2014 Films, Ranked.
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2011 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/m7JGjaiNOgU
2012 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/huF8TGPaAFQ
2013 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/DRU4W-0uneM
2015 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/ls073654147
2011 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/m7JGjaiNOgU
2012 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/huF8TGPaAFQ
2013 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/DRU4W-0uneM
2015 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/ls073654147
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- DirectorJean-Pierre DardenneLuc DardenneStarsMarion CotillardFabrizio RongioneCatherine SaléeLiège, Belgium. Sandra is a factory worker who discovers that her workmates have opted for a EUR1,000 bonus in exchange for her dismissal. She has only a weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses in order to keep her job.9/10
What a movie. Outstanding story, realistic, and an amazing performance from Cotillard. The direction is beautiful and the ending was the purest I have seen all year. It's a masterful foreign film that is relevant to our times and will stay with you long after the credits roll. - DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsMiles TellerJ.K. SimmonsMelissa BenoistA promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.9/10
The last 20 minutes of this film are jaw-dropping. I love drumming and man.. this film.. just got it right. Amazing performances all-around. Direction and editing were both original and outstanding. The themes in this film are very hard to pull off and they did so brilliantly. Loved it. - DirectorDean DeBloisStarsJay BaruchelCate BlanchettGerard ButlerWhen Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.9/10
Animation has really come a long way in 4 years. HTTYD is one of my favorite animated films, and if you had told me the sequel would exceed it in nearly every way I would have called you a liar. HTTYD 2 is a nearly-perfect animation. It was nice to see such an epic story after the first film's simple premise. The story here is beautifully told.
I love the mixture of goofy-looking dragons and their puppy-like behavior with a dark storyline. HTTYD's most memorable moment was the touching of Toothless, a moment that was unforgettable. HTTYD 2 has 3 or 4 of those moments. It's a really brave and emotional story. The villain had a great reveal.
What I loved above all was the feeling that these characters have really grown up. You sense that time has passed and for an animation to be able to do that takes true talent. The animation is visually breathtaking and wonderfully directed.
This is right up there with the best. One of my new favorites. - DirectorJean-Marc ValléeStarsReese WitherspoonLaura DernGaby HoffmannA chronicle of one woman's 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent personal tragedy.9/10
An emotional journey of grief and finding yourself. A bit similar to 127 Hours, it's a story told through the main character's memory flashbacks. It's impeccably directed and acted. Reese Witherfork gives the best female performance of the year and she really lays it all out on the line in this one. Mistakes in life shouldn't be seen as mistakes, but a process of learning and how we deal with them defines who we are. Wonderful soundtrack as well. - DirectorLars von TrierStarsCharlotte GainsbourgStellan SkarsgårdWillem DafoeThe continuation of Joe's sexually dictated life delves into the darker aspects of her adulthood, obsessions and what led to her being in Seligman's care.9/10
For me this is right up there with Dogville and Melancholia. It's thought-provoking, funny, always entertaining and surprisingly sometimes brilliant. It pokes fun at itself and our society as a hole (pun intended) yet still manages to provide intrigue. It's artistic but it doesn't take itself overly serious. In my opinion this is better than Vol I because, although the pacing is a bit off, I found that it takes more risk and is more "out there," which ultimately made it more entertaining. Gainsbourg (easily one of my favorite actresses) shines in her role in Vol II and gives a memorable and brave performance. - DirectorDavid FincherStarsBen AffleckRosamund PikeNeil Patrick HarrisWith his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.9/10
If you've ever wondered what a David Fincher romantic film would be like, this is it. Gone Girl shows this director at the top of his game. Tonally, this is extremely similar to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Similar atmosphere, similar score, and some of the scenarios are similar as well. The acting is top notch and the "girl" is played with an unforgettable performance. Go into this one knowing nothing. It's a movie that will make you think but not over-think; Fincher shows a nice balance between entertainment and thought. This is also his funniest film to date. Just see it. - DirectorJennifer KentStarsEssie DavisNoah WisemanDaniel HenshallA single mother and her child fall into a deep well of paranoia when an eerie children's book titled "Mister Babadook" manifests in their home.8/10
An instant classic. Imagine if young Tim Burton made a horror movie and it was genuinely scary. I loved the atmosphere; the way the characters change throughout the film. The story was interesting and had real, non-jump scares. It also has some Raimi-esque comedic elements. I actually wanted to put off watching it to the morning half-way into the movie. When does that ever happen? This will be re-watched every Halloween. This puts most modern horror films to shame. - DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsEllar ColtranePatricia ArquetteEthan HawkeThe life of Mason, from early childhood to his arrival at college.10/10
By far the greatest achievement in film-making this year. The way the story, albeit simple, is told is incredible. The fact that these actors stuck around is incredible. How the tone of the film was maintained throughout twelve years is incredible. How you could see technology advance, these people grow, is incredible. And finally, the fact that it made me feel like I was reliving my own childhood is incredible.
Despite the 10, no it's not "perfect". The second half wasn't nearly as interesting as the first for me, and I just can't see myself re-watching this anytime soon, if ever. With that said, if you care even a hint about the power of cinema, see it. - DirectorJemaine ClementTaika WaititiStarsJemaine ClementTaika WaititiCori Gonzalez-MacuerViago, Deacon, and Vladislav are vampires who are struggling with the mundane aspects of modern life, like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts.8/10
Probably the funniest vampire movie ever made, and the most original since Let the Right One In. It is down-right hilarious at times. There's not much of a story here, but it's very clever. These characters are written with precision and wit. The use of practical effects surprised me. It was campy yet still looked realistic. This is a must watch. - DirectorSteven KnightStarsTom HardyOlivia ColmanRuth WilsonIvan Locke, a dedicated family man and successful construction manager, receives a phone call on the eve of the biggest challenge of his career that sets in motion a series of events that threaten his carefully cultivated existence.7/10
I've never seen anything quite like this film before. I always give kudos when a writer can make a minimalist setting/story so interesting. Even though it's only around 80 minutes, the story is memorable and well-told. It all takes place in a car, and I can see if people find that boring, but pair great dialogue and a brilliant performance from Tom Hardy and you have a worthwhile and interesting film. - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsMatthew McConaugheyAnne HathawayJessica ChastainWhen Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, a farmer and ex-NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, is tasked to pilot a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to find a new planet for humans.8/10
This is the most lop-sided movie of this year. It is sometimes astonishingly breathtaking, and other times laughably bad. Starting with the bad, the amount of exposition is ridiculous. The dialogue can be horrendous to the point that I have no idea how a professional writer can submit it in a final draft. The acting is hit-or-miss throughout. The story can be nonsensical. It has no idea if it wants to be artistic ala Gravity, thought-provoking ala 2001: A Space Odyssey, or a generic popcorn Hollywood flick that insults the audience's intelligence. The ending is a cop-out but well-executed.
With that said, and like I said, this film is breathtaking. The visuals are extraordinary. The emotion this film portrays, although it doesn't always work, is brutal and had me near tears. I loved the main astronaut actors of the film. The score is one of the best of the year and it fits the movie to a tee. The movie felt like it was 90 minutes which is saying something.
I am disappointed. There is a story here to be told and I thought it was told poorly. Some people may be going crazy over this movie, but I don't see it from an entire package point-of-view. The film has so many frustrating flaws that are difficult to forgive. Make no mistake this is more of a disappointment because other aspects of the movie were some of the best I've ever seen. Had the dialogue been a little better, the direction a little more tight and the story maintained better flow, this would have been a masterpiece. - DirectorSteve JamesStarsRoger EbertChaz EbertGene SiskelThe life and career of the renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert.8/10
This is a really well-made documentary. It's half a re-telling of Ebert's book of the same name, and half of Ebert's health issues. It's heartbreaking but at the same time a nice way of seeing the impact this man has made. RIP - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsRussell CroweJennifer ConnellyAnthony HopkinsNoah is chosen by God to undertake a momentous mission before an apocalyptic flood cleanses the world.9/10
I'm surprised at the negative feedback on this film. It's not perfect, but it does so many things well. Strictly as an epic, it's tremendous. It's big-scale film-making but it feels so confined and well-structured that it doesn't feel over-bloated. The graphics and effects were a nice surprise. It's more difficult to make animation come to life in a world that is this bleak and dark, but it worked. The practical effects and cinematography in this film are simply breathtaking.
Aronofsky does take a few liberties in the story, which should be no surprise, but why would anyone want a by-the-books retelling of the story we all know? You see these amateurs try to retell stories and add controversy and they end up looking ridiculous and attention-seeking. This is not the case. Everything that was added adds new elements to the story but keeps the central theme in tact. I loved some of the undertones of the film and it really spoke true to my personal beliefs. The acting was superb by the entire cast and add to it a memorable score and you have [easily] one of the best, most daring films of the year. - DirectorMichaël R. RoskamStarsTom HardyNoomi RapaceJames GandolfiniBob Saginowski finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deeply into the neighborhood's past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living--no matter the cost.7/10
A nice little thriller. Tom Hardy is outstanding in this. Great acting all-around. Voice over makes no sense but that's okay. Really entertaining and packs an emotional punch at the end. Kind of similar to Place Beyond the Pines but much, much smaller in scale. Really enjoyed this one. - DirectorRichard GlatzerWash WestmorelandStarsJulianne MooreAlec BaldwinKristen StewartA linguistics professor and her family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.7/10
One of the sadder stories of the year. It has a very "Lifetime" movie feel, but it's much more than that. Moore gives a great performance that will earn her many awards. It's never in-your-face, and I enjoyed the mellowness and realism to it. Not one I'd recommend but if you're interested in the subject matter then it's a must-see. - DirectorDan GilroyStarsJake GyllenhaalRene RussoBill PaxtonWhen Louis Bloom, a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.8/10
This was a really well-made film. Gyllenhaal gives one of his best performances. The way he delivers his dialogue was special to watch. His character is super-focused, maybe Adderall-overdosed and intelligent. Reminds me of myself. The last act was outstanding, nail-biting and had me on the edge of my seat. See this one. - DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.8/10
A complete blast from start to finish. Unlike most Marvel movies, it didn't take itself too seriously and it was obvious the director had more control over production. Great characters, action, music.. you name it, it's all great. An unforgettable ride not to be missed. - DirectorJ.C. ChandorStarsOscar IsaacJessica ChastainDavid OyelowoIn New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history.7/10
I'd describe this as The Godfather meets There Will Be Blood. I loved the score to this film. The acting was all-around excellent and it had a great story. See it. - DirectorWes AndersonStarsRalph FiennesF. Murray AbrahamMathieu AmalricA writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy in the hotel's glorious years under an exceptional concierge.7/10
A simple story told through Anderson's beautiful direction. I didn't love it nearly as much as some of his previous work (like Moonrise Kingdom), but it was good nonetheless. The story felt a little convoluted and jumbled at times, with many things happening at once and many A-list actors showing up in minor roles, but overall it is another masterfully-directed effort by Wes Anderson. - DirectorJames MarshStarsEddie RedmayneFelicity JonesTom PriorStephen Hawking gets unprecedented success in the field of physics despite being diagnosed with motor neuron disease at the age of 21. He defeats awful odds as his first wife Jane aids him loyally.7/10
A difficult film to critique. It's technically sound, outstandingly-acted and beautifully shot. Redmayne gives a truly memorable performance. There isn't too much story here, but I enjoyed the direction they took. Much of the story is told through visuals as opposed to dialogue. I also liked the score. Highly recommended. - DirectorBobby FarrellyPeter FarrellyStarsJim CarreyJeff DanielsRob Riggle20 years since their first adventure, Lloyd and Harry go on a road trip to find Harry's newly discovered daughter, who was given up for adoption.7/10
Dumb and Dumber is one of my favorite movies, and my favorite comedy. When this was announced I became excited, not because I thought this was going to live up to the original, but because I wanted to see these characters again. I'm not someone who thinks a sequel can "ruin" the original. I was pleasantly surprised. I don't understand the hate. This movie is hilarious. It's never going to be a classic like the first film, because it's a little too raunchy (sometimes distasteful) and the story is a little too forgettable. With that said, there are tons of nostalgic similarities to the original, it's funny throughout, it's dumb, and there are even a couple of surprises in store. The credits brought some sadness as well. If you're a true fan of the original and grew up with these characters like I have then give it a shot. - DirectorDoug LimanStarsTom CruiseEmily BluntBill PaxtonA soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.8/10
Source Code on a grander scale. This was a really entertaining blockbuster. Story was complicated, in a somewhat positive way. It was extremely funny, and I enjoyed the direction. The action was top-notch. No, it didn't all fit together perfectly and there were a bunch of things that made no sense, but whatever. An overall great film. - DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsChris PrattWill FerrellElizabeth BanksAn ordinary LEGO construction worker, thought to be the prophesied as "special", is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the LEGO universe into eternal stasis.8/10
This is the kind of animated film you don't see too often. The animation is wonderful, despite my initial thoughts based on the trailer. It's unique and quirky and it works. It's also hilarious, and probably the funniest animation I've ever seen. The tone is similar to CN's Adventure Time cartoon on acid (in other words: it's really fast paced). The great thing is that there is also plenty to love for the adults; from the nostalgia of Legos alone, to all of the cameos, The Lego Movie is a blast from the past. - DirectorJonathan GlazerStarsScarlett JohanssonJeremy McWilliamsLynsey Taylor MackayA mysterious young woman seduces lonely men in the evening hours in Scotland. However, events lead her to begin a process of self-discovery.7/10
A really polarizing film. Some will be bored by it while others will love every single second. I'm sort of in between. I believe a large portion of the audience will either not understand the story, or not be able to piece it all together in their first viewing. Given the slow nature of the film, those people may not care to give it a second viewing. This is unfortunate because Under the Skin is a really deep film.
Right off the bat this is an "experience" movie. Don't watch it on your phone or your laptop. The experience is unparalleled to anything you will see this year. The score of the film is one of the best I've ever heard in a movie. It's inspiring and haunting. The visuals are unique and fit the music well. It's similar to some of the imagery seen in Hannibal (the TV show). The first thirty minutes are perfect.
My biggest gripe with the film is its repetitive nature and its unwillingness to provide more information to the audience. It's a puzzle that gets more stale as the minutes run along. It gives no reason behind the actions of these characters, but rather focuses on the emotions and character development. This is where it will divide audiences; the crowd that takes in the characters and how they change throughout a story and the crowd that focuses on the story alone (plot). The latter will not enjoy this film. I felt there were a few unnecessary scenes that made the film repetitive, and scenes that needed more editing.
Overall, I would say it's mostly a brilliant movie and like nothing I've ever seen. It'll be something I will re-watch very soon, because even though I feel like I fully understood it, it's a story that may change depending on who is experiencing it. - DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsMichael KeatonZach GalifianakisEdward NortonA washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.7/10
This is a good movie that is difficult for me to fully appreciate. The score is a revelation, and absolutely enhances the experience. The acting was all-around great, particularly by Emma Stone, Keaton and Norton. My biggest gripe is with the direction. It's a nice achievement that they are able to fake the one-take structure for a film of this scale, but at the same time I couldn't fully appreciate it because, well, it's fake. There are many filmmakers that have been able to pull off films in one-take by putting in time and effort to make sure every little detail worked.
I didn't think Birdman's style particularly enhanced the experience. It was more gimmicky than anything, and I felt it held back the film's potential. It's hard to appreciate all aspects of the cinematography when every camera angle feels cheap. It may have been better to only have a couple of real long takes with genuinity and artistry (think Touch of Evil). I thought the film lacked emotion; I didn't particularly care for any of these characters on an emotional level. I did like the ending.
Even though I had many problems with Birdman, I still recommend you see it. The score, story, and acting are worth the price of admission. - DirectorEvan GoldbergSeth RogenStarsJames FrancoSeth RogenRandall ParkDave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapaport run the celebrity tabloid show "Skylark Tonight". When they land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Jong-Un Kim, they are recruited by the CIA to assassinate him.7/10
It's funny how the hacks actually got this film so much attention and many more people will watch it now. It really does disgrace North Korea, but it's for our enjoyment so it's fine. The movie is really entertaining and funny, with a surprising amount of action. Very well-made. James Franco was absolutely hilarious, see it. - DirectorJason ReitmanStarsKate WinsletJosh BrolinGattlin GriffithDepressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.8/10
It's not perfect, not even close. The characters are careless to the point that it's frustrating, and the child actors bring the film down (the acting is nowhere near as good as, for example, the acting seen in Mud). A few decisions the director made are a little suspect. With that sad, it's an extremely well-written, well-directed story that is well worth the watch. It's a emotional romance that anyone can enjoy equally. - DirectorLars von TrierStarsCharlotte GainsbourgStellan SkarsgårdStacy MartinA self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating.8/10
Directed by one of the most polarizing directors working today, you'd think that I wouldn't know what to expect. But this was exactly what I expected. I've loved every single film I've seen of Lars von Trier and this is no different. It's actually quiet surprising in many ways. The dialogue has weight to it and I like the structure. The acting is superb and this film is his funniest yet. To my surprise the ending actually has me excited to watch Volume II, where we get to finally see Charlotte Gainsbourg play a bigger role. - DirectorBennett MillerStarsSteve CarellChanning TatumMark RuffaloU.S. Olympic wrestling champions and brothers Mark Schultz and Dave Schultz join "Team Foxcatcher", led by eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont, as they train for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, but John's self-destructive behavior threatens to consume them all.6/10
A weird one to criticize. Mark Ruffalo steals the show. It's unlike any sports movie out there, and in fact I wouldn't even consider it one. Steve Carell's performance is haunting, but I credit that a tiny bit more to the character himself and great writing than his performance. It was interesting to see him in a role like this, but at times I felt he was over-acting. The wrestling isn't very exciting to watch, so it's difficult for me to recommend this movie. The film is worth experiencing for the acting and direction alone, but the story here wasn't enough for me to say that it is a must watch. - DirectorTi WestStarsJoe SwanbergAJ BowenKentucker AudleyA news team trails a man as he travels into the world of Eden Parish to find his missing sister, where it becomes apparent that this paradise may not be as it seems.7/10
This is another original horror film from Ti West. It's another slow-burn, masterfully paced story similar to The Innkeepers. There is a real sense of dread that builds up to a rather large crescendo. It's not as outstanding as The House of the Devil but it is much better than the disappointingly mediocre Innkeepers. The acting was all over the place as you may expect from a low-budget horror but the main actors, especially Father, give great performances. It shares many of the actors from You're Next, which Ti West also had a cameo in.
I loved the way the film was shot. Yes, it's found footage, but it mixes it up nicely with regular camerawork and overall it makes sense. It's found footage done RIGHT; you feel like you are there with the characters and it is totally immersive. However I did notice many times during the film where the camera work was far-fetched, as were some of the story elements. So no, it's not perfect, but it's certainly worth a watch and is a return to form for one of horror's promising storytellers. - DirectorMatt ReevesStarsGary OldmanKeri RussellAndy SerkisThe fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth.8/10
Grand yet simplistic. Beautiful yet disappointing. What I loved: the motion capture has come a long way. The atmosphere is commendable and the world they created feels real. The action is sometimes brilliant.
What disappointed me: rarely a somber note. Action, action, and more action. The story itself was predictable and too simple for how big this film was in my opinion. The ending was disappointing and, again, rather predictable. Pacing is off.
I would say it's as good as the first, both with flaws (the first being more cheesy), yet coming with high expectations into Dawn might leave you a little disappointed. What could have been intelligent, intriguing science fiction turned out to be an action-packed, predictable summer blockbuster. What disappointed me the most was the story, which I found uninteresting and unimportant. With that said, it's visually perfect, has one of the best scores of 2014 and has many great moments that make me put it up there with Rise, for different reasons. - DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsHideaki AnnoHidetoshi NishijimaMiori TakimotoJiro Horikoshi studies assiduously to fulfill his aim of becoming an aeronautical engineer. As WWII begins, fighter aircraft designed by him end up getting used by the Japanese Empire against its foes.7/10
This is truly Miyazaki's most adult film to date. It reminded me a lot of Grave of the Fireflies. It is daring storytelling for an animation and while it's bittersweet (being his last film), it's also a testament to his craft. It combines war, romance and culture in a very deep and emotional way. The main character is very likable and intelligent and inspiring, but he's also creating a man-killing weapon. It's an interesting dynamic. The art and score were beautiful. They used, what sounded like, human mouths to make the sounds of the planes and I thought that was an interesting touch. In the end, it doesn't feel like a Miyazaki film, but maybe that was the point. It felt like his passion project more than anything, and while it may disappoint some in terms of its lack of imagination we've come to expect, and the fact that this is his last directed-film, I feel it is a fitting end to a respectable career. - DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesMichael NyqvistAlfie AllenAn ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters who killed his dog and stole his car.7/10
All style and.. a nice bit of substance. The acting is stoic as one might expect. The story is simple. What shines here is the direction. The action is breathtakingly brutal and well-directed. No constant cut, shaky cam BS. It's repetitive, which makes the film feel longer than its run time, but overall this is an action film done right. - DirectorBobcat GoldthwaitStarsAlexie GilmoreBryce JohnsonLaura MontagnaA man and his girlfriend camp in the woods to capture firsthand evidence of Bigfoot.7/10
Blair Witch Project meets Troll Hunter. This is an extremely well-made film and should please any aspiring filmmakers as it looks like this was made on an non-existent budget. The acting is realistic and the frequent long-takes are a thing to behold. The tension is similar to the first Paranormal Activity but combined with minutes upon minutes of footage without a single cut. It's not original in terms of it being in the found footage genre (we saw The Sacrament change the formula up a bit), and it's pretty much 1:1 in the style of Blair Witch Project, but it's found footage done right. An all around commendable effort.
PS: Where can I get one of those camcorders? Longest. Battery. Life. Ever. - DirectorDon HallChris WilliamsStarsRyan PotterScott AdsitJamie ChungA special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who together team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.6/10
I didn't like this one as much as I thought I would. I felt it was poorly directed and filled with cliches. It wants to have those sad moments that seem to be in every single animation nowadays but also cops-out in its ending. The story could have been more refined. I loved the animation. It's one of the most beautiful animated films I've ever seen and at times it was hard to distinguish it as an animation and not live action. The characters are mostly forgettable, but Baymax and Hiro are great characters as was the villain. It's a good movie, but it doesn't reach the heights of Tangled or Frozen. - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsBradley CooperSienna MillerKyle GallnerNavy S.E.A.L. sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home with his family after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.6/10
A more action-heavy Hurt Locker, but nowhere near as masterful or intense. It strictly stays as an American war blockbuster film and never goes into the politics of it all (had it done that, the film would fail). With that said, it still feels like a propaganda piece. The film is beautifully shot and edited. These movies are very difficult to pull off without shaky cam or constant cuts, but they pulled it off here. The themes were in-your-face and left no room for ambiguity, which hurt the emotional side of the film. The "enemies" were as one-dimensional as a military shooter video game. If you watch your war films strictly for the action and nothing else, you'll enjoy American Sniper. - DirectorTim BurtonStarsAmy AdamsChristoph WaltzDanny HustonA drama about the awakening of painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s.7/10
There's something "off" about this movie. I thought Amy Adams completely saved it from being mediocre. The direction felt safe; a hint of classic Tim Burton but completely safe and ordinary. The constant cuts in the film never gave these performances any life. Christoph Waltz shows that he really is a one-hit wonder. All of his performances are extremely similar, this due to his really distinctive voice and facial expressions. I thought he was completely miscast. Some of the character interactions were just plain weird and unrealistic. It can be too melodramatic considering the subject.
What this film has going for it is a beautiful performance from Amy Adams, an interesting story, beautiful cinematography and high entertainment value. I'm recommending it, but it's far from perfect. - DirectorAdam WingardStarsDan StevensSheila KelleyMaika MonroeA soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.7/10
I can appreciate this film for what it is. It's a stylish little thriller, has a unique main character and it will entertain you. I would say it's not as good as Wingard's previous effort, You're Next, which I loved. This film's style was too similar to Drive and it took me out of the experience. The music was great, as was the acting, which is commendable considering the small budget. It's worth watching but nothing special. - DirectorSean AndersStarsJason BatemanJason SudeikisCharlie DayDale, Kurt and Nick decide to start their own business but things don't go as planned because of a slick investor, prompting the trio to pull off a harebrained and misguided kidnapping scheme.7/10
This is how you make a comedy sequel. They actually had a new story to tell. I don't remember much of the first movie, so I can't say if it's better or worse. A lot of good jokes but rarely ones that will make you laugh-out-loud. Just an overall great time, packed with jokes that will make you smile. Surprisingly underrated. - DirectorLeigh JaniakStarsRose LeslieHarry TreadawayBen HuberA newlywed couple finds their lake-country honeymoon descend into chaos after Paul finds Bea wandering and disoriented in the middle of the night.7/10
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It's not really original, but it's well-made and enjoyable. It has nice pacing and a great acting. Recommended. - DirectorEmilis VelyvisStarsVinnie JonesScot WilliamsGil DarnellThree friends try to make money and invite another friend in on a plot.7/10
A really enjoyable Guy Richie knock-off film. Funny, action is good, story is entertaining, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Surprisingly good. - DirectorJaume Collet-SerraStarsLiam NeesonJulianne MooreScoot McNairyAn air marshal springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages demanding $150 million into an off-shore account, or someone will die every 20 minutes.7/10
Bad-ass movie similar to last year's The Call. Occasionally cheesy, highly entertaining, and thrilling. A lot better than the Taken movies. Great direction, hit-or-miss ending. It's Liam Neeson on a plane kicking major butt, if that doesn't sound awesome to you then this film isn't for you. Pretty much Flight Plan with Neeson instead of Jodie Foster. I still prefer Flight Plan but this was a good movie. - DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsChanning TatumJonah HillIce CubeAfter making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college.6/10
No complaints. It's enjoyable, action is good, and it's pretty funny. Nothing extraordinary, just good. I remember enjoying the first one a little more, but it's close. - DirectorAlastair FothergillKeith ScholeyAdam ChapmanStarsJohn C. ReillyA documentary that follows an Alaskan bear family as its young cubs are taught life's most important lessons.6/10
This was a bit of a letdown. Although at times it's quite lovely and moves at a brisk pace, there just wasn't enough story here to warrant a film. You don't really learn much of anything, but rather just see these three bears go about their year. This is fine, I suppose. My biggest gripes however was the obvious fake cuts in the film that try to make it more interesting than it actually is (for example the obviously fake avalanche), and the fact that the film assumes we care more about these bears than the fish. There are many gruesome shots of bears ripping fish apart. Why should I care about if these bear cubs die, but not the fish? It's nature, just like how we see dozens of fish being ripped apart, bear cubs also die. That is, in my opinion, the biggest flaw of the film. In the end, though, if you want to see a Disney-style story told through real bears, filled with beautiful imagery, see it. - DirectorGreg McLeanStarsJohn JarrattRyan CorrShannon AshlynThe outback once more becomes a place of horror as another unwitting tourist becomes the prey for crazed, serial-killing pig-hunter Mick Taylor.6/10
Extremely well-made horror film. My favorite genre is horror and my favorite sub-genre is on the road horror films and this was right up my alley. Memorable characters and scenes, great gore and just a highly entertaining movie. The chase scenes were filmed perfectly. Some of the story elements could have been better, and the ending is a little underwhelming, but it gets my recommendation for any fan of horror. - DirectorMarc WebbStarsAndrew GarfieldEmma StoneJamie FoxxWhen New York is put under siege by Oscorp, it is up to Spider-Man to save the city he swore to protect as well as his loved ones.6/10
Where the first movie succeeded in the romance/relationship side, but failed on the action, this sequel has great action but rather terrible dialogue and romance. I feel this was a too big a story for the director. The first film had better structure and better romance between Peter and Gwen, and you could tell the director had just come off of directing 500 Days of Summer. The sequel is just action after action after action. The pacing is off. It's cliche. I would have had two villains instead of three, but overall they managed to make the story work. The action itself is too CGI-ish, unlike the original trilogy, where you still felt there was a man in the suit.
With that said, the action is great, it's well-acted for the most part, and it's still Spider-Man. Andrew Garfield is great as Spidey and overall I would recommend anyone watch it. It's entertaining and, while there are many times my eyes were rolling at the nonsense on screen, I guess you could say it's one of the more "comic book" feeling films in quiet a while. - DirectorJosé PadilhaStarsJoel KinnamanGary OldmanMichael KeatonIn 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy, a loving husband, father and good cop, is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer.7/10
RoboCop was a big part of my childhood, so needless to say I knew this wasn't going to top the original for nostalgic reasons alone. To my surprise, it offered many new elements and ideas that to me it's far superior to your every day Hollywood cash-grab remake. I really loved the direction the director took, and overall it felt fresh for a remake. I loved how Detroit was prominent in this movie and it didn't feel half-assed. The action was well-done without shaky cam BS. The acting was alright, with some actors miscast in my opinion. The story was one of the highlights and the structure made the run time fly by. This is a sometimes cheesy (like the original), highly entertaining film for fans and newcomers alike. If you decide you want to remake a great film, then at least add to your ideas to make it feel fresh again. There were so many ways they could have screwed up this remake, but shockingly, the filmmakers actually got it right this time. - DirectorJeremy SaulnierStarsMacon BlairDevin RatrayAmy HargreavesA mysterious outsider's quiet life is turned upside down when he returns to his childhood home to carry out an act of vengeance. Proving himself an amateur assassin, he winds up in a brutal fight to protect his estranged family.6/10
This is a film that steadily declines in quality as it goes on. It starts out as this mysterious, well-shot film that felt like it came straight out of the Coen brother's filmography. Once the plot thickens and these characters start communicating, it starts to lose a little something. The acting was alright, nothing exceptional and on par with what one would expect from an indie film. There are many moments that should have been edited out. It was as though the filmmakers had to get 90 mins of run time in, which overall hurt the flow. It's a nice effort and worthy of a watch but don't get your hopes up based on the first 30 minutes. - DirectorEugenio MiraStarsElijah WoodJohn CusackKerry BishéA pianist with stage fright endures a performance under the eyes of a mysterious sniper, who will shoot and kill him if a wrong note is played.6/10
This one feels like it came right out of the early 2000s. Think Phone Booth with a lesser budget. It can be cheesy, but it's also thrilling. It's highly entertaining but has a lot of disappointments also. For one, the film is actually 78 minutes with 12 minutes of credits. Short, but it works for a rental. Second, they shouldn't have revealed the villain beforehand (I suggest you not search the cast or watch the opening credits). Finally the dialogue needed a rewrite. But if you want to watch someone being held up while performing in a concert, well this is your movie. Good direction and music, solid performances. Good movie. - DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansSamuel L. JacksonScarlett JohanssonAs Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, he teams up with a fellow Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D agent, Black Widow, to battle a new threat from history: an assassin known as the Winter Soldier.5/10
A bunch of well-directed action scenes spread around a bloated, convoluted and uninteresting story. The story is repetitive (characters die, come back to life, too many close calls that will make you roll your eyes) and predictable. I'm not really sure what people see in this one. It was alright. The villain is interesting until you find out who he is. A lot of unnecessary exposition of the first film. Not a fan of this one. Better than Thor 2 and Capt. America 1, though, but overall not very interesting. - DirectorKevin SmithStarsJustin LongMichael ParksHaley Joel OsmentA brash and arrogant podcaster gets more than he bargained for when he travels to Canada to interview a mysterious recluse... who has a rather disturbing fondness for walruses.5/10
Direction is all over the place. What could have been an entertaining little horror-thriller ended up being generic, boring torture porn with a memorable premise. Has a surprising cameo in there, acting wasn't bad. - DirectorKevin FinnJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeJeremy SuarezSarah GlendeningThe AVGN must overcome his phobia of the worst video game in the world to save his fans.6/10
I'm being a little generous with this one. I loved the beginning and end, but the middle just dragged on and on. I couldn't wait for it to end to be honest. The jokes get less funny as it goes on, as does the overall quality of the film. I enjoyed the story, but I wish it was a little less epic, especially considering the low budget and the lack of experience from the directors. I would've enjoyed a much simpler story. Coming from an AVGN fan, it was alright. - DirectorOlly BlackburnStarsHaley BennettAshley GreeneLucas TillWhen a college girl who is alone on campus over the Thanksgiving break is targeted by a group of outcasts, she must conquer her deepest fears to outwit them and fight back.3/10
Pretty mediocre.. sound effects get old after a while. Story is basically You're Next without the humor, cut to less than 70 mins and 10x more generic. Skip it.