I hope you’re not tired of these 2014 recap posts yet! (Especially since I’m so late and didn’t post all of these until 2015 XD;;) I don’t normally talk about movies I’ve watched, but I saw some really memorable ones last year that I’d like to highlight. It was tough choosing a top 5, but I managed to get it down, starting with…
#5: Guardians of the Galaxy [trailer]
“Why would you want to save the galaxy?” “Because I’m one of the idiots who lives in it!”
Of the super hero movies last year, Guardians was my favorite. I’m a sucker for the story type where unlikely heroes appear, and you end up with a dysfunctional group that has to work it out in their own crazy way. And yes, Guardians follows very similarly to Avengers (especially if you watch the Honest Trailer). The group has to learn to work with each other, there’s a big battle at the end where everyone’s involved to save the world, it ends in that “feel good” kind of way, yada yada. However, when cliches like that are done well, you get a very entertaining and funny movie like Guardians of the Galaxy.
#4: The Lego Movie [trailer]
“I know what you’re thinking, he’s the least qualified person to lead us… and you are right!”
There were also several great animated movies, but I have to pick The Lego Movie over them all. Part of it is the big nostalgia piece and my love of Legos when I was a child. Even with that aside, The Lego Movie is beautifully animated, has an amazing cast, is really creative, and is super funny. It was sooo fun to watch, and I loved seeing the different Lego sets used. This movie exceeded my expectations and ends in a surprisingly heart warming way.
#3: Edge of Tomorrow [trailer]
“You see, this isn’t the first time.”
If you look at the cover without knowing anything about the movie, you might think it’s a typical Tom Cruise action blockbuster. You’d be wrong though. Well, ok, there are good action scenes in it where he fights a bunch of aliens, but what makes it stand out is its humor, cleverness, and how the story builds up throughout the movie. The movie’s theme isn’t anything new, but it was put together very well. Even the trailer doesn’t represent the movie that well, so I recommend going into it blind and going along for the ride(s).
Tie for #1: Gone Girl [trailer]
“Did you kill your wife, Nick?”
I just could not choose and had to make it a tie. Gone Girl grabs this spot because the movie really drew me in with its twists and turns and different view points. I like to describe it as an awesome movie in that “creepy-you-now-question-your-significant-other” kind of way. It starts pretty mysterious, as you really don’t know whether to believe Ben Affleck’s character or not, and it pulls you in as more unravels. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike were both great in their roles, and it’s the type of movie that just stays in your mind afterwards.
Tie for #1: Birdman [trailer]
“You had it all. You were a movie star, remember?”
Birdman also gets this spot because it’s a wonderful mix of reality and what’s going on inside Riggan’s head. Riggan is the main character who was well known for playing an iconic super hero (Birdman) many years ago, and now he struggles to make a comeback with a Broadway play. It’s worth noting that he’s played by Michael Keaton who also played an iconic super hero back in 1989 (Batman). This movie just has really great performances and casting, and a subtle, dark humor that I enjoy.
The editing is also… wow, amazing. They somehow made most of movie look like it was shot from a single take. The scene transitions were so clever and smooth, without cuts like you normally see in other movies. Definitely one of the more unique movies I’ve seen.
Honorable mention: If I had chosen a top 6 instead of 5, Chef (trailer) would sit right at #6 for being a funny movie fit for foodies.
What would your top movies of 2014 be?
That’s a pretty well-rounded list. Based on these descriptions, you seem to appreciate action, comedy, and psychological movies. While I don’t have a list of top movies [because I don’t like going to theatres that much], I would consider watching Gone Girls and The Lego Movie based on the genre alone. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I haven’t watched Gone Girl or Birdman, but I agree with your top 3! I love watching movies in any type of genres esp. the ones with good storytelling, pacing, and character development.
If I have a list, I would include the Hobbit for artistic style xD The Equalizer, Dawn of the Planet of the apes, Big Hero 6.. I’ll probably end up with Top 10.
Wow, I can’t believe that I haven’t seen any of the movies on this list. I haven’t been going to the movies as frequently as I used to. I need to change that this year!
I haven’t seen any of these movies… I know now where to start hehe. I’d especially love to watch the Lego Movie and Gone Girl very soon when I find the time!
GOTG was fun 🙂 who doesn’t like Groot, yeah? but I love Rocket most though. I love his grumpiness 😉 it was a fun ride but definitely not my number one superhero movie. then again, marvel’s stuff are always light-hearted and comical or at least GOTG and avengers; i DO like them but i prefer something…darker, like DC’s stuff (if you like DC too, let’s talk haha) and X-men. i’m team mutant 😛
my friend LOOOOOVES edge of tomorrow so so much. i’m not saying it’s bad because obviously it’s an adaptation from manga. but i just wished hollywood didn’t touch the manga because watching it made me think of source code all the time which, imo, is a good scifi movie about time loops. but of course, i had to keep on reminding myself that it’s an adaptation. if i happen to be like one of those ignorant people who’s not aware of it being an adaptation, i’d probably comment like “i prefer source code and looper. i prefer source code. and looper.” ^^;;
my parents were tired of the movie though haha they’re like “wtf it’s a rinse or repeat” 😛
ugh i still need to watch birdman! plus emma stone is thereeee~ my beautiful queen *o* i love her so much haha and i haven’t watched gone girl either. both of them weren’t aired here 🙁 how sad. they’re so underrated, man.
I also liked the X-men and Captain America movie from last year (not really the Spider-Man movie though). I don’t think GotG is my overall favorite super hero movie, but it’s up there and was my favorite of the ones in 2014 🙂 In the DC universe, I only really watch and read Batman.
I really liked Looper and Source Code too! If we were comparing the 3, I like Looper the best, but Edge of Tomorrow would be a close second for me.
Birdman wasn’t widely available in theaters here either. Fortunately, a theater chain I frequent was playing it, so I was happy about that 😀
Nice list! At least you have a list? My list for 2014 would be . . . Big Hero 6 and The Hobbit . . . I really didn’t stay on top with any of the releases this year except for those two. ^^;; And even then, I only watched the former because of my job. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered! Anyway, kudos to you and your movies! I’m glad there were films that were memorable for you 😀
!!!! I can’t believe I still haven’t watched Guardians of the galaxy yet! I’ve been wanting to watch the movie but haven’t gotten time. I think it’s pretty cool that Vin Diesel is the voice actor for Gru!!!
The Lego Movie as pretty good! I remembered playing with legos when I was a kid and it was great! Edge of Tomorrow was an interesting movie- even though I got bored of the “resets” after a couple of times *o*. If anything goes bad, start over. Though I haven’t seen Gone Girl or Birdman. Interesting; since both titles have some gender reference XD.
Top movie of 2014…… Can I just say Need for Speed?? I’m still crazy over the Shelby GT500.
Good choices for your top movies. I haven’t seen Birdman or Gone Girl, but I do want to see them. They look great. Hope you continue to do good!
I haven’t watched any of these films >.<
I own GotG, and I fully intended to watch it a few days ago, but I ended up playing DragonAge and watching Mythbusters. I've heard amazing things about Birdman though, and that's on my list of things to buy when I get a job. I've just gone through a list of 100 films of 2014 on IMDB, and I haven't seen any of them. I'm going to try and see more films this year, if nothing else, it's excellent research for prop buying!
I LOVED the Lego Movie but I wasn’t a big fan of Guardians of the Galaxy. I haven’t seen or heard of Birdman or Gone Girl but Birdman sounds like my cup of tea. Not sure about Gone Girl but I’m always open to new genres.
Chef sounds good (plus, I love food). I’ll look into that one too.
I watched Guardians of the Galaxy and the Lego Movie and I love them both. When I went to see the Lego Movie I was expecting the cinema to be full of children, but I was so wrong. To be honest, I think kids might not have understood some of the jokes.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Birdman. I really want to watch it now.
The only movie I’ve seen is Guardians of the Galaxy. I’ll admit I’m very biased when it comes to Marvel–I love Marvel and pretty much everything Marvel. But the characters in GotG were just so eclectic, and Ronan was pretty terrifying, and I loved the comedic aspects mixed with the action sequences.
My boyfriend really wants to watch Birdman but I’m feeling iffy about it. >__>
Hi, just dropping by at your blog! 🙂
Aww, I felt bad for not even watching one of the films listed above. haha I am focused too much with Korean, Japanese and Thai films haha. Thank you for the reviews I will definitely watch this! <3
Of all those I’ve only seen Guardians of the Galaxy, and I agree that it was really entertaining. The characters were great, especially Groot and Rocket!
But to be honest I didn’t quite understand the plot. Like WHY exactly did the blue guy want to destroy the human(?) planet? And who was that other blue guy on the throne? But still, I liked it a lot. I hope they make a sequel 🙂
I heard lots of praise for both Gone Girl and Birdman, I really want to watch both of them. Especially Birdman sounds very interesting.
As for my top movies there can be only one: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Was it the best? Nah. But being the Tolkien nerd that I am, 10 years from now I’ll still love it and own it and re-watch it. Just like I do with the old Lord of the Rings movies. 🙂
Wow, I live a sheltered life because the only movie I’ve seen from your list is gone girl. I definitely enjoyed that one and I went on to read the book after. I enjoyed seeing The Maze Runner this year as well. Can’t really remember too many others lol. This year definitely went by in a blur!
Great list! I really liked Guardians of the Galaxy as well and disappointed that I didn’t get to see it in theaters on the big screen. Another movie I really liked was Big Hero 6, definitely recommend it if you haven’t seen it yet!
I saw Big Hero 6 in theaters and really liked it too! 😀