THE TOP TEN FILMS OF 2014…A SECOND (AND THIRD) OPINION

The Top Ten Films of 2014…A Second (and Third) Opinion

Lists by Karen Volpe & Ray Schillaci

It’s Oscar Sunday, and with The Oscar Rant out there, more opinions have popped up about the ten best films of 2014. Two more Movie Guys weigh in:

Karen Volpe’s Top Ten Films of 2014

10. Edge of Tomorrow – “Groundhog Day” with Tom Cruise. I wonder what “Risky Business” would have been like with Bill Murray?
9. Jersey Boys – I love movies about successful people who didn’t have their success handed to them. Very inspiring.
8. Foxcatcher – So, it’s not just actors that will put up with crazy to follow their dreams.
7. The Judge – Robert Downey Jr., in a small town, wearing tight jeans and a Metallica shirt. Yes, please.
6. Nightcrawler – What the hell is wrong with Jake Gyllenhaal?
5. The Grand Budapest Hotel – I love Wes Anderson Movies. I feel like they are a warm, cozy comforter. His movies are like a big, beautiful, pink fancy cupcake.
4. Wild – This movie made it crystal clear that a woman’s everyday life is so much different than a man’s.
3. Pride – Give me two groups of people that have nothing in common, fighting for a common good, I’m in.
2. St. Vincent – Bill Murray at his curmudgeonly best. The filmmakers knew better than to kill Bill Murray, that would be the equivalent to killing a dog.
1. Gone Girl – So good it made me read the book.

Ray Schillaci’s Top Ten Films of 2014

There are plenty of top ten lists with many agreeing with each other, and some throwing in a controversial one or two films. But what does one look for in a top ten list? Is it entertainment, production or “importance” value? Can it possibly be all three which is very rare, and what deems a film important?

My criteria does not necessarily encompass all three. It’s nice to have, but if one film is far more entertaining than an “important” or “must see” movie, I will generally place that film above the other. Will I want to purchase either one of them for my library? Rarely. It takes something really special with repeatable viewing value to make it into my present library, and I usually deem those exceptional even if they do not make it on anybody’s list.

I try to pick films that both the general audience, critics and film community appreciate. It doesn’t always work that way (i.e. my choosing “Big Bad Wolves” over “Gone Girl”). I tend to lean toward entertaining genre films for their sheer creativity and appreciate the amount of effort put into something like “Witching and Bitching” over what I considered the bland love story of “The Theory of Everything”. I’ll even argue with anybody about the incredible powerhouse of emotions that “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” provides over “Theory,” and many people will secretly agree with me even though it is not p.c.

With careful consideration and much passion I submit my top ten of 2014. My only regrets is that I have not seen the legendary Alejandro Jodorowsky’s “The Dance of Reality,” and the much ballyhooed Shion Sono’s “Why Don’t You Play in Hell?”. These are not films for the general public. They more or less fall into the cult category.

But the films of Jodorowsky have been revered by many a cinefile for years, and have left an indelible mark on several great directors. While the Japanese are notorious for breaking the boundaries of film, unlike some American directors who have copied them and delivered either a sub-product (2013s “Old Boy”) or something almost as good but not groundbreaking (“Magnificent Seven” and “The Departed”).

I have denoted (+) those films that I have entered into my library. Some of you may want to take special note of. I have screened these unique films for friends and family, and blown them away. You may not agree with my choices, and that’s okay. In fact, I always look forward to other opinions. We are all different, and our tastes vary when it comes to what makes us laugh, cry and get swept up into somebody else’s drama. Not everybody likes “Taxi Driver,” and there are some that just don’t get the humor of Woody Allen (even early Allen). But staying power can prove very interesting in the world of cinema.

When it comes to Oscar, it’s no longer a surprise. “The Exorcist” is long remembered over the Best Picture winner “The Sting”. Oscar winner “Ordinary People” is barely remembered compared to the iconic “Raging Bull”. And, lest we forget the biggest snub of all, “Citizen Kane” considered one of the best pictures ever made, and studied in practically every film class while the average moviegoer hasn’t a clue about how on Earth “How Green Was My Valley” stole the Oscar from Orson Welles and company.

I truly believe that at least half the films on my list will still be enjoyed and appreciated ten years from now. They elicited strong emotions on my end. Let’s see if they did on yours.

10. Chef – Director Jon Favreau has more than made up for his less than enthusiastic “Iron-Man 2” and his dismal “Cowboys & Aliens” by going back to a simpler story with more heart and humor than either one of the films mentioned. The story champions sticking with what you know best and feel comfortable with. A chef who’s passionate about his job, without all the trappings that go with working for someone. The man has to hit rock bottom before he seriously considers working his own food truck, and reigniting a relationship with his son.
“Chef” is engaging, funny and refreshing, and so is the entire cast. It’s the feel good movie of the year. And, you cannot help but walk out hungry for more.

9. Big Bad Wolves (+) – I had the air knocked out of me with this one. If there was a dark film of the year, BBW pulled the rug from out of Fincher’s “Gone Girl” and even gave “Nightcrawler” a good run for its money. Both are laced with deadly black comedy moments. But this Israeli bad boy is far more harrowing, and is well worth repeat viewings. It may just be worth it to watch the expressions on the faces of those unsuspecting people you invite over as they witness a piece of cinema that comes very close to a modern day Hitchcock.
A nasty tale of child abduction, accusation and vigilanteism. The four principals are remarkable and despicable all at the same time. Directors/writers Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado ratchet the tension like no one else and really make the American film released in the same year, “Prisoners” feel like a kiddie ride. This is a pulse pounder of the first order.

8. Witching and Bitching (+) – I know people are going to argue with me on this one. But I don’t care. This is the most original film of 2014 and one of the most outrageous ones. Yes, it even beats out “Birdman”. But where some people were turned off by the weirdness of “Birdman,” B&W’s weirdness is not alienating, in fact it is easily embraced with its ribald humor on the outrageous differences between men and women.
Visually fun and frenetic, “Bitching and Witching” takes us on the thrill ride of a heist gone wrong to the possible end of civilization as we know it at the hand of genuine witches. Oh, and what surprises it has in store is a definite double take. Making this a great film for screening parties.

7. The Grand Budapest Hotel – Quirky and smart is the best way to describe most Wes Anderson films. Some have accused his latest film as being a near parody of his own style. But I found a very sweet story behind it all and loved the characters introduced. It’s possibly his smartest screenplay, and that may turn some off. Audiences tend to want their entertainment spoon fed to them rather than have to think in a movie house. There are big words galore, complex situations and parables aplenty to easily turn off the peanut and popcorn crowd.
But if one is patient and willing to open their mind, they will find that “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a charming tour into some very interesting lives that have a great deal to say, and if one listens carefully enough they may even learn a thing or two. There is also the tremendous attention to detail that is mind-blowing. Not just story wise, but throughout the entire production.

We are treated to the grand adventures of one concierge, Gustav H, whose hotel resides in a fictional European republic, and has survived two world wars. The unlikely pairing of one of the most admired (by some) and reviled (by others) concierges with a lonely lobby boy who strives to the very best at his job is a pure delight. The old rich matrons that frequent the place just for Gustav’s special handling is both funny and touching along with all the other unique personalities introduced to us. Anderson delivers a loving look into a past we wish we could visit at least once in our lifetime.

6. Guardians of the Galaxy (pending +) – hands down the most entertaining film of 2014. James Gunn has delivered what George Lucas has attempted for far too many years. He brought us back all the giddiness we had with our first viewing of the original “Star Wars”. But wait! He even gave us a new and improved Harrison Ford type with Chris Pratt! And, talk about repeated viewings.
A young boy is snatched from his family just after his mother passes. Oh, forgot to mention, he’s abducted by aliens. Flash forward and our reluctant hero has grown up to be a smarmy space pirate whose only tie to his past is a walkman and a cassette of classic ’60s and ’70s music that was left to him by his mother.

He’s also inclined to call himself Star Lord. Yes, the story is convoluted fun with the hunt for an ancient stone, galactic bounty hunters that happen to be a genetically defected raccoon and a walking talking tree person, a sexy green female assassin, a muscle-bound, violent prone hulk that does not understand metaphors or irony, and an evil overlord that wants to rule the universe, of course.
James Gunn infused so much fun into this pseudo wild west, anti-superhero Marvel extravaganza that one may think who needs Oscar when you’ve earned over $800 million world wide? People lined up to see this fun-filled space fantasy time, and time again. We were given the most memorable and fun-loving characters since “The Wizard of Oz” and a universe that we cannot wait to continue to explore. Need I say more?

5. Boyhood – a monumental achievement in film history while delivering a very subtle and earnest statement on what it’s like growing up as a boy in a dysfunctional family. Director Richard Linklater captures so many realistic and relatable moments that many of us connect with today. The performances are so down-to-earth, you cannot help but feel like you know them.
For some this film went on too long. But for many of us that were engaged, the time flew by. And once again, Linklater provides a soundtrack that brings back bittersweet memories. His use of the same actors over a twelve year period and making it all look so natural is unbelievable.

Linklater gives us an expansive tale of a boy from the age of 5 to 18 and all the people in and out of his life. We see the pain in going to a new school, moving from place to place, and the struggles of a single parent. But it does not stop there. Nothing is black and white in Linklater’s story. It is more like different shades of grey (not to be confused with a certain non-erotic book/movie). The absentee father is not a bad guy. The stepfather can be a real jerk at times. And, mom is not perfect. All these people are flawed, but they are not without some redeeming value that helps shape the young man that the story is about.
This family is very real. From the annoying sister who grows into a troubled young woman to the mom who works tirelessly to evolve into what she believes is best for her and her children. Linklater’s cast and crew deliver reality without the over exaggerated drama or comedic hi jinx that accompanies reality TV. Thus capturing the magic of growing, maturing and coming to an understanding of one another.

4. The Raid 2 (+) – I will unapologetically defend this as the number four film of 2014. Where many of us felt that the original was beyond topping, director Gareth Davis proves us wrong with glee and creates his own “Godfather II”. This is the best crime film since “Goodfellas,” and the greatest action film ever made. Yes, it’s over the top, but not ridiculous in a laughable way.
Where most American films go wrong with sequels, just copying what worked, Davies delivers a natural extension and broadens the drama of this high intensity look at a very violent underworld. The first movie concentrated on a raid gone wrong in a tenement in Jakarta run by a notorious crime lord. This movie has our lead character not only go undercover to bring down the syndicate, but also uncover police corruption.

Somehow this film incorporates non-stop action with intense drama and memorable characters. If there is (what I consider) one minor flaw (WARNING: MAJOR SPOILER), it is perhaps using an amazingly memorable actor that was killed in the first movie. At first sight, one thinks the character has been brought back to life somehow. It is not until much later we discover that Yayan Ruhian who played “Mad Dog” in the first one, is now playing a totally different character in the second film.
Eventually, none of this matters, because the guy is great in both films. This movie is probably not for the squeamish or mild at heart. Each fight sequence ends up topping the other. And believe me, when you witness the first fight you’re going to wonder how they can even get close to topping it. A thrill a minute that is actually NOT empty headed.

3. Whiplash – as harrowing and edge-of-your-seat as “The Raid 2” is, “Whiplash” somehow exceeds it, and there are no car chases or shootings. How on earth did somebody make a movie about jazz and not make us want to doze off? The directing is tight as a snare drum. The entire production is flawless and the acting is brilliant.
Everything you heard about J.K. Simmons’ performance as the ruthless music instructor is true. The man owns the Oscar! This guy chews through the scenes, and probably plays the biggest A**hole ever on screen. If ever there was an actor that could make you flinch uncomfortably, it’s Mr. Simmons.

On the other hand, Miles Teller is no slouch either as the promising young drummer that is willing to do anything to prove his worth. The two of them together are electrifying. And, for the quiet genuine moments we have Melissa Benoist as the earthy girlfriend of this obsessed young musician.
“Whiplash” sucks us in immediately into the world of a young promising jazz drummer who enrolls into a leave-no-prisoners music conservatory. The top music instructor, who only takes on the very best seniors of the school, decides to mentor the young man, enroll him with the conservatory’s band. One hitch, this music instructor believes in tearing kids apart mentally (he may even get physical with them) to bring out their best.

We see the slow destruction of this young man’s life, and how he gets sucked into the music, and only the music. He becomes obsessed to the point of discarding everybody and anybody so he may achieve the greatness that everybody in his dream profession chases relentlessly even though they may never be happy with the results.
To see these two go at it mano a mano is the greatest battle since Rocky first fought Apollo Creed. People have actually cheered during this movie. The thought that director Damien Chazelle did not get a Best Director nod is ridiculous. The whole production is top of its class and nearly outshines the 2014 list of films for this year.

2. Selma – believe it or not, I cannot help but place “Selma” in the #2 spot after going over all of these films in my head. It was at the top of my list until I recently saw my new #1 entry. Will it find its way into my library? No. But this film has so much raw emotion, and there are so many iconic scenes that just can’t help shake one.
The idea of anybody slipping into the big shoes of MLK, Jr. and pulling it off is amazing enough, but add to that that his historic speeches are owned by Steven Spielberg and were not permitted in the film. This called for the unenviable task for the writer to recreate something with as much power, a near impossible feat, and that was more than successful. But if there was one little hiccup that kept it from the #1 spot it was what I had mentioned in my original review. Some of these historical figures are so interesting that we almost feel cheated for not having more to do with them.

But then there is the Selma event itself, recreated meticulously while still creating an intimate film that feels far from being manipulative which is a high wire act that is accomplished without being exploitive or turned into propaganda. This was not just about African-Americans, but about a civil rights movement that affected every one of us as American citizens. A significant point in time that polarized the nation.
There is so much right about this movie from the rousing musical score, to the set and costume design. Bradford Young’s cinematography captures the mood and plunges us into the time period while director Ava DuVernay gives us a no nonsense story scripted intelligently by Paul Webb. Then there is the cast that has our attention at every turn. Tom Wilkinson turns in a very complex performance as President LBJ with nasty turns by Tim Roth as the notorious Governor George Wallace, and Dylan Baker as a dangerously assured J. Edgar Hoover that has no problem offering his services to put a stop to the movement and MLK Jr. at whatever cost.

Here is a film that lifts our spirit, tugs at our hearts, and makes us reflect on a time that has gone by while still being socially relevant. It is both complex and intimate in its portrayal of all the players involved. But most important, it does not gloss over the events. It does not paint a pretty picture. But it does provide hope and a tremendous sense of beating the odds at any cost. And, that my friends is worth watching anytime if done with the finesse that “Selma” has.

1. The Imitation Game – I don’t know what took me so long, but after having just seen “The Imitation Game” I have to strongly voice that it deserves the accolades for Best Picture of the year. It may not have the personal touch that is embedded in “Boyhood” or be as relatable an event as “Selma,” but what it does have is flawless storytelling and production values, meticulous direction and a top notch cast headed by a bravura performance by Benedict Cumberbatch. More than just a first rate thriller, this film delves into the genius of Alan Turing and his tortured soul in a time of intolerance.
Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a very quirky and brilliant mathematician and his story is told through three significant times of his life. We see him when he has accomplished so much; possibly the ultimate war hero and genius having created the computer, but he cannot admit to any of it. He must remain quiet and lead a very secluded and secret life due to his lifestyle choices. His eccentricities lead to a simple robbery of his home, which turns into a witch hunt as to who he really is. The police believe him to be a spy for the Soviets.

We are then transported back to a time when he is introduced to MI6 and joins a group of scholars, linguists, chess champions and intelligence officers to crack the Nazis’ Enigma machine that spurts out unbreakable codes having everyone on the losing end of the war. His single-mindedness alienates everyone on the team, and nearly hampers his progress until he goes to the highest authority to finally get cooperation, but it is not without its troubles. Turing had some of his colleagues fired much to his superior officer’s consternation. Then there was his unusual way of finding replacements by putting an ad in the paper and having people do crossword puzzles in record time.
From there we bear witness to Alan as a shy and unusual child who is picked on both emotionally and physically. He eventually is befriended by another boy who helps Alan come out of his shell and encourages him to embrace his differences. The friendship becomes a very special one that cannot help but touch our hearts.

Turing’s stories nearly blend seamlessly giving us an amazing look into this very special man that did so much for so many. And, yet he was tragically rejected by his country in the end for his differences. It is not until long after his death that his brave tale is told and his legend revered.
Ripe with pathos and (believe it or not) humor, director Morten Tyldum delivers a pristine production that successfully encapsulates Turing’s life and the remarkable events of the time. And while so many films in 2014 sunk at the box-office with no aid from their over bloated budgets and lack of a convincing narrative (i.e. “Exodus” – $66 million, “Hercules” – $110 million, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” – $180 million), “The Imitation Game” succeeds on all levels with a modest budget of (reportedly) $14 million. Proving once again, all the effects and money in the world cannot make up for good storytelling.

Honorable mentions:

“A Most Violent Year” – a near perfect throwback piece of ’70s crime filmmaking with a dash of Cassavetes thrown in. A slow-burning pot-boiler that delivers a subdued side of the underworld rarely seen. Once again, Jessica Chastain shines and delivers a sexy and sassy performance.

“Birdman” – a revelatory performance by Michael Keaton. Also, brilliant performances by Emma Stone and Edward Norton. Although, as mentioned, the weirdness of it all can be off putting, but what was more jarring was the glaring moments that were never followed through with certain characters that wrapped us up in the craziness aside from Keaton’s character. Still worth mentioning.

“Nightcrawler” – a truly demented and ugly slant on the state of L.A. crime journalism with a very quirky, unnerving and Oscar worthy performance by Jake Gyllenhaal. Writer/director Dan Gilroy delivers a seedy allegory filled with greed and sensationalism that gives us only a glimpse of the L.A. that people favor and dives head first into the gritty, shadowy and seamy side that the nightly news tends to concentrate on, now seeping into our morning news. A well crafted film with an outstanding lead performance that can easily alienate its audience, but hard not to recommend, and definitely one of the better films of 2014. Some find it hard not to draw parallels to Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver”.

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (+) – yeah, it’s a sequel, and some may even consider it a reboot of sequels. But director Matt Reeves infuses every kind of emotion and makes you think hard over the very issues people fight over today. Put this all amongst the backdrop of a sci-fi fantasy that includes a society of recently intelligent apes that diligently try to live by a pacified code and you have some exceptional work. The film is a fine piece of thought provoking and rousing entertainment, making one nearly beg for another sequel.