Janet W., Here…

What an interesting year in film.  There were some really good films and REALLY bad ones.  Some are bad because of my disappointment in the execution of potential brilliance.  Others are good because they brought an amazing story in a skillful manner that is worthy of memory.  I can only speak to the films that I was either blessed or, in some cases, cursed to screen, 23 in all (plus one cool dance performance).  Feedback is encouraged whether you agree, disagree, think I’m nuts (I am a little crazy), or if you think a film I reviewed should have been included.  Here are my Top 10 Best Films and Top 5 Worst Films of 2014….

Top 10 Best Films of 2014

1. Nightcrawler (5):  Talk about an amazing adrenaline rush.  Twisted tale and skillfully shot glimpse into the world of guerilla photojournalism.

2. Words and Pictures (5):  One of my first reviews of the year and this story still sticks with me.  Witty and full of angst.  Literary and visual challenge in both story and structure.

3. Interstellar (5):  Blew my mind with the possibility that mankind could be the voice from the other end of the universe.  Total mindbender.

4. The Fault in Our Stars (5):  Sometimes you need to believe in a pure love.  This film takes you into deepest love.  I had a migraine the next day from crying, but sometimes you just need a good cry.

5. The Hundred Foot Journey (4.5): Two awesome foodie movies in one year.  Great coming of age tale.  Mirren rocks it and Dayal is thankfully brought to light.  Reminder to never shy away from something different.

6. Foxcatcher (4.5):  A creepy, true crime story that brought the best in Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, and Mark Ruffalo.  Proof that absolute power definitely corrupts absolutely and I’d add drives people to insanity.

7. The Theory of Everything (4.5):  Such a wondrous life.  A vision of perseverance and determination.  Amazing performance by Eddie Redmayne.

8. Chef (4):  Delightful almost family movie (language big hindrance).  Foodies must see.  Rolling in laughter as they rolled across the country.

9. The Gambler (4.5):  Remake?  Forget that.  This is a whole other animal.  A frustrating, thrill ride that keeps the hair on the back of your neck on end practically the whole time.

10. Hercules (4.5):  It’s rare that a mythological god film would show the value of teamwork.  Great 3D effects, finally a film that really uses them.

 Worst 5 Films of 2014

1. Exodus:  Gods and Kings (2.5):  It astounds me how such a wonderfully shot film could have been so bad.  I had such high hopes.  Apparently, Hollywood still feels the need to ruin a true biblical story by replacing the power of God with anything as long as His power is explained away.  This film could have soared to the top of my Top 10 without a doubt had they not altered the truth.  Such lost potential.

2. Are You Here (1): From beginning to end, this film was all together bad.  I hadn’t wanted to leave the theater before the movie ended in such a long time. 

3. And So It Goes (2):  Probably the worst on-screen pairing I’ve seen in a long time.  Every problem was solved with too much ease.  A monotone film.

4. Before I Go To Sleep (1.5):  Tried to piggyback off Sleeping with the Enemy unsuccessfully.  Emotionally exhausting and highly predictable film without a payoff.

5. Stonehearst Asylum (2.5):  Not a thriller.  The plot was aimless or if there was a point then plot structure didn’t lead you there.