American Hustle (2013)

Great performances, lots of energy, but nothing particularly original or surprising and unravels/deflates in the last third.

Great cameo by De Niro and small role from Louis CK.
Rating: Good

12 Years a Slave (2013)

A harrowing film, full of great performances. The juxtaposition of beautiful natural images and ugly human nature is striking. The film has the usual "based closely on a true story" issues of not much thematic depth or re-watch value, but it is very powerful.
Rating: Very Good

The Harry Hill Movie (2013)

Really good fun, very inventive and even a few good songs. The villians are the only let down, being not particularly funny or interesting. Trim them right down, and this would be the best hour-long tv special imaginable.
Rating: Good

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

As with the first one, very disappointing. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, by which I mean it's a load of over-cooked, pointless scenes stitched together into a needlessly dark mess. Everyone in this Middle-earth hates each other and is a mean, grumpy prick. There are no likeable characters of any substance except Gandalf and Bilbo, and the latter doesn't do anything for large swathes of the film.

And once again, the 3D is barely there.
Rating: Awful

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Leaving aside issues of accuracy, this film strikes a great balance between fun and heartstring-pulling. A great ensemble and clever script, left me tearful by the end.
Rating: Very Good

Don Jon (2013)

Very enjoyable, gentle film. The story is slight (in fact, I was a bit annoyed that I happened to see the trailer as it showed so much of the enjoyable tone and style of the film that there wasn't much left to surprise me), but touching. Every character is lovable - even the bro friends are open-minded and positive influences - except for Johannsen's, who briefly provides some tension before disappearing. On the other hand, it is refreshing to have no contrived jeopardy or true-love ending.
Rating: Very Good

Gravity (2013)

Brilliant film. Good lead performances, masterfully paced, great 3D and effects, and even very touching in places.
Rating: Great