Best Movies of 2014: Top 10 Movies

Today, I am very happy to announce my list of the Top 10 Movies of 2014. This has been a stellar year in cinema, and as you can tell by my long list of honorable mentions, narrowing down to just ten films has been a colossal challenge. I have never spent this much time choosing which films will ultimately make the cut, and if that doesn't show the vast amount of great films to come out of this year, I don't know what does. Nevertheless, these ten films have never left my mind, and almost all of them I knew while watching that they would end up on my year-end list. So, without further adieu, I am proud to announce my Top 10 Movies of 2014!

Let's get started.

10. The Grand Budapest Hotel (Wes Anderson)

My first experience with a Wes Anderson film certainly won't be my last. This is a candy-colored treat of cinematic excellence, with the best use of acting cameos all year. A fairly early release in 2014, this drama showcases a surprisingly hilarious and highly effective Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave, the manager of the Grand Budapest Hotel who likes to woo old ladies. He is a dedicated leader, and takes the young Zero Mustavo (Tony Revolori in his first acting role, though you'd never know it from his seamless job) under his wing. A story told over three time periods, each with their own distinctive aspect ratio and color scheme, this is a great example of how so much can fit into one movie and yet still really work. It's a fantastic, light-hearted comedy that crosses the style of Tim Burton with the deadpan humor of Quentin Tarantino, and as those are my favorite filmmakers, I found my first Wes Anderson experience to be something truly special.  

9. Guardians of the Galaxy (James Gunn)

I think I was the only one on Earth who thought that quirky trailer that showed a talking raccoon, a talking tree, a guy listening to a walkman, a green-skinned woman, and a former wrestler painted purple would translate into a fun movie. Turns out I was right, as Guardians of the Galaxy became the escapist summer adventure that remains this generation's Star Wars or Raiders of the Lost Ark. With an unforgettable soundtrack that re-popularized hits such as "Hooked on a Feeling", "Come and Get Your Love", and "Cherry Bomb", this superhero ensemble represented the best the genre had to offer all year. Chris Pratt could become the new Harrison Ford, and the always incredible Bradley Cooper really does a smashing job at voicing Rocket Raccoon. The James Gunn movie proves that Marvel can make smaller superhero films truly work, and that they don't have to rely on Wolverine, Iron Man, or Spider-Man to tell a great story. It's humorous, it's action-packed, but most of all it's just plain fun. And isn't that what all superhero movies should be?

8. Big Hero 6 (Don Hall and Chris Williams)

With Wreck-It Ralph and Frozen, Walt Disney Animation Studios reinvigorated their brand under the surefire confidence of John Lassiter, who tirelessly promotes the company to tell great stories with outstanding characters. Big Hero 6 is no exception- an emotional roller coaster that harkens back to the deep pathos of Renaissance era Disney. It teaches a great message about self-confidence and the power of friendship, all told with humorous punchlines and exciting spectacle. The production design of San Fransokyo is also gorgeous, and it seamlessly blends the architectural elements of the two cultures together to craft a great set design. Fall Out Boy's "Immortals" is one of the best original songs of the year, and the animation is really effective. Nevertheless, none of this ever distracts from the amazing characters that are featured in this tale. Baymax, Hiro, GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and of course Fred are wonderful as the titular Big Hero 6, and it's a true ensemble piece that rarely happens in animated movies. These characters are the biggest reason why Big Hero 6 remains the best animated movie of the year. 

7. Gone Girl (David Fincher)

"This man of mine... this man of my dreams... is going to kill me." Gone Girl is David Fincher's crack at replicating Alfred Hitchcock, and the Master of Suspense would not be disappointed. This is a twisty (and twisted) allegory of the state of marriage in today's society, and a gripping morality tale that depicts the most toxic relationship I may have ever seen. Ben Affleck has never (and I mean never) acted this well, and leads a great ensemble that includes Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Kim Dickens, and the underrated Carrie Coons as Affleck's sister. But the real standout performer is Rosamund Pike, who plays Affleck's missing wife; she is a Hitchcock Blonde, a character we never really understand who always exists in the narrative of the story. She gives the best lead female performance of the year, and I'm glad the woman who once played Miranda Frost in Die Another Day has found a role that is finally getting her critical acclaim. Fincher's mystery is powerfully crafted, well shot, and a hugely entertaining adaptation of the original novel. 

6. Into the Woods (Rob Marshall) 

Rob Marshall returns to his Chicago glory (but thankfully avoids his Nine catastrophe) and directs a wonderful adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's popular show. This is my favorite movie musical since Sweeney Todd, as it makes the wonderful songs (which I'm listening to right now!) fit into the frame of the story, and even progresses the narrative forward in time. There are also some great performances in this piece, including Meryl Streep, James Corden, and Anna Kendrick. The two biggest shocks of the film were Chris Pine, who perfectly embodies Prince Charming; and, Emily Blunt, who's singing blew me away more than everyone else in the film. Into the Woods is also fascinating in the way it subverts the cliches of Grimm Fairy Tales, taking unexpected turns with each new song. Though rated PG, parents should be warned that there is still some very dark material in this musical; but, for everyone else, this is a magnificent work of art. 

5. Snowpiercer (Bong Joon-ho)

This movie is what film academics dream of as the perfect action flick. It's superbly entertaining, incredibly intelligent, and a wild ride. Though never really released well theatrically, Snowpiercer nevertheless represents a thought-provoking spectacle. The basic premise of Bong Joon-ho's film is that the Earth has frozen completely, and the rest of humanity is forced to live on a train that circles the globe; however, massive class differences threaten the stability of the train society. Chris Evans actually acts as the leader of the rebellion, and leads a stellar ensemble that stars John Hurt, Ed Harris, Octavia Spencer, Jamie Bell, and Song Kang-ho. There's also major Oscar talk for villainess Tilda Swinton, who steals the show as the gender-ambigous Mason. The action scenes are miraculously executed- a gory, realistic design that shows off great cinematography. Part social commentary and part visual masterpiece, Snowpiercer needs to be seen by more people. Believe me, you won't be disappointed. 

4. Begin Again (John Carney)

I saw this film as a whim over the summer, but I haven't been able to stop listening to its soundtrack ever since. Keira Knightley is mesmerizing as a singer-songwriter who works with Mark Ruffalo's character to create an album using real locations in New York City. The two stars have wonderful chemistry, and John Carney's work in general just makes me so happy. The songs are amazing and highly original, poking fun at the shallowness of "popular music" today. "Lost Stars", "Tell Me If You Wanna Go Home", "Like a Fool", "Everything's Coming Up Roses", and "A Step You Can't Take Back" can all make up the Best Original Song category at the Oscars this year and I'm sure no one would complain. Each bring something new to the genre of film music, and I can't emphasize enough how blissful this album makes me feel. A fun screenplay that deals with heavy topics and ends in an unexpected way, this is my idea of the perfect romantic comedy.

3. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu)

How director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, along with the cinematographer and editor, managed to shoot a film that looks like one continuous shot I'll never understand. That being said, this is one powerful commentary on the state of superhero films, the relationship between actors and critics, and the need to feel important in such a crowded world. Michael Keaton delivers the performance of his career as a former superhero star now trying to make an artistic run on Broadway. The supporting cast, Emma Stone in particular, all complement his performance as a presumably crazy actor who just wants to be relevant again. Now I love superhero movies, but I found myself convinced with many of Inarritu's arguments about the way they drown out artistic works in favor of what's popular. With great meta casting (Keaton, Stone, and Edward Norton all starred in their own respective superhero franchises), an unbelievably brilliant and seamless one-shot look, the unexpected virtue of ignorance is seeing this movie for the first time with no expectations, and becoming completely blown away by its scope and creation. 

2. Whiplash (Damien Chazelle) 

I had two distinctly different interpretations of the film each time I saw it. The first time, I saw Miles Teller's jazz drummer as a defiant rise to overcome the odds and become one of the greats. The second time, however, I placed much more emphasis on J.K. Simmons' Terrence Fletcher- my vote for the best villain of the year- and the way he systemically abuses and tears down the very fabric of Teller's character until he's nothing more than a hollow shell of what Simmons wants. This makes the film either a heroic triumphant or a tragic destruction of the self; however, regardless of the interpretation, it's hard to deny the power of this thriller. Yes, director Damien Chazelle actually makes a movie about jazz drummers immensely scary and thrilling, a suspenseful work that keeps you hooked and terrified at the same time. Simmons is a character actor who's finally getting awards recognition for his villainous character, and he nails it with each detail. As a former jazz band student myself, I could taste and smell every instrument featured in the story, and can understand where Teller was coming from. He pours blood, sweat, and tears into his music, and its a dedication that's immensely effective for a lead character. I wouldn't dare say "good job" out of fear to what Fletcher would do to me, but I can honestly describe Teller and Simmon's chemistry as electric. From the first creepy shot, to the powerful and grin-worthy finale, Whiplash is one of 2014's most unique and immensely awesome films.

1. Boyhood (Richard Linklater)

Probably no surprise to anyone who knows me, Boyhood holds a very special place in my heart that was never replaced throughout the year. I just keep coming back to this simple, yet emotionally resonant, motion picture event. Shot over 12 years, we literally watch Ellar Coltrane grow up on screen, along with mother Patricia Arquette, father Ethan Hawke, and sister Lorelai Linklater. This is a landmark piece of cinematic art that has never, and will never, find it's equal. It's a love letter to growing up in the 2000's, but it's so much more than that: everyone can find something relatable in this story about the trials and tribulations about aging, about the moments in life that define who we are as individuals. I cried more than once during this film, which is so rare for me. I had an emotional revelation watching this film, and found so much of myself in each of the characters. Boyhood is an epic unlike anything we've ever experienced, or better put, the best movie of 2014. 

Here are my accolades for the year:

Best Director: Richard Linklater, Boyhood (Runner Up: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Birdman)

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Michael Keaton, Birdman (Runner Up TIE: Ralph Fiennes, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Bradley Cooper, American Sniper)

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl (Runner Up: Scarlett Johannson, Under the Skin)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash (Runner Up: Ethan Hawke, Boyhood)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Tilda Swinton, Snowpiercer (Runner Up TIE: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood and Emma Stone, Birdman)

Best Original Screenplay: The Grand Budapest Hotel (Runner Up: Birdman)

Best Adapted Screenplay: Gone Girl (Runner Up: The Imitation Game)

Best Use of Original Music: Begin Again (Runner Up: Big Hero 6)

Best Use of Adapted Music: Guardians of the Galaxy (Runner Up: Boyhood)

Best Sound: Fury (Runner Up: American Sniper)

Best Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel (Runner Up: Into the Woods)

Best Cinematography: Birdman (Runner Up: Ida)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Guardians of the Galaxy (Runner Up: The Theory of Everything)

Best Costume Design: Big Eyes (Runner Up: Into the Woods)

Best Editing: Birdman (Runner Up: Boyhood)

Best Visual Effects: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Runner Up: Interstellar)

Well, there you have it! Catch you all next year- and try to check out some of these wonderful motion pictures. See you at the movies!!!!!