Oh Christmas time, eggnog, milk, disappointment, family, and disappointment. When I wrote my top ten of last year, a list I still stand-by, I said in the conclusion that Marc Webb’s Spider-Man sequel would be the best of 2014. Oh boy was I wrong. If someone was to tell me, this time last year, that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 would be the most disappointing film of the year, I would have said “you’re dreaming,” But alas, like Ben Stiller’s film, reality bites.
For me, film is very divisive. Unlike most “Top (enter number here) s” this is very different, instead of picking Oscar front-runners, I have decided to delve deep into the world of filmmaking. You will see some films here that you, may not believe are worthy of being here, and that is totally fine, as stated earlier, it is my opinion. So without further ado, let us begin!
Note: Birdman, Unbroken, Foxcatcher, The Interview and American Sniper have not been released in Australia at the time of me writing this.
Numero 11: Bad Neighbours
One of my favourite comedies of the year, Nicholas Stoller’s Bad Neighbours (Neighbors in the US) was everything I wanted it to be: A funny [frick]ing movie. Being the second film that made me like Zac Efron as an actor (That Awkward Moment being the first) I commended the film for taking a silly concept, and having a ton of fun with it. Despite being “fun” and “funny” the film also featured some genuinely heart-felt moments including Dave Franco’s Petey and Zac Efron’s Teddy having an argument over their friendship and the status of the fraternity.
Numero 10: Edge Of Tomorrow
Tom Cruise returns to the big screen following last year’s divisive, Oblivion. When I first saw the trailer to this Doug Liman-action flick, I thought it was going to be some future pondering, superstitious and over the top film. And that was thanks to the terrible marketing by Warner Brothers. However, after watching the film on Blu-Ray recently, I was annoyed that I did not help out the film in theatres. Edge Of Tomorrow is not only a gripping film, but it is also really, really fun. Cruise’s character was something different to his other roles, and thus I found it more enjoyable. So, in short, if you like action films that have heart and soul, then definitely check out Edge Of Tomorrow, as oppose to the train wreck known as Transformers: Age Of Extinction.
I never expected a Shia LaBeouf film to be in my Top 11, but I got to give the guy credit: He kills it in this film. Not only is LaBeouf awesome in this World War II-epic, but also he is backed up by what could be the best supporting cast in a war film. The cast, including the most handsome male alive, Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena, and Jon Bernthal. The film, however, had an advantage over the others in this list: It was a World-War II film. Directed by David Ayer, who will direct the upcoming DC Comics film, Suicide Squad, the film showcases how he can write and direct a large ensemble cast, another plus for the upcoming super villain film. Bloody, gritty and emotional, Fury is an amazing War film that will have you crying man-tears as you see these brave soldiers fight their way through waves of Nazis in Germany.
Starring The Avengers’ Mark Ruffalo, and Pirates Of The Caribbean star, Keira Knightey, this music-dramedy tells the story of a struggling singer (Knightley) and record label executive (Ruffalo), the film sends a brilliant message of courage and innovation. Directed by John Carney, the man behind the brilliant Once, the film features some amazing songs, including the brilliant “Like A Fool” sung by Knightley, the film is incredibly inspirational, showing how with a bit of motivation, anything, and I mean anything, is possible. The film also features an above average debut, in the acting field, for Maroon 5 lead-singer, Adam Levine. I cannot stress how great this film truly is, give it a shot, grab a glass of the finest wine, and enjoy one of the best films of the year.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller are just… the best. Following their animated film, The Lego Movie, which I found pretty good, the duo tackled a sequel to their first live-action venture, 21 Jump Street. Again starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, this film had the two going off to college, tackling, what is described as “the same case.” 22 Jump Street avoided the problems that The Hangover Part 2 had, in comedic and interesting ways. While I was initially worried that the film would not reach the heights of the first, I was incredibly surprised at how much I laughed in the theatres. Perhaps the most “mainstream” film on this list, considering that, everybody, and I mean everybody (my 85-year old grandmother saw the film aswell) has seen this incredibly funny, unique and awesome sequel… Bring on 23 Jump Street: Men In Black.
Christopher Nolan returns from the Batman mythology with this mind-bending science fiction epic, starring Academy Award winner, Matthew McConaughey. The film tackles the concept of interstellar travel, and features some of the best visual effects I have ever seen. Interstellar also features unique takes on the idea of time travel. While not as good as Nolan’s, Inception, the film still holds its own and stands on its two legs for an epic third act. I found this film to be really, really fun, unlike Nolan’s prior films. The banter between Cooper and his daughter, played brilliantly by Mackenzie Foy, helped capture the human side to this larger than life story. I would say go watch this if you have not, but then I would just be wasting space… Of course you have seen this, everybody has!
Numero 5: Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
When I saw 2011’s Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, I was amazed by how good it was. With riveting performances from James Franco and Andy Serkis, I was very excited for the sequel. After three years, I finally saw it. Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes is a fantastic film, not just an action or science fiction film, just a fantastic film. Serkis returns in this film, and again, nails it. His performance alone, is enough to see this film, but on-top of the fact that there is a whole sequence that shows apes, yes, apes, riding on horses, holding and at one-point firing machine guns, brings it home. If you have not seen this film yet, then I have no idea what you are doing with your life.
Oh, and Koba’s the shit.
Numero 4: Gone Girl
David Fincher returns to the directing front with this adaption of the Gillian Flynn novel. Starring the new Batman, Academy Award winner Ben Affleck, and The World’s End’s Rosamond Pike, Gone Girl is a thriller that has more to it than you would see. Initially, I was not excited to check out the film, but over time, I gave in, and saw the film in its opening weekend. Not only has this film made me look at news stories differently, it has also made me petrified of marriage! So, if that was Fincher’s job, then job well done, my friend. In all seriousness, Ben Affleck kills it in this film, proving perhaps, the most underrated performance of the year.
Starring Spider-Man star, J.K. Simmons and the star of the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, Miles Teller, Whiplash tells the incredibly inspiring and intense story of a young jazz-drummer, who is accepted into one of the finest music schools in the world. Not only is this film incredibly intense, but it also features two of the finest performances from actors I have ever seen. Miles Teller, known for his role in The Spectacular Now, gives his all in this film, as does J.K Simmons, and may I add, if he does not win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, it would all but confirm the Academy’s hatred for independent films. Overall, with amazing performances and some of the most intense sequences put in film, Whiplash sticks with the audience long after the credits have closed.
Numero 2: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson’s latest comedy is my second-favourite film of the year. Despite coming out in the early months of 2014, I have, since then, seen the film over seven times, and still find it to be hysterical. I love this film, so very much. Telling the story of a young bell-hopper and his older mentor, played by Ralph Fiennes, The Grand Budapest Hotel, is an incredibly funny and quirky comedy. Brilliantly shot, and amazingly acted, featuring a truly hilarious performance from Voldemort himself, Fiennes, the film captures everything a great story should. Anyway, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a hilarious and heart-warming film that is brilliantly shot, and amazingly acted, throw in an awesome Bill Murray cameo, and you have a hit.
Numero 1: X-Men: Days Of Future Past
So, my favourite movie of the year is a comic book movie. Say I have bad taste, say I will say anything Fox does is fantastic, but it just had to be. Following his departure form the franchise in 2006, with X-Men: The Last Stand, Bryan “God” Singer returns to “fix” the franchise that he once left. Following the “reboot” of sorts, with 2011’s X-Men: First Class, it looked as if the follow-up would be a very interesting film. Singer returns to the helm here, and with his original X-Men crew back for one “final” time, it could not have been any better. Perhaps the most inspirational film of the year, Days Of Future Past, may not be a straight adaption of the storyline of the same name, but it does what any comic book/superhero movie should do: Inspire people. The film’s recurring theme of “hope” is done in a very unique way, helping the film to become a must watch for anyone.
One other thing about this film, a short story in truth. So my friend was quite depressed before we saw this film, his parents had divorced, and he was not taking it too well. But when we saw this film, when a younger Charles Xavier met his older, and wiser self, I looked over at my friend, and saw him shedding tears. It was at this moment that I knew this film was everything I had hoped for. As I said, it is a short story but it does in fact make the film even better!
So, that draws aclose to this year of film! What a year it has been, we have had a ton of hits, and a ton of misses, but I am looking forward to next year, more and more. Now, it is your turn, in the comments below, list your top 11 or 10, your choice, and see if we have some matches!