The Ten Best Movies of 2014
7. THE BABADOOK – An Australian horror film that not only delivers scares but also doubles within the psychological warfare that any single mother might have during those early difficult years raising a young boy. THE BABADOOK is a children’s story that one should never read to their child… adults should be warned too as it was a terrifying experience.
6. UNBROKEN – It’s beginning to feel like I’m the only critic that supports this film but director Angelina Jolie does a fantastic job of not getting in the way of this heroic true story and allowing the enduring resilience to speak for itself. The suffering that Olympic medalist Louie Zamperini endured during World War II represents a risk that all soldiers sacrifice and is a story that is both moving and inspiring.
5. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – Easily the most fun I had at the theater, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is a modern day space opera. Don’t lump it in with other superhero Marvel films (which it is), these misfit pirates are much more playful in their saving the universe efforts. Yes, the story is fairly formulaic but the characters are rich with personality and heart from which films of all genres should take a special note.
4. WHIPLASH – A simple story with a heavy effect. How dangerous are the words, “good job?” This is a question worth debating after watching the character driven WHIPLASH. The tension between a drill sergeant like music professor pushing his passionate drumming student to the limits is stronger than any carefully constructed espionage film. J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller are phenomenal and the final ten minutes are unconventionally better than anything else this year.
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