Well Schmoes, as 2013 draws to a close we reflect on a year of ups and downs at the movies, both critically and financially. There were some surprises in regards to which highly anticipated movies lived up to their trailers and marketing as well as some dark horses that came out of nowhere to really steal the show. But, if there is one thing for certain, there are always movies that are highly overrated and underrated by critics and fans alike.
As the UnPopular Opinion Guy, I felt it was only fitting to issue my list of the movies I felt that the masses got wrong. Some of these may shock you and some may just piss you off, but these are my honest to goodness perspective of the movies of 2013. If you disagree with any of the choices, please voice your own opinion in the talkback below. After all, the only opinion that really matters is yours, I am just here to share mine.
#5 – STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS
After trailers promising some incredible action sequences and a dark and brooding villain played by Benedict Cumberbatch, we were instead duped into watching a remake of WRATH OF KHAN complete with a role reversed death sequence and resurrection. While I did enjoy STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, it was an overall let down especially after being assured time and again that the bad guy was not Khan and that we would be in for a cool surprise. The only surprise here is how disappointing the reveal ended up being.
#4 – CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
For everyone talking about CAPTAIN PHILLIPS as a Best Picture contender, you need to take a step back and really look at the movie. While the actors playing the pirates are impressive and both the hijacking and rescue sequences are thrilling, the movie as a whole hinges on the final ten minutes. Tom Hanks delivers a great scene in a movie that has way too much hand held camera work. Here's a tip for Paul Greengrass: your shakycam style worked great in the BOURNE films and UNITED 93, but when you do it on a boat you can barely see what the hell is happening.
#3 – FAST AND FURIOUS 6
I feel like a dick for talking shit about one of Paul Walker's final movies, but I just don't get this franchise. FAST FIVE was by far the best of all of them but this sixth entry just feels like a retread of that film. One of the reasons they changed the focus from street racing to a heist thriller was because the franchise was getting stale. Now, they are doing the same thing with the second half of the series.
#2 – THOR: THE DARK WORLD
2013 may go down as the weakest year for superhero releases. MAN OF STEEL underwhelmed many, IRON MAN 3 pissed folks off, but THOR: THE DARK WORLD was a complete letdown. Capitalizing on Tom Hiddleston's popularity as Loki, the THOR sequel provided a weak villain and a disconnected story that only showed promise with the post-credits sequences. Why Thor keeps getting standalone movies while we wait for a new Hulk movie is beyond me.
#1 – SPRING BREAKERS
I am still baffled by how well received this movie was. Harmony Korine's exploitation film is a violent studio picture wrapped in an indie movie. Sure, the girls look hot holding guns in bikinis, but the only saving grace is James Franco's batshit crazy performance. Overall, this is an okay movie that should have word of mouth popularity as an oddity rather than an acclaimed film. Kudos for James Franco getting some awards recognition for the role, but to call it a great movie is a gross overstatement.
