RUNNER UP: "INTERSTELLAR"
Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Written By: Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan’s biggest, most ambitious movie yet and that is saying a lot coming from the guy who made "The Dark Knight Trilogy" and "Inception." The directing, acting, and production elements are all top notch. However, what holds this film back from making the list is the screenplay. While Nolan got most of the science right for his film, some of the dialogue and character decisions boarder on lunacy. It honestly was between this and Locke for the runner up spot (Another equally ambitious film but for different reasons).
Written By: Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan’s biggest, most ambitious movie yet and that is saying a lot coming from the guy who made "The Dark Knight Trilogy" and "Inception." The directing, acting, and production elements are all top notch. However, what holds this film back from making the list is the screenplay. While Nolan got most of the science right for his film, some of the dialogue and character decisions boarder on lunacy. It honestly was between this and Locke for the runner up spot (Another equally ambitious film but for different reasons).
10. "FOXCATCHER"
Directed By: Bennet Miller
Written By: E. Max Frye & Dan Futterman
Bennet Miller is currently 3 for 3 in my book after directing this, "Capote" and "Moneybag." The guy shows that he can direct in different genres dealing with a wide variety of emotions and themes. His command over tone and image is very sure handed and it has never been more evident than with this film that we are dealing with a modern master in the making. This is a near perfect film that had to be knocked down for me after a cold ending threatens to derail the entire film. It left me empty and aggravated that a film that could say so much leading up to its climax, really didn’t have to much to say in its denouement.
Written By: E. Max Frye & Dan Futterman
Bennet Miller is currently 3 for 3 in my book after directing this, "Capote" and "Moneybag." The guy shows that he can direct in different genres dealing with a wide variety of emotions and themes. His command over tone and image is very sure handed and it has never been more evident than with this film that we are dealing with a modern master in the making. This is a near perfect film that had to be knocked down for me after a cold ending threatens to derail the entire film. It left me empty and aggravated that a film that could say so much leading up to its climax, really didn’t have to much to say in its denouement.
9. "THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL"
Directed By: Wes Anderson
Written By: Wes Anderson
I finally warmed up to a live action Wes Anderson film (I loved Fantastic Mr. Fox a few years back and previously considered that his best). From it’s popping costumes, to its jaw dropping production design, this is a film that takes the directors trademark style to new heights. The screenplay is as witty as ever compared to his other works and he knows how to perfectly cast a film, but none of this would be possible without Ralph Fiennes hysterical lead performance.
Written By: Wes Anderson
I finally warmed up to a live action Wes Anderson film (I loved Fantastic Mr. Fox a few years back and previously considered that his best). From it’s popping costumes, to its jaw dropping production design, this is a film that takes the directors trademark style to new heights. The screenplay is as witty as ever compared to his other works and he knows how to perfectly cast a film, but none of this would be possible without Ralph Fiennes hysterical lead performance.
8. "THE IMITATION GAME"
Directed By: Morten Tyldum
Written By: Graham Moore
Benedict Cumberbatch gives his best Sherlock performance in this film and that is not a bad thing. He commands every scene he is in and is aided by a smart, tight, insightful screenplay. This film is everything that The Kings Speech wished it could’ve been a few years back. Always engaging from the first frame until the very last moment, this was truly one of the year’s best.
Written By: Graham Moore
Benedict Cumberbatch gives his best Sherlock performance in this film and that is not a bad thing. He commands every scene he is in and is aided by a smart, tight, insightful screenplay. This film is everything that The Kings Speech wished it could’ve been a few years back. Always engaging from the first frame until the very last moment, this was truly one of the year’s best.
7. "SELMA"
Directed By: Ava DuVernay
Written: Paul Webb
Every now and then a film comes along at the right time and due to the circumstances surrounding that film it instantly makes it better than you might have previously thought. With all of the hate, discrimination and police controversies plaguing this country currently, Selma is the film of the moment. It’s a film that teaches us that true change can occur even if the road to get there may not be the easiest. Featuring a commanding performance from David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. I anticipate this one will be shown in classrooms very soon.
Written: Paul Webb
Every now and then a film comes along at the right time and due to the circumstances surrounding that film it instantly makes it better than you might have previously thought. With all of the hate, discrimination and police controversies plaguing this country currently, Selma is the film of the moment. It’s a film that teaches us that true change can occur even if the road to get there may not be the easiest. Featuring a commanding performance from David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. I anticipate this one will be shown in classrooms very soon.
6. "BIRDMAN"
Directed By: Alejandro G. Inarritu
Written By: Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr, & Armando Bo
Leave it to the world’s greatest living cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezski to create a film that seamlessly looks like it was shot in one take. But "Birdman" is so much more than that. It is a character study, a commentary on show business, an exploration of ego, and a dive into the meaning behind finding true purpose in one’s life. Michael Keaton has never been better, Edward Norton hasn’t been this good since American History X, and someone finally gave Emma Stone the best showcase for her talents since Easy A. The film’s last moments left a little bit to be desired from me (Which is odd because I’m usually a fan of open endings), but I’m sure that with repeat viewings this movie will find a higher ranking in my mind.
Written By: Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr, & Armando Bo
Leave it to the world’s greatest living cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezski to create a film that seamlessly looks like it was shot in one take. But "Birdman" is so much more than that. It is a character study, a commentary on show business, an exploration of ego, and a dive into the meaning behind finding true purpose in one’s life. Michael Keaton has never been better, Edward Norton hasn’t been this good since American History X, and someone finally gave Emma Stone the best showcase for her talents since Easy A. The film’s last moments left a little bit to be desired from me (Which is odd because I’m usually a fan of open endings), but I’m sure that with repeat viewings this movie will find a higher ranking in my mind.
5. "GONE GIRIL"
Directed By: David Fincher
Written By: Gillian Flynn
The most thoughtful, thought provoking, and best way to break up with your girlfriend movie of the year is brought to you by one of my favorite directors of all time, David Fincher. Rosamund Pike instantly becomes a huge star right before our very eyes in this dark, twisted, surprisingly funny film about relationships, expectations, repressed darkness and the media’s crazy obsession with what really goes on at home, especially as it pertains to murder. Did I happen to mention it also features Ben Affleck’s best performance, a startling debut by Carrie Coon and a surprising turn by Tyler Perry? The best cast of the year for me.
Written By: Gillian Flynn
The most thoughtful, thought provoking, and best way to break up with your girlfriend movie of the year is brought to you by one of my favorite directors of all time, David Fincher. Rosamund Pike instantly becomes a huge star right before our very eyes in this dark, twisted, surprisingly funny film about relationships, expectations, repressed darkness and the media’s crazy obsession with what really goes on at home, especially as it pertains to murder. Did I happen to mention it also features Ben Affleck’s best performance, a startling debut by Carrie Coon and a surprising turn by Tyler Perry? The best cast of the year for me.
4. "SNOWPIERCER"
Directed By: Bong Joon-ho
Written By: Bong Joon-ho & Kelly Masterson
Now here is a movie that I caught with no expectations heading in. I did not know what it was even about other than what the trailers promised and was simply listening to positive word of mouth on twitter. What a knockout of a film! This is a movie that presents itself like a video game but has quite a bit of surprises along the way to constantly keep the movie fun and exciting. It also stands as a terrific commentary on class suppression and distinction. Catch it currently on Netflix if you have the chance.
Written By: Bong Joon-ho & Kelly Masterson
Now here is a movie that I caught with no expectations heading in. I did not know what it was even about other than what the trailers promised and was simply listening to positive word of mouth on twitter. What a knockout of a film! This is a movie that presents itself like a video game but has quite a bit of surprises along the way to constantly keep the movie fun and exciting. It also stands as a terrific commentary on class suppression and distinction. Catch it currently on Netflix if you have the chance.
3. "NIGHTCRAWLER"
Directed By: Dan Gilroy
Written By: Dan Gilroy
This was the best debut film I saw in 2014 for a director. What Dan Gilroy achieves with Nightcrawler is nothing but sheer brilliance. Jake Gyllenhaal is quickly becoming one of our very best actors. He turns in his best performance to date as the soon to be iconic character Lou Bloom, who I anticipate college boys will have quoted and printed on their dorm room walls. This is a dark and twisted movie about ambition, the American Dream, the media and our country’s ever growing obsession with violence in the media. Definitely some shared themes with Gone Girl.
Written By: Dan Gilroy
This was the best debut film I saw in 2014 for a director. What Dan Gilroy achieves with Nightcrawler is nothing but sheer brilliance. Jake Gyllenhaal is quickly becoming one of our very best actors. He turns in his best performance to date as the soon to be iconic character Lou Bloom, who I anticipate college boys will have quoted and printed on their dorm room walls. This is a dark and twisted movie about ambition, the American Dream, the media and our country’s ever growing obsession with violence in the media. Definitely some shared themes with Gone Girl.
2. "WHIPLASH"
Directed By: Damien Chazelle
Written By: Damien Chazelle
The most intense movie I saw all year. By the end of this movie my palms were sweaty, my jaw on the floor and seriously in need of a defibrillator for my heart. JK Simmons is getting the share of kudos for this film and deservedly so (He is frightening and truly the best villain of the year in any movie) but what Miles Teller achieves is equally as amazing. The two share some of the best on screen chemistry of the year about a tyrannical music teacher pushing his student to unspeakable lengths to achieve greatness. This is the kind of film that I typically shout at the top of rooftops for people to see and was seriously close to claiming the number one spot on my list.
Written By: Damien Chazelle
The most intense movie I saw all year. By the end of this movie my palms were sweaty, my jaw on the floor and seriously in need of a defibrillator for my heart. JK Simmons is getting the share of kudos for this film and deservedly so (He is frightening and truly the best villain of the year in any movie) but what Miles Teller achieves is equally as amazing. The two share some of the best on screen chemistry of the year about a tyrannical music teacher pushing his student to unspeakable lengths to achieve greatness. This is the kind of film that I typically shout at the top of rooftops for people to see and was seriously close to claiming the number one spot on my list.
1. "BOYHOOD"
Directed By: Richard Linklater
Written By: Richard Linklater
When I was finished watching Boyhood I knew 3 things. I knew that I had just seen my number one favorite movie of the year, I knew that it would win Best Picture at the Oscars (Still standing by this) and I knew it was unlike any other film I had ever seen before. Boyhood is a film that tracks the life of a 6 year old boy for 12 years and all of his family along with him. The movie may be called Boyhood but it could’ve easily been called Life because that is what this film is about. Even if the moments that happen to Mason in this movie are all not something that happened to you in your lifetime, there is at least a chance that some of them did. Some of claimed that not enough happens in this movie and that there wasn’t really enough drama to move the story along. This is not that kind of film. This is a film that presents one person’s life for a brief amount of time and how that experience takes hold of you while you watch the film to make you value and appreciate life. The fact that this was shot with the same cast and crew little by little over 12 really long years and the final piece is as innovative, groundbreaking, powerful and unforgettable as it is makes this the filmmaking achievement of the year.
Written By: Richard Linklater
When I was finished watching Boyhood I knew 3 things. I knew that I had just seen my number one favorite movie of the year, I knew that it would win Best Picture at the Oscars (Still standing by this) and I knew it was unlike any other film I had ever seen before. Boyhood is a film that tracks the life of a 6 year old boy for 12 years and all of his family along with him. The movie may be called Boyhood but it could’ve easily been called Life because that is what this film is about. Even if the moments that happen to Mason in this movie are all not something that happened to you in your lifetime, there is at least a chance that some of them did. Some of claimed that not enough happens in this movie and that there wasn’t really enough drama to move the story along. This is not that kind of film. This is a film that presents one person’s life for a brief amount of time and how that experience takes hold of you while you watch the film to make you value and appreciate life. The fact that this was shot with the same cast and crew little by little over 12 really long years and the final piece is as innovative, groundbreaking, powerful and unforgettable as it is makes this the filmmaking achievement of the year.
MY TOP 5 WORST FILMS OF THE YEAR (In no particular order...they all sucked)
1. Winters Tale
2. A Million Ways to Die in the West
3. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
4. Transcendence
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
MY TOP 5 BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE YEAR
1. Inherent Vice
2. Under the Skin
3. American Sniper
4. Exodus: Gods and Kings
5. The Amazing Spiderman 2
MY TOP 5 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN FILM
1. The one take of Birdman
2. Amazing Amy reveal monologue
3. The final scene of Whiplash
4. Fighting in the dark in Snowpiercee
5. The docking scene in Interstellar
Best Performances By An Actor/Actress
Tom Hardy in Locke
Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl
Best Performance By A Supporting Actor/Actress
JK Simmons in Whiplash
Patricia Arquette in Boyhood
Best Use of Music in a Film
Boyhood
Best Script
Birdman by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. and Armando Bo
Guilty Pleasure of the Year
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Top 5 Best Technical Achievements in Film
1. The Cinematography in Birdman
2. The Production of Boyhood
3. The editing in Edge of Tomorrow
4. The music in Gone Girl
5. The production design of Snowpiercer
The Top 5 Movies I Missed in 2014
1. A Most Violent Year
2. Enemy
3. Blue Ruin
4. Wild
5. Mr. Turner
Films I'm Most Looking Forward To In 2015
1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2. Spectre
3. The Avengers: Age of Ultron
4. Mad Max: Fury Road
5. Inside Out
1. Winters Tale
2. A Million Ways to Die in the West
3. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
4. Transcendence
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
MY TOP 5 BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE YEAR
1. Inherent Vice
2. Under the Skin
3. American Sniper
4. Exodus: Gods and Kings
5. The Amazing Spiderman 2
MY TOP 5 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN FILM
1. The one take of Birdman
2. Amazing Amy reveal monologue
3. The final scene of Whiplash
4. Fighting in the dark in Snowpiercee
5. The docking scene in Interstellar
Best Performances By An Actor/Actress
Tom Hardy in Locke
Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl
Best Performance By A Supporting Actor/Actress
JK Simmons in Whiplash
Patricia Arquette in Boyhood
Best Use of Music in a Film
Boyhood
Best Script
Birdman by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. and Armando Bo
Guilty Pleasure of the Year
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Top 5 Best Technical Achievements in Film
1. The Cinematography in Birdman
2. The Production of Boyhood
3. The editing in Edge of Tomorrow
4. The music in Gone Girl
5. The production design of Snowpiercer
The Top 5 Movies I Missed in 2014
1. A Most Violent Year
2. Enemy
3. Blue Ruin
4. Wild
5. Mr. Turner
Films I'm Most Looking Forward To In 2015
1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2. Spectre
3. The Avengers: Age of Ultron
4. Mad Max: Fury Road
5. Inside Out
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