Top Ten Movies of 2014

After activating my Cineworld Unlimited card on January 1st, I’ve managed to see a whopping 60 films in the cinema this year.

2014 has been a mixed bag for films. We’ve seen some instant classics that really shone above the rest and we’ve seen some absolute train wrecks that we’d rather forget...

If someone was to ask me - "What are the films from 2014 that shouldn’t be missed?" 

Obviously based on the UK release dates, the following would be my list.

10. The Wolf of Wall Street

Coming in at number ten is the instant classic - ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’.

It was a hilariously decadent look at the life of Wall Street tycoon Jordon Belfort that had to be seen to be believed. In one of his most memorable roles to date, this film should have seen DiCaprio win his Oscar but, unfortunately, he’s going to have to wait a little longer.

Martin Scorsese takes us on a wild ride that’s like ‘Goodfellas' on steroids. There was never any doubt that it would cruise onto my list.

9. Gone Girl

'Gone Girl’ was a really interesting film that held up a mirror to society and made us think. 

It was an intriguing mystery that kept you guessing right until the end and had the utmost respect for the audience. It challenged you to pay attention to the tiniest of details for clues to unravel the mystery.

Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike both gave memorable performances and, thanks to some phenomenal directing from David Fincher, the audiences’ opinion of them balances on a knife edge throughout the entire film.

8. Fury

David Ayer’s ‘Fury’ had to be on this list without a doubt. 

Its gritty and bleak portrayal of war and violence was second to none. It gave you an honest glimpse into the harsh reality of what the men who fought in World War 2 were put through.

Strong performances from a well established cast (and up-and-coming actor Logan Lerman) ensured that the heart of the film was not lost in the crossfire. Despite the men in the tank not being particularly likable, you ultimately end up caring for each of the soldiers fighting for their lives which is a testament to the performances in the film.

7. Nightcrawler

‘Nightcrawler’ was a late entry in the year but was an instant contender.

It was shocking and disturbing with a big dash of black comedy for good measure. It took us to some dark places and challenged our perception of the media and society itself.

Jake Gyllenhaal undoubtedly deserves an Oscar nomination for his shockingly brilliant performance as the twisted and slightly insane Louis Bloom.

A definite game changer in his career.

6. Under The Skin

Coming in at number 6 is ‘Under the Skin’. 

This film is unlike anything you’ll have ever seen before. There are so many layers to this unique and intriguing film that you will need to watch it a second time to take it all in.

Jonathan Glazer gives us a film that challenges us as an audience and explores some dark and unsettling themes. It has tension, beautiful cinematography, extremely disturbing ideas and images, a haunting soundtrack and a fantastic performance from Scarlett Johansson. 

Whether you love it or hate it, it’s hard to forget about it long after you’ve seen it...

5. 12 Years A Slave

Despite ’12 Years A Slave' being released in the U.S. in 2013, it was released early in January this year in the U.K. so I’m counting this as part of 2014.

Director Steve McQueen gave us an emotional human journey through the horrific atrocities of the slave trade and showed us a realistic depiction of the period.

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender gave Oscar nominated performances alongside a phenomenal cast including new-comer Lupita Nyong’o, who won an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.

’12 Years A Slave’ was a harrowing piece of film-making that really took us on a journey through a shameful time in history that should never be forgotten.

4. Last Vegas

‘Last Vegas’ was great fun. With Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline at the helm, you’re flown to Las Vegas with four pensioners as they embark on the best bachelor party I’ve ever seen on screen.

It’s an entertaining comedy with a lot of heart that is flawlessly acted by four screen giants. It takes an in-depth look at what it is to grow old but has a lot of fun with it at the same time.

The true definition of a feel good comedy. 

‘The Hangover’ ain’t got nothing on this!

3. Locke

‘Locke’ slipped by relatively quietly this year but really blew me away in the cinema.

It was an unusual piece of film-making that is set entirely in one evening in one car. 
Tom Hardy plays Ivan Locke, a dedicated family man and construction manager who, after a fateful phone call, sets in motion a series of events that will destroy his carefully cultivated existence.

It was a mysterious and mesmerising film that deserves a high spot on my list.

2. Chef

I was flirting with the idea of having this in my number one spot but I think I had to give in and keep it at number two.

‘Chef’ is the worst film you can possibly watch when you’re hungry. Period.

Jon Favreau writes, directs and acts in this Michelin star comedy. It combines three of my favourite things - film, music and food. 

A chef who loses his restaurant job buys a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creativity and love of food, while piecing together his estranged family.

It has heart, it has food and it has a great cast. 
Laughs aplenty in this feel good journey that'll make your stomach rumble. 
What more can you ask for? Well you could maybe ask for some of the food that is cooked in this film… Your mouth will water all the way through.

1. Inside Llewyn Davis

'Inside Llewyn Davis’ has to sit at the top of my list for 2014. 

I was simply blown away by this masterpiece by the Coen Brothers, a duo who normally leave me quite underwhelmed.

A week in the life of a young folk musician as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene in 1961, right on the edge of the folk revolution with Bob Dylan.

The music featured in this film is just sublime and the emotion is really captured by the extremely talented Oscar Isaac. All of the music is performed live and you are instantly transported back to the period.

The cinematography is just stunning. It looks like something straight off the cover of a Bob Dylan album cover and really captures the romantic look of 60’s.

It’s a tragic, yet beautiful snapshot of a life in turmoil. It shows us how cruel life can really be.

You’ll be moved with each performance by Oscar Isaac and, if you’re a music lover, you might even shed a tear in the end.

Honourable mentions that didn't quite make the list:

Did you agree with my list?

Probably not…

Here’s to a great year of films in 2015!

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

"Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a film that I will watch every Christmas Eve for the rest of my life. 
It never fails to tug at my heart strings and inspire me to better myself.

When frustrated businessman George Bailey (played by the immortal James Stewart) is in despair, his guardian angel helps him see what the world would be like if he never existed.

This American movie classic isn’t just a Christmas film, it has to be one of the greatest films ever made. Although the film wasn't a box office smash when it was released in cinemas in 1946, nearly 70 years since it’s release it is regarded as a timeless classic. 

James Stewart gives the performance of his career as the troubled but much loved George Bailey. Stewart took some time away from acting to consider his career after his experiences in World War 2. However, after speaking with Frank Capra and reading the script, he decided to make his return to the big screen as George Bailey.

James Stewart is so enveloped in the role that he and George Bailey become one person as he delivers “movie magic” in every scene. We watch on, helpless, as the youthful optimism is knocked out of him with each passing sacrifice that he makes to better someone else’s life. He pulls the audience into George Bailey’s life and forces us to care about him, unconditionally. He explores the darker aspects of a character in George Bailey, which was surprising to audiences who hadn’t ever seen him take on such a serious role.

James Stewart often said in interviews that, of all the films he's made, 'Its a Wonderful Life' was his favourite. 

Donna Reed plays the childhood sweetheart and great love in George Bailey’s life - Mary Hatch. In her first starring role, her relationship with James Stewart is both believable and charming, there isn’t a moment in the film that you can question the bond they obviously share. If it wasn’t for the talented duo of James Stewart and Donna Reed and the work they obviously spent on the characters, then the ending that is so powerful wouldn’t be even half as compelling. 

Each and every scene becomes a classic moment as the knockout cast deliver heartfelt performances. Henry Travers gives an unforgettable performance as George Bailey’s guardian angel - Clarence. The back and forth relationship that Clarence and George have is one that I always love to watch and really enhances the ending.

With such strong performances from an extremely talented cast, the world that Frank Capra creates really comes to life. Despite it’s classic Hollywood edge, it has one foot strongly placed in a realistic world. We are taken to some dark places with George Bailey and Frank Capra had to carefully control these moments to create the most impact and, more importantly, make them as believable as possible. 

Each event in the film has a direct cause from a past event or interaction that you can trace back through the plot. This is extremely important in any film dealing with such a large span of time with so many characters and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ does it gracefully. Clarence allows George Bailey to see what the world would be like without him and there’s no doubt as to why things turn out the way they do. Cause and effect, action and reaction.

There is a constant balance between light and dark in the film. For instance, the dark (and often sinister) moments we experience in the film are directly contrasted by the humour in the characters and situations. The good times are balanced with the bad times. That constant back and forth between two contrasting ideas is a reflection on life itself. Even the fact that it was shot in black and white, I think, is a perfect example of light and darkness.

The film explores the idea that each and every person can make a difference in the world, sometimes without even knowing it. This inspiring idea is central to the film, each character is somehow affected by George Bailey’s existence. Every decision he makes has an impact, not only on his own life but on the lives of the people he knows and loves most.

If I was asked to suggest a film that adequately reflects the legacy of the human race then ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ would undoubtedly be one of the films I’d choose. It is a truthful telling of the human experience that will restore your faith in humanity. The ups and downs of life are carefully and honestly portrayed, it depicts the human condition in an optimistic but realistically grounded way and features a poetic ending that would bring a tear to a glass eye.

If you watch any film this Christmas then let it be ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. 

You’ll laugh and you'll cry but you will ultimately see that it really is a wonderful life.

Worst Ten Movies of 2014

After activating my Cineworld Unlimited card on January 1st, I’ve managed to see a whopping 58 films in the cinema this year.

I've tried to see as many as I could and 2014 has been a real mixed bag for films. We’ve seen some instant classics that really shone above the rest and we’ve seen some absolute train wrecks that we’d rather forget.

Here’s my list of the top ten worst movies of 2014… 

Or is it the bottom ten?

Either way, if there was an academy award for worst picture of 2014 then these would be my choices.

10. Earth To Echo

Coming in at number ten is ’Earth To Echo’.

It tries so hard to be this generations classic kids movie that it ends up falling flat on it’s face. 

The kids in this movie don’t talk or act like real kids, more just a rip off of other characters from other kids films. It doesn’t feel real. When you watch a film like ‘Stand By Me' the relationships between the kids are so genuine and believable that you can’t help but get drawn into the plot.

The film concentrates too much on making the little alien robot “cute” that they forget that something being cute doesn’t constitute an emotional connection, you end up not even caring about it.

Disappointing and slightly dull if I'm honest...

9. Sex Tape

Scraping the barrel with Cameron Diaz on the slump her career, we get a generic and unnecessary attempt at a comedy. Watch as Cameron Diaz desperately tries to cling onto the “20-something" sex appeal she once had as her sex tape with Jason Segel is leaked in their small neighbourhood.

What probably started out as a funny sketch idea is stretched out into an hour and a half feature length movie that feels more like two and a half hours. 

When the jokes drag on so long that even the character in the movie loses his erection then you know that the audience probably will have lost interest too…

8. Godzilla

‘Godzilla’ looked fantastic in the trailer but ultimately let me down.

They kill off their most interesting and developed character in the entire movie in the first act... This then means you’re left with a dull, boring and less interesting character that you have to put up with for the remainder of the film.

They show too much too soon which means that all the tension they try and create later on is deflated because they've already shown all of their cards.

It’s hard not to compare it to ‘Pacific Rim’ but it’s inevitable. ‘Pacific Rim’ just does a better job all round.

‘Godzilla’ ends up being just another disappointing reboot to throw in the discount bin.

7. The Amazing Spider-man 2

It’s no secret that I’m not a huge superhero movie fan but I was hoping for the best with ‘The Amazing Spider-man 2’. Unfortunately, I was in for a 142 minute disaster that left me bored and confused.

There is so much being crammed into the film that it becomes an absolute mess. There are two major villains in the film (including a small 3rd villain) and that throws the pacing of the story so off balance that you end up with a mash up of the two with a terrible rushed ending.

Too much CGI makes the film look like a video game during the sequences that spider-man actually shows up. Characters had shallow motives and there were so many convenient plot devices that you’ll be left not caring about any of it.

I think Sony need to let go of the rights to this franchise that’s dying… again...

6. Frozen

This is probably a controversial choice but I genuinely do believe this to be the most over-rated movie of the entire year.

I think that if you took out “Let it go” from the film then it wouldn't be nearly as popular.

Plot holes a plenty in this bland and forgettable Disney film that is desperately trying to keep up with Pixar. It'll end up selling a fortune in soundtracks and toys… 

Which is probably the main thought process behind it anyway.

5. Divergent

Tween movies are a genre of their own now thanks to the 'Twilight’ franchise and they’ve been churned out each year ever since, 'Divergent' is no different. 

It’s an illogical film that is trying to capitalise on the success of ‘The Hunger Games’ (which is trying to capitalise on the success of 'Twilight'). 

As expected, we have a weak lead female that, of course, needs a man… 
It features a boring and unnecessary love story that, if you took it out, you wouldn’t miss at all.

Just watch the 'Hunger Games' to save you the hassle of watching ‘Divergent’. 

4. Grace of Monaco

There are only a select few films that I can actually bear to watch Nicole Kidman in and ‘Grace of Monaco’ was not one of them.

This biopic of Grace Kelly's life after acting was so lifeless and horrifically stale that I had to zone out and try to remember her roles in films like ‘Rear Window’ and ‘Dial M for Murder’.

The whole film was like watching a feature length perfume advert. Full of pretentious waffling and first world problems.

I very nearly walked out of the cinema… very nearly.

3. All is Lost

I thought I might be in for a treat with ‘All is Lost’, after all it had Robert Redford starring in a film about a sailor lost at sea, what’s not to like?

Unfortunately, what was delivered was a man on a leaky boat for a while... then he gets onto a life boat for a while... and then it ends. 

There was no moral, no story, no character development, no nothing. It literally didn’t have a point. It was more a documentary on how to survive on a boat if you happen to bump into a shipping container at a slow pace.

The most pointless film of the year.

2. Interstellar

Soaring in at a close second is ‘Interstellar’.

Despite it’s promising concept and trailer, the film was my biggest disappointment of the year. It was a dumbed down version of ‘2001: a space odyssey’ that didn’t have any respect for the audiences intelligence. 

It was too long and clunky with so many plot holes and shallow characters that it was a chore to sit through to the end. 

The only saving grace was seeing it in IMAX, if I had seen it in a regular cinema I think I may have asked for my money back.

I’m pretty sure there will be outrage at ‘Interstellar’ being on this list. It’s hard to summarise everything that was wrong with it in such a short few paragraphs, I wrote a review of ‘Interstellar' that was by far my longest blog yet.

1. Maleficent

The worst film of the year award goes to ‘Maleficent'

Disney managed to take the most badass villain in their roster and make an absolute fool out of her.

The terrifying (and totally evil) devil incarnate that is Maleficent is now turned into a soppy and “misunderstood” fairy who actually loves Aurora from ’Sleeping Beauty'. She even turns out to be a hero in the end!

The way I remember Maleficent in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is her insanely scary speech - “Before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel… and die!”.

In this tedious remake she doesn’t even condemn her to death, she says that she’ll prick her finger and sleep... It’s surprising that the 1959 cartoon goes further than the 2014 remake.

She doesn’t even turn into a dragon at the end! 

Well done Disney. You've ruined another childhood memory.

Honourable mentions that didn’t quite make the list are:

Did you agree with my list?

Probably not...

2014 has been a pretty great year for films. 

There are always going to be some bad apples in the bunch.

Here’s to a great year of films in 2015!