Top films of 2014

     So, 365 days have passed since January 1st, 2014, and January 1st, 2015 is almost upon us. I could talk about all the interesting things that happened. ESA accomplished an unprecedented feat by landing on a comet. We saw the end of several shows, including Psych and the Colbert Report. World peace continues to decline, with the rise of Vladimir Putin and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. We had the tragic deaths of Robin Williams, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ariel Sharon, Shirley Temple, Pete Seeger, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Casey Kasem,.. Wow, that's a lot of deaths, and that's only the beginning. (It's depressing, really.) Let's get to the main meat: My top Films of 2014. However, I will do it slightly different than other critics. Instead of the traditional worst and best lists, I will do what I call a galvanometer list. It is named that, because a galvanometer has goes negative to positive, with the needle at the middle. This is somewhat how my list will work. I will start with the worst film I saw this year, and I will go down the list, until the best film I saw. This is my opinion, based on the film I saw. So, if you are complaining that a film is not on the list, I didn't see it this year. It also needs to be a film that was released to a wide audience between 12:00 AM on January 1st, 2014, and 11:59 PM on December 31st, 2014. So, any film released at a film festival in 2013, but didn't get released until 2014 still count. So, without further ado,

My Top Films of 2014

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Source:http://deadline.com/2014/06/the-amazing-spider-man-2-crosses-500m-overseas-739686/ via Google images

   

     A truly depressing experience. A film that has no proper direction, and instead, randomly moves from set piece to set piece at such a brisk pace, it's almost sickening. One which appears to be six scripts mashed together, without any sort of coherence. There is an overload of villains in this film. They kill off Norman Osbourne in the first 20 minutes, and Harry is the Green Goblin (and the actor who plays Harry overacts every time he has any reaction).  They introduce the Rhino in the last few minutes, only for a stinger. Electro's motivation is lackluster. There is simply too much going on. This would have been fine as a final sequel, but it really doesn't work as a mid-point. It's a shame, really. I really enjoyed the first one, and I hoped that this would continue what appeared to be a smooth reboot. However, they just screwed this one so badly, I doubt they could recovered. And this is not just me. Everyone, even Andrew Garfield, acknowledges that this was a mess. Hopefully, Sony and Marvel restart negotiations, and the Web-Slinger can appear in the MCU at some point. (It would be a shame, though, to lose Andrew Garfield. He, and Emma Stone, were the saving graces of this film.) 

The Equalizer

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Equalizer_%28film%29

         At first, I didn't hate this film. Didn't like it, but didn't hate it. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realize how bad this film really is. The action is decent, but the plot just drags on and on between these pieces. You just no longer care about the plot after the first half-hour. It also expects you to buy number of coincidence (particularly the ending), which would require Denzel Washington to be a superhuman. He does seem a tad Gary Stu-ish in this. I didn't mind it, though it will get some people mad. One more thing, the film actively avoids action scenes. There is a point, where you don't see Washington kill a mugger at the shop. They imply it, but they don't actually show it. Maybe the TV show was better.

Godzilla

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla_(2014_film)#mediaviewer/File:Godzilla_(2014)_poster.jpg

      This film is so bad that it's almost hilarious. Godzilla barely appears in a film called Godzilla. Brian Cranston (spoiler) is killed off in the first 45 minute. Aaron Taylor-Johnson looks uninterested in every scene. Ken Watanabe sounds like he's in a trailer every scene he's in. Now, the scenes of Godzilla fighting the other two monsters are very good (and they are distinct from Pacific Rim), and the destruction seem genuine (something that evokes the 1954 feature, the only other Godzilla film I've seen). However, it really is somewhat ridiculous. Sorry, it is absolutely ludicrous in every way. And I think you should watch it. It really needs to be viewed to gain a true experience. And hell, you might even like it unironically.

The Interview

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Interview_(2014_film)#mediaviewer/File:The_Interview_2014_poster.jpg

   

      Sadly overshadowed by the controversy surrounding it's release, it provides constant laughs for most of the running time. Seth Rogen and James Franco help hold the film with their great performances (something to expect from both actors). It isn't the most intelligent film on this topic, and I don't think it really deserved the level of controversy that it garnered, but it did leave me laughing, and that I think makes it worth it.  

The Judge 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Judge_%282014_film%29#mediaviewer/File:The_Judge_2014_film_poster.jpg

    A competent film, with good performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall, and a fairly well told plot, with strong twists and turns everywhere. I don't think I needed to go to a theater to watch this. This could have very well have been a TV movie. I didn't feel that this film had the cinematic quality that is needed of most feature films. However, it is a really good TV movie, I suppose, and it will probably circulate the syndication market for a very long time.  Just, don't see it in the theater

The Book of Life

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Life_(2014_film)#mediaviewer/File:The_Book_of_Life_(2014_film)_poster.jpg

  

        Whilst this film indulged in the occasional pandering moment with modern songs, or with the occasional modern joke, it nevertheless holds up, with unique, vivid animation (particularly the Land of the Remembered), good, memorable characters, and a decent plot that brings to mind certain Greek myths. It also has a rather large, consistent mythology, which I don't think ever becomes inconsistent.  

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part I)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Mockingjay_%E2%80%93_Part_1#mediaviewer/File:MockingjayPart1Poster3.jpg

       A fairly well done beginning to the conclusion of the Hunger Games saga. The films just get better and better. This film is compelling and interesting. It also ups the anty of the situation, and makes sure to note the end is nigh. Hopefully, Part II is just as engaging. 

Gone Girl 

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Girl_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Gone_Girl_Poster.jpg

     Now, since the time of my review, my opinion on this film has since moderated. I realize now that this was actually pretty good, with nice acting, a fantastically told plot (my alternate plot probably wouldn't have worked the more I think about it), and some biting commentary on crime culture. Certain complaints still stand, like the obscene length, and the ending, which never ends. However, I now see that this was actually really good. I say watch it now. 

The Fault in Our Stars 

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fault_in_Our_Stars_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Fault_in_our_stars.jpg

  

       A good adaptation of a good book. The performances of both Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort stand out as good representations of these characters. It's strong point is its fidelity to the source material. This was a fairly good plot, and fairly good characters. So, if you like the books, odds are you will like this movie. I suppose that it is the best adaptation that could be gained. 

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbit:_The_Battle_of_the_Five_Armies#mediaviewer/File:The_Hobbit_-_The_Battle_of_the_Five_Armies.jpg

  

 Another book adaptation. One that takes more liberties with the source material. I think that, whilst the Hobbit could have easily fit into a single film (it being a 300 page book), the three Hobbit films were still decent on their own. This was a very epic conclusion, which neatly ties up loose ends, and brings a decent end to the Lord of the Rings film series. Whilst the Tolkien mythology butts in occasionally, and sometimes distorts the narrative, it is still accessible to people. 

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men:_Days_of_Future_Past#mediaviewer/File:X-Men_Days_of_Future_Past_poster.jpg

  

   A wonderful expansion on what is probably one of the most influential X-Men stories. Everything is well done, from the acting to the design (the Sentinels, which eschew the Kirby-ite robot man look in favor of a most inhuman design) to the period parts.  The plot is still very understandable to someone like me, who is fairly well-versed in the X-Men mythos, but hasn't seen any of the past movies, and the other films seem irrelevant to enjoying this piece. Hopefully, they make another one set in this universe. (I'll have to watch the first few X-Men films now.)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_America:_The_Winter_Soldier#mediaviewer/File:Captain_America_The_Winter_Soldier.jpg

  

   A unsurprising choice. It both expands on the first film (which I loved), and makes a different story this time centering on the outsider part of Captain America's identity. That was always my favorite part of Captain America, both in the comics and on film. Captain America is plucked from his World War II setting, and placed in the alien modern world, whether it be the 60's world that he woke up in during the original Lee-Kirby run of the Avengers, or the modern world he wakes up in here. This causes a lot of pain and trauma, something which you wouldn't expect in a man who is a literally walking American flag. He tries to maintain his same sense of 40's idealism, but the modern world keeps testing it. This film encapsulates that perfectly, with Cap trying to fit into modern society, and relating to fellow soldiers. It also is a decent spy film, with all the good trappings of one. Mainly, the plot simply piles twist after twist. Of course, I knew the main twist almost when I heard the title. However, there are far more twists that await in this feature.(even if some of them are predictable) However, it is done in a way that is very engaging, and keeps your attention to the screen. And the ending is spectacular. 

Big Hero 6

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Hero_6_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Big_Hero_6_(film)_poster.jpg

      Whilst this entry has a fairly predictable plot, and at time shabby pacing and characterization, it nevertheless delivers an engaging story, with good visuals. The relationship between Hiro and Bymax is very well done, and the eponymous team is fairly unique. It also has two elements which put it so high on the list: It promotes science and scientific values (something I always endorse), and it is only an hour and a half. HALLELUJAH!

22 Jump Street

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/22_Jump_Street#mediaviewer/File:22_Jump_Street_Poster.jpg

       Wow, was this film funny. It just piles on joke after joke. It will keep you laughing through the entire running time. The performances, especially Jonah Hill and Ice Cube, will constantly keep you laughing. Its self-referencial nature, whilst being a bit excessive, nevertheless gives a larger depth to some of these jokes, and creates a deeper film. One which satirizes not just college movies, but the very idea of sequels and franchises. It's almost metaphysical... Heh, just kidding. Seriously, though, great comedy. 

Interstellar 

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Interstellar_film_poster.jpg

     You might have gotten the impression from my review that I didn't like this feature. Not true. I didn't like a certain section of it, where the plot merely bends to add tension to a situation that already had tension. It's funny: a few days ago, I watched 2007's Sunshine, and I felt that film should have been interstellar. All the drama in that film was gained from the mission, and  whether the mission will succeed under the circumstances provided. Interstellar should have followed that during its middle part. That part, along with the occasional homage to 2001 (At the very least, it reminded me that 2001 is such a classic, being far superior film in every conceivable way) prevent me from considering it my favorite film. However, like I said in the review, the beginning, the first half of the middle, and the end are still good enough, that I consider it one of the best features of the year. 

Guardians of the Galaxy

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_%28film%29#mediaviewer/File:GOTG-poster.jpg

  

   Now, this was incredibly awesome in every way. Sure, the drama wasn't well directed (a problem I realize infested James Gunn's previous film Super, which relied more on drama than this film), and the villain was weak. However, every other aspect easily makes up for that. It is incredibly funny. The action is fun, and exciting. The production design is fantastic. The performances, particular Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, and Vin Diesel, all bring laughs and smiles to any face. The Howard the Duck cameo at the end made me burst out in laughter. The soundtrack... I'm still listening to some of these songs, and I'm a classic rock fan! Is it deep or philosophical? Hell no! But I had so much fun watching this. If you haven't already watched it, well, WATCH IT!

The Wind Rises

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wind_Rises#mediaviewer/File:Kaze_Tachinu_poster.jpg

  

  An end to an era. The last film Hayao Miyazaki directed. And not one of his better films. I can't quite articulate it, but this film didn't grab me the same way that Spirited Away, or Princess Mononoke or Nausicaa did. It just doesn't resonate with me emotionally the way those films do. So, why is it so high on the list? The worst of Miyazaki always trumps the best of, say, Michael Bay. (as the good Mr. Doug Walker said in one of his Disneycember reviews). It is still a fantastic film. The animation is top-notch, (typical of Ghibli), the plot is still a fascinating one, the characters are still very likeable, and it still keeps you on the edge of your seat, but also soothe you. So, if you like the incredible works of Studio Ghibli, you don't want to miss this.

Rosewater

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewater_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Rosewater_poster.jpg

 

    Jon Stewart's directorial debut. Whilst the directing is inconsistent at times (meaning there are certain scenes that don't fit with the tone of the rest of the film), it's still fairly good, and the story is also intense, brutal at times. You know the ending, but the films still makes you question whether Maziar Bahiri will comes out of this okay. That's the mark of a good film: one where you know the conclusion, but you still question how this ending would come out of such dire circumstances. I hope Stewart continues to direct features; he's pretty good at it. (Certainly better than his acting credits)

The Imitation Game

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imitation_Game#mediaviewer/File:The_Imitation_Game_poster.jpg

Do I really have to say that this film was great? I mean, all the pieces are there. Benedict Cumberbatch is incredible, as usual. Other actors, like Matthew Goode and Keira Knightly, also do a fantastic job. The story, which tells of probably one of the greatest inventors of the 20th century, is intense and fascinating. I knew the story already, but this film added a new depth of drama and intrigue with the character of Alan Turing. The story is both the thrilling story of a man working to achieve the impossible (cracking a code that resets every day), and a cautionary tale about a man who is a homosexual at a time when that was not only socially unacceptable, but illegal. Certainly a film that a creator of the modern world deserves

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes#mediaviewer/File:Dawn_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes.jpg

  They really should switch the title of this and the predecessor, because it gets confusing, given the plot of both films. Still, this is the second best film this year, because I enjoyed this the most. It had a great story, which paints both sides of the conflict as morally bankrupt, and aggressive. The entire ensemble gave excellent performances which make the character distinct and memorable. The production value... you will believe an ape can ride a horse. Seriously, the apes look great, and realistic, without us questioning why they didn't just put actual apes. The sets and locations look appropriate  Everything just works in this film.

Best Film of the Year:

Boyhood

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyhood_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Boyhood_film.jpg

   A very late entry on this list (as in, I just finished watching this a few hours ago). However, this film, in production since 2002, is probably the best film I've seen this year. It is dark, uplifting, tragic, funny, vulgar, heartwarming, interesting film. It is a realistic look into the life of a young boy as he grows up, done as he actually ages. The movie was filmed over 12 summers, with the same cast, so you actually see these character literally ages as the film progresses.  It is also told through the Boy's perspective, which is fairly unique in any film I have seen this year. It is a film that isn't too sentimental or too melodramatic, but one which has its ups and downs, much how life itself does. I suppose it somewhat appeals to me as someone who actually grew up around the same timeframe as Mason. It is a film about life, about the excitement of life, about the tragedy of life, about uncertainty, about the achievements and the failures. I suppose as one year goes, and another comes in, we will all be thinking about these topics, one way or other. 

If you had a best film that wasn't on this list, please comment below. Have a happy new year