How can anyone resist a great movie duo? Whether they're romantic relationships, friendships, siblings, or bromances, no one can deny that these types of duos, when combined with great actor chemistry and great dialogue, can be what makes or breaks a movie. Movie duos can carry a movie, make us laugh, make us cry, connect with them, or just enjoy their banter.
So, I've compiled a list of the seven best movie duos of 2013 that have been the most memorable. Once again, I admit to being indecisive, so they're in no particular order because no one is necessarily better than the other, though some might be dearer to my heart than others!
Her - Theodore and Samantha (Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson)
- Not many onscreen romantic couples can sway you with a few conversations like Theodore and Samantha did in Spike Jonze's film. Sure, Samantha's an artificially intelligent operating system, but their relationship is natural and full of witty and genuine moments that it's kind of hard not to like them.
The Kings of Summer - Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio (Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias)
- Ok, so this is technically cheating because it's a trio and not a duo, but Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio wouldn't be anything without the other in some way. And so, I've gone and included all three of them. Initially, Joe and Patrick leave their parents and build a house in the middle of the woods, learn to be independent and grow. Biaggio doesn't so much tag along so much as he just kind of blends in. He's the middle man and weird persona who keeps the peace... and the humor.
Philomena - Philomena Lee and Martin Sixsmith (Judi Dench, Steve Coogan)
- Judi Dench and Steve Coogan make for a great dynamic duo. Based on a true story, Martin Sixsmith helps Philomena search for her long, lost son who was adopted without her consent fifty years ago. Coogan and Dench have an easy relationship and although they seem to be polar opposites, their interactions are filled with witty banter and deep conversations.
Rush - Niki Lauda and James Hunt (Daniel Bruhl, Chris Hemsworth)
- Hollywood loves making sports movies, but it's been awhile since there's been one that makes you really feel for the characters. Ron Howard gets it right when he decided to make a film about the rivalry between Formula One racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Daniel Bruhl and Chris Hemsworth have an onscreen bitterness and hatred towards each other, but the duo respect the other underneath it all. Bruhl and Hemsworth prove that angry looks and quick-witted banter works regardless of the movie subject.
The Spectacular Now - Sutter and Aimee (Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley)
- Rarely do teen films these days make any lasting impressions. Half the time, they make teens look stupid, shallow, and uninteresting. This film does the opposite and what makes the film even more special is the chemistry and relationship between Teller and Woodley. They have a natural and genuine relationship that builds on friendship before moving into romance. They make a great duo simply because they work really well together in all respects.
Star Trek Into Darkness - Spock and James T. Kirk (Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine)
- Probably one of the most well-known and loved duos is the friendship between Spock and Kirk. That doesn't change in J.J. Abrams' reboot of the franchise nor in its sequel. Spock's logic vs. Kirk's emotionally-fueled decisions makes for a great balance and their constant banter makes for great entertainment all while keeping the momentum of the film going.
White House Down - President Sawyer, Cale (Jaime Foxx, Channing Tatum)
- The White House took a double hit in 2013 with both this film and Olympus Has Fallen. But only a duo that includes Tatum and Foxx is worthy of any kind of respect. The film has drama mixed with humor, and a lot of it is thanks to them. If there was any doubt that Tatum's character wasn't qualified to protect the president, all doubt is removed when you see the two of them working side by side.
