Attention: This is a Spoiler-Free Blog
Final scenes can make or break a movie. These are the standout conclusions (the extraordinary and the epic failures) of 2013:
The Best
“12 YEARS A SLAVE” – The culmination of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s fine performance.
“CAPTAIN PHILLIPS” – Tom Hanks at his best (and most emotional).
“DESPICABLE ME 2” – Two hysterical Minion musical numbers!
“FROZEN” – An untraditional, perfect ending to an animated masterpiece.
“THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE” – A hilarious scene in which the magicians reveal some of their secrets.
“NEBRASKA” – Underdogs always come out on top.
“SAVING MR. BANKS” – A powerful finale set at a movie theater that needs to be experienced in one.
“THE WOLVERINE” – The best “Easter Egg” (or post-credits scene) of the year features a glimpse of May 2014’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past”.
Honorable Mention: “PAIN & GAIN” – After wasting two hours of my life watching Mark Wahlberg and co.’s awful shenanigans, they got what they deserved.
The Worst
“AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY” – I don’t know what Julia Roberts’ character or director John Wells were thinking.
“THE BOOK THIEF” – What’s up with Death?
“ENDER’S GAME” – Five minutes I am still trying to forget.
“GROWN UPS 2” – If you count the entire pool party fight sequence as one scene, it was a disaster.
“PRISONERS” – Jake Ghyllenhaal looks around for a minute and then hears something. In my mind: “That’s a stretch.”
Honorable Mention: “THE SPECTACULAR NOW” – Confusing and just plain goofy.
The Weirdest
“ALL IS LOST” – Can be interpreted in multiple ways. At least it was the liveliest minute in the film.
“THE FIFTH ESTATE” – A contradiction of the entire movie from a main character: UNHEARD OF!
“FREE BIRDS” – Move over turkey, there’s a new Thanksgiving entree.
“GRAVITY” – A stretched-out scene from an obscure angle and location.
Honorable Mention: “THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE” – It is rather abrupt.