Apologies for the delay!
Here are my Top
10 Films of 2014!
To check out my preview for this article (which lists
all the films I watched last year) click HERE.
So without further ado:
10. The Babadook
Directed by: Jennifer Kent
Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman
Ignore the misleading trailer, this psychological horror is more
creep-under-your-skin kind of disturbing rather than the usual ‘in your face’
scares. It’s subtle and ambiguous when it need to be, but doesn't skimp on the
occasional nightmarish visuals either.
The whole film has a classic look, the sound design is excellent and the
story unfolds in such a way that you’ll be thinking it over and picking apart
the clues long after you've finished watching. Not bad for a small (and originally
crowd-funded!) Australian film.
Favourite Bit: That damned creepy pop-up book! It’s been
so popular you can now actually buy a copy for yourself HERE, just as I did.
You can read my earlier
review of The Babadook HERE.
9. Nightcrawler
Directed by: Dan Gilroy
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed
Whilst the story itself and the exploration of media manipulation was
quite intriguing – there are a few flaws. The plot occasionally suffers from a few
odd changes in direction, there are strange musical choices made throughout and
the story’s conclusion will feel unsatisfactory for some. What really impresses
in Nightcrawler, however, are the performances.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s slippery Lou Bloom is remarkable – unusual in that he
is both the protagonist and villain
of the film. Having a character so awful being so watchable is not an
easy task, and Gyllenhaal relishes the role. He doesn’t just carry the film –
he is the film. And we are with him
every step of the way.
It’s also darkly funny – and Riz Ahmed is great in it too!
Favourite Bit: Any scene where Lou Bloom uses his fast
talking and pseudo self-help speak to ooze his way out of a situation or,
rather more often, into a position of power.
You can read my earlier
review of Nightcrawler HERE.
8. Dhoom:3
Directed by: Vijay Krishna Acharya
Starring: Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan
Wait what? A Bollywood movie? Yes indeed – and I wouldn't even
particularly consider myself a fan of Bollywood movies in general.
Yes, the action scenes are over the top and far too much slo-mo is employed.
Yes, the Eastern take on a Western Blockbuster movie (largely set and filmed in
the US) is often unintentionally hilarious in its representation. Yes, the film
is overlong and has one twist too many. And yes, the film brazenly cribs ideas
off of at least half a dozen different Hollywood hits. But by gosh it goes for
broke doing it.
It had the highest budget of any Bollywood film (and the highest
grossing Bollywood film too) upon its release – and you can definitely tell.
All cylinders are firing on 110 percent throughout and it’s hard not to get
swept up in something that is so joyous in its execution.
For me though, what secures the film’s place in this countdown is Aamir
Khan’s performance. I can’t say too much without giving away some story
elements, but despite being 50(!) this guy seriously impresses. Not only does
he convincingly do action, dance and sing (or rather mime) like the best, his
acting in this is incredible – especially in the more heartfelt moments later
on in the film.
Oh, and the songs and dance numbers are great too.
Favourite Bit: Any of Aamir Khan’s latter scenes are
astonishing, but special mention also goes to Aaliya (Katrina Kaif) and her
go-for-broke audition for a place in The Great Indian Circus. It’s a song,
dance, circus performance, parkour and striptease all rolled into one. Utterly bonkers.
7. Interstellar
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica
Chastain
Wow – talk about splitting audiences down the middle. Some people I know
downright hated it. Nolan films (especially his more recent ones) have a
tendency to polarise and Intersteller
is no exception.
Sure, you may pick apart the science, or roll your eyes at the ‘love
conquers all’ platitudes, or sigh at Michael Cain in yet another ‘wise mentor’
role - but there is much to enjoy here. The performances are good (some of McConaughey’s scenes are just heartbreaking), the visuals
are out of this world (pun intended), there’s a surprise cameo and you’ll get
to witness the awesomeness of TARS – the most originally designed (and witty)
robot in recent memory.
Because the film is very ‘science-y’ at first glance, people may tend to
get too caught up in that aspect of it, but there is so much more going on here
than that. The pioneer spirit, the study of ‘humanity’ (both in terms of the
individual and as a collective
species), familial ties, the whole notion of ‘time’ and how we experience it –
this film is thematically bursting at the seams. If anything, it should be
criticised for trying too much and perhaps slightly failing as a result of
overreaching.
Of course it is not a perfect movie, but it is a fantastic cinematic
experience nevertheless – especially if you got to see it on the big screen.
Favourite Bit: Cooper (McConaughey) catching up on his
video messages after involuntarily skipping ahead a few years. If that doesn't choke
you up – I don’t know what will.
You can read my earlier
review of Interstellar HERE.
6. The Guest
Directed by: Adam Wingard
Starring: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer
Adam Wingard is great at subverting expectations, first with last year’s
surprisingly enjoyable horror film You’re
Next, and now with 80s flavoured thriller The Guest.
To say too much about the story will spoil the fun, but it has three killer
points in its favour: a glorious synth-heavy score and soundtrack that is great
at setting the mood, a twisting plot that starts straight but gradually slides
into fun camp; and finally, a knockout performance from lead Dan Stevens –
playing a charismatic all-American bronzed hero (despite formally being that
pale Brit off Downton Abbey).
Possibly the most unexpected entry on this year’s list.
Favourite Bit: Dan Stevens is great anytime he is on
screen here, but a highlight is the bar scene. A turning point in the film – and
a great use of a ‘Fireball’.
You can read my earlier
review of The Guest HERE.
5. The Raid 2
Directed by: Gareth Evans
Starring: Iko Uwais, Arfin Putra
If you thought The Raid was harshly
violent in its action, The Raid 2
takes it the next level! Instead of the claustrophobic confines of a single
tower block, the sequel opens the story out into a sprawling gangster epic,
whilst retaining the same flavour of bone-crunching action and stunning fight choreography.
It’s unfortunate that star Iko Uwais doesn't get to shine quite as much
as he did in the first film (as the story occasionally focuses on other
characters), but with great actors involved such as Arfin Putra (who plays Uco,
the bratty son of a mob boss) this isn’t necessarily such a bad thing. Along
with other larger than life characters such as ‘Hammer Girl’ and ‘Baseball Bat
Guy’, the Raid 2 is brutal, violent and
inventive – and despite not quite being the perfectly formed entity that the
original The Raid was, this sequel is
still a hell of a lot of fun.
Favourite Bit: So many choice moments that shock and
thrill, but Rama’s final showdown in the kitchen against ‘The Assassin’ has to
be seen to be believed.
You can read my earlier
review of The Raid 2 HERE.
4. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett
Johansson
Who would have thought that the guys behind the comedy TV series Community would be the ones to direct
this hit sequel? The tone has changed from the old school adventure yarn of the
Cap’s first outing, to a stylish paranoid spy thriller, complimented with some slick
action and thrilling set pieces.
The dialogue is also great and frequently zings, particularly with
exchanges between Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, Scarlett Johansson’s Black
Widow and Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson – the former two with significantly beefed
up roles since their previous appearance in The
Avengers; and despite its slightly lengthy running time, not a single scene
is wasted.
The other draw is the ‘Winter Soldier’ himself. Although his identity is
never really much of a mystery, he oozes pure badass-ery every time he makes an
appearance.
At the core of it all though is Chris Evan’s performance. He makes an
essentially boring character on paper into an extremely likeable one - the
straight arrow that believes in persisting as such despite everyone (and even
the world around him) having long since moved on from those optimistic ideals.
It feels a bit of a shame that the film’s climax isn’t the most
inventive – but there is enough here to enjoy, even on repeat viewings.
Favourite Bit: The assault on Nick Fury’s car is an
awesome set piece, but the Lift Scene is my choice moment.
“Before we get started… does anyone want to get out?”
“Before we get started… does anyone want to get out?”
You can read my earlier
review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, HERE.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy
Directed by: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
Well, what can I say? Marvel’s biggest gamble paid off – and did so in
spades. A largely unknown comic book property becoming 2014’s highest grossing
movie, Chris Pratt becoming a movie star almost over night; and “I am Groot”
becoming an instant catchphrase – Guardians of the Galaxy surprised everyone
not only in how good it was, but how it got away with being so different.
Much of its success can be attributed to writer and director James
Gunn’s leftfield roots. Guardians
pays homage to cartoon sci-fi and space opera without feeling derivative. Fresh
and funny without feeling like it’s trying too hard. It’s economical in its
plotting, character introduction and world-building. It serves as a standalone
movie, but also makes itself available to slot into the existing Marvel movies
canon. It’s got a kick-ass soundtrack that’s nostalgic to adults but
refreshingly new to younger generations.
Guardians does so much right that you can forgive its
few flaws (comparatively dull villain, predictable character arcs, an over-familiar
climactic battle), and any film that has its lead man yell ‘Dance off, bro!” at
the villain during the final showdown (and gets away with it) has some balls.
Favourite Bit: Drax the Destroyer’s inability to
understand metaphors.
“Nothing goes over my head! My reflexes are too fast, I would catch it...”
“Nothing goes over my head! My reflexes are too fast, I would catch it...”
You can read my earlier
review of Guardians of The Galaxy HERE.
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman
A masterclass in how
to take a sequel to the next logical step – it's a continuation of the story
but heads off into different and more interesting direction. A world where
humans have diminished and apes are the more fitting dominant species.
Dawn ups the already impressive technological feats
of its predecessor Rise of the Planet of
the Apes to thrilling new heights. Whereas previously you eventually came
around to believing the Apes as worthwhile characters through emotional
investment, in Dawn you would be
forgiven in occasionally forgetting that there aren’t actually real animals present on
screen. The ape performances are simply astonishing – and Andy Serkis
rightfully takes top billing this time around as conflicted ruler Caeser. Just one weary look or a shrug communicates
volumes. Truly the best in the business.
But of course, visuals
don't mean a thing without a soul, and this story delivers. It's a Western –
the clashing of cultures. It's about humanity (and ape-ity?). It’s about
politics and power struggles. It's about morality and the burden of leadership
(who sticks to their principles as a show of example and who deviates in order
to further their own cause – although perhaps ultimately for the greater good).
These themes and many more run in constant parallel throughout the film between
the human and ape tribes – they are reflections of each other.
Delivering tense
stand-offs and some pleasing action, Dawn
rarely falters.
Favourite Bit: There are many great moments: the tightly
choreographed scene where Malcolm evades Ape movements in his former abode or
the scene where Gary Oldman’s Dreyfus manages to switch his iPad on after the
power is restored – and the first thing he sees is a picture of his family. But
for me, Caeser’s first real show of power and subsequent address outside the
city gates is a true goosebumps moment.
“Apes… do not want… war!”
You can read my earlier
review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes HERE.
1. The Lego Movie
Directed by: Phil Lord, Chris Miler
Starring: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell
Ok, stop for a
second.
I feel I have to start this with a rebuttal of sorts.
“But Seb!”, I hear
you cry, “Of course you would put this at number 1. You love LEGO!”
Granted, but look
at it this way: surely it would make me even more critical of the movie? As a
huge fan of the brand, I would judge it more harshly for any perceived missteps
or for abusing the popularity of the brick to make a quick buck. And I’ll be
honest with you, I went in to this with my guard fully up.
It looked like
just another kids movie. The main character looked a bit bland, a preview of
the theme song sounded ear-splittingly horrendous and there ran the very real
risk that we might just end up being a 90 minute toy advert. But then you watch
it. And it all makes sense.
Undoubtedly, the
merchandising surrounding The LEGO Movie
was huge, but the film itself was also playful subversive – riffing on anti
homogeneity and corporate culture (but also balancing it against the other
extremes of chaos and anarchy).
It celebrates the
art of playing with toys, rather than focusing on the actual toys themselves.
Everyone remembers playing with LEGO – even though they didn't necessarily have
the same LEGO sets – and that joy is what this film taps into, with ‘building’ and
‘creativity’ being a central theme (something that everyone can relate too) rather
than just being a generic ‘Good vs Evil’ story that just so happens to feature
some LEGO characters.
The duo of Phil Lord and Chris Miller as the writers/directors of The
LEGO Movie undoubtedly contributed to much of this unexpected direction. The
quick-fire humour has a broad approach but is also mixed with subtle references
to treat long time LEGO fans too. Adults will feel a wave of nostalgia and
maybe even a pang of knowingness at the father/son relationship; whilst kids
will enjoy the bright colours and almost manic pace at which the film throws its
visual delights at you. CG animation created to look like the film is
stop-motion? The choice of only using actual existing LEGO elements to create
the world? Utter genius – both in terms of pure aesthetics, and also because it
fits in with the clever (and very ballsy) late game revelation.
And I don't even have time to fully praise the cast; such treats as Chris Pratt being
the perfect ordinary guy Emmet, (before he became actually face-famous with
another movie on this list), Morgan Freeman wonderfully playing upon his
too-often-cast-as-the-wise-old-man role, a decent female role model in
Wyldstyle (“Are you a DJ?”), the joyfully hyperactive Benny, a perfectly cast
Will Ferrell, a hilarious chair kicking Liam Neeson, not to mention Will Arnet
as (quite possibly) the best version of Batman ever to have graced the screen.
It’s rare to have a “children’s” movie that offers so much depth and joy
beyond its veneer of simple throwaway entertainment. It can be considered up there with the
likes of some Disney Classics and Pixar films – although secretly I think it’s
better…
Favourite Bit: I honestly can't decide. So instead I'm just going to say...
"Spaceship! Spaceship! SPACESHIP!!!"
"Spaceship! Spaceship! SPACESHIP!!!"
You can read my earlier
review of The LEGO Movie HERE.
Honourable mentions
These are films that didn't quite
make the Top 10 or would have been had they been released this year.
In no particular order these are:
Batman: Assault on Arkham – A decent animated feature featuring the
exploits of The Suicide Squad (soon to have a DC movie for themselves!).
Edge of Tomorrow – Sci-fi Groundhog Day! Win! My earlier review is HERE.
Fury – The best tank sequences ever? My earlier review is HERE.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Not sure exactly who
the ‘five’ are, but there is an almighty scrap.
Robot & Frank – Sweet, funny, touching. Would definitely have
been in my Top 10 last year if I had seen it then.
The Wolf of Wall Street – A crazy look at excess. The book is still
slightly better of course. My earlier
review is HERE.
Well, that’s it for my Top 10.
Agree? Disagree? Let me hear your opinions!
Stay tuned for The
Alternative Awards for 2014 films – coming soon!
6th Jan 2015
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