My Top 10 Favorite Films of 2014

My Top 10 Favorite Films of 2014

Here we are yet again. Another year of film has come and gone. There were plenty of big hits and plenty of surprises, as there are every year. Most Top Ten lists have already been published or posted, but there were so many films that were technically "released" in 2014 (in NY and LA) that I was not able to see until these past few weeks when they got a wider release across the country. You may find a film or two on this list that just arrived in local theaters in 2015, but each film on this list is officially a 2014 film; some just had a limited release in 2014. I would also like to clarify that despite what some of you may think, I do not see every movie, and that goes for supposedly great films that I never got around to. I do have a job, a wife, other responsibilities, and sometimes just a lack of funds that prevent me from seeing anything and everything. That being said, I always make a strong effort to see major award contenders, high profile projects, fan favorites, as well as smaller critical darlings.

Movie Review: Eastwood Returns To Form With AMERICAN SNIPER.

American Sniper

Director: Clint Eastwood

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Keir O'Donnell, and Sam Jaeger.

Rated R for strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout including some sexual references.

Clint Eastwood has established himself as one of the elite members of Hollywood royalty, having had an iconic acting career with some stellar films as a director. Much of his recent work hasn't stood up against some of his earlier accolades, but with American Sniper he delivers his best since Gran Torino.

Movie Review: WHIPLASH May Be One Of The More Intense Movies I've Seen.

Whiplash

Director: Damien Chazelle
Cast: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, and Paul Reiser.
Rated R for strong language including some sexual references.

I have been waiting nearly a year to see this thrill ride since it made some big noise at the Sundance Film Festival last year, and thankfully it was well worth the wait. With a sharp script and smart direction, newcomer Damien Chazelle crafts one of the more intense films of 2014 with some career defining performances from young Miles Teller and veteran J.K. Simmons.

Movie Review: BIRDMAN Is A 2-Hour Showcase Of Brilliant Directing And Acting.

Birdman

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Cast: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Naomi Watts, and Amy Ryan.

Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content, and brief violence.

No, Birdman is not some new project from Marvel Studios. Some of you may not have even heard of it, but if you pay any attention to the award shows coming up then you are bound to hear about it. In truth there is not much I can say about this film that has not already been said in the hordes of glowing critic reviews. However, suffice it to say that if I were teaching a film class I would show Birdman as a unique and brilliant example of stellar directing and acting.