2014 was a great year to be a film fan. There may not have been many big blockbusters but, the quality of the films was very high.
Let's get right to it. The best of the best, in this writer's opinion.
The Babadook
It's no secret I am a huge horror fan. It's also no secret 2014 was a disappointment for horror fans. The Babadook was the high point for horror films in 2014. It also happens to be one of the best horror films in years. Don't watch this with the lights off. Ironic it hails from Australia. A country notorious for its strict content policy.
Gone Girl
David Fincher can do no wrong. Gone Girl delivered everything expected. It was a tight thriller full of unexpected twists and turns.
Ben Affleck turned in one of his best performances.
Boyhood
Director Richard Linklater's decade in the making film was a fantastic ride. We see a family grow and change. Reflecting many of our own lives. The story was simple, the message was extraordinary.
Foxcatcher
This one surprised me. I did not expect to be so enthralled by this film. Channing Tatum, Steve Carell and Mark Ruffalo were so engaging in Foxcatcher. Carell's performance of the eccentric millionaire John du Pont is the best of his career.
Guardians Of The Galaxy
The biggest film of 2014, Guardian Of the Galaxy rounds out my top 5. This was an action packed thrill ride no one really expected. When it was announced, heads were scratched and people had to look up who and what the comic book was.
Honorable mentions
Nightcrawler was an extremely unsettling tale of a sociopathic character named Louis Bloom. Bloom is played by Jake Gyllenhaal who, gives an incredible performance. Gyllenhaal transformed himself into the creepy guy you would avoid eye contact with on the bus.
Whiplash
Full Metal Jacket at band camp. That is how I described this film after seeing it. J.K. Simmons was Fletcher, an egotistical, abusive mentor to Miles Teller's Andrew. J.K. Simmons' gave his best performance yet.
Snowpiercer
This was the best film of 2014 no one saw. Director Joon-Ho Bong delivered this story, based on the popular French graphic novel. Chris Evans, straight off of The Avengers stars along side Jamie Bell. Tilda Swinton co stars in a notable performance. The story centers on the last survivors of a new ice age on a train, fighting for a place in the new society.
2015 looks to repeat the trend. With dozens of great stories planed to hit the big screen. This truly is a great time to be a film fan. We also get a new Star Wars movie. Yes, I had to throw that in there.
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