JOHN WICK, Lionsgate
2014. Dang. I swear I just wrote my ‘Top 10 films of 2013‘ list. I was once a small boy and now I am a big boy with a fridge full of barbecue sauce and 11 unopened Fortune Cookies. Every time I write one of these lists, I hope that I get to say something like ‘this past year in film completely revolutionized the way we see cinema!’ I really doubt that is ever going to happen. The reality is, each year is comprised of a series of small victories. Do I think this year has more victories than last year? I really can’t say. I know I feel like I just wrote 2013’s list, but, I can’t tell you what the hell I said in it. I guess I just want more ‘Huh. That movie was unexpectedly awesome in ways I didn’t expect it to be’ moments. So, this list isn’t just a list of my favorite films of the past year, it’s a collection of films that surprised me in different ways… Just like my grandma use to say ‘Out with the old and in with the new.’ She use to also say ‘You can’t shoot a deer when it’s the one driving.’ I have mad in my genes so, pardon me if this list is slightly mad. We’re all mad down here.
My favorite films about ‘real people’ that didn’t feel like a lot of the same: THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU, OBVIOUS CHILD, CHEF, THE SKELTON TWINS and WHIPLASH.
Standard superhero film list with superhero films that I felt like took risks and tried to be something more and better than their earlier counterparts: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLIDER, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURES PAST.
Movies that were almost entirely comprised of complete madness, not necessarily super original concepts, but, were refreshing breaths of cinematic air: GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, FRANK, BIRDMAN, UNDER THE SKIN, LUCY (I need mo, ScarJo) and THE SIGNAL.
Movies that you need to see: SELMA, ROSEWATER, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE and UNBROKEN.
‘Children’s films’ that ended up hitting me right in the heart hole and also had a strong, character rich, story: BIG HERO 6, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 and THE LEGO MOVIE.
Action films that felt like they were more than just the mindless action: FURY, JOHN WICK, LOCKE (ehhhh) and PURGE: ANARCHY.
Films I didn’t see, but I’m sure they would be on this list if I did. Maybe: PREDESTINATION, THE JUDGE, BABADOOK, NIGHTCRAWLER and 22 JUMPSTREET.
Also Check out:
Top 10 Movies of 2014: Jason Furie
Top 10 Movies of 2014: Mike McG
Top 10 Movies of 2014: Sean Wheeler
