Tom Clancy's most popular character, Jack Ryan is at it again after a prolonged absence from the box office. "Shadow Recruit" tells the origin story of how Jack, played by Chris Pine, uncovers a financial terrorist plot and becomes the action hero we all know him as. When compared to other other action movies of the same ilk, "Shadow Recruit" doesn't really do a whole lot in terms of reinventing the wheel. While the acting is well done, the emotional connection to the characters is almost non-existent. The movie does a really good job, however, of staging some really cool action scenes that raise the intensity level when it needs to. While this isn't one of the best action films around (especially considering how competitive the action film market is), it is still a fun ride for what it's worth.
In the wake of back to back relatively down years at the cinema, 2013 laid the hammer down and gave us a slew of great movies. After much bickering amongst ourselves, we have finally decided our top 5 for the year. So sit back, relax and enjoy our picks!
5. Captain Phillips
"Captain Phillips" squeaks into the number five spot despite some stiff competition. This is one of the most intense films you'll ever see, anchored by a vintage performance from Tom Hanks and some sure-handed direction by Paul Greengrass.
4. Saving Mr. Banks
Despite being polished to a shine with Disney's trademark gloss, "Saving Mr. Banks" manages to pack the biggest emotional punch of any film this year. Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks (yet again) turn in great performances that anchor this very memorable story.
3. Star Trek Into Darkness
Lightning has struck yet again for J.J. Abrams and his cast and crew in their second crack at the "Star Trek" franchise. This new installment is every bit as good as the original and is the most fun we've had at the movies in years.
2. Gravity
"Gravity" is an unforgettable experience from beginning to end that stays with you long after the credits roll. The technological craftsmanship can be appreciated in any format, but there is certainly something special about seeing it on the big screen (in IMAX-3D if possible). This is a great movie that very nearly grabbed our top spot.
1. Mud
It was a photo finish, but Jeff Nichlos' "Mud" came out of nowhere this year to grab the top spot on our list. This is a beautifully crafted film that tells an authentic story with some of the most well-realized characters you'll ever see on screen. Like a Mark Twain story with a modern twist, "Mud" has a certain magic to it that we won't soon forget. It's also the best film of the year.
Ben Stiller directs and stars in this dramedy (mostly comedy) about a schlub caught in the minutia of a work-a-day life, dreaming of a more exciting existence. Stiller is good in the title role, bringing his signature dry humor to the proceedings while supporting performances from the likes of Kristen Wiig and Sean Penn really add a lot to the story. The film is beautifully shot in many locations around the world which adds an extra sense of wonder to the story that it would otherwise not have. The drama is a bit formulaic and the jokes (especially some extended day-dreaming sequences) are pretty hit-and-miss but when the movie succeeds, it's a lot of fun.
Director Paul Greengrass (director of the last two entries in the "Bourne" series) is known for churning out intense and highly stylized thrillers and "Captain Phillips" is no different. Tom Hanks stars as the title character whose ship is taken over by pirates and delivers one of his best performances in years. The real revelation, however, is Barkhad Abdi who plays the leader of the band of pirates and holds his own with Hanks in the first role of his career. The film is a little light on the character's back story, which makes it difficult to fully connect with them, but you can't help but empathize with their plight all the same. This is an expertly crafted thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. See it.
