Ingenious, technically brilliant and groundbreaking in so many ways, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood might just be the single best film to release in 2014.
A fitting tribute to the greatest film critic who ever lived, Life Itself is a touching and poignant look at the life of Roger Ebert, a man whose influence on cinema will always be there.
Not the lazy cash cow that most pegged it as before its release, The LEGO Movie turned out to be one of 2014’s most surprising blockbusters. Full of humor for all ages, stunning animation and endlessly creative, the film captured the hearts of moviegoers everywhere and left us begging for a sequel.
Superbly acted and confidently directed, Whiplash grabs you by the throat from the start and does not let up for even a second. A riveting battle between student and mentor unfolds against the backdrop of jazz music as we sit there pinned to our seats, unable to take our eyes off the two lead actors (J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller) who literally give it their all.
Featuring a tour de force performance from leading actress Paulina Garcia, Gloria offers a fresh and honest look at what it’s like to be a middle-aged woman, and succeeds on every count.
As one of the best horror films to release in some time, The Babadook grabbed critics’ attention not just for its genuine scares and intelligent screenplay, but for a tremendous, perhaps even Oscar-worthy performance from Essie Davis, which is something we don’t see all that much from horror films these days.
Credit the strong reviews here to Jake Gyllenhaal doing the best work of his career and crafting one of the most memorable characters of the year in Lou Bloom. Sure, Dan Gilroy’s deeply disturbing and thought-provoking script kept us hooked, but it’s Gyllenhaal’s stunning transformation that ultimately propels Nightcrawler further.
With a star-making turn from Jack O’Connell, this little-seen British film is as hard-hitting and brutal as any prison-set movie to come before it. Though difficult to sit through at times, due to its uncompromising nature, O’Connell’s work here is too impressive to ignore, solidifying his status as one to watch out for.
A stirring depiction of the civil rights marches of Selma, this is a film that needs to be seen by as many people as possible. With David Oyelowo’s commanding performance as MLK leading the way, director Ava DuVernay presents a moving triumph of a film that’s shockingly timely.
Gorgeous visuals and breathtaking animation turn The Tale of Princess Kaguya into one of the genre’s gems for 2014. But it’s more than just what’s on the surface with this one, as the film is bolstered by a surprisingly deep and complex narrative that keeps us completely engaged.
