Best Movies of 2013

Ranking favorite movies in a given year may be arbitrary to some, but for someone who saw more than 100 of 2013's theatrical releases, it's an important exercise. The Top 10 list is my gauge to measure the year in cinema against past and future years.

Sure, the list can change, and as some of the year's most celebrated films finally trickle into North Idaho ("Inside Llewyn Davis" and "Her" finally arrive in Coeur d'Alene today), mine will likely change before the month ends.

While 2013 wasn't filled with numerous masterpieces as some have suggested, there was plenty of thoughtful and exciting entertainment, and, especially in the case of my favorite movie, plenty to argue about.

1. The Wolf of Wall Street

Yes, Martin Scorsese's brazen indictment of Wall Street debauchery is probably too long. Yet I was mesmerized by every minute of it, especially Leonardo DiCaprio's career-defining turn as the morally bankrupt Jordan Belfort, a real-life stockbroker who cheated millions out of unsuspecting clients.

"Wolf of Wall Street" is Scorsese's most assured and dynamic film since "Goodfellas," though its sustained depiction of sex, drugs and amoral behavior has earned the film quite a few detractors. Showing all the dirty stuff doesn't mean the movie is celebrating Belfort's lifestyle or his crimes. Scorsese is doing just the opposite, all within the framework of a twisted dark comedy.

I love how "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a divisive moviegoing experience. The subsequent debate about the content only solidifies Scorsese's artistic choices. Like it or not, people are talking about Jordan Belfort and the corruption of the so-called "American Dream," and that's a good thing. Now in theaters.

2. Frances Ha

Greta Gerwig's enchanting performance as a vivacious-yet-struggling New York City dancer is the anchor to this thoughtful comedy from "Squid and the Whale" writer/director Noah Baumbach. In the wrong hands, this movie is a pretentious coming-of-age bore. Baumbach and Gerwig (who penned the script together) aim for something much more insightful about a seemingly directionless generation. Available on home video and Netflix Instant streaming.

3. Gravity

Spectacular special effects highlight this disaster-in-space epic from Alfonso Cuaron ("Children of Men"). People shortchange the drama though, and Sandra Bullock gives a commanding and soulful performance as an astronaut facing down death against near-impossible odds. This should be the benchmark for how to use CGI to compliment the story rather than overwhelm it. Returning to theaters Jan. 17.

4. Before Midnight

The third and most complex film in the decades-spanning series from writer/director Richard Linklater and stars/writers Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Rather than settle for twists on the same romantic beats, "Midnight" throws its iconic couple into major conflict and explores all the unpleasant stuff that goes along with romantic commitment. Available on home video.

5. 12 Years a Slave

More than the average cinematic history lesson, "12 Years a Slave" is propelled by director Steve McQueen's artistry. The imagery in this film, graphic as it is sometimes, goes far beyond the typical, "just-the-facts" style of most biopics. This film propels the audience deep into the culture of slavery, using Chiwetel Ejiofor's powerful central performance as a vessel into America's darkest piece of history. Now in theaters.

6. The World's End

Writer/director Edgar Wright completes his "Cornetto Trilogy" that started with "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" with another hilarious genre exercise, this time utilizing tropes from paranoia science-fiction to tell the story of a man (Simon Pegg) who won't let go of his booze-soaked past. As per usual, Wright has much more up his sleeve than simple "Body Snatcher" reverence. Available on home video.

7. Captain Phillips

Even if you know what happens, director Paul Greengrass ("United 93") has crafted the story of an American freighter hijacked by Somali pirates into two hours of pulse-pounding entertainment. Tom Hanks is amazing, especially in the film's haunting final minutes. Available on home video Jan. 21.

8. Mud

Matthew McConaughey has been crushing it lately (see also: "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Dallas Buyers Club"). He is an anchoring presence in this Mississippi River-set drama about two boys who find a boat (and the title character) stuck in a backwoods tree. The attention to location, character and how those two elements shape each other, highlight this early-year gem. Available on home video.

9. American Hustle

David O. Russell's comedic opus about ABSCAM and really bad hair has its share of problems, notably a clunky, voiceover-heavy first act. Then the movie gets to the scamming, and a gold-star cast led by Christian Bale and Amy Adams start having fun. The performances are uniformly great - with Adams and Jennifer Lawrence again proving why they should be cast in every movie. Now in theaters.

10. Enough Said

A smart and relaxed romantic comedy that, despite one sitcom-level subplot, proves a movie about relationships can be entertaining without blustery antics. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and the late James Gandolfini are wonderful together. Available on home video Jan. 14.

Honorable Mention

More 2013 releases worth your time (alphabetically listed):

Blackfish

Compelling documentary about a dangerous killer whale and the amusement park that rationalized its questionable captivity practices. Available on home video and Netflix Instant streaming.

Dallas Buyers Club

Matthew McConaughey will most certainly earn an Oscar nomination for his stunning physical transformation as a man infected with HIV who smuggles illegal pharmaceutical drugs to help himself and other AIDS patients. The movie is "based on a true story" and takes the typical Hollywood liberties but compelling work from McConaughey and co-star Jared Leto. Now in theaters.

Drinking Buddies

A surprisingly mature dramedy about a platonic relationship between man (Jake Johnson) and woman (Olivia Wilde, who should do more movies like this) and the boyfriends and girlfriends who complicate things. Available on home video and Netflix Instant streaming.

Fast & Furious 6

This movie is stupid, yes, but also stupidly entertaining. The year's definitive action crowd-pleaser. Available on home video.

Monsters University

Some unfairly compared this Pixar prequel to the studio's weaker "Cars" efforts. It actually contains some of Pixar's boldest thematic ideas, as well as plenty of entertaining riffs on the college experience. Available on home video.

Prisoners

Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal stand out in this twisty police procedural about two missing children. The film doesn't wallow too much in the grim subject matter, and the performances distract from a few stretches in believability. Available on home video.

Spring Breakers

Even more divisive than "The Wolf of Wall Street," this takedown of a careless and amoral generation masquerades as a torrid party movie. It's a tough watch, but worth it for the insane James Franco performance. Available on home video and Amazon Prime streaming.

This is the End

The funniest and most daring comedy of the year, pitting a bunch of spoiled celebrities against demons, hellish fire pits and a devilish Danny McBride. James Franco is MVP again in a foul-mouthed movie that actually makes a good argument for being a better person. Available on home video.

Upstream Color

A provocative and challenging piece of science fiction from "Primer" filmmaker Shane Carruth. Magnetic imagery and performances, even as the story doesn't make much sense the first time you see it. Watch it first, then investigate the narrative online. Available on home video and Netflix Instant streaming.

We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks

Forget the Benedict Cumberbatch headlined "The Fifth Estate," this documentary provides fascinating details about WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange. Available on home video and Netflix Instant streaming.

Notable films not screened in time for consideration (I have small children and live in North Idaho. Give me a break.): "Her," "Inside Llewyn Davis," "Nebraska," "The Act of Killing," "Blue Jasmine," "Fruitvale Station" and "Lone Survivor."

Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com.