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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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