The Best of 2013

Hello sweeties!

2013 is almost over, and a new year is about to begin! But before we move into 2014, let’s reflect back on 2013! From fashion to entertainment, 2013 was a great year. In this post, I am going to look back on my favorite things from this year in the categories of films, television, actors, and fashion! (It was still a good year... Even though Sherlock didn’t come back this year… FOUR MORE DAYS, PEOPLE!...) So without further ado, the best of 2013!

Films

American Hustle

Gosh, was this movie perfect or what!? David O. Russell did it again! He made a movie that exceeds in every area imaginable. The script was absolutely hilarious, making for an entertaining film. The cast is just perfect as well. Christian Bale is unrecognizable in his transformation as Irving, and delivered an excellent performance, and, of course, Jennifer Lawrence was just phenomenal in her role. American Hustle is definitely on its way to best picture this year! 

12 Years a Slave

This film is a piece of art. 12 Years a Slave is a film with political context, displayed with gorgeous visuals and fantastic performances. Steve McQueen is most certainly best director this year, and I can’t wait to see how 12 Years a Slave makes out this award season. Why not read my full review of 12 Years a Slave right here!

The World’s End

Now, I’m not one who takes to comedies very much; I prefer my dramas. But, The World’s End is absolutely brilliant. Because this is a Simon Pegg film, you are guaranteed to experience hilarity and sci-fi. This film contains it all; it’s hilarious, entertaining, and so weird that I’m obsessed with it.  

Television

Doctor Who

Even though I wasn’t too much of a fan of the episodes that aired in 2013, I am completely obsessed with the last three episodes, “The --- of the Doctor” episodes. Generally, I thought series 7 part 2 was pretty dull script wise (directing, production, and acting is a different story! Absolutely fantastic in those areas!), but what won me over was the series finally, the 50^th anniversary, and the Christmas special. They were spectacular!

(I wanted to do a post about Matt’s departure as the Doctor, but I couldn’t put the words together… but let me just say, I bawled my eyes out. Matt was my Doctor, so to say “goodnight” to him was so heartbreaking. Wah! Overall, I thought the Christmas Special was very well written, acted, and perfectly executed. It was an amazing way for Doctor 11 to leave, even though I didn’t want him to go! Plus, [SPOILER] Amy Freaking Pond returned!! My Amy! I must admit, that was what really brought me to tears, seeing Amy Pond and the Doctor in the Tardis together again! What a beautiful ending for an iconic Doctor!) 

We were all sad to see Matt Smith go, but I put all my faith in Peter Capaldi. He will be fantastic!

The Wrong Mans

Okay, I love this show! This was definitely one of my favorite shows this year. I can assure that you get a right laugh out of this show. I did a review of this show a few months ago; check it out here! I can’t wait for series two!

The Escape Artist

The Escape Artist: When I first heard that title, I thought it was going to be a Bonnie and Clyde type show. I thought, oh cool; I do love an adventure story. Mind you, I couldn’t have been more wrong. This show was so frightening, but super good! The story was intriguing, and David Tennant’s performance was amazing! I don't want to give anything away, just remember it's not Bonnie and Clyde; no one is robbing banks. But, be aware, it is very unsettling.

Broadchurch

Speaking of David Tennant, Broadchurch was definitely one of the best televisions shows this year. I love detective stories (as you'll find out in next months watch list), so Broadchurch was absolutely perfect for me. The "whodunit" concept was entertaining and exciting. Both Tennant's and Olivia Colman's performances where outstanding, as well as the rest of the cast. Broadchurch delivers a fantastic script with a surprising ending!   

Breaking Bad

If you haven’t noticed, I’m not really too much of a fan of American television, but Breaking Bad is definitely the best show America has to offer. This show is so addicting; it’s impossible to stop watching once you’ve started. Breaking Bad offers its audience amazing scripts, fantastic performances, and a quality production. Breaking Bad is definitely a must watch.

Actors

Benedict Cumberbatch

There is no denying, 2013 was the year of the Cumberbabe. He was literally in everything… Well, everything worth watching, anyways. Let’s see, I believe Benedict has been in seven projects this year: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Little Favour, August: Osage County, The Fifth Estate, 12 Years a Slave, Star Trek Into Darkness, and The Simpsons. Plus, we should add in Sherlock… Because you know, it’s awesome…  So actually, that makes eight projects. Does he even sleep?! Benedict has delivered some of the best performances of the year. As I have mentioned about a hundred times already, his performance as Julian Assange was breathtakingly beautiful, his Khan was frightful and powerful, and he did the motion capture for Smaug too. My love for Benedict Cumberbatch has been well documented; he is definitely the best actor this year! 

Matt Smith

Despite the not so great stories in series 7 part 2, Matt Smith never once faltered in his performance as the Doctor. Smith was on his A game this whole year! His monologue in The Rings of Akhaten was breathtaking (I literally have a recording of it on my phone so I can listen to every day… It’s just that perfect). His devastating performance in The Name of the Doctor, the depression when he learns he has to go Trenzalore and the desperation to stop Clara from entering his time stream is so wonderful. Besides this emotional moments, Matt plays off the Doctor's quirkiness just perfect. He brings the wonder of a child to a man who is a thousand years old. But, his final scene as the Doctor was his best performance to date! Not only was this series spectacular, but his entire performance as the Doctor was beautiful! As Karen Gillan said perfectly, "Matt was born to play the Doctor." He most definitely was, Karen. Matt is clearly a fantastic actor, and I can’t wait to see what he does in the future.

Fashion

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge

My fashion icon of 2013 is going to have to be the Duchess of Cambridge! She nailed every single outfit she wore! From public outings, to the arrival of baby George, to George’s christening (Can we talk about how gorgeous she looked! Aw, I love her!) Kate was always on spot. She is just so fabulous! I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings from Kate… And maybe even some cute baby outfits for George! Ooh, also here is my post on Catherine; check it out to see my top ten favorite looks!

Clara Oswald

Okay, so she’s a fictional character, but she still has some pretty amazing outfits! Everything she wore was just perfect! I literally want all her outfits; I just want to raid her closet. Clara and I have a similar taste in style, so every episode with her just made me gush with happiness because of her perfect clothing! Oh, so good!

I think I've just come to the conclusion that it's the collars... I love Clara's collars!

Other exciting things that happened this year: The return of Harry Potter! Woho!

When J.K. Rowling announced the film version of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, I nearly died from excitement! Harry Potter is my childhood, my adulthood, my favorite thing in the whole world. To have the wizarding world return was the best news I heard all year! Plus, Rowling writing the script is just amazing! And, did you hear the other news?! Harry is coming to the stage! J.K. Rowling is also producing a play on the West End about Harry’s life before Hogwarts! How cool is that! Looks like I’ll be making another trip to London soon. 2013 was definitely the year of Potter!

2013 was clearly a great year in cinema, television, and fashion. I also wanted to give a HUGE thank you to everyone of you who reads Actor.Nerd.Fashionista. It has been an amazing year for this blog, and I’m so grateful for all of you! Hugs and kisses to you all! Let’s make 2014 even better!

Shelby xo

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