Best Films Of 2014
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- DirectorJ.C. ChandorStarsOscar IsaacJessica ChastainDavid OyelowoIn New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history.This is a pretty great crime drama. Don't let the title fool you however, it is more of a crime drama than a film of violence and action.
8.5/10 - DirectorSeth GrossmanStarsRoss PattersonJessie WisemanSeth GrossmanWhen Ross is diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given six weeks to live, his newly engaged older brother Seth offers to spend his $50,000 wedding fund on a final trip of a lifetime. Their plans are complicated when Ross invites a call girl to join the group and Seth's uptight fiancée insists on tagging along. This raucous road trip comedy features hip-hop star Asher Roth.Simply an amazing film on a small budget. Definitely similar to The Bucket List but this film looks a lot closer and deeply into impending death and in turn, the glory of life as well. 8.5/10
- DirectorMorten TyldumStarsBenedict CumberbatchKeira KnightleyMatthew GoodeDuring World War II, the English mathematical genius Alan Turing tries to crack the German Enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians while attempting to come to terms with his troubled private life.Essentially this is just another story of how one very smart guy was screwed over by the powers that be, even though he did something great to help them and others. It's an all too familiar story in that sense, but this film is well delivered in every regard; The direction, the script, the acting, everything comes together well here. It's a great story, but one that only made me even more disgusted at manipulative and selfish people by the end of it. Still, a must see film. 8.5/10
- DirectorDoug LimanStarsTom CruiseEmily BluntBill PaxtonA soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.To me this film was surprisingly enough, actually funnier than Cruises last comedy, Knight & Day. I didn't care much for that film, but Edge Of Tomorrow is a very welcome addition to the sci-fi genre. I enjoyed it so much, I felt like I didn't care if the end was going to come anytime soon. They could have made this film longer in my view, and it would have been just as good or maybe even better. I can honestly say that Edge of Tomorrow ranks up there with the very best sci-fi films since the turn of the century. I did see it in 3D, and I felt the 3D didn't really add anything great to the film, but that really seems to be the case with all the newer 3D films. The only film I've ever seen in which the 3D actually did add something extra special to the film, was Avatar. Personally I think the 3D fad can mostly be chalked up as another Hollywood gimmick that really does nothing at all, except add extra cost to tickets, and extra in their pockets of course. This film itself however is not a gimmick, it's solid action sci-fi that even does have some real thought provoking moments. There is even a nod to Mr.Kubrick in the film. Do yourself a favor and check this out. 8/10
- DirectorNoah BuschelStarsCorey StollBilly CrudupMarin IrelandA down-on-his-luck former boxing champ is forced to make a choice between friendship and ambition when he is framed for murder.A knockout! This film is truly worth a look for anyone who enjoys a gritty film. Only 778 people have rated this film on here, and going by the rating so far I'd estimate most of them to be out to lunch. Watch it! 8/10
- DirectorDan GilroyStarsJake GyllenhaalRene RussoBill PaxtonWhen Louis Bloom, a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.Edgy, thought provoking cinema. 8/10
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsBradley CooperSienna MillerKyle GallnerNavy S.E.A.L. sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home with his family after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.It's hard to believe that a director in his mid-80's is still making films this good. I can't say that I loved everything about American Sniper, but I loved a lot of it. I can't understand any of the supposed controversy around this film either, as there is really no major slant one way or the other, this shows one man's view of things and that's it. It doesn't try to paint the view as good or bad really, it's just one sniper's way of seeing things(The war, Iraq, the U.S.A., etc), end of story. 8/10
- DirectorJim MickleStarsMichael C. HallSam ShepardDon JohnsonWhen a protective father meets a murderous ex-con, both need to deviate from the path they are on as they soon find themselves entangled in a downwards spiral of lies and violence while having to confront their own inner psyche.It's actually quite hilarious to read many of the reviews on this film here on this site. So many people claim that there is this big unexplained hole in the film, and they often go into great detail about it. All the while the answer to their issue in the film is entirely explained. Yes, there are some plotlines in the film that are not followed right to the end a person could say. However the reason is much like in the film Sicario or End Of Watch for instance. It's far too big for them to do anything about some of the things they find out, unless of course they had a full on death wish. This should all be quite obvious to the audience. However reading the reviews here, you find that sometimes even very simple and obvious things are far too much for many to comprehend. Anyway, it's good for a laugh, but at the same time, I find myself unable to not feel at least some compassion for these somewhat delusional people. How do they even find their way out of their house in the morning to begin with? Lol! But yes, it's also quite funny at the same time.
Anyhow, I do agree the film is far from perfect in all aspects, however the story is strong, and the filmmaking here is very strong. If you like a good thriller and you're not too squeamish, give it a shot. 8/10 - DirectorDavid AyerStarsBrad PittShia LaBeoufLogan LermanA grizzled tank commander makes tough decisions as he and his crew fight their way across Germany in April, 1945.While many have complained about the final battle scene being silly, I didn't find it so bad. Obviously it was a little overdone, but I think there was a point to that, and it worked fine for the sake of entertainment and in what the film is about. Going down swinging is what true hardened warriors would do, and that's the point in the final battle scene. The rest of the film, the entire lead up to the final battle itself is the greatest part of the film. Especially how it showed the true fact that almost everyone who is involved in war becomes at least somewhat crazy. There is a lot of truth here in my estimation, and deep truth that few like to admit or even talk about because it's far outside the comfort zone. 8/10
- DirectorEskil VogtStarsEllen Dorrit PetersenHenrik RafaelsenVera VitaliForsaken in a new Oslo apartment, a frail blind woman battles to come to terms with her condition, as she slowly retracts into an elaborate fantasy bubble. Are her stories fanning her suspicions, or is this what total blindness looks like?
- StarsLouie AndersonChip BolcikTodd BoydSurvey the profound and enduring influence of one of the greatest American comics of all time.
- DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsEllar ColtranePatricia ArquetteEthan HawkeThe life of Mason, from early childhood to his arrival at college.
- DirectorHerman YauStarsCharlene ChoiSimon YamRyan LauSara involved in an investigation and her editor afraid of offending powerful politicians and businessmen, against it. Sara exiles herself to Thailand. There She meets child prostitute Dok-my and Sara becomes haunted by her memories.
- DirectorNeil BurgerStarsShailene WoodleyTheo JamesKate WinsletIn a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."Don't Try To Define Me"
I have to say that the producers would have to be stupid not to use Burger again as the director. He did such a great job with this one. I thought I was going to see a film that was mostly aimed at teens. However the story alone makes this far superior to most teen oriented films. In fact this didn't feel much like a teen film at all. The fantasy story is a great metaphor for our current society, it's simply a very relevant film. The directing here was spot on. The story as fun as it is, does have a few holes, sure, but they are easy to look over because they are such small holes; And Burger manages to pace the film with near perfection. The film simply works as a commentary piece on political philosophy, and as an entertaining action film laced with some romantic tension. In my view this film was far, far superior to the very teen oriented and very one dimensional Hunger Games, and it's certainly more unique as well. Woodley is impressive here, clearly showing the ability to play a very layered and complex character. 8/10
Update: As I understand it, the producers have cheaped out now that they have a big hit on there hands and decided to go with a much lesser director. Not a surprising move given Hollywood's historical track record, but disappointing for sure. Here's me betting that 'Insurgent' won't be nearly as fun of a film as this one. Boo on these cheap ass producers! - DirectorMichaël R. RoskamStarsTom HardyNoomi RapaceJames GandolfiniBob Saginowski finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deeply into the neighborhood's past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living--no matter the cost.Nice to see Gandolfini go out with a good film. This is definitely worth checking out if you're into crime films at all. There is a good dose of humor and mystery in this film that make it easy to enjoy. Not a masterpiece, but definitely a really good film. 7.5/10
- DirectorMichael BerryStarsEd HarrisEva LongoriaMichael PeñaA former Arizona sheriff's wife is killed while riding on their ranch property. It would appear a Mexican man illegally crossing into the US is at fault. As the former and the current sheriff search for answers, lives are changed forever.A very relevant and worthwhile watch. The acting is good. The story is complex, deep and without a perfect solution, and so goes life on earth, and that's exactly what this film really hits you with. There are no perfect solutions to many of our problems, and also that innocently intended pranks can sometimes result in drastic and irreversible consequences. A very realistically minded film that will make you think and feel, either that or its realism will just scare you even further back into your already well zombified state. 7.5/10
- DirectorNeil DalalJillian ElizabethStarsDayananda SaraswatiFollow a group of students and their teacher as they confront fundamental questions about the nature of reality and self-identity at a remote forest ashram in southern India.
- DirectorRaymond De FelittaStarsMichael PittNina AriandaAndy GarciaA Queens couple who specialize in robbing mafia social clubs stumble upon a score bigger than they could ever imagine, becoming targets of both the mob and the FBI in the process.
- DirectorMichael SpierigPeter SpierigStarsEthan HawkeSarah SnookNoah TaylorAs his last assignment, a temporal agent is tasked to travel back in time and prevent a bomb attack in New York in 1975. The hunt, however, turns out to be beyond the bounds of possibility.This film is being advertized wrong in my opinion. If you go into it thinking it's a sci-fi action film, you will likely be at least somewhat disappointed. This is definitely not an action film, it's a sci-fi drama in truth, an interesting one with a very thought provoking story. The acting is also very good. If you are looking for a simple and clean film, this is not for you. This is a mind bender of extreme proportions. 7.5/10
- DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesMichael NyqvistAlfie AllenAn ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters who killed his dog and stole his car.Are You Afraid Of The Boogeyman?
This film has some of the slickest, and best executed action scenes and choreography of any I've seen. This film would make John Woo say woo! It's fairly simple story-wise, but the backdrop is well thought out and delivered. The film is both well written and fun at the same time. Most of the theater crowd was laughing a good bit for the first half of the film and gasping and oooing during the second half. I expected The Equalizer to be the better action film this year, boy was I wrong! You may say "what about Edge Of Tomorrow?", but that's more of a sci-fi film as opposed to a straight up action flick like J.Wick and The Equalizer. 7.5/10 - DirectorMatt ReevesStarsGary OldmanKeri RussellAndy SerkisThe fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth.After 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes', I wasn't all that interested to even see this film. I didn't mind Rise, but to me it was no better than a 6 out of 10 at best; It's nothing special. With all the good reviews and people raving about this film however, I thought well I'll give this franchise another shot, and boy was it worth it. This film is far superior to Rise in my view. There are a few parts that could have been done better here, but mainly this film is very solid writing wise and very entertaining. The film develops it's characters, especially many of the apes far better than most action films these days as well. The lead up to war here is done extremely well for the most part. To me this film is one of the great surprises of the year. 7.5/10
- DirectorLuc BessonStarsScarlett JohanssonMorgan FreemanChoi Min-sikA woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.What Is The Limit Of Your Imagination?
In my view this is the best film Besson has directed since 1997's The Fifth Element. The film in certain ways is a lot like Limitless, but at the same time it takes a very different overall approach and look on the subject of human evolution. I'm sure that many people will not care much for this film since it is filled with a lot of mystical/spiritual references and ideas and even some false science, however those with an open mind and an active imagination will likely be very glad they saw the film. This is clearly a work of fiction people, but there is no one saying you can't relate fiction to reality either, and actually learn something from it once in a while too. Our limitless imaginations are part of what makes human beings so extraordinary, we are best off using this gift and appreciating it. Fictional films can still be very thought provoking, and this one definitely fits that category. 2001: A Space Odyssey isn't scientifically accurate in many ways to our current knowledge, but it's still a monster landmark of a film nonetheless. Lucy is certainly not 2001, however they both ride that same imagination rules line that can spark the internal fires of unique creative thinking. In my view Lucy is a sci-fi trip worth taking. 7.5/10 - DirectorJoe CarnahanStarsPatrick WilsonEd HelmsJames Badge DaleA hard-luck limo driver struggles to go straight and pay off a debt to his bookie. He takes on a job with a crazed passenger, whose sought-after ledger implicates some seriously dangerous criminals.A little far out for sure, but this is a comedy. The film reminded me a bit of The Hangover except, it was actually more consistently funny in my view. 7.5/10
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsJon FavreauRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonA head chef quits his restaurant job and buys a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family.A very good surprise. The film hits all the right notes between food, music and family, though it could be considered a little raunchy at times for some people's taste. 7.5/10
- DirectorNoah BaumbachStarsBen StillerNaomi WattsAdam DriverA middle-aged couple's career and marriage are overturned when a disarming young couple enters their lives.