Best of 2013

The best documentary I've ever seen. Incredible on many levels.

It may be because I saw this in IMAX 3D and loved Robot Jox (1989) as a kid, but this was the most fun I've had during a film in a long time.

I was incredibly impressed by everything in this. It goes to show that there can still be unique films in this over saturated subgenre

From the director of Kill List (2011) comes another uniquely disturbing film. Unlike his previous work, this is a somewhat sinister dark romantic comedy wherein you're not quite sure whether to laugh or cry.

Jeremy Scahill's powerful documentary about global warfare and U.S. hegemony in the age of drone warfare. The film constructs a linear narrative of events leading up to the present.

A lovely gothic style tale that's dark and wonderful and brings something different to the vampire legends. Saoirse Ronan is an incredible actress. She was fantastic in Hanna (2011) and equally so here.

I love the premise of this film: a man cannot be happy, so he makes everyone else miserable. The best twisted thriller I've seen in sometime.

There once was a time when Shock Waves (1977) was the only zombie Nazi film, but in the last few years this theme has become fairly popular. Frankenstein's Army, however, is not one of the generic fare. Think first person video game shooter + steampunk + Nazi mad scientist and you'll have an idea. This film is all about the creatures; they are amazing.

Like most people, I'm always suspect of remakes/re-imaginings. However, there are few cases where it surpasses the original. Though, this falls more into the "re-imagining" category, and as much as I like the original, this is quite spectacular. When I saw this at the NYC premiere, Elijah Wood spoke extensively about his love of horror films. He clearly brings that passion to a haunting character.

This is Park Chan-wook's first American film and stays true to his familiar artistic stylings evidenced in the vengeance trilogy. Beautiful cinematography and a fresh storyline.

One of the best independent horror films in recent years. A rather minimalist film manages to induce true shivers.

I wish I saw this in IMAX.

The newest film from the creator of the offbeat, Rubber (2010). This is an equally absurd and darkly humorous tale about a shy single man who must traverse bizarre situations to find his stolen dog.

Surprisingly much better than the original. This is far darker and weaves together and interesting story.

A slasher film, of sorts, about a medical student who enters the world of body modification. I loved Ginger Snaps (2000) when I was younger, so seeing Katharine Isabelle in a more grown up role is cool. The Soska twins are also an added bonus.

Overall, this was better than the first, but still not great. However, what makes it standout on my list, and that of critics, is the incredibly f*#!ed up film, "Safe Haven." It's pretty damn amazing.

A tragic ghost story.

Pretty much exactly what you'd expect from this troupe.

An Irish film about a clown who's resurrected in order to seek vengeance on the kids who accidentally killed him. Surprisingly well done. Lots of laughs and over the top death scenes.

Awesome concept. There are several moments of hilarity, but I felt some aspects could've been improved. The love story, in particular, gave it a generic feel. However, I'll watch anything that features Geoffrey from Coupling (2000).

Better than expected. What makes this good is the performance by the lead actress and the excessive gore.

Well-paced found footage suspense. The ending is terrific.

How could one not enjoy this? The guy from Beverly Hills 90210 and drunken Tara Reid battle flying sharks.

Clearly a contemporary take on films like Basket Case (1982) and Brain Damage (1988)