The Last Stand

That's all Folks! Farewell from The Last Stand

2016-12-31T01:18:00.000-06:00

Well it seems everything awesome has to come to end sooner or later. That time has to be now for The Last Stand. We have been here for years through thick and thin. Fat and skinny and back to fat. Well you get the idea.

For a small blog that started with a few high school friends wanting to voice their opinions and humor, I think we succeeded to some degree. Well one of us did. *cough cough I'm only one here for the last 5 or so years. I digress.

This isn't goodbye. It's just a I'll see you later. I will come back. Not like Jesus back but more like Phil Collins back. (That's the one where I'll come back here and there with new things.)

I love you all and Goodnight!

Happy New Years everyone!

If anyone wishes to join the team and take lead. Just email me please. I'm nice and don't bite (often...kidding..maybe..)

Trailer: Captain America: Civil War + Posters and Screenshots!

2015-11-25T02:07:00.000-06:00

It has been quite some time since a post has been, well... posted. So what's a better way than doing a post about the first Captain America: Civil War trailer? I thought so.

The first trailer dropped not long ago and it was glorious in every way! We got to see the teams forming and see everything start falling into place for one epic fight. One epic Civil War (see what I did there).

We end up getting a great first glimpse of Black Panther in full costume and keeping his end of the fight very interesting. We are still waiting for our first glimpse of the elusive Spider-Man. In due time my friends. In due time.

So here is the trailer along with 3 Posters and some screenshots I took to get a better look at things including Black Panther, the teams, and the registration act itself.

Check them out

Check back for more news on Captain America: Civil War

6 Actors Who Should be the New Spider-Man

2015-02-19T18:54:00.000-06:00

Some big news has been unveiled a couple of weeks ago involving ol' Spidey and Marvel. Spider-Man is coming home! (well sort of). Lets Explain!

Earlier, Sony Pictures (who owns the screen rights to Spider-Man and Company) decided to partner up with Marvel Studios and bring Spider-Man to the famous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This is gigantic news regarding big studios working together and bringing together something the fans always wanted. They announced he will show up Captain America: Civil War and then a new solo film on July 28, 2017 that will go back to high school years. This means recasting Spider-Man unfortunately.

We are still a little hurt that Andrew Garfield will be leaving the role because he was Peter Parker. Can Marvel and Sony cast someone better? We have been researching for them and have come up with a few choices that should get a look at by them when the time comes.

Check out the full list and even a Bonus person!

Notice we have no mention of Peter Parker above, this is because at this point of time we have no idea if Marvel wants to use him in their MCU. Personally, I don't like the idea of Marvel finally getting back one of their biggest characters and not going with the original most famous version of him. Peter Parker is Spider-Man.

I understand the interest of using Miles Morales (half African American/half Puerto Rican), the ultimate Spider-Man version since 2011. He is a breath of fresh air and has an origin story that is different and we haven't seen on film yet. So with our list we will include are top picks for both Peter Parker and Miles Morales.

Logan Lerman

Logan Lerman has been in the running for the part for a while now (back to 2010 against Garfield). He does hold all the qualities of a young Peter Parker and is pretty popular character actor with Percy Jackson under his belt but the kid deserves a franchise that could show off his good qualities. If they decide to go towards a high school version, or even college years, he would fit both greatly.

Dylan O'Brien

Dylan O'Brien came out of nowhere the last couple of years. He was turning some heads while on MTV's Teen Wolf and then blew up last year with The Maze Runner. He fits the part physically but could be towards the edgier version of Peter Parker and not the nerdy classic one. Throw some glasses on him and he is good to go! Just look at the picture above. He almost looks like Andrew Garfield. It's a little uncanny, I mean "amazing". See what I did there. Although, he could be very busy with his Maze Runner series taking off with sequels.

Nick Robinson

Nick Robinson is more of an unknown at the moment but just wait until this summers Jurassic World. He had a standout performance in Kings of Summer and could continue that momentum into Jurassic World and move to another huge franchise with Spider-Man. Also, he fits the age range (19) of a high school version along with college years. This could be a very interesting choice to see.

Dylan Minnette

This kid won't show up on many list but I believe he is very underrated in the roles he's been in. He looks the part as well and could be a strong surprise for most watchers. He hasn't had a main character role but deserves it. The only downside is it will likely not happen. He technically is already part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with being 'Blizzard' on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. They don't like to mix up things I think. Hey you never know though.

Cameron Monaghan

Another person on the list that many wouldn't see coming or really know outside of The Giver and Shameless. He has been acting from an early age (9) and has been doing one hell of a job since then. Just this week he has been making headlines with his rendition of The Joker on Gotham. If you haven't seen it yet just check it out! I would like to see this happen a lot after seeing it.

Donald Glover

He is the oldest and most controversial. Personally it would be awesome to have him as not Peter Parker but Miles Morales. The guy has been wanting to play Spider-Man for years and even had a big push with a hashtag #GloverforSpiderman back in 2010. He is a huge fan and the comic book writers and artist are even huge fans of him. They created a Spider-Man "Miles Morales" that is based on him and President Obama. The introduction of him to MCU would be a major step forward with bringing newer characters to it and it would a good origins story we haven't seen on film. I'm soooooo tired of seeing Peter Parker's origin story. We all know it and don't need another version.

BONUS: John Gallagher Jr.

Ok, John Gallagher is a personal favorite of mine for the role of a slightly older Peter Parker. He has that edgy nerdy feel to him and he has the body type of him. If you have ever seen him in The Newsroom, then you know what I'm talking about, he has the fast/geek talk down and the personality to be comedic and serious at same time. I think the angle of a slightly older Peter Parker in the middle of the Civil War would work perfectly. Go the Affleck Batman route and acknowledge he's been around for a few years and keep the origin story for a prequel down the road. We all know it from this generation and the last. There is no wrong that could happen from this.

There are plenty of actors out there perfect for the part. Many deserve it but only one can get it.

Who do you think should play the part? Which version of Spider-Man should it be? Anybody you really hate for it? Lets us know! Speak your mind and let it be heard!

FOX Picked DC Comics' 'Lucifer' for Pilot Order

2015-02-19T15:01:00.000-06:00

FOX will attempt to add another DC Comics property to their prime time lineup very soon. They have ordered a Pilot for 'Lucifer' after a long process of getting it ready.

Last fall, Fox did a "Put Pilot" on Lucifer, which means they would pay some penalties if it never got pass the scripting stage. The team behind the scenes is very talented and no strangers to drama action. Big time producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, will be executive producing with Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed.

Californication creator Tom Kapinos will script the pilot with Len Wiseman (Underworld, Sleepy Hollow) directing it.

That is pretty great team all around to bring this awesome comic series to life on screen. Although, we will hold reservations because of the direction they are going.

Hollywood Reporter says the premise will Lucifer "who is bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell and resigns his throne and abandons his kingdom for the beauty of Los Angeles, where he gets his kicks helping the LAPD punish criminals."

That isn't really close to how the comic went but for television's sake and FOX turning things into a police procedural, lets hope it works. Lucifer is an amazing deep character who deserves more recognition but hopefully this won't go down the wrong road. More info to come!

First trailer for Hitman: Agent 47 hits Web

2015-02-12T18:12:00.000-06:00

The Hitman franchise is a popular and once fantastic video game series that has recently taken a dip in quality but the movie adaptations have always lacked in every way. Can this movie be the redeeming factor to the terrible 2007 film?

My guess is no. Hitman was a series dedicated to being stealth and well thought out plans to kill the target. Of course, you could just go around killing people like this in the game and still beat it. I guess the writer Skip Woods (who also wrote the first one) did that when he played. How about going back and trying to play it the right way and write another movie with that kind of action? Maybe third time will be the charm for him. (Likely not).

Hopefully this movie will be better then the first movie and it already holds promise to it by the looks of it. Check out the trailer below!

Based on the top-selling, award-winning videogame franchise, "Agent 47" is an all-new motion picture about an elite and genetically engineered assassin, known only by the last two digits – 47 – of a barcode tattooed on the back of his neck. His latest target is a young woman on the run from powerful and clandestine forces. The mission brings startling revelations about the lethal agent and his prey, hurtling them on a collision course with their pasts. And this time, his number may be up.

More to come!

What has happened to The Last Stand?

2015-02-12T14:37:00.000-06:00

If you have been a pretty frequent visitor on The Last Stand over the last 7 years then you probably have been wondering what happened to it.

Well, the site started as a little project in high school with a few friends getting together to make a site dedicated to movie, game, and comic news by geeks for geeks. We started out very strong and grew steadily over the years to surpassing 100k in viewership. The team ended up with just me taking on everything and keeping the site going. So what happened to posting last year?

The main site has taken a backseat while I'm wanting to do a makeover from top to bottom. The site is still very much alive and going on Twitter. So make sure to follow us @the_last_stand.

College and work will limit me from always being on top of the news coming out posting on the site but I will do my best. Also, there will be more top list and editorials done along with returning reviews of movies.

If anyone is interested to writing for The Last Stand or helping remodel the site then email me!

Thank you for visiting and we want to gain your follow and keep it going for years to come.

Zach Snyder Gives First Look at Batman and Batmobile

2014-05-14T00:04:00.003-05:00

Finals are over!!! Yes! Yes! Ye..oh wait back to working on a top-notch website dedicated to movie and comics news I guess. Yes that sounds good to me because tons of big things are happening right now in the universe revolving around those things. Today is good because we get first look at Zack Snyder's Batman and batmobile.

Director Zack Snyder tweeted yesterday a little teaser image of the batmobile under a tarp prepped to be unveiled today. Well we were in for a treat!

Full pic of suit and batmobile after jump along along with a lighter color version to see full suit

He posted a pic on twitter today of the batmobile (well most of it) and ......Batman himself! Yes thats right! We finally get first look at Batman in full uniform and its not that surprising where they got inspiration from. The suit has the big logo and short ears from the Frank Miller era, which look pretty awesome. The batmobile, from what I can see, is a pretty good child between the tumbler and the Burton era one. Until we see more of both, I won't judge it to hard because we need to see color and close ups. All in all though, impressed very much with overall look and feel.

Here is the image he posted with a lightened version to see the suit better and the original teaser image of batmobile

Batman Vs Superman hits theaters on May 6, 2016

Godzilla IMAX Poster and Cool Japanese Trailer!

2014-04-24T12:45:00.003-05:00

I really have to hand it to the Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures marketing team for creating this fantastic mystery and coolness around Godzilla. The film looks so amazing and intriguing without giving away hardly anything about the plot or the full Godzilla. I mean, do we really need to know more than Godzilla is back and fighting other monsters? We already know that right? Thank you marketing team for making this film jump ahead 20 spots to be in the Top 5 anticipated of the year.

They released this stunning IMAX poster for the film that has some pretty great homage to Japan. The new trailer doesn't offer anymore of the plot but gives us some new scenes that are pretty awesome.

Trailer and Poster VIA Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures and Collider.com

Check out the great Japanese trailer after the jump!

Official Synopsis

In Summer 2014, the world's most revered monster is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic action adventure "Godzilla." From visionary new director Gareth Edwards ("Monsters") comes a powerful story of human courage and reconciliation in the face of titanic forces of nature, when the awe-inspiring Godzilla rises to restore balance as humanity stands defenseless.

Gareth Edwards directs "Godzilla," which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Kick Ass"), Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe ("The Last Samurai,"Inception"), Elizabeth Olsen ("Martha Marcy May Marlene"), Oscar winner Juliette Binoche ("The English Patient,""Cosmopolis"), and Sally Hawkins ("Blue Jasmine"), with Oscar nominee David Strathairn ("Good Night, and Good Luck.,""The Bourne Legacy") and Bryan Cranston ("Argo,""TV's "Breaking Bad").

So watch the new Japanese trailer and see "Godzilla" in theaters on May 16th

Marvel Studios the Biggest Movie Franchise Ever Now

2014-04-09T16:03:00.002-05:00

This comes to no shock to anyone that watches movie ever. Marvel has officially became the highest grossing movie series in the domestic box office with over $2.46 billion in sales over 9 movies.

That surpasses Harry Potter (8 movies), Star Wars (6 movies), and James Bond (23 films) to be the top grossing franchise. That is pretty prestigious thing to get just with 9 movies.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is currently raising the number as it broke box office records for opening weekend. Also, with a list of movies coming out over the next couple of years, expect it to continue to rise above all others.

Nathan Fillion in Guardians of the Galaxy?

2014-04-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

So as we previously posted, we were in attendance at the Wizard World St. Louis Con this past weekend. I can't believe I will admit I missed this news when it happened...I know shame on me for missing the Firefly panel on Sunday. I wish I could have been there to here the awesome news!

They did the usual Q and A with the fans and we sometimes get some good questions, oh did someone ask a good one. They asked him if he whether or not he wanted a part in Guardians of the Galaxy. He replied with a gleeful smirk "[Want] to get a part?, Or maybe did. I'm just saying maybe. Maybe it'll be a surprise. Maybe check the credits of the movie when you watch it."

Is he just messing with us?! Tell us Fillion! I will take the smirk and hesitation to say anything as a confirmation he will be in it some way or another. How he said check credits makes me think he could be in makeup or in background in a quick spot. I will have a soft spot for the movie for life if Starlord is in bar with Captain Malcolm Reynolds nearby. I would freak the !@#$ out!

A very nice fan videotaped the panel for those unfortunate enough to be there or ones who get told the panel was cancelled, after waiting in line for a really looong time and told it was cancelled, but not told it was pushed to later in day. Did that happen to anybody else? Just me?

More news to come!

Sean Astin Confirms The Goonies 2

2014-04-07T15:16:00.001-05:00

Well this is pretty much the confirmation that The Goonies 2 is happening. We were in the big theater at Wizard World St. Louis and there was a 1-on1 with Sean Astin. The big news came at the end during the speed round of questions.

A fan asked him would he like to see a Goonies 2 movie made and have the kids be the adventurers this time, he said "yes". Then went to say how we should "expect it sooner than later." So we took it as sure it could happen but the next person for questions said that he got a tweet saying director Richard Donner just announced it's getting made. Astin then smiled and said "see I said it's sooner than later"

There you have it folks from 2 sources at separate places around the same time.

What are your thoughts on it?

More to come !

AMC Teases The Walking Dead Season 5 with Poster

2014-04-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

AMC's The Walking Dead broke its own record for season finale Sunday night with 15.7 million viewers. Holy toledo thats a lot of people watching people deal with personal problems in a zombie apocalypse. I love USA folks.

Since we will be without The Walking Dead until the return with season five, we get a cool teaser poster for it now. The poster just has the words "survive" and Andrew Lincoln aka Rick kneeling down. I like the image a lot and I can't wait for season five because if you read comics, you know it will be one action filled season.

Check it out below

Ellen Page Cast As Robin in Batman Vs. Superman!!

2014-04-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

This might come to shock to many people but they announced today that Ellen Page has been cast as the boy (girl?) -wonder in Batman Vs. Superman. They are really getting edgy in this whole film with Jesse Eisenberg playing Lex Luthor and Ben Affleck as the man himself, Batman.

The news was broke today in a press conference that had Page in attendance. She stated that "Robin has always been a character I loved in comics" and continued to say "I really wanted the part so bad and I went to Zack and told him my take on the character and he loved it," She went into detail about how she wanted the part over Kitty Pryde since the beginning but Nolan wouldn't have the character in his story. She thought she would seize the day with Snyder on board to direct it. Hey it seems to have worked!

Also she said some really intersting things at the end of it with a little comment about how she wants to "stay with the character for a long time even into her later age and BEYOND." Beyond as in Batman Beyond?? Say what!?!

More news to follow

Oh and April Fools!!!!! Don't believe a word of this because its not true. Except the Lex Luthor bit. I still can't believe thats true....early April Fools with that one, huh Warner Bros?? (elbow jab in ribs).

Now back to serious news for the day...

Watch Scene from Son of Batman Movie + Interview with Jason O'Mara

2014-03-31T19:27:00.001-05:00

DC All Access released a video that includes a pretty funny interview with Batman himself, Jason O'Mara, and a exclusive clip from the Son of Batman animated movie. Also, stick around til end of video to get some pretty cool news from other DC comics interviews and news.

Son of Batman is based on Grant Morrison's storyline that introduced us to the anti-lovable son of Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne. I personally love the little d-bag kid but thats just me (and like everyone else...but I ask myself why all the time...)

The cast of great voices include the return of Jason O'Mara as Batman, Morena Baccarin as Talia Al Ghul, Thomas Gibson as Deathstroke, and Giancarlo Esposito (Gus from Breaking Bad) as Ra's Al Ghul. That is quite the cast!

Son of Batman will hit Video (who says Video anymore) on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital Download on May 6th.

Giveaway: Silver Surfer #1 (2014) To One Lucky Follower!

2014-03-27T17:22:00.001-05:00

Ok Everyone, We are going to try some new things here at The Last Stand. We are going to participate in a giveaway of one Silver Surfer #1 (2014) comic book to a lucky person! Ends on Wednesday April 2, 2014.

The catch is....you just have to follow and retweet the twitter link for this article! Another way is "Like" the Facebook page for site. (Don't worry links to those are down below.) That is all you have to do to be entered into it! It's pretty simple to do and you could get a free issue of a good comic book. Trust me I got my own issue as well. So I can vouch for it!

Remember by Wednesday April 2, 2014!!

Follow us on Twitter at this link

Like us on Facebook at this link

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trailer is Online Now!

2014-03-27T17:02:00.000-05:00

Paramount Pictures released the first trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles today and I have to say it looks like a Michael Bay produced film. That's not necessarily a bad thing, ok leaning towards it but not fully. We get our first real look at the CGI turtles and its a toss-up at this point.

Synopsis from SuperheroHype -- Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder (William Fitchner) and his evil Foot Clan have everything from the police to the politicians in their pocket. The future is dark until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O'Neil (Megan Fox) and her wise-cracking cameraman Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett) to save the city and unravel Shredder's diabolical plan.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will hit theaters on May 16th

Here is the trailer below! What are your thoughts of on the Turtles?

First Trailer for Brett Ratner's Hercules

2014-03-25T13:12:00.000-05:00

CinemaCon is this week and it started with a bang last night with the premiere of Brett Ratner's Hercules starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the man himself.

Its based on the Radical Studios graphic novel "Hercules: The Thracian Wars" from a few years back and by the looks of it, we have some good action coming are way later this summer.

The Rock has said that even with the serious tone portrayed in the trailer, there will be some fun to be had with one-liners and other similar things. That is a trademark of Ratner, to put humor in everything. The jokes on us I guess with X-Men: The Last Stand. (Great title, terrible movie).

Hercules will hit theaters in 2D and 3D on July 25th

Seriously Awesome Retro Captain America: The Winter Soldier Poster

2014-03-24T22:23:00.000-05:00

Captain America might be the best throwback character of the 1940s era, but we don't live in that time anymore. This poster doesn't care whatsoever because it's just plainly amazing looking. The nostalgia of old movie posters settles in nicely with this poster by Paolo Rivera. Check it out below!

The Winter Soldier movie is really shaping up to be great follow up and great turn into a spy movie. Seriously Like I am excited!

Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits theaters on April 4th!

New X-Men: Days of Future Past Trailer + Poster

2014-03-24T19:55:00.000-05:00

20th Century Fox is stepping up the marketing and showing off just how awesomely dark and action packed X-Men: Days of Future Past is going to be. They released a new darker trailer for it along with a well....let's put it as ill-advised layered poster. *Prof. X is farting a trail of fire by the looks of it*.

Wolverine has his consciousness sent back to 1973 to convince and help young Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender), and the rest of the First Class team stop Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) from starting the rise of the Sentinels, giant cool robots programmed to kill all mutants.

Days of Future Past will have the "big comic-book tentpole film of the summer" in it's sights when it hits theaters on May 23rd.

R.I.P. Harold Ramis (1944-2014)

2014-02-24T18:08:00.001-06:00

Famed director, writer, and actor Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69 today. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. He was battling a rare illness called autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, which is swelling of blood vessels.

This man was a pioneer of modern age comedy starting with his roots as a writer on the classic Animal House and on. He gained entrance to all the nerds hearts on camera with his character Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters. Ramis had one hell of a funny mind and taste for humor on screen with classic many didn't know he directed including National Lampoon's Vacation, Caddyshack, and Groundhog Day. All great comedy classics in my book as well as all comedy fans. Not just fans that enjoy to watch them but to make them. He was big influences on current big comedians Jay Roach, Judd Apatow, and Seth Rogan, just to name a few. He will always be a pioneer and remembered for the work he has done to make us laugh and enjoy life.

R.I.P.

Harold Ramis

(1944-2014)

First Poster for Guardians of the Galaxy! You're Welcome

2014-02-20T21:30:00.000-06:00

Man you guys must be getting sick of Guardians of the Galaxy this week, too bad because I''m not! This week has been huge for the space flick with revealing the first trailer and various pics of the film. Now, we get an official poster that is rockin. It continues the awesome sense of humor we witnessed and will hopefully continue to see.

Guardians of the Galaxy will hit theaters on August 1st, 2014.

Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell are The Fantastic Four!!

2014-02-20T18:54:00.001-06:00

This isn't shocking for those that have been keeping up with the rumors, but to others it is a bit crazy! Well, not really when you take it in the 21st century but they have cast a brother and sister with one being adopted..we are guessing. That is big for Marvel's first family because Sue and Johnny are brother and sister and not same racial background like it has always been.

The other casting choices really aren't a surprise from previous reports but the inclusion of Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm (The Thing) is a new one for us. A good surprise if I do say so myself. The cast is Miles Teller will be Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Kate Mara as Sue Storm (The Invisbile Woman), Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm (The Thing).

Also, rumors are saying the villain will be Dr. Doom...but maybe a female version of the character. The is crazy..just crazy enough. I suspect this will be one original take on the characters with director Josh Trank helming the project that should start filming in March. The release date is slated for June 19, 2015.

Guardians of the Galaxy Trailer is Here and its Oddly Awesome!!

2014-02-18T23:12:00.000-06:00

Our wait is over!! Marvel Unvieled the first full trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy on Jimmy Kimmel Live! a little bit ago and it's oddly awesome in every way. Nothing like previous Marvel movies.

I'm really impressed by this movie and I find myself wanting to see it even more now because of it. The humor is great and takes great hold on the tone of the film in just the 2 min trailer. Don't get me wrong, the humor will throw some off...ok probably a lot off...but we have to give it a chance, just like Marvel Studios did getting it made.

New Official Pics from Guardians of the Galaxy + Trailer Premiere Tonight!

2014-02-18T15:45:00.001-06:00

Big news this week with Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (GofG)! Not only are we promised a trailer soon (more news farther in article...don't skip just read), we have some official pics that are pretty cool!

USA Today has released the images earlier and they aren't the most revealing but show some great shots of our heroes and their trusty spaceship. GotG will be one hell of a ride!

The rest are after the jump along with a special 15 sec teaser of the trailer! Don't miss out I mean it!

Oh ya! That trailer news I mentioned at beginning...well tonight (February 18th, 2014) the trailer will premiere on Jimmy Kimmel Live! But to satifiy all you fans waiting to see it we have a little 15 sec teaser for it in the meantime. Check it out and get a very brief glimpse at Rocket Raccoon. Like back of head brief...

Top 13 Best Movies of 2013

2014-02-04T16:51:00.001-06:00

Behold fellow geek readers, the Top 10 (I mean, 13) list of them all (at least for last year). 2013 was a very peculiar year in cinema because it gave me the toughest choices for top ones I had try my hardest to bring the list down to 10 but I just couldn't do it at all. Seriously, I was up for like 78 hours trying to choose between these movies for best ones of the year. Around 56, I lost track of time, and fought myself for whether or not Howard the Duck was a masterpiece or epic fail of movie making. I got it together, don't worry, I remembered it was a masterpiece...*gosh my grammar is terrible..

Back to business, 2013 offered some of the biggest surprises since around 2007. It gave us one hell of an adrenaline ride in space, a much needed reboot, an almost fairytale like adventure, and so much more. My list will be debated among people because I include films that are generally not accepted as top 10 quality, but they have geek points that push them to that limit for a geek blogger like me. Just hear me out and feel free to bash me in the comment section.

13. The Heat

This movie brought out the funny version of Melissa McCarthy, while proving that Sandra Bullock is still funny. We get to see guy buddy cop movies every year with various actors trying to create something new and funny but most are forgettable. Now, having a high concept comedy revolving around female leads as cops was a great thing to go for, having a really solid script with a fantastic cast that pushes their own limits in the right way. Overall, a great cop comedy that blew some new life in the genre.

12. The Spectacular Now

High school love stories are a dime a dozen with getting it right. Many are imitators of John Hughes movies that just don't capture the charm or love, but The Spectacular Now did just that. It has a darker story to tell in the genre but manages to make a love story happen out of it perfectly. Miles Teller has not been able gain my approval at all over the last couple of years, even managing to work his way into the Top 10 Worst List in 2013 as well. He made Sutter lovable beyond the extent I would ever think. He wasn't the only character that was fantastic. Shailene Woodley made Aimee, the nerdy girl, so innocence in her own way. I really liked both characters together because they had such amazing chemistry. This was a surprise for the year I strongly welcomed.

11. Out of the Furnace

Destined for greatness with an all-star cast including Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, and Willem Dafoe. Out of the Furnace raised the bar, in my mind, because of that fact. The opening scene with Harrelson set the tone of the film perfectly. I don't think I have hated a character so much, so quickly. and couldn't wait to see what would happen to him. The film had one hell of a great narrative of the steel town brothers, Rodney (Affleck) and Russell (Bale), who go down vastly different paths that cross at a point where both lives are greatly affected. The tone of the film is vastly intriguing with how this culture works compared to other areas of the world. This film will have trouble finding a market based on its pacing and storytelling way but it is one memorable film.

10. Star Trek Into Darkness

Star Trek fans have always been a hard pleaser when it comes to the movies over the years. J.J. Abrams did one amazing film back in 2009 with the reboot. Everyone was like a younger version of the original stars. It was uncanny good at times. The sequel talk always had weary folks commenting how are they going to top Wrath of Khan. Would they do remake? Original story? Well, I believe they made one great sequel that was full of action, character development, amazing SFX, and everything in-between. The villain reveal of Khan (yes I said the twist but it's been out for over 6 months. All sshhh talk is nulled out) was expected and was great. Benedict Cumberbatch was fantastic as a villain in any way you look at it. It was edgy but reclaimed some of the nostalgia of the original Khan villain and film itself. I don't know how Trekkies could have voted this lowest on the list at a recent con? Craziness

9. Prisoners

Let me start off by saying I've been one huge fan of Jake Gyllenhaal since Donnie Darko and Zodiac. I walked in this movie being a little prejudice because of that, but I was blown away at the film as a whole. This is a movie that you leave not feeling right (in a good bad way...does that make sense?) because it makes you think about things differently. Gyllenhaal and Jackman were superb as their characters, Detective Loki and Keller. Gyllenhaal playing Dect. Loki was so memorable because of his mannerisms and way of thinking. I still to this day want to see more of a backstory to him. Jackman as a father that will go to any length to find his daughter tears you up inside because you have to decide if what he is doing is right or wrong. A gut wrenching drama that makes you leave uneasy is doing something right in my book. Great story that was made better by the incredible acting abilities shown on the main cast including Paul Dano.

8. The Place Beyond The Pines

Ryan Gosling is a hit or miss with people. Some believe he has been doing the same faced character for the last couple of years. Others believe he is actually brilliant in his own ways with these characters. I am one of the people in the latter. I will admit I'm a fan of Gosling since way back but not as big as my girlfriend. This guy could just stand there and smirk and say "hey", her jaw is dropping, he got it going on. Oh I love her. Naturally, with the director of Blue Valentine (a great movie itself) directing this, I was excited to see a epic film about a bank robber and a rookie police officer and their legacies. Gosling and Bradley Cooper did great jobs filling the characters with emotion we likely wouldn't have seen with others. The plot is just a great thinker because it shows how our actions in life will have affects on our children's future. This story worked great with it's excellent supporting cast including the up and coming Daniel Dehaan. The way the story switches main characters midway was different and actually worked well with the pacing in it.

7. Man of Steel

Superman will always be a powerhouse moral character in comics, but this movie drove new edgy ideas into the fans heads about the man in tights. I have a few films I've chosen for the top best list that others will have on their top worst list, Man of Steel being one of them. It's been a long time since a comic movie has divided fans this big. For a movie to do that means it was successful in some shape or form. Man of Steel was a huge step-up in Superman mythos because it brought a character living with a 1930's mentality to the 21st century. Superman has to adapt to the times and he has done so with this movie. I've been wanting a superman movie where we see more than one punch and now I have it. Now, destroying a city and killing millions wasn't really what I meant by that but hey we are getting there. It brought life into the DC side of things with a great story with perfect casting. Henry Cavill was pretty much great as Clark Kent/Superman. They made him more manly and cool. Michael Shannon has always been a great villain, I tend to find it strange with him in hero/normal good spirited roles. The man has that look of a crazy villain. I think of Man of Steel as DC's version of Iron Man. It brought the character new life and started something much bigger than itself, a shared universe. Let's see what DC can do next shall we.

6. Rush

Auto racing movies are a hard thing to nail down. It's not a very publicly accepted sport for a movie. Especially Formula One racing. Not a very american sport. So to have a big hit movie involving it you need a great script, cast, and direction. Rush nailed all of them dead center! The story is one not many know about but made you interested in it from the beginning. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl were perfectly cast as James Hunt and Niki Lauda respectfully. The story of their rival is a great story told on film. Director Ron Howard knows how to grab your attention and do great race scenes that keep you in the movie. The atmosphere of the 70s is perfectly filmed all throughout. A great addition to the racing movies because we needed one with more heart and better well everything.

5. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

I like the first one somewhat, its not terrible. Going into Catching Fire was a bit weary in my mind but man was I blown away. A huge step up from the first one in every way. The acting was so much better throughout by everyone including Josh Hutcherson. He was a big weakness in the first one. The addition of Francis Lawrence as director was a wise decision by the producers because he was proven to understand the atmosphere, characters, and pacing of the book for the big screen. The story was filmed with some high-octane action sequences we aren't used to seeing in big anticipated films. We usually get the shaky cam (like the first film) and generic thrills. Those are erased from this one with much needed refreshment. I was just so into the film until the very end and left with wanting more and more. You know a movie is good when you get though 2 1/2 hours and want more.

4. This Is The End

High-concept movies are a huge love for me. This Is The End is no exclusion! A movie about real-life movie stars surviving in an apocalypse with a lot of humor. That is golden idea for comedy and action fans. Seth Rogan and James Franco are great together, but having the whole group together was just amazing. This film is full of comedy genius because of the idea of them being themselves in this environment. A few pleasant surprises was Craig Robinson and Danny McBride stealing the show. I was greatly impressed with both of them. Another big thing was the special effects. They were on par with some the best action/sci-fi movies. Overall, a great comedy/action film with great acting, special effects, and story. Also, a special appearance by a person will make you laugh so hard for minutes.

3. Captain Phillips

Tom Hanks is a true gem in cinema. His portrayal of Captain Phillips was unbelievable to say the least. Now, the facts of what really happened in 2009 off the coast of africa will carry a lot of controversy. Even so, Director Paul Greengrass has made one hell of an intoxicating thriller on all levels with a very character driven film. Tom Hanks is an actor we know can act from past experices with him, but seeing him play a normal man taken by pirates and his heroic acts is stunning. He had a scene towards the end with him in shock that was so compelling it made you feel the pain and fear all the way. The tension the entire movie is just crazy and keeps you on edge the entire time. It's not a traditional action movie at all and with great reason. It's a character driven film that has moments of action needed for us to feel and see the way he reacted. We also put a face and background to the pirates we haven't seen before on film. It's almost a sense of Stockhom syndrome towards the pirates because they are human not evil heartless people. There is a scene between Hanks and lead pirate, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), about being a fisherman and kidnapper, where he simply replies "Maybe in America". That is powerful. They both deserve to be in the running for oscars with there roles. I truly gripping human movie.

2. Mud

My inclusion of Mud will throw some off, but if you have seen this movie you will understand. Mud was something really special we don't get to see enough of, or done right. A coming of age film with a fairytale feel to it, set in Arkansas. The atmosphere of this small town and it's people is familiar but has a certain beauty not seen anywhere else. The story of reuniting lost lovers but with a big twist in their story is different and appealing to watch. Matthew McConaughey as the the title character is magical because of his charming and alluring way he portrays him. He has definitely stepped up his skills in the last couple of years. Director Jeff Nichols captured the warm, lush Mississippi river area with such perfection we feel right at home. The boys were great actors for being so young and best part is they felt like they were the dirt bike riding country boys. Likely because they are exactly that type. The entire suppoting cast was just perfect down to the bad guys. The scenes shared with Matthew and the boys is so natural. I left the theater wanting to see more of this world and its characters. A truly fantastic film that should be seen more than it is.

1. Gravity

Ok, the number one, numero uno, nummer eins, The big shot, the...lets just get to it! Gravity topped off the list of best movies of 2013 by a long-shot. It had me from the first trailer and resonated until I saw it in the grand IMAX 3D. Director Alfonso Cuaron has made a masterpiece of the 21st century with a space drama of epic portions. I can go on for hours talking about how amazing this film is but I will tune it on down for everyone. Movies that are game changers don't come very often and are a spectacle when they do and Gravity has all the checks across that list. I sat in the theater feeling like a child looking up at space for the first time and seeing something bigger than me with so much wonder. I've never seen a movie capture that emotion for me before. With a limited cast of just Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, you are in for laughs, tears, and moments of awe. Bullock proves to everyone how amazing she can truly be in serious roles. We are along the ride with her and understand how she feels because she is the intro point in the movie for us (the viewers). The emotions on screen are so human and lifelike. I had a mini-panic attack (in a good way) the entire film because of everything working in sync precisely perfect to the Tee (T? Tea? hmmm). The time of special effects I will recommend this film to every single person I meet without hesitation. There is only so many things that around in a lifetime that must be seen at least once. Movies aren't usually on that list, but Gravity is a extraordinary exception. I just want to say thank you Alfonso Cuaron for bringing back my childhood wonder once again.

There's the list folks. Don't get me wrong, there was tons more of amazing movies that just almost made the list but please tell me below what they are. Did I make you mad because of a certain film? Blast away please. Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from all of you guys.