Joey Paur's 15 Favorite Movies of 2014
2014 was packed full of amazing movies! I'm so happy with what I got to see this year, and while coming up with a Top 10 list of my favorite films of the year, it easily turned into a Top 15. There were some movies that I just couldn't leave off the list. There's an interesting mix here that consists of big blockbusters, and smaller independent films. In the end, all of these films connected with me on a personal level and punched me in the face with all kinds of different emotions that have stuck with me. So without further ado, here are my 15 favorite movies of 2014. After you look over it let me know what your favorite movies of the year were!
15. Edge of Tomorrow
This sci-fi film was one of the most underrated movies of the year. Whether or not you like Tom Cruise, he was awesome in this movie that was both action-packed and extremely funny. This is a flick that blew away my expectations. [Full Review]
14. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
I know there are a lot of Hobbit haters out there, but the ending to Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy was freakin' glorious! If you didn't like it, that's fine. I respect that, but it's my second favorite film in the Middle Earth saga right underneath Return of the King. [Video Review]
13. Snowpiercer
This movie didn't get the marketing or wide release that it deserved. At least we got to see the director's full vision of it on the big screen. He didn't compromise his art when the studio executives wanted to cut it down. The result was an incredible, unforgettable movie that will be a cult classic.
12. Gone Girl
Freakin' David Fincher! He always a manages to deliver meticulously made, entertaining films. This story was the perfect vehicle for the director to drive, and he brought it to life perfectly. It also features the best acting performance that Ben Affleck has ever given.
11. The Grand Budapest Hotel
I have an off-beat sense of humor, and I thought this was the funniest movie of the year. Wes Anderson has been a favorite director of mine for years. In my opinion, this is the best movie that he's made so far. [Full Review]
10. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Normally sequels aren't better than the films that precede them, but this one took the Planet of the Apes to a completely new level. It told such a deep and tragic story, and Andy Serkis gave a performance worthy of an Oscar nomination. [Full Review]
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
I was completely blown away by the greatness of this movie, and I love how it completely changed the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This was truly a game changer, and the fact that it came from two virtually unknown directors was surprising. [Full Review]
8. The Raid 2: Berandal
This was the most adrenaline-fueled, action-packed movie that I've seen this year. John Wick was a close second. The Raid sequel kicked a ridiculous amount of ass! I hope you've all seen this by now, because it's a must see! I've seen this movie a ridiculous amount of times, and I love it every time I see it.
7. Interstellar
Good grief, I'm still thinking about this movie! I love everything about space exploration, and the mystery of the universe has always fascinated me. This film just brought all kinds of amazing elements from fiction and science to bring us this brilliant story. Interstellar was an awe-inspiring experience that I will gladly revisit over and over again. [Full Review]
6. The Babadook
Best horror movie of the year! Unfortunately it didn't get a wide release, but this movie was so spectacular in so many ways! The creature created for the story was creepy as hell, and it was one of the greatest monsters ever created for film. [Full Review]
5. Birdman
I would love to see Michael Keaton take home the Best Actor award at the Oscars for his role in this beautifully directed movie. Keaton was insanely good, and story was told brilliantly. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it now.
4. Boyhood
This was an incredibly unique and epic coming of age film that was filmed over the course of 12 years. It's a one of a kind movie that I don't think anyone will ever try to replicate what it accomplished. This is just a special film that needs to be experienced. [Full Review]
3. Whiplash
If you haven't watched this movie yet, you've missed out on something special. I saw this movie at Sundance early on in the year and it stuck with me. This was one of the most intense movies that I saw this year and the performances were simply incredible. It also has one of the best, most inspiring movie endings ever. It gave me the goosebumps. [Video Review]
2. Chef
I know it's not the popular choice, but I was so happy to see Jon Favreau go back to his indie film roots with Chef. It may be smaller film than the likes of Iron Man, but it's such a beautifully told story that connected with me on a very personal level. You will get a better sense of why this movie mean't a lot to me if you read my review for it. The movie came out at a time in my life when I really needed it. I couldn't be more thankful that this movie was made, it was kind of life changing. [Full Review]
1. Guardians of the Galaxy
This is hands down the best movie Marvel has made so far. I couldn't believe that they were able to pull this off so brilliantly. This was the most fun I had at the movies this year, which is why I watched it four times in the theaters. Storytelling like this is the reason why I love going to the movies so damn much!