So, to rightly praise 2014 for its diverse array of films, we've eagerly compiled a list of our top 30 films, filled with prodigious mentions from the catalogue of blockbusters to the independents. No matter what your favourite genre is, there’s something special for everyone in this year’s edition. Happy new year, and here's part one, enjoy!
- Utopia Reviews
30) “22 Jump Street” (15)
The first of two entries from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the first being a side-splitting farce which aims to insult sequels and reign supreme over other Hollywood comedies, through its sophisticated humour and eccentric scenarios.
Cue bizarre comedy, insane action and the best on-screen bromance ever. It’s comedy gold.
29) “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (U)
A wildly ingenious film, “How TTYD2” has entertained critics and audiences alike due to its charming appeal, beautiful visuals and perhaps one of the cutest dragons ever seen on film.
Set five years after the peaceful uniting of Dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless (Hiccup’s adorable pet dragon) have now left their home behind and set out to discover new lands in uncharted territories. On one occasion however, the pair discover a large ice cave which is home to a nation of dragons and a mysterious dragon rider. Meanwhile, war is just around the corner...
Innocent family fun, and a guaranteed good time, “How TTYD2” is a definite crowd-pleaser.
28) “The Lego Movie” (U)
Perhaps one of the most frenetic film’s you’re ever likely to see, “The Lego Movie” has impressed audiences of all ages, boasting large doses of sharp humour and gleeful visual ludicrousness for some of the younger viewers, which left cynical critics dazed and confused.
To lead this wildly imaginative tale, Chris Pratt (of “Parks and Recreation” fame) plays Emmet, an ordinary Lego construction worker, who after inadvertently finding the prophesised ‘Piece Of Resistance’ and becoming the fabled hero known as ‘The Special’, is forced into an adventure to stop a malevolent oppressor from gluing his world together...
Regardless of its ludicrous premise, the film’s whimsical style, cast and script is a perfect mix for audiences of all ages.
Regardless of its ludicrous premise, the film’s whimsical style, cast and script is a perfect mix for audiences of all ages.
27) “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (12)
Last july, Matt Reeves delivered his follow-up to Rupert Wyatt’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”, featuring a smaller scale than its ambitious predecessor, but more of the intelligent interplay between its characters, which made the previous film so exciting.
“Dawn” follows the ever-growing nation of genetically evolved apes who are led by their fearless chief Caesar (Serkis), as they continue to develop their home in the redwood forest, opposite the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite a peace that has lasted for ten long years, a group of humans that have survived the deadly virus (it was unleashed on society at the end of “Rise”) threaten the apes, and cause deadly tension between the two groups. Soon the idea of violence becomes a possibility, as the actions of certain apes and humans may bring both sides to the brink of war.
Reeve’s superb instalment mixes blockbuster action with acute science-fiction and left viewers highly anticipating the third and final film, in 2016.
26) “Under The Skin” (15)
Pretentious, or not? Jonathan Glazer’s critically acclaimed drama may not be for all, yet there’s plenty to indulge in within this intimate film, which beautifully captures an eerie atmosphere not regularly seen in cinema.
Our peculiar tale follows the path of a mysterious woman (Scarlett Johansson) as she drives around Scotland in search of lonely men to seduce, and lead back to her lair. Along the way, certain events cause the woman to question her assignment, which eventually sets herself upon a path of self discovery, with disastrous results.
The film uses its candid camera style to full effect, allowing the audience to judge human interaction fairly, as our main character proceeds to act out her terrible deeds. Ultimately, the film provides a simple look at what it is to be human (or not...) and proves Glazer’s directing talent through a daring piece of cinema which is like no other.
25) “Calvary” (15)
John Michael McDonagh’s dark and meaningful comedy showcases Brendan Gleeson in a new light, as he proves his acting mettle with a masterful performance, as Father James Lavelle. During confession one Sunday, James is threatened by a member of his congregation who says they will kill him in seven days time. Strangely undeterred from carrying on with his priestly duties, James spends his remaining days also attempting to identify the murderer from within the village’s inhabitants (Chris O’Dowd, Kelly Reilly ET all), but can he prevent his death?
The comedy’s as black as the ace of spades, and the characters are lovingly written with multiple layers. It’s not so much a generic whodunit, but an absorbingly powerful, who’s going to do it?
24) “Dallas Buyers Club” (15)
Upon the release of this powerful film, Mathew McConaughey’s dramatic weight loss shocked audiences and critics all over the world, proving that his days of romantic comedies were far behind him. And that was music to our ears.
This often upsetting but touching memoir follows the life of famed Texan Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), as he battles his own case of AIDS by obtaining unapproved drugs from Mexico and shipping them into America. This soon causes outrage within the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), which Ron responds to by helping others, and setting up his own club for people who have AIDS or HIV, named The Dallas Buyers Club.
Both dramatic and often comedic in it's approach, this emotionally charged piece is one which both McConaughey and his co-star Jared Leto should be extremely proud of.
23) “Noah” (12)
Marking Darren Aronofsky’s (“Requiem for a Dream”, “Black Swan”) first Hollywood blockbuster, “Noah” is an exceptional attempt at developing a Biblical story, and through Aronofsky and Ari Handel’s intense screenplay, the pair explore what exactly happened during the time in which Noah and his family built the arc. It also addresses our many questions, such as did they have help? If so, from who? And was there any resistance from the local towns’ folk?
Various people were offended at the film’s features of artistic licensing, but (and we're no Biblical scholars) “Noah” actually strays closer to the interpretation found within Judaism’s text, The Torah, and in fact, doesn’t aim to offend in any way. It simply answers questions readers may have, and when you go back and consult the Biblical text, it’s quite similar.
“Noah” is a darkly challenging piece of well-written entertainment, featuring strong performances from its cast and delightful visuals. It's the reinvention of the Biblical epic.
“Noah” is a darkly challenging piece of well-written entertainment, featuring strong performances from its cast and delightful visuals. It's the reinvention of the Biblical epic.
22) “Edge of Tomorrow” (12)
We honestly didn’t see this coming. Tom Cruise’s latest star vehicle is a surprisingly decent offering, which mixes the hilarious style of “Starship Troopers” with a suitably action-packed story.
“Edge of Tomorrow” follows the story of Major William Cage (Cruise), a public relations officer who is brought into an alien war against an extra-terrestrial army who have the advantageous abilities to reset the day and therefore understand the future. But when Cage is given the same power through a shocking event, he joins forces with a Special Forces officer named Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), to try and end the war.
Triumphing above the other Sci-Fi films of last summer, “Edge Of Tomorrow” is an intriguing and visually ambitious blockbuster which provides laughter in heavy doses, shocking and engaging action sequences, and arguably Cruise’s finest performance for years.
21) “Frank” (15)
Inspired by the late British comedian Chris Sievey's iconic comedy character Frank, Lenny Abrahamson’s (“What Richard Did”) fourth feature places Michael Fassbender behind a papier-mâché head, and sends him into the weird and wonderful world of an experimental band named The Soronprfbs. In the hope of reaching fame and fortune, Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) joins the enigmatic and exciting band which Frank is a member of, but soon realises that the group may have some personal issues, as they hide away in Ireland, to write their debut album.
Upon first viewing, “Frank” was hard to describe. But after watching this giddily eccentric film a few times, we're now able to appreciate its sheer watch-ability. Along with its quirky script and brilliant performances from Fassbender, Gleeson and Maggie Gyllenhaal, it’s an undoubtedly weird, witty and wonderful comedy. A true original.
20) '71 (15)
Yann Demange’s directorial debut is perhaps the most taught and tense film of last year, and surprises in more ways than one. It’s 1971, and after being deployed alongside his platoon into the city of Belfast, Private Gary Hook (the rising star of “Unbroken”, Jack O’Connell), an inexperienced young soldier, is placed into violent chaos, as a routine mission turns deadly and Hook is forced to flee for his life. Unable to tell friend from foe in the consuming darkness, he makes his way across the deadly landscape, hoping to survive the night and acquire refuge at any cost.
Crafted on a modest budget of £5 million, Demange and his screenwriter Gregory Burke have produced a modest triumph, featuring an enthralling cast and expert-camerawork which places audiences right into the blood-curdling chaos.
19) “Blue Ruin” (15)
Shot originally in 2013, but not released for an entire year, this revelatory update of the revenge thriller wooed audiences and critics upon its release in May, due to its art-house style, gripping story and a powerful performance from Macon Blair.
Dwight (Blair) is an outsider, fighting to survive on scraps of food and the little shelter that his car provides, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Viewed as a shadowy outsider, Dwight’s life is turned upside down when he discovers from a policewoman, that the man who killed his parents, is soon to be released from prison. Sensing a chance to exact revenge upon the entire Cleland family, he returns to his childhood home to carry out a vicious act of vengeance.
The end result is a suitably gritty affair, which challenges audience’s thoughts on the act of vengeance, whilst stripping down the revenge-thriller story to its bare essentials, revealing a tense-filled piece which benefits from an occasionally comic script. Plus, Little Willie John’s rhythm and blues classic “No Regrets”, fits in especially well during the end credits...
18) “Fruitvale Station” (15)
Ryan Coogler’s award-winning debut features around the events leading to the tragic death of Oscar Grant (played here by Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year-old man from California, who was fatally shot by a Police officer on New Year's Day, back in 2009.
With a masterfully crafted script, Coogler depicts many of Grant’s experiences throughout the last day of his life, including an attempt to put his past mistakes behind him. What follows is a 95 minute fable, showcasing Michael B. Jordan’s extraordinary talent. It’s quite the tearjerker.
17) “Cold In July” (15)
Jim “Stake Land” Mickle provides another blood-drenched offering here, in a down-right gritty adaptation of Joe R. Lansdale’s 1989 pulpy thriller, with a southern neo-noir touch.
Loving yet cowardly, Richard Dane (Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”) had never killed a man before in his life. But after an intruder breaks into his family home in the middle of a stormy night, Richard fatally shoots the masked man, and is hailed a hero by the local police and town-folk, after discovering that the criminal is in fact the son of a prolific bandit, named Ben Russell (Sam Shepard). Soon, Richard must fight for his family’s safety, when Ben arrives in town making dark and sadistic threats, but in the ensuing chaos, all is not what it seems.
Along with its talented camerawork (one blood-spray is particularly well shot), a comically rewarding performance from Don Johnson, and it’s “so good, it’ll be on repeat for weeks” soundtrack from Jeff Grace, “Cold In July” is a cool and hard-edged thriller, that’s gloriously retro, and indulgently gruesome.
16) “The Babadook” (15)
Jennifer Kent’s smart directorial debut crushes the bigger horror films of this year (yes, we're talking about you “Ouija”) with a tense and unbelievably effective story which focuses on Amelia (Essie Davis) and her troublesome six-year-old son Samuel (Noah Wiseman), who are attempting to overcome the loss of Amelia’s husband.
Just when things couldn't get any worse, a mysterious pop-up book appears on Samuel's bookshelf. Its name is "Mister Babadook" and after a frightening bedtime story, Amelia is convinced that there is nothing to fear, but her son isn't. He's seen the Babadook himself, and if the book's frightening words of warning are anything to go by, the pair may be in serious peril.
Despite its low-key approach, “The Babadook” is a devilishly rewarding genre-piece with a revelatory performance from Essie Davis. It's not to be missed!
15) “The Wolf Of Wall Street” (18)
Crude, lewd and filled to the brim with Terence Winter’s favourite swear words (506 ‘F’ words and it’s variants were used), “The Wolf Of Wall Street” is a raucous rags-to-riches story based upon the life of Jordan Belfort, which follows his beginnings as a wealthy stock-broker living on the fast lane, to his eventual downfall involving the FBI, various crimes, and corruption.
This widely acclaimed comedy drama attempts to teach that crime doesn't pay, but throughout all the frivolities, doesn't it glorify sex, drugs and rock and roll all just a little too much? However, its hilarious script, characters and impressive camerawork make up for the film’s message (if there is one), and unsurprisingly, it’s another overall winner from Scorsese.
Enjoy part one? Agree or disagree with any of our choices? Well we'd love to know your thoughts, so don't forget to share in the comment's section below!
Part two of our top 30 films of 2014 is coming soon...
Part two of our top 30 films of 2014 is coming soon...
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