Well, it's that time
again. Since I'm not lucky enough to see all the films right away and have to
wait until they're released in the Midwest, this list seems late. That's ok because
I still enjoy doing this so let's jump right in.
10. Gone Girl
This film was based on the Gillian Flynn novel
of the same name. I read the novel before the film was released so I could get
hyped for the film. I'm glad I did because the ending was a little
disappointing in the film.
After two hours of
enthralling story, the ending seemed liked everyone was just tired of filming
and decided to stop. There were many good points to the film, and David Fincher
was on his A game as usual.
The score by Trent Reznor
and Atticus Ross complimented the film very well. The best aspect of the film
was the casting and acting. Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris,
and Carrie Coon were spot on. While watching the film the characters I pictured
while reading the book were brought to life with perfection by this cast.
9. The Babadook
Definitely one of the best horror films of recent years and possibly of
all time. The Babadook is completely unnerving and Essie Davis gives an
award worthy performance. Her character is dealing with a troubled child and
working full time and she slowly defends into madness. This type of character
can be overacted and hammed up, but she was very convincing and realistic.
Also, there were no cheap scares in this film. So many mainstream films rely on
cheap scares and nudity so people will drop tons of money to go see the film.
This film has substance and emotion with a very big creep factor that all works
very well.
8. Nightcrawler
Dan Gilroys' directorial debut was one of the best
directorial debuts ever. Jake Gyllenhaal gives arguably his best performance to
date as Louis Bloom, a Small time their and con man that finds his calling in
filming accidents and wrecks. He will do anything to get want he wants and get
rid of anyone that gets in his way (poor Bill Paxton).
I liked this film because
it shows how local news doesn't care about reporting the news and just cares
about ratings. Also, it's a reflection of the American dream today. It used to
be work hard and you'll move up and get that manager position with the house in
the suburbs with the perfect family. Today, however, it’s get money any way you
can and to get where you want you'll have to slit some throats. It's
unfortunate but that's today’s American dream.
7. Foxcatcher
Bennett Miller is becoming one of the best
directors in Hollywood, as he’s been behind Capote, Moneyball, and now Foxcatcher.
Steve Carell had his best performance of his career and I can't wait to see
him do more dramatic rolls in the future. His performance of John Du Pont was
creepy and unsettling. It was a shame this film was left off the best picture
ballot because it truly was a brilliant film. Mark Ruffalo was also brilliant,
his turn as Dave Schultz was deeply layered and very emotional. If it wasn't
for J.K. Simmons’ brilliant turn in Whiplash, Ruffalo would've won best
actor.
6. Birdman (Or the
Unexpected Virture of Ignorance)
I have to
say this was a good film, but if it wasn't about Hollywood it
wouldn't have won best picture. It was a very honest look at Hollywood
(directors and actors) and film critics. It also showed the generational gap between
the baby boomers and the Millennials. The acting was great, and the
cinematography was exceptionally brilliant.
5. Inherent Vice
Paul
Thomas Anderson is such a phenomenal director and writer. His ambitious
adaptation of Thomas Pynchons' novel was great. The plot was convoluted and
confusing, but I think PTA pulled it off.
As long as you actually pay attention you’ll be able to follow the film.
Josh Brolin was hilarious as Lt. Det. Christian “Bigfoot” Bjornsen and should
been up for best supporting actor. I was laughing constantly throughout the
entire film. It was a great dark comedy.
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes
Anderson is one of the greatest storytellers of this era. He finds a way to
bring comedy and true heart together for a very compelling and heartfelt story.
What I love is when I watch a Wes Anderson film I feel like I’m watching a
play; that’s the best way I can describe his films. The set design and
cinematography for Grand Budapest certainly makes you feel like it’s a play.
Ralph Fiennes was fantastic as M. Gustave. He was charming, witty, and
hilarious. If it wasn’t such a crowded year at best actor he could’ve been up
for the Oscar.
3. Interstellar
This was
a very ambitious film for Christopher Nolan to take on and I feel that was the downside of the
film. It was too big of a task to tackle. That being said, it still was a
gorgeous film.
I always loved Physics so I was really excited about this film, however,
everything about this film made it beautiful. The overall theme about love
conquering all could be considered corny, but I thought it was beautiful. Hanz
Zimmer score was on a grand scale, I understand why Alxeandre Desplat won for The Grand Budapest Hotel, but Zimmer
could’ve won for this score. I highly recommend everyone see this film.
2. Whiplash
This film
blew me away. Its editing was as if I was watching a war film, but I’m watching
college kids play jazz. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire film. J.K.
Simmons was undoubtedly fantastic. Every award he won was deserved. He’s been
in this business a long time and he finally got his recognition. Miles Teller
is also amazing, I first recognized his talent in The Spectacular Now. He’s a real talent who has a big future in
film. Damien Chazelle also has a great future as a director if he can keep this
kind of work up.
1. Boyhood
Head and
shoulders above all other films this year. Richard Linklater had a very
ambitious idea to film a movie over 12 years with the same cast and pulled it
off. No other film has done this, at least not a documentary film. It’s not
only that which makes it great the writing is amazing.
Linklater has a way of writing his films that’s very realistic. It’s
like Linklater takes real conversations he has in his life and writes them
down. Sometimes I feel like I’ve had a conversation that’s said in the film.
Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette were fantastic. They were so
believable in their roles and you could tell they were giving their heart and
soul into their parts. I truly believe that in 2017 when AFI does their 100
greatest films of all-time, Boyhood will be on that list.
Thanks again for reading I hope everyone enjoyed.
