My best and worst films of 2013

Clocked up 87 films last year and pleased to say all bar one got a little write up here on this blog. The one I missed was Gloria which I saw at a special preview and slipped through the net and while very good it didn't make it into my top 10.

In viewing order, all these film I gave scores of more than 80% to:

1. The Sessions - A surprisingly perfect marriage of tears and laughter.

2. Star Trek: Into the Darkness - Cumberbatch kicked it for me in this one and as a result I ended up buying the DVD which, considering the scars I still carry from a teenage trauma involving a video recording of my favourite Mel Gibson film and my dad recording Star Trek over it it, is testament to how good it was in itself.

3. Breathe In - This subtle film was deeply and quietly affecting and it haunted me for days.

4. Wadja - Brilliant in too many ways to write just a couple of sentences

5. Mortal Instrument: City of Bones - Controversial I know, it was panned by critics and got a luke warm audience response but I loved it and have just finished reading the book (which is quite different). Already have the DVD on order and pleased to hear the second film is going into production. It's not up to the standards of the Hunger Games but it just appealed to my inner teen.

6. Rush - at the time I described it as the thrill ride film of the year and I stand by that.

7. Captain Phillips - Edge of seat stuff and Tom Hanks' final scene will be forever up there among my most memorable movie emotion moments.

8. Blue is the Warmest Colour - Three hours of subtle, naturalistic and often heart wrenching film watching

9. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Books are among my favourites, loved the first film and this just got even better. Tonally and performance-wise one of the most affecting films of the year.

10. Saving Mr Banks - Been Tom Hanks' year and coupled with the superb Emma Thompson and a refreshing performance from Colin Farrell I fell in love with P L Travers.

And seven films I didn't

1. The Host

2. Spring Breakers

3. Pacific Rim

4. The Call

5. Sunshine on Leith

6. The Counsellor

7. Secret Life of Walter Mitty