Proxy- A fantastic, dark, disturbing film. It's almost Hitchcockian with the way it handles it's plot and proceedings. It's part mystery, and part intense psychological drama. The film enjoys slowly peeling back it's layers and playing with the audience, and what we know or think we know. All the actors and actresses do a pretty bang up job. Definitely one of the better made independent films, and one I would highly recommend given you can stomach this film's disturbing subject matter.
Big Bad Wolves- A surprisingly great film from Israel. It's sadistic, dark, and surprisingly jokey at times. It doesn't always go the way you think it would, and the film does play a few mind games with the audience and I guess it's a bit fun in that aspect (you are always guessing). While the ending isn't entirely satisfying, I still liked it. The film is subtitled, but this is still one I would recommend. It is an expertly crafted film. Job well done Israel.
Cold In July- A film that continually morphs and changes right in front of your eyes. Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard, and Don Johnson are superb in this southern fried Noir. I'm not going to tell you anything about the plot, because the less you know going in the better. The film is expertly directed by Jim Mickle, who seems to know how to craft perfectly structured scenes of suspense and tension. This is definitely one you would do well to check out if you are a fan of Noir, grit, and films that will take you on a journey.
Purge: Anarchy- Certainly not one of the best of the year, but damn was this film crazy and fun. Truly retarded in the best way possible.
A Walk Among The Tombstones- Liam Neeson's best film in a while. It's more of a film noir and a drama than anything else (not much violence here). Liam Neeson actually gets to act, and he portrays a fascinating character. I was surprised by how great this film was, and look forward to watching it again.
The Sacrament- AJ Bowen and Joe Swanberg are great as always as our two main protagonists, and Gene Jones is scary as our antagonist. It is a bit silly in some parts, but it's got one of the best endings to a handheld film I've seen (It's also easily the best ending to a Ti West film I've seen as well). I'm not a big fan of Ti West, but I guess this is probably the best film of his I've seen. The tension and suspense is always thick, plus our main characters are likable and it's easy to get invested in them and root for them.
Transformers: Age of Extinction- I can understand why most didn't like this film, but I personally really enjoyed it. I'm just glad someone made an almost 3 hour film of nothing but action, explosions, and robots fighting. It can get tiring, but I love that this is one of the ultimate action films. A real epic.
Boyhood: It's a cool film. It kind of just coasts along on it's fascinating concept. There's no real plot, or twists or turns (it's not even really a movie, maybe the word would be experimental film). We just sit and watch this one boy grow up all while he tries to figure out who he is. It's an interesting film, but it's incredibly long (exactly as long as Transformers 4) and it definitely drags a good deal. It's worth at least one watch if you're curious, and it's crazy to look at this kid at the end of the film and think that it's been the same actor since second one (we literally watch him grow up, pretty crazy). Boyhood is a unique film, I'm glad I got to watch it and it's certainly one of the better films of 2014 (although there are some films I can think of that are definitely better than this). I definitely liked it, I just didn't love it.
Inherent Vice- A film that I am still thinking about and pondering on. It's story is mesmerizing, it's characters endlessly watchable, and while the end isn't all that great it's the journey that counts here. This film touched me on a personal level, and I felt like I was in college again while I watched it. It's ultimately about one of the last of a dying breed as he wanders around a changing cultural landscape, lamenting the death of everything that was so great about America. A sad, but fun film. I've never had so much fun completely giving myself over to a film. A deeply rewarding experience. I look forward to multiple repeat viewings
Oculus- One of the better horror films to come out of 2014. I loved how entangled you get into the plot, and how the film deftly mixes past and present together so that by the end you can't tell what is going on. With a perfectly crushing climax, and a fantastic story (plus Karen Gillan is great and hot as our main lead) I'd say Oculus is one to remember.
Ok, with honorable mentions out of the way, let's go on to THE TOP 20 FILMS OF 2014!
20. Starry Eyes- At it's heart, this film is a harsh commentary (and a condemnation) of an industry and a town that preys on young hopefuls with stars in their eyes (hence the title). Alexandra Essoe is beautiful, talented, and chilling here. She makes quite an impression, and her transformation scenes are handled quite well (They are really more of a metaphor than anything else, though what we are watching really is happening to her). Noah Segan puts on a superb supporting performance too. It's a bit disappointing that the end has to shoe horn in some slasher elements which I feel detracts from the film overall and just doesn't feel right. These parts don't gel with the film we were watching before, and I feel that this movie didn't need them. Ignoring those parts though, Starry Eyes is a smart, disturbing and engrossing watch that at times can feel like a product of the Hollywood of old. A great film. I also can't believe this was a kickstarter film, I never would have guessed that.
19. The Gambler- Mark Whalberg's Jim Bennett is not a gambler, but a person who is unhappy with his life (he is also a literary professor at a college). He hates that he comes from wealth, that his mother is always looking out for him, and that most things were kind of just given to him. He wants to earn his life, and so chooses gambling as a way to lose all his money or commit suicide (whichever comes first). He borrows thousands from loan sharks, and does everything in his power to piss them off. It's not until he realizes that he's not just messing up his life, but the lives of people that he genuinely cares about that he is finally able to put on his big boy pants and set out to straighten things up. This is a real existential film about the pain of having everything you want, but not having to have worked to achieve it. We are not supposed to sympathize with Mark Whalberg here. That said, his quest to utterly destroy himself is an interesting one. Whalberg does one of his better acting jobs here, and while his character isn't really all that likable he does look super cool in just about every scene he's in (even when he's getting the snot kicked out of him). John Goodman is easily the best part of this film as a loan shark who doubles as a father figure for Bennett that offers sage pieces of wisdom every now and then. Goodman owns every single scene he is in, and his monologues are pretty strong stuff. The Gambler has a strong script from William Monahan, great directing from Rupert Wyatt, and a fantastic soundtrack. This film is pretty great and one of the rare intelligent films that doesn't want audiences to really get emotionally invested in the lead. I loved it.
18. Stretch- One of the most enjoyable, batshit insane and crazy films I've seen. It's also really funny. Patrick Wilson, Chris Pine, and Ed Helms are perfect. It's the tale of a down on his luck limo driver nick named Stretch (Patrick Wilson) and the craziest night of his life, sparked by a crazed client (played to perfection by Chris Pine) who offers to give Stretch a tip in the amount that he needs to pay off the loan shark he is in debt to. There's a catchy, in order to earn the tip Stretch must do everything the client asks of him. Joe Carnahan directs this wild romp that was sadly dumped straight to dvd. This film deserved a better release, and I can only hope that it gets a good shelf life thanks to positive word of mouth. A real gem.
17. The Guest- I LOVE THIS FILM!!! Dan Stevens is amazing and absolutely perfect here as a psychopath who sets out to help a family in his own special way. He is so damned likable and charming here (and a bit creepy at times too) that even though you know he is a psychopath you can't help but hope that you're wrong. This is really Steven's film, and I was surprised to find that I was completely on his side for the whole thing. His "David" is easily my personal favorite psychopath, and Dan Steven's performance is the main reason this film works as well as it does (also surprising that our "heroine" isn't nearly as likable as "David" is). I also like that the ending takes place at a Halloween themed event. While it's never fully explained what exactly is really going on here, the film is so much fun that you can't help but get whisked away in the thrill of it all (and the last act is indeed quite thrilling and exciting). The film also has a fantastic score/soundtrack and the cinematography is superb and very pretty. See it for Dan Stevens, the fantastic and seemingly simplistic plot (there is more going on under the surface here than there would appear to be though), and the thrilling and exciting action scenes. A top notch film, and a definite improvement over You're Next.
16. Edge of Tomorrow- It was so much fun getting to see Tom Cruise play against type for the first part of this film. I also loved getting to see him die again and again and again. This is a strong sci-fi film that plays like Groundhog Day meets Call of Duty, and it is probably the best video game film we're going to get for a while.
15. The Grand Budapest Hotel- I've never been a big Wes Anderson fan, but I sure did love this film. The film manages to be sad, smart, and hilarious in exactly the right doses as well as expertly telling it's many different stories. The sets are gorgeous, the acting from the leads and numerous bit roles are great, and the characters are all pretty memorable (especially Ralph Fiennes' Gustav M., who easily steals the show here). This is definitely one film worth checking out (though I would say if you are new to the films of Wes Anderson, this may not be the best place to start, familiarize yourself with this directors style first and then come back and watch this).
14. The Imitation Game- A dry, but super informative film. It is very depressing near the end, but this is still an important story that is worth telling. Cumberbatch does not disappoint in the lead role. I can't wait to see what this guy does next.
13. Dawn of The Planet of The Apes- The film is filled with smarts, intelligence, action, and art. The vfx are also completely stunning. Andy Serkis as Ceaser is amazing as always, and the mo-cap and animation for the apes is just unreal....you really forget you are looking at animation. The action and scenes of war are also completely superb and thrilling. As far as the humans go, Jason Clarke was superb (easily going toe to toe with Andy Serkis in some scenes), Keri Russell is fantastic and smoking hot, and Gary Oldman is great as usual (He's not in the film much, and his role is not at all what you expect it to be). While this isn't exactly the war we were promised, it's still more than enough for now (can't wait for the third film which I expect to be called War of The Planet of The Apes). It's the blockbuster we need, and the one we deserve.
12. The LEGO Movie- One of the biggest surprises of 2014. This film was filled with imagination and wit. I walked in expecting a kids film and got so much more. From it's impressive visuals, to its smart and hilarious top notch script. It also has a sweet message at its core, and manages to shake up the usual hero's journey story a good deal. When have Lord and Miller ever disappointed, these guys seem like they just can't lose. Everything is indeed awesome.
11. Under The Skin- A spectacular feat of filmmaking. Challenging, poetic, hypnotic, haunting, beautiful, artistic, and maybe even unforgettable. The score immediately establishes itself as one of the best modern film scores, and the cinematography is otherworldly. Scarlett Johansson is sexy, beautiful, and scary as our main character: an alien sent to Earth to lure Earth males with promises of sex to their doom. Slowly, she finds herself growing more connected to humanity. If anything, Johannson's character is a lost, wandering cosmic child. Under The Skin is a tale about what it means to be human, and the human experience. It looks at humanity from an alien pov, and what it finds is fascinating, scary, and beautiful. Oh yes, and Johannson has several tasteful and arty nude scenes. The way the film is done is sure to turn a few people off (it's got an art house vibe to it, and it's very indie), but Under The Skin is still one of the most unique, different, and satisfying film experiences you are likely to have in the modern day.
10. Birdman- A movie about broken people fighting against themselves and their flaws as they attempt to be better (or maybe a better word would be transcend), grappling with their own humanity and weaknesses along the way. Keaton, Stone, and Norton put on riveting, raw, real, honest performances as our leads. The camerawork and cinematography is pretty, unique, and at times surreal. It's a very different kind of film, and ultimately emerges as its own bizarre masterpiece.
9. Whiplash- The most tense film of 2014. J.K. Simmons puts on the performance of the year and is terrifying, brutal, and funny as Terrence Fletcher: The demon spawn of Chef Ramsey and Gny. Sgt. Hartman from Full Metal Jacket. Miles Teller puts on his best performance yet as the gifted Andrew Neyman, who completely destroys his life in his quest to be the best, encouraged and pushed over the edge by Fletcher. The film has some nice twists and turns, and a fantastic soundtrack. Whenever Teller or Simmons are on screen you can't tear your eyes away from them. Make no doubt about it, this is indeed one of the best films of 2014, and for vey good reason.
8. Captain America: The Winter Soldier- This was the film where Captain America finally became a bad-ass and one of my all time favorite Marvel heroes. The story is a smart spin on a 70's-esque government conspiracy plot mixed with a Marvel comic, and the way it ends changes the landscape of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film had some big balls. It's also clever, smart, thrilling, and even a bit funny. One of the best Marvel films, hands down.
7. Guardians of The Galaxy- The happiest a film has made me all year. I've said plenty about this film by now, and I'm not sure what else I can really add. Come and get your love, if you haven't already.
6. The Babadook- The Best horror film of 2014. A terrifying, powerful, visceral horror film about people suffering with severe mental illness. It's horror where the monster is the illness. Both Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman put on terrific, terrifying, and real performances as mother and son, both of whom are linked by the same mental illness. This is one of the best modern horror films, even though the ending fell a bit flat (Loved how it went completely off the rails though). This is a strong, memorable film and one that is most definitely worth your time and money.
5. Snowpiercer- In 2014, Humanity's last ditch attempt to stop global warming tragically backfires, freezing Earth and most of humanity. Now, the remains of the human race live inside a train (named Snowpiercer) that traverses the globe with the poor confined to a life of poverty and hardship in the back, and the rich living the high life in the front. When Chris Evans' Curtis plans a coup, things are shaken up for better and for worse. Snowpiercer is a high concept sci-fi actioner. The action scenes are good, but the real draw here is getting to explore Snowpiercer and the story itself. This is easily one of the best sci-fi films in recent years. It manages to be completely captivating, thrilling, and tense, not to mention it's sure to spark your imagination.
4. The Raid 2- The best action film this year. The actors did their own stunts and it's all impressively filmed. The Raid 2 is like taking a jumper cable to the heart, it's that thrilling.
3. Selma- A superb, emotionally exhausting film that effectively portrays the black civil rights movement by focusing on the events that occurred within Selma, Alabama. David Oyelowo is Martin Luther King Jr. and is complete perfection. In the film, MLK is not a super-being but is portrayed as a man with some flaws who struggles to balance his family life with his role as a leader. Despite his human weaknesses he is still able to overcome them and emerge as a hero. The film has plenty of hard-hitting moments, and it really puts you through the wringer. The film also has great supporting performances by Tim Roth as Gov. George Wallace, Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King (what a strong, inspiring character. Crazy to think she was last seen in The Purge Anarchy as the mother), Oprah Winfrey as Annie Lee Cooper, Tom Wilkonson as President Lyndon B. Johnson (who is not portrayed here as a bad guy but as a coward who chooses to remain neutral in the conflict and in doing so causes more harm), Giovanni Ribisi as Lee White, Dylan Baker as J. Edgar Hoover, Cuba Gooding Jr. as Fred Gray, and Martin Sheen as Frank Minis Johnson. This is a heartbreaking, and angering film. It's hard to believe we ever lived in a time where these kinds of terrible things happened and were allowed and even encouraged. It's a stark reminder of some of the USA's dark history, and that even though we have come so far the battle is still not over. An absolute must-see!
2.Gone Girl- A film that is not only a witty commentary on the media culture we live in, but also a harsh and cynical look at relationships, love and marriage. It's got fantastic performances by Carrie Coons, Ben Affleck, Tyler Perry, and Rosamund Pike. Gone Girl is a vastly entertaining dreamy suburban nightmare that will make you think and will continue to haunt you long after the end credits have rolled. This is Fincher at his best.
1. Nightcrawler- Jake Gyllenhaal's oily Louis Bloom is the character of the year. He represents not just capitalism, but pure and unstoppable potential. The film itself is a seething condemnation of the media culture we currently live in. A culture that encourages psychopaths like Louis Bloom to keep doing their sick thing, and whats worse even rewards them for their behavior. It;s set in a terrifying world that is scary because it is all too real. A fascinating film that is worth multiple viewings.
So there you have it, my TOP 20 FILMS OF 2014. I had a great year, and I sure hope you did too. It is my sincere hope that you had just as much fun reading this list as I did compiling it. Till next time, here's to a great 2015!
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