When I sat down to prepare this list, I realized something...2014 was a damn good year for movies. Narrowing the list down to just 10 meant leaving off some movies that I thoroughly enjoyed and likely would have made my top 10 any other year. But that's a fine complaint to have, and I'll that over a down year anytime. So, after much deliberation, it's time to get into my 10 favorite flicks of 2014.
But first, some honorable mentions...
-Birdman
Definitely a one of a kind vision with great technical tricks and the welcome resurrection of Michael Keaton's career.
-Big Hero 6
Disney and Marvel's animated collaboration was a visual treat with a big heart.
-The Equalizer
My guilty pleasure of 2014. The latest "Denzel in one-man-army mode" flick was just a downright cool ride.
-X-Men: Days of Future Past
Bryan Singer's triumphant return to the franchise he helped bring to life very nearly cracked my top 10. Oh, and in just a few minutes of screen time, Quicksilver damn near steals the whole show.
And now, on to the Top 10...
10. The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies
I came into Peter Jackson's final trip to Middle Earth expecting a fond farewell to a beloved franchise. I got much more than I bargained for. Easily the best of the new trilogy, Five Armies was packed with tons of action and tons of heart. A fitting end, indeed.
9. Gone Girl
Hollywood needs David Fincher. He goes places very few mainstream filmmakers dare to go, and Gone Girl is no different. This thing has more twists than a corkscrew, with style and great performances to spare (Rosamund Pike in particular, and a very cool Tyler Perry in a very Non-Madea role). Strap yourself in for a ride with this one.
8. Selma
A powerful film with a message that is just as relevant in 2015 as it was 50 years ago. Selma is an honest, unflinching portrait of the Civil Rights Movement and the politics behind scenes. Films like this are a reminder of the fight for equality this nation has gone through...a fight that continues to this day.
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel
This one was a trip. Wes Anderson definitely has his own style, and it's in full effect with this hilarious 1930's crime caper. With it's impeccable comic timing and scenes that are like little paintings come to life, there wasn't another movie in 2014 like it.
6. American Sniper
A controversial movie to be sure, American Sniper is nonetheless absolutely gripping from start to finish. Featuring a memorable performance from Bradley Cooper, it is a powerful study on the effects of war and the aftermath of those effects. Whatever your thoughts on Chris Kyle himself, the impact of this film can still be felt.
5. The LEGO Movie
The Academy got this one wrong. Dead wrong. Not only was this the best animated movie of the year, it is one of the funniest, most quotable movies I've seen in a long, long while. Too many laughs to go over here, just do yourself a favor and see this thing if you haven't already...and just try to get that song out of your head!
4. Whiplash
How far is too far? That's the main question asked by this film about a music student who will go to any lengths to become one of the greats and the teacher who will cross the line to get it out of him. No actor was more terrifying in 2014 than J.K. Simmons as Terence Fletcher. This movie has a hell of a pulse, and the last 15 minutes will keep you glued to the screen.
3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
It has to be said: Captain America is my guy. He's my favorite Marvel Superhero and this is the Cap movie I've always wanted. Part kick ass action flick, part political thriller, all awesome, this Marvel offering was firing on all cylinders. Loved every minute of it.
2. Boyhood
This film was made over 12 years, and everyone involved should be damn proud of the result. Funny, touching and insightful, there isn't a wasted minute and it shows us how every life is a story worth telling and an event worth celebrating. This is as close to living and breathing as any film I've ever seen.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy
No movie had me smiling ear to ear in 2014 more than Guardians. From the moment Star Lord goes dancing across a barren landscape to the sounds of "Come and Get Your Love" I was hooked, and it never let go. And though they weren't as well known as some of Marvel's other heroes, they were household names after this one dropped and for good reason. Full of action and laughs by the pound, nobody brought the fun and thrills like this band of space misfits. Thus it's my favorite film 2014.
And that's a wrap for 2014. Here's hoping 2015 delivers the goods as well. 'Til next time, Stickman signing off.
