quiet, albeit destructive tour de force of what the film medium is capable of. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star as two astronauts on a clean up mission in space when space debris from a recently destroyed nearby vessel comes flying towards them and their crew. Gravity will leave you breathless as it depicts the terror and awe of space in a way no film previously has. Also, take notice of the amount of times the camera actually cuts between one shot to another. Gravity is an astounding and captivating feat showing what the combination of great storytelling and special effects can do for modern filmmaking.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Jennifer Lawrence can do no wrong. The sequel to The Hunger Games has already proven to be a massive overhaul and success over the original; critics and the box office both agree that Catching Fire is a worthwhile sequel with a tighter plot and higher budget. The sequel to the worldwide phenomenon manages to surpass its predecessor in showing the cruelty of Panem as well as creating a more direct and intelligent criticism of our own. If you haven’t yet seen this or the original Hunger Games, get on it. The impressive acting, unique story, and fascinating world-building creates one of the best cinema going experiences you can get all year.
Captain Phillips
The actual story of Richard Phillips and the hijacking of his ship is continuing to produce controversy. However, whether the film portrays the situation correctly or not, there is no denying this is a wonderful film. Tom Hanks brings home an Oscar worthy performance as the merchant mariner who finds him and his crew taken hostage by Somali pirates. Barkhad Abdi is also a highlight as he brings a remarkably sympathetic and beautifully acted look to a Somali pirate and the true desperation this man went to in such a terrible situation. Tense, gripping, and smart, Captain Phillips manages to depict a terrifying situation with phenomenal control and direction.
Others to See: The East, The Kings of Summer, Frances Ha, Star Trek Into Darkness, Prisoners, Only God Forgives, The Great Gatsby, This is the End, Side Effects, The World’s End, Stoker, Blue Jasmine, Dirty Wars, Upstream Color, Enough Said, and Spring Breakers
