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Hooked On A Feeling: Matt Donato’s Top 20 Films Of 2014

They say the way into a man's heart is through his stomach, and while there's nothing more soothing than a home-cooked meal and a crisp, hoppy IPA, I challenge that there's another way into a man's heart - nay, soul - and that's through his eyes. Food unlocks pleasures attained by few other experiences, but movies can pack an even weightier punch when dealing with raw emotions, self-reflection, and fantastical worlds beyond our wildest imagination. Movies are but keys unlocking cerebral dimensions that speak louder than words, which is exemplified by the best of the best once each cinematic year comes to a close.

1) Guardians Of The Galaxy

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The Cast of Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians Of The Galaxy coming in at number one? You better believe it. James Gunn’sĀ celestial caperĀ is a galactic testament to everything we love about Hollywood magic, and the mere fact that Marvel let Gunn make the movie he wanted – with characters who weren’t marketable until after release – keeps my spirits high about not only the Marvel Universe, but mainstream Hollywood in general.

Where do you even want me to start here? The soundtrack is easily one of the best of 2014, two CGI characters end up striking some of the year’s sweetest on-screen chemistry, Chris Pratt asserts himself as a charismatic leading lad, Gunn includes a Lloyd Kaufman cameo…..this is what happens when you let creative minds thrive instead of being stifled by mass audience appeal and promotional ability.

Guardians Of The Galaxy represents a bold new direction for Marvel thanks to a Troma-bred filmmaker who believed in a rag-tag group of heroes the world knew nothing about, turning them into the lovable characters that the studio so hoped the Guardians would become.

So, there you have it. Thanks for reading my Top 20 Films Of 2014, but now I want to hear from you – what are some of your favorite movies of the year? Sound off below!