Yeah, so you know how in the last review I said I have
two more movies to watch before I do my final top ten best films list? Well, turns
out one of them is playing at a theatre almost two hours out of my way, and the
other one is playing at a theatre that I can easily reach, I just have no time
to do so. But I’ve been looking it over, and I’m pretty confident in my list as
is, so I’ve decided to go ahead and post it now.
I think I can honestly say that I choose kind of a bad
year to start reviewing movies. Sure this wasn’t the worst year we ever had for
movies but man was it subpar. I can’t quite place a finger on what exactly went
wrong, but if I had to make a rough guess, I’d say it was just a year of epic
films not being epic, more sequels than we knew what to do with, and a general
sense around the tail end of the year that we just kind of want to get this
over with so we can see what awesomeness will be coming next year. This was
also the year were we broke the record for the slowest box office weekend twice
(which was previously held by the weekend of the September 11th
attacks.)So when it came down to what films went on the list, honestly I ended
up looking for films that either did what I hoped they would do well, or that
would shock the crap out of me, and there were quite a few movies that still
managed to do that this year. That being said, I’m sure this list might be kind
of divisive amongst some of you, and that I also might make myself look like a
bit of an idiot based on my choices, but I’ve thought long and hard about it,
and this is the list that I’m going to stand by. So without further ado, here
are....
The Top Ten BEST
Films of 2014
10. St. Vincent
A film that came completely out of nowhere, I ended up
taking a gamble on this one with admittedly pretty low expectations. I was
expected some Bill Murray Oscar baiting feel good cliché type thing, but it was
actually a pretty heartfelt and well told story, even if there were a few
predictable moments thrown into the mix, and the great performances by everyone
involved helps out a lot. I usually don’t go for these kinds of movies usually,
but I guess this one can be considered kind of my guilty pleasure of the year.
Final Score 9/10
9. The Raid 2
You know, 2014 did have some pretty good action films
this year if nothing else, and this was honestly one of the best this year. The
follow up to The Raid: Redemption from 2011, this sequel literally starts
minutes after the last one, so if you haven’t seen in a while or ever, you
might be kind of confused as to who is who and what their motivation is, but
honestly the sheer amount of brutal ass kicking that goes in this film more
than makes up it. The final storm the tower scene in this film might be one of
the best I’ve seen in a long time, and the unique and very different cast of
characters in this film helps it out a lot too.
Final Score 9/10
8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Another sequel to another 2011 film, Dawn of the
Planet of the Apes finds the human race near death and the colony of apes led
by Caesar thriving. Part social commentary, and (at a bit of a stretch) a Greek
tragedy (I mean he’s named Caesar for a
reason) it does suffer from a few off moments, but a great lead performance
from the wonderful Andy Serkis (who deserves at least an Oscar nomination) and
quite a few awesome action and fight sequences make up for them.
Final Score 9/10
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel
I find myself liking Wes Anderson more and more the
further I keep digging into his filmography, and while I agree all of his films
including this one are stylistically very similar, the fact that they are still
great films despite that are just more proof of how good they are. If you’ve
never seen one of his films, expect a very energetic and charming film that
never reaches the point of being overbearing and should be considered another
great one for his career.
Final Score 9/10
6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Possibly the smartest of the Marvel films, it
basically takes an astute political thriller and gives it to us disguised as
just another comic book film. Marvel is basically going above their usual fun
movie formula and is actually challenging its audience to think about the
modern era while also throwing a massive curveball into its own universe with
the introduction of HYDRA.
Final Score 9/10
5. John Wick
I know I said St. Vincent was my guilty pleasure, but
this one is a close second for that title, mostly because while it does come
across as kind of a dumb action movie, I actually think it has enough tweaks to
the standard formula, while also having interesting characters, and an
admittedly very interesting, if a little undercooked, world going on in the
film that is raises this one above just a dumb action movie. Great action
scenes and Keanu Reeves best role in years hold this one up to the gold
standard of awesome action movies.
Final Score 10/10
4. Snowpiercer
I know, I originally tagged this one 2013. However, it
was released in North America in 2014, and has been nominated for awards for
this year. So, I’ve decided to include this onto this year’s list based on
that, and it’s a rule I’ll stick to for other years (Year of Wide Release in
North America unless made more than one year early.) Anyways, I think the thing
that I like about Snowpiercer the most is the fact it’s a blockbuster that’s
not trying to be a blockbuster. Its social commentary, an action film, environmental
message film, with an interesting premise, cinematography, and great cast of
characters with great acting chops (man 2014 was just awesome for Chris Evans.)
If you want something vastly different that still packs a punch, this is the
film for you.
Final Score 10/10
3. Gone Girl
Honestly, I think the one thing I can say about this
film that would tell just how amazing this film is that Tyler Perry is in it
and he is fucking awesome. I know, Tyler Perry, and awesome, are in the same
sentence, without the phrase ‘is the furthest thing from’ being in between.
That and the amazing performances and a shocking narrative twist raise this
look at modern day culture to grand heights.
Final Score 10/10
2. Nightcrawler
The one thing I hate the most is how absolutely nobody
went to go see this film. A great intense central performance from Jake
Gyllenhaal tops off a great atmospheric film that comments on the state of the
modern day media and how the news operates as well as great social commentary
(man that’s happening a lot on this list.)
Final Score 10/10
And now, before the big reveal, a look at some
honourable mentions
1. Under the
Skin 8/10 Once again, just like Snowpiercer, it was released here this year. It’s
an arthouse film that everyone will understand or like, but damn if it isn’t
another well shot film and another great Scarlett Johansson role.
2. Whiplash
8/10 It suffers from a clichéd story and it feels a bit rushed, but excellent
acting and awesome music bring it all together
3. The Lego
Movie 8/10 It may be the best animated film of the year, but for some reason I
can’t put my finger on it doesn’t have a high rate of re-watch ability with me.
4. Birdman
8/10 The editing makes it a bit hard to watch sometimes and I’m quite sure
whose side of the artist debate the movie flies it’s flag for, but honestly
other than that it’s actually a really great film.
5. Foxcatcher
8/10 Great performances and a fantastic atmosphere are the key points in this
true life story, it only avoids making the list because it’s still a slow
drama, although I do like it more than others.
Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for...
THE BEST
FILM OF 2014 IS.......
1. Guardians
of the Galaxy
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