Well, another year has gone by, and quickly. I can't believe 2014 went by so fast, and filled with many highs and lows cinematically. Overall, it wasn't a stellar year for movies, but a strong showing at year-end made up for an otherwise middling year at the movies, particularly during the summer, which had its worst season at the box-office in years. Here's looking ahead to a great 2015 for movies (Star Wars, Minions, Avengers and more are coming!).
Wes's Favorite Movie of 2014:
This movie is also included in my top 10 list below but is my personal favorite of the year.
Past year-end favorites since I started publishing my reviews in 2006:
Gravity (2013)
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
The Descendants (2011)
(Tie) 127 Hours and The Social Network (2010)
Up in the Air (2009)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Ratatouille (2007)
The Departed (2006)
Joining that that list is this year's personal favorite: Whiplash
Why? J.K. Simmons is a lion. Hear him roar. The familiar face and character actor known for supporting turns in many films, movies and commercials (every time I see him I hum the "We are Farmers" theme from the Farmers Insurance TV commercials) has a ferocious turn as the sadistic music teacher who abuses Miles Teller (also excellent here) will absolutely scare you, but that drum finale will also leave you breathless. Even more impressive is the fact this is "Whiplash" writer and director Damien Chazelle's second feature film. If you haven't seen it yet, stop reading this now and run to the theater. You will want to buy a drum set afterwards.
Best Movies (except for Whiplash, in no particular order)
Birdman - Michael Keaton, one of the year's best actors, in a great comeback turn.
Whiplash - See above. J.K. Simmons gets my vote for Best Supporting Actor in a stunning, sadistic performance.
Selma - The year's most riveting, stirring film about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights showdown in Selma, Alabama. If I were voting for the Oscar for Best Picture, this is the film I'd go with.
The Grand Budapest Hotel - the year's best quirky ensemble film from Wes Anderson.
Life Itself - the year's best (and most touching) documentary, about the late film critic Roger Ebert.
Gone Girl - the year's most-talked about film based on a much-talked about novel, in a sizzling turn from British actress Rosamund Pike in the title role.
Boyhood - earthy, affecting and tender movie about a boy growing up, from Richard Linklater.
The Lego Movie - the year's funniest, most original and most awesome animated movie.
The Imitation Game - the year's sleeper hit, a compelling real life drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch, is superbly acted.
Snowpiercer - wild, over-the-top and often just plain strange, this thriller from acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho is one of the year's most crazy fun movies, with a memorable turn from the always weird and wonderful Tilda Swinton (her unusual song mid-film is a highlight).
Begin Again - the year's most engaging indie and romantic comedy, with charming turns from Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley, and a handful of great tunes too.
NOTE: There are a handful of films (and potential award contenders), including Still Alice, Mr. Turner and Cake that I have yet to see.
Honorable Mention:
Wild, American Sniper, Big Eyes, Nightcrawler, Guardians of the Galaxy, St. Vincent, Chef, X Men: Days of Future Past, Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier, The Book of Life, Belle, How to Train Your Dragon 2, The Theory of Everything.
Worst Movies (in no particular order)
Transformers: Age of Extinction - yet another 3-hour, clanging, headache-inducing blockbuster piece of crap from Michael Bay.
Transcendence - Johnny Depp, please stop.
Left Behind - please leave us behind rather than watching this dreck; a new low for Nicolas Cage.
Tusk - a new low for Kevin Smith, who took Depp with him this time (this one is all Smith's fault though). This dark, twisted horror comedy is virtually unwatchable.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - as if Transformers weren't enough for Michael Bay.
Blended - Adam Sandler's attempt at comedy again. Poor (but still lovely) Drew Barrymore too.
A Million Ways to Die in the West - Seth MacFarlane made that profane teddy bear look like a genius.
Haunted House 2 - Shawn Wayans is funny. This unnecessary sequel comedy, which borders on soft porn, is not in anyway, shape, or form funny at all. My selection for the worst movie of 2014.
Ride Along - Sure, this shrill buddy-buddy comedy with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart was a big hit, but also super annoying given that Hart's penchant to scream. A lot. Dude, that doesn't make you funnier.
Sabotage - Schwarznegger crime action movie again. Low expectations for the movie bottomed out.
Dishonorable Mention:
I, Frankenstein, God's Not Dead, Vampire Academy, Single Mom's Club, Pompeii, Sex Tape, The Other Woman, The Legend of Hercules, Dracula Untold, The Expendables 3.
No comments:
Post a Comment