The 10 Best Movies of 2013

In surveying the year at the movies, the topography is rich. From the dusty, dying towns of "Nebraska" to the rooftop Roman parties in "The Great Beauty" to the sleek future Los Angeles of Her, 2013 has been a trip. But has it been a great year?

Negativity reached a fever pitch in the summer when Steven Spielberg lamented Hollywood's risk-adverse, finance-driven blockbusterism. The grim, humourless Man of Steel and its careless backdrop of mass destruction was a low point: the epitome of everything bad about movies today. Yet ambitious films gathered in number as the year went on, and many began calling 2013 a historically excellent year for film, after all. 

Winner's Songs Revealed, X Factor Final '12

 

This year saw X Factor finalists pick their own winners song – for the first time since 2010. Jahmene sung The Beatles’ Let It Be whilst James plumped for Shontelle’s Impossible.

Jahmene took to the stage forthe Beatles classic Let It Be. The large choir made a return and Jahmene just used his voice (and a sparkly jacket) to stun the audience and earn a standing ovation from all 4 judges.
Louis said Jahmene was “born to sing” and that it was an “amazing interpretation.” Tulisa told Jahmene he “deserved it” whilst Gary said, “you have an unbelievable talent.” Nicole thanked Jahmene for a “Jahmazing moment” and described him as a “blessing.”

Shortest Running Muscials

Everyone is aware of long-running musicals, such as Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables but not all productions share their phenomenal success. If a show closes early it is usually due to poor reviews, leading to lack of ticket sales however, occasionally, the reason for their early departure from the stage is more complicated. Some of the shortest running musicals in recent history include those outlined below.
 

Wilde

This musical has gained fame by being known as one of the shortest running musicals of all time. Wilde, based on the life of Oscar Wilde, opened at the Shaw Theatre, London, in 2004. It lasted only one night before closing. Wilde received terrible reviews, one critic going as far as saying it was "the worst musical in the world, ever"! Mike Read, the musical's producer, stressed that the failure of the show was due to the poor quality sound system and the lack of organisation for ticket sales. Read also admitted that he regretted trying to do all the work himself and not delegating to other, perhaps more experienced, professionals.