Fuzzy's Favorite Films of 2014
********************************************
Top Films of 2014:
My Top Films this year:
********************************************
#1: “Whiplash”: (Dir: Damien Chazelle).
.
"Whiplash" is such an amazing film in every way. The Directing, the Writing, the Editing, the Cinematography. The performances are outstanding.
A film about Talent, Ambition, Obsession. Pushing oneself beyond known abilities. - -Soaring above the rest.
"Whiplash" won both The Audience Award and The Grand Jury Prize at Sundance - an amazing feat.
Filmed more like a thriller than a film about music, it becomes a battle of wills between our protagonist [Miles Teller] and his mentor-[a truly amazing J.J. Simmons]. It is an exhilarating work from the start to it's adrenaline-rushing finish.
#2: “Boyhood”: (Dir: Richard Linklater).
.
A celebration of Life and being human. A simple story of growing up becomes profound and moving. Filmed over 12 years, the story and characters grow as the real-life filmmakers do, and the end-result is wonderful.
Richard Linklater is a talented, insightful director. I think the time has come to acknowledge his achievements.
3. “Calvary”: (Dir: John Michael McDonagh)
.
Beautiful, sad and scathing portrait of a simple priest struggling with his own humanity and trying to do good in a small sinful town.
A truly great performance by Brendan Gleeson and a portrait of the True Power of Forgiveness. It is a film of Faith, of Doubt and Transcendence.
4. “Birdman” (Dir: Alejandro González Iñárritu)
.
Michael Keaton shines in this fascinating exploration of Creativity, Talent and the cost of Fame. The tale winds seamlessly and breathlessly to the last shot.
5. “The Babadook” (Dir: Jennifer Kent).
.
A superior horror tales that is brilliant in every way. What an amazing first film: Writing, Direction, Cinematography --- pitch-perfect performances.
An amazing film that works on a few different levels.
Sadly, I had to watch it online, as it never got a theatrical release in Buffalo, NY.
6. "Edge of Tomorrow"
7. "Enemy"
8. "Ida"
9. "Into the Woods"
10. "Jodorowsky's Dune"
11. "Locke"
12. "The Immigrant"
- - - - -
* * * *
Acting:
* * * *
Lead Actor:
Although he won't get recognition in Award Season, my vote goes to Brendan Gleeson for "Calvary". It's a delicate, subtle performance full of humor, sadness, and understanding.
Lead Actress:
Essie Davis for "The Babadook". A marvelous peformance in every way. Her work elevates the film from a simple horror story into other realms. An amazing job.
Supporting Actor:
J.K. Simmons in "Whiplash" -- His amazing work in this role is astounding and thrilling.
Supporting Actress:
Although I loved Patricia Arquette in "Boyhood", I have to give it to Meryl Streep.
Her Witch in "Into the Woods" is one of the best performances of her career,
- - - - -
Disappointing:
"Jersey Boys": Nobody wanted "Goodfellas", the musical.
“Magic in the Moonlight”: A weak Woody Allen, with a script that needed much revision
“Neighbors”: Pointless, unfunny and disappointing
“Nightcrawler”: A film trying so hard to be a dark satire. Sadly its ending betrays everything that comes before.
"Snowpiercer": starts out interesting, only to find out that in the last 20 minutes of the film it has absolutely nothing to say.
- - - - -
The Most Fun I had at the Movies This Year"
"Tusk" (Dir: Kevin Smith)
Funny, Disturbing, Outrageous. A totally Entertaining ride!
- - - - -
Top Films of 2014:
My Top Films this year:
********************************************
#1: “Whiplash”: (Dir: Damien Chazelle).
.
"Whiplash" is such an amazing film in every way. The Directing, the Writing, the Editing, the Cinematography. The performances are outstanding.
A film about Talent, Ambition, Obsession. Pushing oneself beyond known abilities. - -Soaring above the rest.
"Whiplash" won both The Audience Award and The Grand Jury Prize at Sundance - an amazing feat.
Filmed more like a thriller than a film about music, it becomes a battle of wills between our protagonist [Miles Teller] and his mentor-[a truly amazing J.J. Simmons]. It is an exhilarating work from the start to it's adrenaline-rushing finish.
#2: “Boyhood”: (Dir: Richard Linklater).
.
A celebration of Life and being human. A simple story of growing up becomes profound and moving. Filmed over 12 years, the story and characters grow as the real-life filmmakers do, and the end-result is wonderful.
Richard Linklater is a talented, insightful director. I think the time has come to acknowledge his achievements.
3. “Calvary”: (Dir: John Michael McDonagh)
.
Beautiful, sad and scathing portrait of a simple priest struggling with his own humanity and trying to do good in a small sinful town.
A truly great performance by Brendan Gleeson and a portrait of the True Power of Forgiveness. It is a film of Faith, of Doubt and Transcendence.
4. “Birdman” (Dir: Alejandro González Iñárritu)
.
Michael Keaton shines in this fascinating exploration of Creativity, Talent and the cost of Fame. The tale winds seamlessly and breathlessly to the last shot.
5. “The Babadook” (Dir: Jennifer Kent).
.
A superior horror tales that is brilliant in every way. What an amazing first film: Writing, Direction, Cinematography --- pitch-perfect performances.
An amazing film that works on a few different levels.
Sadly, I had to watch it online, as it never got a theatrical release in Buffalo, NY.
6. "Edge of Tomorrow"
7. "Enemy"
8. "Ida"
9. "Into the Woods"
10. "Jodorowsky's Dune"
11. "Locke"
12. "The Immigrant"
- - - - -
* * * *
Acting:
* * * *
Lead Actor:
Although he won't get recognition in Award Season, my vote goes to Brendan Gleeson for "Calvary". It's a delicate, subtle performance full of humor, sadness, and understanding.
Lead Actress:
Essie Davis for "The Babadook". A marvelous peformance in every way. Her work elevates the film from a simple horror story into other realms. An amazing job.
Supporting Actor:
J.K. Simmons in "Whiplash" -- His amazing work in this role is astounding and thrilling.
Supporting Actress:
Although I loved Patricia Arquette in "Boyhood", I have to give it to Meryl Streep.
Her Witch in "Into the Woods" is one of the best performances of her career,
- - - - -
Disappointing:
"Jersey Boys": Nobody wanted "Goodfellas", the musical.
“Magic in the Moonlight”: A weak Woody Allen, with a script that needed much revision
“Neighbors”: Pointless, unfunny and disappointing
“Nightcrawler”: A film trying so hard to be a dark satire. Sadly its ending betrays everything that comes before.
"Snowpiercer": starts out interesting, only to find out that in the last 20 minutes of the film it has absolutely nothing to say.
- - - - -
The Most Fun I had at the Movies This Year"
"Tusk" (Dir: Kevin Smith)
Funny, Disturbing, Outrageous. A totally Entertaining ride!
- - - - -