My Top Ten Movies of 2014

March 5, 2015 

By: Joe Aubrey 

Award season is over, the red carpet has been rolled up, yet Spring Break is before us and you just might want to check out some of these films during your recess from papers and projects and exams.

1. Birdman: Veteran actor Michael Keaton makes a major comeback in what is possibly his greatest performance since "Beetlejuice." Playing a cynical actor seeking to return to the spotlight by making a Broadway play, Keaton never looked better as an actor. Acclaimed director Alejandro González Iñárritu ("Babel", "Biutiful", "21 Grams") escalates the craft of directing buy leading the audience through a film that almost looks as if it’s all composed into one long camera shot. One thing is definitely for certain; the terrific screenwriting, excellent acting and intricate directing will have many theater goers coming back for more.

2. The Lego Movie: This movie can be summed up in three words; 'Everything Is Awesome!' In a time where movie adaptations of classic children’s toys keep getting worse and worse every year, "The Lego Movie" practically took the world by storm when it was released. Loaded with authentic looking visuals, brilliant voice acting and a hilarious, yet poignant script, it’s a colossal shock that the Academy Awards completely snubbed this feature for Best Animated Movie this year. Thanks to this movie, the legacy of this famous toy line will truly prosper on for many generations to come.

3. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: After “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” brought a new, fascinating side to the classic “Apes” franchise, director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In) successfully follows in its footsteps with a sequel that practically outdoes the first movie. This satisfying reboot features state of the art, Oscar worthy visuals, brilliant acting, fantastic writing and even a set for another exciting installment. By the end of the movie, many audience members will immediately feel eager for the next film.

4. The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson, one of the most original directors in the film industry, is known to hardly disappoint his audience. This latest original concept involves the incredible Ralph Fiennes as a pretentious and lucrative hotel concierge suspected of murdering his elderly girlfriend in an effort of profiting off of her. In desperation to prove his innocence, Anderson’s hilarious script guides the man through prison, a deranged henchman, a loyal lobby boy and a final showdown that will keep the audience only asking for more.

5. Noah: After a decade of creating mesmerizing films like “Requiem for a Dream”, “Black Swan” and “The Fountain”, director Darren Aronofsky finally brings the famous biblical epic to the big screen in a way no one has seen before. This sprawling adaption projects Aronofsky’s ability to make very offbeat CGI movies. Filled with state of the art special effects and a comeback performance for actor Russell Crowe, this exciting, yet controversial film makes you eager to see what Aronofsky has in store for his next motion picture.

6. How to Train Your Dragon 2: At first, a sequel to one of the greatest DreamWorks movies in years might seem like a cheap cash-in on the first films success. However, after years of hit-or-misses, DreamWorks makes a major hit with this latest installment. Thanks to an enduring storyline, exciting visuals and fine voice acting, the popularity and charm of the characters Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless remain as daring and stable today as they first did back in 2010.

7. Guardians of the Galaxy: Who knew that taking a relatively unknown comic series and turning it into a major movie would result in being one of the most original super hero movies in years. James Gunn, director and writer of popular horror movies like Slither and the Dawn of the Dead remake, cements his status as one of the most prominent new directors to make fun CGI heavy movies. Loaded with humor and hilarious performances from actors Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper and many more, “Guardians” truly delivers the goods for one of the best summer movies of 2014.

8. X-Men: Days of Future Past: After three years since the last installment “X-Men: First Class”, acclaimed director Bryan Singer returns to direct this far superior sequel. With the help of a great star-studded cast, alluring visuals and diligent storytelling, Marvel once again proves their ability to create top notch comic book film adaptations.

9. Veronica Mars: Conceived with the assistance of fans and the fundraising website Kickstarter, the critically acclaimed TV series finally makes it to the big screen. Actress Kristen Bell carries her character flawlessly and director/screenwriter Rob Thomas crafts a terrific whodunit mystery. If a classic show like “Veronica Mars” can be rebooted for theaters, imagine what other great TV series can make a cinematic comeback.

10. Godzilla: After 16 years since Roland Emmerich’s insipid 1998 remake, the titular monster makes a roaring comeback thanks to relatively new director Gareth Edwards. Although the mighty creature ironically receives only a little screen time, Edward’s reboot brings new hope that remakes today can be fun and eye catching. With the assistance of amazing visual effects, an ambient soundtrack, perfect directing and even a sympathetic performance from the great Bryan Cranston, the enormous prehistoric lizard roars louder once again and has never looked better.

Contributor's Note: Joe Aubrey enjoys watching movies on Netflix.