Last Updated May 23 2015. More frequent updates can be followed on
Letterboxd.
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2014 started off like any other year in movies: there was the promise of a whole plethora of great-looking features to look forward to. Some of them delivered...some did not. I suppose it's no different than any other year, but it certainly felt like there were far more enjoyable films throughout 2013, and there's a whole slew of epic-looking films to look forward to in 2015 (
Start Wars Episode VII alone could overshadow every other film leading up to it).
Despite the success of a few good hits, the films of 2014 have disappointed me overall. The summer blockbuster scene definitely feels underwhelming, leaving the films of the spring and fall to stand out the most. I suppose this is an increasing trend over the past couple of years. The best that the summer season had to offer was a few decent sci-fi and superhero pictures:
X-Men: Days of Future Past, Guardians of the Galaxy, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and
Edge of Tomorrow are most of the standouts of the year, and they are a modestly satisfying bunch of movies. In the spring, we also saw the release of
Captain America: The Winter Soldier, now considered one of the best of the Marvel universe. In the fall time, there have been a few surprise hits with movies like
John Wick, and some truly high-quality experiences offered by
Gone Girl and
Interstellar. In both spring and fall, the most successful movies have surprisingly come in the form of CGI-animated films:
The LEGO Movie, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and
Big Hero 6 are three huge standouts in this field.
Even though these movies have made this year worthwhile, there is still a bunch of movies that have come and gone, leaving disappointment in their wake. This year marks the start of a fresh new wave of religious dramas and biblical epics, but
Noah and
Exodus: Gods and Kings will leave most devout believers disappointed, thanks to one too many creative and artistic embellishments that deviate from the Bible. Christians can find better, safer entertainment in movies like
Heaven is For Real and
God Is Not Dead, but these movies have proven to be sugar-coated and sentimental, to the point of rubbing other audiences the wrong way.
Throughout the year, there have been plenty of action, sci-fi, and fantasy movies that exploded to the scene, but were quickly buried in bad reviews and may as well become forgotten. We've had a new version of
RoboCop, a rebooted Jack Ryan, a new
300 film, a second
Sin City, an adaptation of
Need for Speed, a new
Godzilla, another
Spider-Man movie, and so much more. All of these films may be enjoyable for some, but disappointing for others. Most can only be classified as guilty pleasures. Even
The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies seems to have come and gone without leaving nearly as big of an impact as previous Middle Earth films; I give the film high points for entertainment and quality, but even I will admit that the storytelling feels off. And it is a shame, because these films have been building up to this for the past few years, and the last
Hobbit movie should have been the last epic bang to mark the closing of the year. It may have been epic, but it just doesn't feel as endearing or deep as
The Lord of the Rings.
Another slight disappointment for me personally is that two films that I wanted to see -
Seventh Son and
Jupiter Ascending - have been pushed back a whole year. Surely, they could have stood out well in this year's line-up; as gargantuan as next year's releases will be, my fear now is that these films could get lost in the hype of even bigger pictures. One way or another, I am hyped to see these films, and I hope they turn out well and that the wait will be worth it.
Cinemaphiles will likely find plenty to love in other fields, however. A number of great dramas have been released with widespread acclaim. Chief among them is
Boyhood, a movie 12 years in the making, which literally shows a kid growing up. Other great arthouse hits include
Calvary,
The Rover, and
Frank. Unfortunately, despite being so well-loved, I found these films rather unengaging. I did enjoy a few though:
Nightcrawler,
Whiplash,
Grand Budapest Hotel, and
Birdman are all well worth the time. In any case, it's a rare case where these types of films may be the bigger standouts than the Hollywood event films.
Listed below are the movies I've seen from this year. If scores are any indication, there's only a couple of films I graded a full 5/5 (and one is technically a 2013 film). If you've missed out on this year's movies, hopefully this list will give you an idea of what's come and gone, and what's most worthwhile seeing.
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71: Asteroid Vs Earth
Another
cheap and uninspired film by Asylum, which somehow takes the simple
premise of an asteroid approaching Earth and explodes it to such a
degree that it's utterly ridiculous and stupid. Most of it is the poor
representation of world governments and agencies; the film tries so hard
to be more of a political thriller, but it fails miserably under its
own lack of logic. On the plus side, there are moments that are so bad,
you can laugh at it.
Resonance: Likely to be hated forever.
My current score: 1.5/5
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70: Alien Abduction
There
are moments where the film looks okay and there can be some genuine
terror coming out of it. Unfortunately, its story leaves much to be
desired, the craftsmanship is terrible, and the experience overall is
annoying more than anything.
Resonance: Likely to remain hated by most.
My current score: 1.5/5
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69: The Legend of Hercules
There
are just a couple of scenes that look cool, but even that probably
gives this film more credit than it deserves. Outside of the opening
scene, the film quickly devolves into a generic mess of haphazard
storytelling with poor characters, terrible writing, awful special
effects, and an overall feeling of "meh" that prevails.
Resonance: Likely to remain hated.
My current score: 2/5
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68: God Is Not Dead
It
doesn't get much more contrived than this. The film oozes nothing but
sappy pro-Christian propaganda, to the point where it becomes one-sided.
With a cast of completely unlikable characters, and a huge number of
random pieces of drama that never really fit together, the whole film
comes off a a messy and poorly-thought-out fluff piece.
Resonance: Likely to remain obscure and poorly-received.
My current score: 2/5
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67: Tusk
A
novel concept, so crazy that it has to be seen to be believed. I wish
it could be seen in a different way though; this could have either been
an unintentionally hilarious serious movie (like
The Human Centipede)
or an over-the-top gorefest romp (like a Troma film). Striking the
middle ground, the film doesn't quite juggle the comedy or horror that
well, and the results are lackluster, despite the unique opportunity to
watch a man transform into a walrus.
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten.
My current score: 2.5/5
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66: I, Frankenstein
There
are one or two neat scenes in this film, but there's not much of a
plot, not much to the characters, and nothing really leaves a lasting
impression. It's pretty much just an onslaught of iffy special effects
and cliches, and it's all made worse with some iffy acting and writing.
Which is a shame, because I could see a bit of potential in this film.
Resonance: Likely to remain hated.
My current score: 2.5/5
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65: Vampire Academy
You'd
think a movie about a school for vampires has potential. I'd think it
could be hip, edgy, sexy, and sharp. I can't really tell if this movie
even tries to be any of these things: there are a few scant fragments of
originality, but much of it just feels like more of the same. None of
the comedy, action, or concepts did much for me personally, but there is
surely an audience out there that may suck this up all the same.
Resonance:
Likely to remain hated and forgotten by most. I'm not entirely sure if
fans of the original book will form a small cult following or not.
My current score: 2.5/5
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64: Into The Storm
Worth
seeing for the special effects and mass destruction. Unfortunately, the
plot and characters are utterly stupid and unlikable, and the filming
is inconsistent.
Resonance: Already forgotten.
My current score: 2.5/5
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63: Need for Speed
The
film is not without its share of thrilling car chases and races.
Unfortunately, the story leaves much to be desired, as it seems to
string together the chase scenes with little-to-no reasoning or
motivation behind the sickeningly juvenile characters. To say nothing of
the iffy acting and writing.
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten soon.
My current score: 2.5/5
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62: Sharknado 2: The Second One
No other movie in all the history of cinema has left as much impact as the perennial classic,
Sharknado! This follow-up is to
Sharknado what
The Godfather Part II is to
The Godfather.
Meaning: it's essential cinema at its finest. Behold as not one, not
two, but three sharknadoes collide and drop sharks from the sky! Watch
as sharks catch on fire, or get sliced up in midair. Look at all the
ridiculous cameos. Witness the finest acting and the most top-dollar
special effects that Asylum can afford.
Sharknado 2 has to be seen to be believed...
Resonance: There is an audience for this, believe it or not. Chances are that the Sharknado hype will persist for a while, and this will become a cult hit, but will likely fade into obscurity as the years pass on.
My current score: 2.5/5 (guilty pleasure)
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61: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Pretty
standard spy thriller; it is neat to see the main character's
backstory, but the action is pretty lacking, the story doesn't cover
much new ground, and the movie overall felt very bland to me personally.
Resonance:
Hard to tell right now; the film has seen a little success, but seems
to have missed its target audience. A sequel could ensure Jack Ryan's
longevity, but I think this film might be forgotten if left on its own.
My current score: 3/5
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60: Son of God
It's the remix of the last five or so episodes of The Bible
miniseries. So if you've seen the show, it's just more of the same.
There are moments where the production looks good and a few good themes
are dug up, but the writing is horrid, the acting is iffy, parts of it
are cheap, and the theology is quite shakey.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for the more religious-minded audience, but will likely be forgotten by everyone else.
My current score: 3/5
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59: Transcendence
This
film has an interesting premise with implications worth exploring. The
film is at least halfway successful in providing a grounded and
enlightening portrayal of what could happen if an AI becomes
omnipresent. Unfortunately, the film is rarely engaging, and it can be
rather cliched.
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten.
My current score: 3/5
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58: Heaven Is For Real
The
good news is that this film is competently-made and it handles the
subject matter in a way that's not too preachy or overbearing. What is
overbearing, unfortunately, is the sentimentality, which is
manipulatively sappy. The film will appeal to many god-fearing
Christians who want a safe, reassuring, positive form of drama with a
message. Other folks will loathe the sugar-coated tone and oblique
themes.
Resonance: Likely to be a love-it-or-hate-it movie.
My current score: 3/5
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57: Sabotage
Schwarzenegger's comeback continues! Thankfully, this isn't quite as odd or convoluted as yesteryear's The Last Stand. If anything, Sabotage
is interesting new ground, as the film tries its best to unite a group
of rough, tough DEA dudes fighting against corruption. For better or for
worse, the film is purposefully rough and foul-mouthed. There is action
to be had. Overall, however, it feels like the same sort of thing that Collateral and Eraser went through. It's likely to please Arnold fans regardless.
Resonance: Likely to find a small following.
My current score: 3/5
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56: The Amazing Spider-Man 2
While I found
The Amazing Spider-Man
to have an effective enough balance between superhero action and
character drama, something about this sequel falls short. What action is
has is pretty silly, over-the-top, and somewhat stupid in nature.
Scenes in between drag. The story overall has its moments, but not quite
enough to make the action and drama stick together like it should,
resulting in an oddly uneven experience. It looks cool at times, the
comedy's fun, the action can be enjoyable, but with herky-jerky pacing
and an iffy level of pathos, the film just feels really off. To say
nothing about the music choices...
Resonance: Box office
performance and mixed reviews seem rather dubious; a sequel is planned
for 2018, but anything could happen between now and then, and I'm
inclined to think that the future of this rebooted series could be in
peril.
My current score: 3/5
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55: Frank
Pretty
weird, wild, and quirky indie film. It doesn't offer much laughs or
thrills, but it can be an interesting character study, and an
interesting foray into the bizarre world of rock-star bohemians. For me
personally, the film is a hit-and-a-miss.
Resonance: Will find its share of fans, but might still remain rather obscure.
My current score: 3/5
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54: 3 Days To Kill
The
opening scene is pretty cool. From then on, the film loses a lot of its
steam in favor of a rather lackluster action/comedy experience. It does
look good, the action can be pretty fun, and the movie overall is
serviceable for action fans. Unfortunately, it doesn't leave much of an
impact.
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten.
My current score: 3/5
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53: Earth To Echo
Not a bad kid-friendly flick. It's the found-footage cross-over between Super 8 a,d ET, although both films are quite a bit better. Earth to Echo has its moments, but it doesn't leave much of an impact in the long run.
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten.
My current score: 3/5
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52: Transformers: Age of Extinction
Thin
plot, daft characters, tons of explosions, endless special
effects...what did you expect? The film has its cool moments, but even I
have to admit that this film drags more than the last three, and a
certain sense of energy and magic is missing. The film isn't wholly
satisfying, but it at least entertains well.
Resonance: Likely to be hated forever.
My current score: 3/5
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51: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Far
from a perfect adaptation of this classic gang of street-fighting
heroes, the film has its fair share of thrills. It drags somewhat at
first, especially in the way the film withholds showing the turtles until
later. But the last act is a pretty fun thrill ride. Sure, Shredder
sucks as the villain, the comedy falls flat, creative decisions are
iffy, but there was at least some kind of charm that sunk in by the end.
Resonance: Likely to remain hated by many, loved by a few.
My current score: 3/5 (guilty pleasure)
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50: The Expendables 3
If you've seen the last couple of
Expendables
films, you know what to expect: pure action, with pure action icons.
The starpower is what makes this series so lucrative, and it's still
pretty epic to see all these powerhouse action stars unite. As far as
everything else goes, the story won't blow anybody away, but the action
does have a good build-up and everything in the last hour or so is
fairly cool. While I still favor the second movie the most, this is an
easy recommendation to action junkies.
Resonance: Likely to be an underrated favorite for franchise fans.
My current score: 3/5
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49: Calvary
This
is a fine-looking film with quality photography, a sharp script, great
performances, and some rather interesting thematic material worth
exploring. Unfortunately, the story does nothing for me personally. The
film doesn't resonate that much with me personally, but it likely will
with other film fans.
Resonance: Will be held in high regard, at least in the short term. Not sure if it'll be remembered by this time next year.
My current score: 3/5
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48: Boyhood
12
years in the making, this film tracks the progression of a boy into
manhood, crafting an ambitious and overarching narrative that takes us
through all the ups and downs of maturity. It is a nice-looking film
with a lot of truth behind it. It is a film that tops most people's
lists for this year. It doesn't top mine though, because the film didn't
captivate me personally. It doesn't have much going on with the plot,
and without connecting that deeply to the characters or their
situations, it doesn't resonate that much. That being said, chances are
better that it'll resonate with you.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 3/5
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47: The Rover
Definitely
a grim and gritty post-apocalyptic film, with its fair share of
violence. It is a competently-made film that can be disquieting.
Unfortunately, I found it rather slow, dull, and the story never fully
engaged me personally.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 3/5
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46: Flowers In The Attic
This
might be dismissed by most as a cheap and bad made-for-TV trash. As a
newcomer to this story, however, I found it to be an accessible,
interesting, and entertaining drama. The story is by nature really
messed-up, and it's brought to life well by the actors. The film seeps with tension thanks to the situations and the acting, and I personally found it quite the thrilling drama in spite of that.
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed by most.
My current score: 3.5/5
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45: Dracula: Untold
The
"untold" account of Dracula's origins is not as particularly refreshing
as the movie's title makes it out to be: it's a well-worn tale that's
been rehashed through various other films, legends, and history. The
film could have used more refinement in its storytelling, given that
it's a very simple, straightforward plot with lots of room for
improvement. On the plus side, it's generally good-looking, action
scenes are fairly cool, and it is pretty neat to finally see a Dracula
story that's more heavily tied in with its roots in the legends of Vlad
the Impaler.
Resonance: I'm still not clear as to where
this one is going; it's definitely open for a sequel and I think it's
possible that we'll get one. In the long run though, this might be
forgotten at some point.
My current score: 3.5/5
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44: Hercules
Substantially better and funner than Renny Harlin's The Legend of Hercules,
this film definitely delivers the larger-than-life battles, fights, and
spectacle. The story's pretty standard fare and it won't leave much of
an impact, but it's all good silly fun nonetheless.
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten in time.
My current score: 3.5/5
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43: The Interview
If
it wasn't for the Sony hacks, this silly film probably would have
passed under the radar without leaving much impact. As it is, the film
now has way more attention than it deserves. But maybe it's warranted;
the film ventures into some rather distasteful territory in eliciting
humor at the expense of a living world leader (regardless of how he's
viewed). But as far as the actual movie goes, it does have a few good
laughs, it is well-made, and it is fairly entertaining. That's all it is
and all it should be: silly entertainment.
Resonance: Likely to live in infamy.
My current score: 3.5/5
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42: Autómata
Sci-fi
fans should dig this; it's got some very interesting ideas, some very
interesting settings, and there's plenty to think about regarding
robots. It bears a little in common with I, Robot and Blade Runner. Even its opening title scene reminds me a lot of the classic sci-fi films of the 70s (especially Soylent Green). However, the film is a bit random, and if you're not a genre fan, you might find it totally dull.
Resonance: Likely to remain obscure.
My current score: 3.5/5
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41: Dumb and Dumber To
Harry
and Lloyd are back! Oh dear god they're back, and their antics are more
infantile, more embarrassing, and maybe dumber than ever. But the film
is great that way, because it makes no pretense. It is very much the
same caliber of comedy as before, with a good amount of funny gags and
dialogue. The plot is a bit of a retread, and there are some jokes so
low-brow that I could have done without them. Regardless, it is a fairly
satisfying follow-up on a comedy classic.
Resonance: Likely to find a small following, but it won't ever surpass the original.
My current score: 3.5/5 (guilty pleasure)
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40: Maleficent
Not really as dark or gothic as it would appear to be, but it is an interesting spin on the classic Sleeping Beauty
fairy tale that challenges the notion of good and evil and makes the
villain the star. The film is a bit uneven, with a lot of goofy parts
and some dark parts, but it is best seen for Angelina Jolie's phenomenal
performance, and for the visual splendor.
Resonance: Likely to be held in the same regard as other live-action fairy tale movies. I question the longevity of the whole lot of them.
My current score: 3.5/5
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39: Appleseed Alpha
This prequel to the 2003 and 2007 films gives a bit more insight on how the two main characters of Appleseed
found their way to Olympus. It's not really a deep story, but the
characters have their moments. Above all, the movie is breezy, has
plenty of action, and most of the animation looks good.
Resonance: Likely to find a small audience among franchise or anime fans.
My current score: 3.5/5
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38: The Equalizer
Tapping back into the same archetype he previously worked with in
Man on Fire,
Denzel Washington goes back to kicking a lot of butt to protect the
innocent, and he does so pretty well. The film has some pretty cool,
well-choreographed fights. For the most part though, it is more of a
character-driven crime drama, with some parts that stand out more than
others. I wish it could be a little tighter, the way
John Wick is, but
The Equalizer is a formidable title in the genre.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. A sequel is being planned.
My current score: 3.5/5
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37: The Purge: Anarchy
This is what the
first Purge film should have been: an all-out orgy of warring gangs and people
going nuts. There are still one or two stupid parts, but in this sequel,
it plays out less like a generic slasher, and more like a zombie movie
that replaces zombies with psychos, and for the dystopic vision this
series represents, I think it's a very fitting structure. The film is
evenly-thrilling and delivers most of what I always wanted to see out of
this.
Resonance: Likely to have a few fans and a few haters. A prequel film is in the works.
My current score: 3.5/5
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36: Divergent
Compared
to the original
book, there are some things cut out or cut short.
Otherwise though, it's fairly faithful and covers a lot of decent
ground. Performances and quality can be rather so-so, but the film is
evenly-entertaining. If you hate this type of YA-fiction, then you'll
naturally hate this too; fans ought to enjoy it though.
Resonance: Likely to be embraced be some, hated by others.
My current score: 3.5/5
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35: Pompeii
Despite an overabundance of cliches and contrivances, Pompeii
is a pretty decent thrill ride, full of cool gladiator fights, crazy
volcanic 'splosions, and a rather compelling human drama in the middle
of it all. There are moments where the film is surprisingly earnest and
nice.
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed or forgotten by most.
My current score: 3.5/5 (guilty pleasure)
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34: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
No more games this time. By nature, the beginning of the two-part finale for The Hunger Games
is a slow-burning drama with stark visions of desolation and
desperation. Action is few and far between; it'll be the characters and
their continuing struggles that keep this going. It's not always that
engaging, but there are a few great standout scenes, and it's a
necessary stepping-stone to an epic climax coming next year (and I say
it's necessary because the original book had a lot of ground to cover; I
do not mind the filmmakers splitting this film up).
Resonance: Likely to be an understated hit for franchise fans.
My current score: 3.5/5
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33: Exodus: Gods and Kings
Like
most other films by Ridley Scott, this will be a challenge. The man is
not known for making movies with great scripts, or the best pacing, or
even the best stories. But he sure does know how to make his films look
good, and Exodus: Gods and Kings may be one of the best-looking
historical epics of them all. The spectacle is huge and impressive, and
each scene is ordained in highly-detailed and real-looking sets and
props. I think most of the acting is great. But, the script leaves much
to be desired, and the film's stance on the characters and events don't
completely jive with what's in the Bible. It can be frustrating trying
to reconcile the film with the source material or finding a more
realistic spin on things, but at least the movie looks great.
Resonance:
Doesn't look good now, but I wonder if the film will be better-loved on
home video, especially if a director's cut is made available.
My current score: 3.5/5
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32: Food Chains
Far
from subtle, but this documentary does bring up some urgency and
awareness on the plight of farmers who work endlessly for so little to
support our burgeoning supermarket supply system. The film does bring up
a noble message worthy of action.
Resonance: It's on Netflix, so a few people will surely see it and be inspired.
My current score: 3.5/5
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31: RoboCop
Certainly not has hardcore, crazy, or even sublime as Paul Verhoeven's
1987 classic, but this version of
RoboCop
explores some interesting new territory. It is cool to watch the new
RoboCop exploit modern surveillance to catch bad guys. It is compelling
to watch the man-vs-machine struggle. However, the story is not without
its issues, and very little of the action really stands out.
Resonance: Could find a loyal following, but unless a kick-ass sequel comes out, I question its longevity.
My current score: 3.5/5
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30: Gimme Shelter
Note: Although this film was made in 2013, it wasn't widely released until 2014
The
heartbreaking account of one young woman's struggles as a homeless
runaway. The film exudes desperation through the emotions of the
characters, and it makes for a hard-hitting experience. The film's
actual story seems to lose steam toward the end, but it does reach a
happy conclusion, and the experience overall makes the film a must-see.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 3.5/5
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29: Non-Stop
 |
| Even with this device, Liam Neeson still looks like he could kick serious butt. |
Ah,
Liam Neeson. Is there any butt he can't kick? Sadly, there's not as
much butt-kicking in this film, and it might come off as a generic,
hole-ridden plot. I enjoyed it all the same though; it's a very
interesting situation with a satisfying amount of suspense and thrills. I
think this would be a great complement to thrillers like
Red Eye.
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten in time.
My current score: 4/5
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28: Sin City: A Dame To Kill For
This
movie seems to get a bad rap for the quality of the stories, casting
changes, ugly-looking prosthetic work, and overall pacing. While I'll
admit that the film has its issues, I enjoyed it all the same. I was
especially smitten while watching Eva Green. The film has enough blood
and guts and sex appeal to satisfy. Of course, it's not as punchy or
tight as the
first film, but there's still plenty to like in these
additional stories.
Resonance: A poor box office reception
might indicate that this film won't go far in the long run, although I
wonder if it'll be more welcome on home video.
My current score: 4/5 (guilty pleasure)
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27: 300: Rise of an Empire
If
you want blood, here it is, in massive bucketloads! This companion
piece to the
2007 film may not have the most endearing plot or
characters, but it definitely has no shortage of brutal blood-soaked
action. I also have a soft spot for Eva Green's portrayal of Artemisia;
so beautiful, so brutal, so tragic...
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for established fans, but it'll never surpass the success or longevity of the first
300 film.
My current score: 4/5 (guilty pleasure)
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26: The Babadook
Pretty
decent, original horror story. What makes it work is that it doesn't
rely on cheap scare tactics like most other horror movies, and it
achieves genuine terror through character psychology. Definitely a
worthy title for horror movie fans.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 4/5
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25: Godzilla
This
is the first really good American production of Japan's most celebrated
kaiju. While the plot and characters won't blow anybody away, the film
is executed with precision, to build up the action and suspense before
fully revealing the monsters and their massive battle at the end. It is a
solid thrill ride worth seeing.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. There's bound to be more Godzilla coming.
My current score: 4/5
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24: Lucy
It's
quite absurd, but I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It has plenty of
action and thrills, but it still takes the time to settle down and lay
out a structured scientific commentary that accentuates the plot. The
story has its shortcomings, but the film looks cool, it runs smoothly,
and I felt it was a blast throughout.
Resonance: Likely to be a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it film. I wonder if it has the chance to become a cult hit.
My current score: 4/5 (guilty pleasure)
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23: Moebius
Note: even though this is listed as a 2013 film, it wasn't widely released until 2014.
New
from South Korea: even more seriously dark and messed-up craziness! The
film is a hard thing to digest, given the twisted premise of the story,
the sheer lack of dialogue, and the graphicness. However, it is a
harrowing and haunting yarn that explores the deepest and most primal
aspects of sexuality and the correlation between pain and pleasure. If
it's dark, weird, twisted, movies you want with absolutely no dialogue,
this film stands out as one unique gem.
Resonance: Likely to find a small following among fans of foreign or arthouse films.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------
22: The Maze Runner
This
may come off as a typical adaptation of a typical young-adult novel.
Even though I haven't read the book yet, the movie has me psyched enough
to give it a shot someday, because every minute of it is gripping,
suspenseful, and intriguing. There is action and conflict galore, but
it's also quite an original and unique mystery that gets unraveled and
keeps the audience hooked to the startling end. Best of all, the film
can be savage and nasty when it needs to be; it's not the same fluffy
watered-down stuff you see in other films. It's like a mash-up between The Hunger Games and The Lord of the Flies, and I thought it was quite satisfying that way.
Resonance: Likely to garner a good following. A sequel is in the works.
My current score: 4/5
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21: Grand Budapest Hotel
A
film with laughs and thrills, tapping into all the same charm and dry
wit that makes Wes Anderson a household name. It's cute, but far from
restrained; it's a superbly chic brand of adult-rated comedy, and it
makes for rather charming entertainment.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------
20: Nightcrawler
A
competently-made drama that exposes the brazen nature of news and the
cameramen who will try to get as close as they can for profit. The film
explores the ethics of the main character's actions, and shows how he
lives up to the film's title. The only thing more compelling may be the
news itself.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------
19: Whiplash
This
might be the most intense movie ever made about music. The main
character is forced to shed an incredible amount of literal blood,
sweat, and tears to prove his worth to one of the most sadistic
antagonists conceivable. It is a compelling struggle, even if it seems
really over-the-top.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------
18: Birdman (Or, The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
A
pretty simple story, but told in an extraordinary way, thanks to
fantastic performances from the whole cast, some incredibly fluid camera
work and editing, and an interesting story full of interesting themes.
The film is timely, stylish, and well worth watching.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded by some, hated by others.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------
17: Under the Skin
Note: even though this is listed as a 2013 film, it wasn't widely released until 2014.
A
pretty bizarre film that will engage some viewers and bore others. It
is a very quiet film that tells a pretty thin story using a lot of vivid
and intense imagery. I felt it was a very stark and intriguing
experience, on par with a Kubrick film. What the film may lack in
coherence or dialogue, it makes up for tremendously in expressionism.
Resonance: Likely to remain a love-it-or-hate-it film.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------
16: Noah
I
had high hopes for Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic. In most regards, I
think the man delivered, but not without a huge number of caveats. Many
viewers will take issue with what's done to Noah's character and his
children. Most won't be able to stomach the fantasy tropes and ideas
that are thrown in. It is a grim tale that runs contrary to what's in
the good book. However, it is also visually extravagant, with decent
performances, and a strong emphasis on the classic themes of rebirth and
the apocalypse. I see plenty to love here, but many have called this
film blasphemous and distasteful, so I find it hard to really recommend
it to anybody.
Resonance: Could remain controversial for a long time, and I think it'll remain as much of a love-it-or-hate-it film as The Last Temptation of Christ.
My current score: 4/5 (guilty pleasure)
--------------------
15: The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies
Me
being such a shameless fan of Peter Jackson's Middle Earth saga, it
would take a whole lot for this grand finale to disappoint. It certainly
doesn't disappoint when it comes to action and spectacle; the whole
film is devoted to one gargantuan climax full of elaborate setpieces and
visual effects wizardry. Where the film falls short - keeping it from
becoming my #1 film of the year - is the storytelling, since the burden
of the most relevant plot and character development was left in the last
two movies. Thus, the fatal flaw of the entire
Hobbit saga manifests, even in my eyes: this whole movie would have been best if it was tacked onto the end of
The Desolation of Smaug,
rather than being greedily split into three whole movies. Yes, this is
just a third act, so there's not nearly as much substance to this as
there is in every other Middle Earth film. I personally wonder how the
inevitable extended edition will fare, but even if this is one of the
weakest movies of the saga, it is at least exciting, and Jackson sure
did direct the hell out of it.
Resonance: Love it, hate it, it'll always be part of every Middle Earth marathon now.
My current score: 4/5 (guilty pleasure)
--------------------
14: Edge of Tomorrow (Live Die Repeat)
A
pretty solid sci-fi war movie with an intriguing premise. The film
could have easily collapsed under the weight of the storytelling and
action, but everything is well-balanced here, and the characters are an
endearing bunch we can root for. A very satisfying thrill ride overall
that stands out a little more than the average sci-fi fare.
Resonance: Could remain a hit for a while, we'll see.
My current score: 4/5
--------------------
13: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Following up on the events of
Rise of the Planet of the Apes, this film takes the essence of what used to be
Battle for Planet of the Apes
and improves on just about everything. What we're left with is a
compelling drama about how two fragile civilizations clash, and war
breaks out over a few tragic misunderstandings. The human drama won't
win many people over, but it's the apes that rule, with the interactions
between Caesar, Koba, and their tribe driving the majority of the plot.
It is a pretty invoking turn of events, and a necessary bridge to the
inevitable dystopia where apes rule over men.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
12: John Wick
They
killed his puppy. So now he'll kill all of them. That's the simple idea
behind this dark and violent action film. It's a surprisingly endearing
struggle, thanks to the background behind John Wick - the man who lost
everything and now has nothing to lose. It's easy to root for him as he
ventures into the criminal underworld and takes on the Russian mafia.
The film has loads of great action scenes, and Wick proves to be one
strong hero with a strong emotional core.
Resonance: Likely to remain a modest hit.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
11: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Pretty
much more of the same as the first movie: more scenes of epic visual
grandeur, more fast-paced action, more charming comedy, and above all,
more of the heart and soul that makes the first film strong. The
characters are as lovable as ever, but what really makes this
continuation compelling is its revelations on the characters' histories,
and the underlying theme of how human ignorance and hatred can ruin
things.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
10: Big Hero 6
Disney
has been on a roll of late; even though this is a superhero flick
inspired by Marvel property, the film pushes the emotions
front-and-center, making the characters pop out more and giving the
story enough weight to stand proudly next to equally-strong films like
Frozen and
Wreck-It Ralph.
There is plenty of action, but it's not overblown. There are plenty of
moments with cute comedy, but it's not too low-brow or stupid. There is a
lot of heart, but it's not sappy. The film has a little bit of
everything, all finely-balanced, and it is an easy recommendation for
both kids and adults.
Resonance: Likely to be a hit.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
9: The LEGO Movie
Make
no mistake, this movie exists to market and sell more Legos. And yet,
it is just too damn entertaining to dismiss. The jokes come a
mile-a-minute, and are pretty hilarious at times. The action is
consistently smooth and imaginative. The plot is very tight, and it
crams in so much without becoming too bloated or convoluted. Characters
are fun. Above all, the film really drives home the theme of imagination
and creativity, and that with the power of their own minds, anyone can
make everything awesome.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. A sequel is destined for 2017.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
8: The Raid 2 (Berandal)
The Raid 2 may as well be to martial arts movies what
The Godfather is to mafia films. Even though the story won't add much new to the genre of crime films, the fact that it actually
has
a story automatically pushes it ahead of the first film in many
respects. What matters the most is the style and action, both of which
are incredible. All the gruesome fights are choreographed with
precision, to emphasize the impact. The setpieces are bigger, bloodier,
more distinctive than the first film. Through it all, the film still
maintains a sympathetic tone. If there is anything to complain about, it
would be the camera work.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for genre and action fans.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
7: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain
America's latest adventure really cranks up the stakes. It is a very
twisty thriller that mixes up who the good and bad guys really are,
giving the action a lot more weight and a lot more relevance. While the
action is pretty awesome here, the film is perhaps most memorable for
rolling out as much peril as it can and challenging the very values and
beliefs in America that Steve Rogers holds so dear.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
6: Why Don't You Play In Hell? (Jigoku De Naze Warui)
 |
Officially my favorite screenshot of the year, from the movie with my favorite title of the year...
|
Note: Although this film was made in 2013, it wasn't widely released until 2014
So,
this is how they make movies in Japan? No wonder their movies are so
nutty, look at all the blood! Sion Sono's latest film has a little bit
of drag in the middle, but the buildup to one insane finale makes it
worthwhile. It is stylish, hip, consistently entertaining, and
consistently zany.
Resonance: Likely be enjoyed by those who like wild Japanese cinema.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
5: X-Men: Days of Future Past
After four
X-Men and two
Wolverine movies, things have derailed a bit for the
X-Men
cinematic universe. Fortunately, Bryan Singer brings the series back
on-track, using the magic of time travel to splinter the series where
First Class
left off, giving it a fresh new start while covering up some of the
consistency problems. While this film could have fudged things up even
worse, it actually succeeds and presents the most nuanced story of the
franchise. Action and spectacle are pretty cool in this film -
Quicksilver's scenes steal the show in the beginning, while all the
fights and chases keep things engaging. Magneto's feats in the end are
quite impressive. What matters the most, however, is the storytelling.
The plot reminded me so much of
The Terminator, but it remained
quite unpredictable as it went on. Above all, it's the characters that
really brought it together; Charles Xavier's struggles were the
highlight of the movie, and drove the plot to its conclusion. I believe
this is the most mature film of the
X-Men series, boasting the
best attention to story and character without sacrificing the action. It
does leave enough hanging, ensuring that
X-Men: Apocalypse will be something to behold.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
4: Gone Girl
A
simple disappearance that gradually and methodically balloons into a
twisty and compelling yarn that challenges our perception of the
characters, and perhaps the perception of marriage overall. It starts
off interestingly enough, following the police and individual characters
in trying to figure out what happened to this girl, but in the last
half the film goes through a huge paradigm shift, and it becomes quite
the tense thriller. It's basically like watching Psycho in reverse, with a bit of a Basic Instinct finale, but even on its own merits, Gone Girl is one of the best mystery thrillers you'll ever see.
Resonance: Likely to remain successful.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
3: Interstellar
Hard
sci-fi with this much ambition, attention to detail, and nuance is a
rarity in cinema, so this film represents a truly refreshing and unique
experience that could stand proudly next to such films as Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey or Tarkovsky's Solaris.
Comparisons could be endless, but in the end, this film is pure
Christopher Nolan, complete with a twisty, mind-bending narrative that
uses the laws of relativity to bend the plot around in thought-provoking
ways. Best of all though, the film retains a strong heart at its core -
some might complain about the sentimentality, but themes of love,
death, and human destiny resonate strongly in this sprawling narrative.
Some viewers will complain about the exposition, audience pandering,
plot holes, and other excesses. It might come off as a
love-it-or-hate-it affair, depending on whether you love or hate the
director or the genre. I do think this is a very strong film with a
strong story worth telling.
Resonance: Likely to be well-received by most, hated by some. It has the chance to stand the test of time.
My current score: 4.5/5
--------------------
2: Snowpiercer
Note: even though this is listed as a 2013 film, it wasn't widely released until 2014.
As
many viewers are finding, this film is a pretty wild concept that may
lend itself to easy ridicule or critical questioning. Regardless, the
film is relentlessly entertaining, crammed full of gnarly and wicked
fight scenes, peril, and stark revelations. The film rolls ahead evenly,
revealing more and more to its world. As more is revealed, it becomes
apparent that this more than just a bunch of people fighting on a train:
it's a mirror to our current state of affairs, with class warfare,
resource depletion, environmental catastrophe, and inequality on full
display in all its horrific detail. It's a dark and brutal future the
film paints, but it boldly asserts that if we don't take action, this
train we call the world could derail on us at any time.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for many.
My current score: 5/5
--------------------
1: Guardians of the Galaxy
Who
would have ever thought that this niche property of Marvel would become
such a hit? Who would have ever thought that a team with a green woman,
a walking tree, a killer raccoon, and a guy played by a wrestler could
be so endearing? And yet, here they are: probably the most lovable team
of space outlaws since The Cowboy Bebop. Their adventure has no
shortage of thrills and action, but the film also boasts some awesome
imagery, impressive world-building, fun comedy, and just enough
emotional resonance to make the whole thing endearing. It is easily one
of the most complete and rewarding blockbusters of the year.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. A sequel is already in the works.
My current score: 5/5
--------------------
Score for 2014 in films: 3.52/5 (disappointing)
Favorite film: Guardians of the Galaxy
Least favorite film: Asteroid Vs Earth
Favorite blockbuster: Guardians of the Galaxy
Favorite arthouse film: Under the Skin
Favorite foreign film: Technically,
Snowpiercer. For 100% foreign with no US involvement,
Why Don't You Play In Hell?
Favorite documentary: Food Chains.
Favorite science fiction film: Guardians of the Galaxy.
Favorite fantasy/epic: The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies
Favorite action film: John Wick
Favorite comedy: Dumb and Dumber To
Favorite drama: Gone Girl
Favorite horror: The Babadook
Favorite romance: Haven't seen any yet.
Favorite animated/family film: The LEGO Movie
Biggest guilty pleasure: The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies
Best "so bad it's good" film: Sharknado 2: The Second One
Most disappointing film: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Biggest box-office success: Transformers: Age of Extinction (gross of $1,087,404,499)
Biggest box-office flop: Legends of Oz (estimated loss as high as $51,000,000)
Favorite male performance: James McAvoy in
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Favorite female performance: Rosamund Pike in
Gone Girl
Favorite direction: Joon-ho Bong directing
Snowpiercer
Favorite action scenes:
The Raid 2
Favorite special effects: Guardians of the Galaxy
Favorite film score: Hans Zimmer composing the
Interstellar score
Favorite theme song: "Battle Cry" by Imagine Dragons, from
Transformers: Age of Extinction
Favorite musical sequence: Jennifer Lawrence singing "The Hanging Tree" in
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I
--------------------
Al's Watch List of Lingering 2014 Films
Let me be the first to admit that my list is not all-inclusive and there are still plenty of films I haven't seen; they might even be enough to tip the scores and make 2014 out to be a great year after all (if so, it'll be because of the more obscure arthouse and foreign films, not so much the mainstream). I will update this list later on in 2015 as I see more films. For now though, these are the films that I'm still wanting to see:
Brick Mansions: Looks like a carbon-copy of
District B-13. Story might be disappointing, but if the action scenes are cool, I might love it all the same.
The Green Inferno: If I understand this right, this is Eli Roth's homage to the cannibal horror films of the 70s. It could be wicked.
--------------------
Al's Watch List for 2015
Thinking about the films of 2015 has me salivating like Homer Simpson when he thinks about a banquet of donuts. Just look at all these epic-looking films lined up; even if some of these suck, there's bound to be a lot of great hits among this incredible schedule.
Avengers: Age of Ultron: The build-up for Avengers Phase 2 has been pretty solid -
Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain America 2, and
Guardians of the Galaxy will inevitably lead to an impressive-looking showdown between Earth's heroes and otherworldly enemies. The Marvel name itself will ensure that this is a box office giant for the summer.
UPDATE: It was pretty cool.
Blackhat: An intriguing cyber-thriller that looks as broad, epic, and well-made as Michael Mann's previous work in
Heat. It might come off a bit dry, but hopefully it'll be thrilling enough to make a lasting impression.
UPDATE: Bad reviews and bad word-of-mouth kept me from seeing this, but I still plan to sometime.
Chappie: Regardless of what folks thought of
Elysium, I love Neill Blomkamp's work, and this looks like it could be another interesting, hard-hitting piece of pulp sci-fi.
UPDATE: I enjoyed it, to heck with what the critics say.
Furious 7: With
Furious 6 ending the way it did, they left the doors wide open for even more fast-paced action and hard-hitting drama. Chances are that this film will be silly, over-the-top, and unrealistic, but it could also be a dramatic new direction for the series. It's been a turbulent and unpredictable saga up to now, so the seventh movie should be a hit no matter what.
UPDATE: This turned out to be the stupidest action movie I've seen. And it was awesome that way!
The Hateful Eight: Behold, Quentin Tarantino does the western genre again! Despite the script being leaked, he's taken the time to oblige fans and make the movie; unless he gets too lazy with it, it's bound to be a stylish, hard-hitting, and highly-entertaining piece of work.
Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2: Audiences seem to be disappointing that
Mockingjay Part 1 has no real action to it. Well, fear not: Part 2 is bound to have loads and loads of action, especially since the big mountain battle and the assault on the Capital District still needs to be covered. This will likely be all action and climax and less drama, and it should be a pretty decent conclusion to the series.
Inside Out: It's been a while since Pixar truly wowed us with their signature blend of emotional storytelling and visual prowess. I'm hoping
Inside Out will be a refreshing new story with heart, imagination, and laughs. It might be too unrealistic to expect a return to form, but if the film entertains, it'll be worth it anyway.
Jupiter Ascending: The Watchowskis' last few films haven't really connected with audiences well, and it's causing a lot of doubt around this sci-fi/fantasy epic. I still think it's a shame that it got pushed back from 2014 to next year - it could have been a huge standout among this year's line-up - but whenever it comes out, I'll definitely be looking forward to this visually-epic action-packed extravaganza.
UPDATE: Found it enjoyable and interesting. Shame most others don't.
Jurassic World: It's hard to believe that the last
Jurassic Park movie came out when I was still in high-school. The fact that a fourth movie is finally seeing the light of day should be a testament to how well the series has stood up in all this time. I'm personally thrilled to see how the new story pans out and to see some new dinosaur action. However, from what I see in the trailer, this story could be pretty generic thriller territory, with a cheesy set-up similar to
Jaws 3.
Kingsman: The Secret Service: Matthew Vaughn knows how to balance action, style, comedy, and character, and
Kingsman looks every bit as exciting and fun as his previous work. It could be silly and over-the-top, but the film doesn't look like it makes any pretense about being taken seriously. It looks like everything 1998's
Avengers should have been, but with all the quality and charm that goes into
X-Men: First Class. I think it'll be a blast.
Mad Max: Fury Road: Pretty crazy to make a sequel to a trio of movies from the 80s, but the new
Mad Max film looks hardcore, pulpy, and brutal, which is everything we could want in a post-apocalypse adventure.
UPDATE: Surprisingly, this might be the best movie of 2015. Even critics loved it, unanimously. It totally rocked!
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation: Why not? I enjoyed the others, more or less.
UPDATE: Trailers do look every bit as good as the last couple, so this should be quite enjoyable at the least.
Mortdecai: Could be stereotypical and kinda stupid, but it does look charming and funny at the same time.
UPDATE: Terrible reviews held me back from seeing this up to now. Will rent sometime, but I'm not tripping over myself to do so.
Seventh Son: Another film that was pushed back a year. This could be pretty generic fantasy fare, but the characters do look interesting, the action looks cool, and there could be some pretty fun swords and sorcery action in this film.
UPDATE: Apparently, it came and went, nothing but bad reviews, and I practically forgot this movie even exists now. Will rent eventually.
Spectre (007): It's about time we had another James Bond film, before Daniel Craig outgrows the role. With the cast and crew of
Skyfall returning, and the promise of tackling a great arch-nemesis, this could be a phenomenal standout in the new Bond saga. And Monica Bellucci is finally going to be a Bond girl. That alone will make this a must-see.
UPDATE: Trailer looked great.
Terminator: Genysis:
The Terminator movies just seem to get messier and messier. Fortunately, it's the action that's always made this series a standout, and it looks exceptionally fast-paced and bombastic in this fifth installment. The story looks nutty though; they're apparently going to retrace their steps to the first movie and screw everything up and make up a whole new timeline - effectively rebooting the saga, much like how 2009's
Star Trek did. It's hard to tell if this will be a smart or stupid move, but I personally get the feeling from the trailer that the movie just says "f&$k it, let's have some fun." And chances are good that the film will deliver on that front.
UPDATE: Still can't tell from trailers/ads if this will be great or terrible. I'm kinda hoping for both, but I have a feeling something about it will fall short.
Tomorrowland: Brad Bird does adventure very well, and this film looks like a great adventure film with promising world-building, imaginative setpieces, and an endearing spirit.
UPDATE: Reviews are currently mixed at best, might wait for home video.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens: There are bound to be haters for this, thanks to the individual complaints on Lucas' work throughout the last films, and JJ Abrams' work on
Star Trek. If you're a shameless fan like me (and chances are that most casual viewers are), then this film will totally rock. It promises a throwback to the same sense of adventure that the original films had, but with potentially fresh storytelling directions. This is a film that must have been mulling around Lucas' head for over 30 years, so to have it see the light of day after all this time will be a real nice treat for
Star Wars fans worldwide (weird lightsabers, soccer-ball droids, lens flares and all).
UPDATE: Everything looks better and better for this film, and I believe it will deliver.
