The 14 Best Movies of 2014

From apes on horses to vikings on dragons. From guarding the galaxy to protecting one's fame. From the story of boy becoming a man, and an alien trying to become a human being, these are the 14 movies I loved in 2014.

14. 'Foxcatcher'

An unrelenting look at the pains of loneliness, the numbing effect of determination, and how one man's greed can cause so much tragedy to the people around him. A cold, slow-paced, unflinchingly real film that does not warrant repeat viewings, but should be seen nevertheless. 

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJQsIn_SB5E

13. 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes'

2011's 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' was not only a technical marvel, but a welcome change of pace for an influential sci-fi franchise that was starting to get a bit off track. However, 'Dawn' pushed the envelope even further in terms of action, technicality, performances, and cultural relevance. Matt Reeves created a thrilling summer movie that carries more heart than many films of this breed are able to. Also, Andy Serkis deserves an Oscar nod for his role as the lead ape Caesar.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sHMCRaS3ao

12. 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'

In an age where filmmakers are forced to be devoid of any style, it's always a spectacular experience to see a new Wes Anderson film in the cinema. Anderson's storybook style frames are still apparent, and look lovely. They are all complemented by the ever-changing aspect ratios that are used to differentiate the different time periods that the film follows. While not Anderson's best work, 'Grand Budapest' still shows that the director is never running low on his unique energy. Plus, who knew Ralph Fiennes could be so funny?

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_HONQ4HCs4

11. 'Blue Ruin'

Most revenge fantasies fade to the credits once our protagonist takes out his glorious vengeance. However, Jeremy Saulnier's 'Blue Ruin' focuses on what happens after the revenge is taken. A simple, rough, entertaining, bloody ride. An overlooked gem.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJo1qrr_8Hc

10. 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'

Bryan Singer makes a very welcome return to a film franchise that's had its definite shares of ups and downs. The introduction of time travel, and more character based sequences make this not only the best X-Men film, but one of the best super-hero movies since 'The Dark Knight'.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK2zYHWDZKo

9. '22 Jump Street'

The best (b)romantic comedy ever made. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's sequel to 2012's hilarious '21 Jump Street' is completely self-aware, action-packed, and gross-out without going overboard. Plus, the Channing Tatum/Jonah Hill partnership is taken to a level where its treated like an actual loving relationship, leaving room for some incredibly funny gags. The funniest movie of the year.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP755JkDxyM

8. 'Gone Girl'

David Fincher's adaption of Gillian Flynn's mystery novel is the most fun you'll have watching a story about murder, deceit and revenge. You walk into 'Gone Girl' is expecting one film, and then leave with something entirely different. What starts out as a grim mystery, soon becomes a fun, pulp magazine style thriller laced with the darkest of dark humor and real twists that will keep you invested for its nearly-150 minute runtime with a dynamite performance from Rosamund Pike. 

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esGn-xKFZdU

7. 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

I've seen this film four times now, and I still want to watch it again. 'Guardians' is a brilliant, bizarre venture for the blockbuster powerhouse, 'Marvel Studios' to take on. Substituting super heroes for intergalactic criminals, 'Guardians' has a carefree atmosphere that director James Gunn blessed it with. Combine that with a star-making performance from Chris Pratt, wonderful action sequences, Rocket Raccoon, and a dancing Groot, you get the most entertaining theater experience of 2014.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crIaEzXgqto

6. 'Under the Skin'

Jonathan Glazer's hypnotic sci-fi/horror/drama film is daring, frightening and beautiful. Scarlett Johansson gives what may be her best performance to date, with what seems to be a somewhat easy role. The way she is able to switch her smiling, flirtatious facade on and off almost instantaneously is incredible. Plus, when the second half rolls around, she conveys the confusion, excitement, and fear for human culture like that of a child. It's a wonderful performance in a truly wonderful, yet polarizing movie.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2g4WC8yosk

5. 'Nightcrawler'

Dan Gilroy has created a dark noir character study featuring what may be Jake Gyllenhaal's greatest work. 'Nightcrawler' is thrilling from its opening sequence all the way to the finale's violent car chase.  L.A. is shot wonderfully against the night sky and neon lights. One of the best character studies in years, and a brutally honest, scathing look at the modern day media.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lEdwqwOttg

4. 'The Babadook'

A brilliant Australian horror film from newcomer, Jennifer Kent. While the Hollywood system still has no clue how to make a truly impactful horror movie, 'The Babadook's script realizes that the best horror films have an underlying sense of dread throughout them, even when the creature isn't on screen. As a matter of fact, 'The Babadook' only has about ten minutes of true supernatural moments, it is preceded by an hour and a half of tremendous buildup with a great lead performance from Essie Davis, who does not succumb to familiar tropes of women in horror films. One of the best, creepiest, and most emotionally satisfying horror films in years.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAV3JZY3Kqs

3. 'How to Train Your Dragon 2'

While I enjoyed 2010's 'How to Train Your Dragon', it never quite touched my heart as much as it did some other viewers. However, 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' takes the nice groundwork of the first film, and just ramps it up. The animation is gorgeously realistic, without falling into scary 'Polar Express' territory. The character relationships (especially between Hiccup and his mother) feel genuine. And the action scenes are good enough to rival 'Godzilla' or 'The Hobbit' any day. While I truly enjoyed 'The Lego Movie' and 'Big Hero 6', none of them excited me quite as much as this. 

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9a4PvzlqoQ

2. 'Birdman' (or 'The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance')

Michael Keaton delivers the best comeback of the year with Alejandro Inarritu's funny, hypnotic, experimental film about trying to redeem one's relevance. The movie possesses a dream like quality, this is mostly due to the fact that it holds the illusion that you are watching one, full, uncut shot. The performances from Emma Stone, Ed Norton, and Naomi Watts also compliment the art spectacularly. A strange, but beautifully intimate movie.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJfLoE6hanc

1. 'Boyhood'

Richard Linklater's 'Boyhood' finds pleasure in the little moments. There are no holiday sequences, we don't see the boy lose his first tooth, no one has a big breakdown moment full of tears. Indeed, there is one scene with a drunk stepfather that is quite intense, but even that doesn't feel extremely melodramatic. The movie just flows as we follow this six year old boy becoming an eighteen year old all in the period of two and a half hours. The small, intimate series of events this film allows us to see show who this young boy is and who he will become. Linklater depicts our lead, Mason, as an artistic child, rather than a football player or class president, making his struggles feel far more truthful and his successes far more well-earned. The performances from Ethan Hawke as the boy's father and Partricia Arquette compliment their children's stories perfectly. It's an experimental film that works on every single front. Not only the best film of 2014, but one of the most important films of this generation.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0oX0xiwOv8

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!

List by: Josh McCormack