5. BIRDMAN
With the exception of Boyhood this year I think that this movie was the one that I was most excited to see. And let me just say right here and now that it did not disappoint. Where should I even begin with this movie? Well for starters let me just start off with the score. A score that was really was just so awesome and powerful to me. The drums in this score can only be described as sick. There is a scene when Keaton's character is walking from the stage back to his dressing room and the score is kicking up and I just believe it is one of the most bad ass shots I've seen in a movie this year. I'm not even going to talk about the incredibly long takes because so many people have already done that for me. But just know that it is a sight to see. And anyone who knows and loves movies knows just how difficult something like this is. It is beautiful to see. I saved the best for last and that would have to be the acting in this movie. There is not a single weak character in the entire movie. I especially want to note that Emma Stone who I have always loved really kills it in this role after doing some kind of subpar movies for a bit. Edward Norton is Edward Norton, and I just wonder if this guy will ever not show up and crush whatever movie that he is in? But the star of the show is without a doubt Michael Keaton who is playing the title character. He just shows such incredible range and depth that not just any actor can do. He is phenomenal in this movie which already has so many great performances. Oh my god when he gets locked out of the theater I just lost my shit. He is and will always be to me the one true BATMAN.
4. WHIPLASH
This movie I'll tell you did a number on me. Before going to watch it I had heard that Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons were amazing in it and believe me they both were. But I did not think that I would have such a connection with a movie about a jazz orchestra as I did. From the moment that J.K. Simmons character appears on screen giving warm encouragement of just have fun and then instantly spitting out venom all over these kids and ruling the orchestra by pure fear I was transported back to being 18 years old and playing baseball at Seminole State. Where a coach who could seem like the loveliest guy in the world one minute would make it his life's goal to bring you to tears the next. I am telling you that it is amazing to see these two actors play off of one another. J.K. Simmons is almost a lock to win best supporting actor for his performance in this movie. And for what my opinion is worth I'll say that Miles Teller is one of the best young actors out there working today. I do think there is an interesting notion in this movie in what it takes to be truly great at something. It is not something that everyone has in themselves and on the outside looking in, it might seem crazy to do some of the things that Teller's character does. People that get to the very top of whatever field, sacrifice a lot to get there. In one of the best scenes in the movie Simmons's character is talking about how Charlie Parker got his nickname, and he goes through this speech and at the end of it all he says, "there are no two harmful words in the English language that good job." I swear to you it is a crazy thing seeing that on the screen when you've lived through a coach that feels the same way. And without giving anything away, I must say that the final scene of this movie is one of the best most satisfying scenes I've ever seen in a movie.
3. INHERENT VICE
I think for anyone out there that has been paying attention over the last decade will agree that Paul Thomas Anderson is by far one of the top filmmakers working today. And while he is a top filmmaker and all of his movies are fantastic I will say that some of them are hard watches. And by that I mean that they take everything out of you when you watch one of them and even with that there can be so much of it still left for interpretation. And a lot of the time they are not movies that you can go back right away and watch. They are movies that need to settle in and sometimes it might be a year before you get back to it. And while Inherent Vice is vintage P.T.A. I will say that as soon as this movie was over I found myself wanting to jump right back in and watch it all over again. I F-ing love this movie. It is one of the funniest movies I've seen this year. It made me want to be dropped right into LA in the 70's and hang out with some of these characters. Joaquin Phoenix playing the role of Doc is just fantastic. I use to hate Phoenix because his role in To Die For creeped me out so much. But I have been on record lately saying that I believe that he is the greatest working actor right now. I almost feel that there is no role this guy can't tackle. And as a stoner private eye navigating through the seedy world of LA in the 70's he is unbelievable. And let me say that Josh Brolin desires equal praise in this movie. He two is a fantastic actor that is doing some really great work right now. There is a scene between Doc and his ex Shasta played by Katherine Waterston that I think it about 8 minutes long without a cut and for my money the only other scene hotter than that one this year would be the scene where Rosemund Pike slits Neil Patrick Harris's throat while having sex in Gone Girl. Go into this movie and just enjoy the ride, and if you can smoke a J before you go. And just try not to get wrapped up by the lovable Doc and his misadventures.
2. SELMA
Has there been a more powerful movie this year? I do not believe so. Has there been a better acted or better directed movie this year? I do not believe so. I guess I just want to start this by saying that it is a goddamn tragedy that this movie was basically only nominated for best picture and best song. I defy anyone to tell me an actor that did a better job not only playing a character, but playing a generation defining character than David Oyelowo did playing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I promise you that you won't find it. He was amazing in this movie, as were so many others. Carmen Ejojo who played Corretta Scott King is amazing in this movie. And how for the life of me in a year where the best supporting actress category was very weak did she not get a nomination is beyond me. And oh my god can Tim Roth play a bad guy like nobody's business. I don't know if there is a more relevant movie out there than this one, especially with the recent events that have been going on in this country. This is an unbelievably powerful movie about a very unfortunate time in this country. Really a black eye if you ask me. And the men and women both black and white that came together and stood up for the rights of people. For the equal rights of all people. That is a powerful sentence and it is such a powerful message that this movie delivers. There are scenes in this movie that are so beautiful shot and so quietly done but they are louder than you could ever imagine that even now when I write about them I start to tear up. And the scene on the bridge when the cops stop the marchers and gas them and beat these unarmed people senseless is one of the most heartbreaking scenes you'll ever see in a movie. And the fact that this not only played out in real life but also played out on Television for everyone in the country to see, well it's almost unbearable. This is a movie that everyone out there has to go and see. This is a movie that will bring out the best in all of us.
1. BOYHOOD
This movie was a doozy for me. Going into this year this movie was by far my most anticipated movie of the year. So much so that I know those closet to me were probably counting down the days until I saw it so I would shut up about it. I have been on record many times saying that Richard Linklater is my favorite working filmmaker. And this movie really and truly just cemented that statement. When I even begin to try and talk about this movie I almost start to come unglued I get so emotional. This wasn't just my favorite movie this year, it is probably my favorite movie in the last 5 years. There has been no single movie that I can think of in recent history that struck me right to the core like this movie did. The big thing about this movie was the fact that it was filmed over the period of the last 12 years. Using all the same actors so that when you are watching this movie about the passage of time, you are actually watching the passage of time. There is no movie magic here folks. And really when you think about that it is pretty special. But if that were not the case, this movie would still be undeniable. The writing and the acting in this movie is a sight to see. This story of a boy growing up in Texas after his parents divorce at an early age is something that I feel is ripped right out of my own life. I've never been more connected to a movie honestly, and I watch a lot of movies. There were all of these quiet scenes in this movie that when they played out I lost it in the theater because what was being portrayed on screen so closely resembled the life that I have lead that I couldn't believe it. I felt as though Richard Linklater had written this script using only the inner thoughts of my mind and memories of life through my perspective. It is so amazing and important to me that in the age of blockbusters and marvel movies that a movie like this can be made and be such a big success. The acting in this movie is just fantastic. From the lead character Ellar Coltrane who plays mason to Lorelei Linklater playing his sister Samantha to Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette playing the Mom and Dad characters in this movie. I absolutely love loved Ethan Hawke's performance but in a year where best supporting actor category is loaded I'm afraid he will not be walking away with an Oscar. I an still here is character saying, "you don't want the bumpers, life doesn't give you bumpers." While they are out bowling. Patricia Arquette was an absolute force to be reckoned with in this movie playing the matriarch of the family and having so many ups and downs to go through. Trying to find herself while also trying to raise and provide for her family. I just can't even write enough about how much I love this movie. And the song "Hero" by Family of the Year is the most heartbreakingly beautiful song that I have ever heard in my entire life. It is definitely one of the title tracks of this part of my life. I just want every person that I know and love to go out and see this movie. I want everyone period to see this movie. Believe me it is worth it.
So there it is folks. My Top 10 List of 2014. If you've stayed with me long enough to read through all of this I really hope that you have enjoyed it. Because I have enjoyed writing it. And now bring on 2015. I can't wait to sink my teeth into all the good stuff that is coming this way. This is going to be the year of the Blockbuster y'all. And we are getting a new STAR WARS movie. I could not be more excited for this year in movies. Before I go i just wanted to show some love to a few more movies that honestly I wanted to put on this list but just ran out of room.
1. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
Wes Anderson just refuses to ever make a bad movie, so I refuse not to go and see anything he makes.
2. TOP FIVE
Chris Rock is back and funnier than ever. One of the funniest romantic comedies I have ever seen.
3. WILD
Reese Witherspoon is spectacular in this one. And I'm a sucker for people that take a spiritual journey through nature.
4. ST. VINCENT
I dare any of you to go to this movie and not feel good when it's over. Bill Murray just thank you.
5. THE GAMBLER
What if I was to tell you I wasn't a gambler? Don't think I've ever had this much fun watching a gambling movie.
6. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE
This is a movie for my generation and the generation of millennials living right now. What a wonderful portrait of race and race relations right now.
7. ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
Now this my friends is a vampire movie I can get on board with. Oh my god so freaking cool.
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