View Full Version : Plan B's Year in Review (2014)
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014)
1.5
Director: Christopher Landon
Starring: Andrew Jacobs, Jorge Diaz, Gabrielle Walsh
http://cdn.bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2-paranormal-activity-the-marked-ones.jpg
Yep. The fourth entry. While I'll admit that the Paranormal Activity series does have an interesting premise that goes beyond a simple haunted house story, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones is rather dull. There's some scares here and there, and the tension does tend to go high, but in total for about a minute in length - for a film that lasts nearly an hour-and-a-half. The trailer has the most "terrifying" parts of the movie in it. And apart from the ending - which, for better or worse, has peaked my interest just enough for me to get excited about the fifth film - there's really no reason to see this unless you're a devoted horror buff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBe2DVdOMVM
Boyhood (2014)
4.5
Director: Richard Linklater
Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater
http://static.tumblr.com/oc7w7az/sH3n4k95c/image2resize.jpg
Never have I had a more personal connection, on any level, to a film than with Boyhood. It's such an ambitious achievement. Flawed, sure, but it's one hell of a movie. I am curious to see what Richard Linklater has up his sleeves next. Dazed and Confused and the Before trilogy are some of my favorite films, and Boyhood ranks up there. If Boyhood takes home the Oscar for Best Motion Picture of the Year - even if it's not the best film to come out of 2014 in my opinion - then that would be fine by me. There are some acting issues though with the minor characters, most notably in one scene involving some teenagers hanging out in an empty house - so much so that it gets laughably bad - but it's overshadowed with the stellar performances from Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater, and especially Ethan Hawke. Oh, and did I mention that this was filmed over the course of 12 years using the same actors? Well, there's that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNC3NYWh1vI
Non-Stop (2014)
3
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nODrjQUR5YU/maxresdefault.jpg
I had high hopes for Non-Stop. Taken was fantastic, mainly due to Liam Neeson. Don't even get me started on its tragic sequel. Anyways, when Liam Neeson kicks ass and takes names, it's usually going to be good for that reason and for that reason alone. Non-Stop starts out relatively interesting. About 20 minutes into the movie and you're hooked. There's a twist of sorts in one area of the movie involving a bathroom. Then, from that point on, Non-Stop just goes downhill, but it makes it to the bottom safely. It's not great, but it's not bad; it's simply good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiHDJ19A3dk
The Lego Movie (2014)
4.5
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Starring: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fZ_JOBCLF-I/maxresdefault.jpg
Featuring a ridiculously large and talented voice cast, The Lego Movie was an anticipation of mine from the moment I saw the trailer. With catchy songs and brilliant animation, I probably laughed at least a dozen times in every minute of this movie. Plus the ending is just so thought-provoking and ultimately very powerful. And of course, the best part of this movie is probably Batman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj4GeCk5SBk
Mr. Peabody and Sherman (2014)
3.5
Director: Rob Minkoff
Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert
http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/film_review_mr_peabody___sherman-1.jpg
An overlooked film, more or less, from 2014, Mr. Peabody and Sherman is pure fun. From the beginning to the end, it's exciting, hilarious, and simply enjoyable. The film reminds me of the adventures of Brian and Stewie in Family Guy, with some Despicable Me and Megamind added in. Make no mistake, the film has its flaws, but they are usually overshadowed with its clever writing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMl2tTVwsZA
300: Rise of an Empire (2014)
2
Director: Noam Murro
Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey
http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--wnIPm89p--/ui0tbb87kt1sasqocsah.jpg
I'm a fan of Zack Snyder. But he didn't direct 300: Rise of an Empire, and it shows. The film plays more like a video game, and there's really nothing too grand about this except Eva Green's performance. At times a showcase for style over substance, but usually nothing more than an unworthy sequel that rehashes other films. If there is one thing I liked about this besides Green, it would have to be the musical score.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MFNcpw_lbE
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
4
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric
http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/files/2014/03/The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-Still.jpg
Wes Anderson is brilliant. Just brilliant. I haven't seen many of his films, but after watching Moonrise Kingdom and this gem, I dig his style. And Robert D. Yeoman is something of a visionary. The Grand Budapest Hotel stars many well-known actors including Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Lea Seydoux, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson, and Tony Revolori in his first major role. Fiennes is amazing, and deserved an Oscar nomination for his performance. This movie is ridiculously funny and features stellar dialogue. For instance, when Fiennes visits the funeral service of a dead lover - not a spoiler - he says, "You're looking so well, darling, you really are... they've done a marvelous job. I don't know what sort of cream they've put on you down at the morgue, but... I want some." And then there is, "She was dynamite in the sack, by the way," to which Zero replies, "... She was 84, Monsieur Gustave," and Gustave responds, "Mmm, I've had older." Love it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DmXdU8Nglk
Neighbors (2014)
3.5
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MWw4q3e6fmQ/maxresdefault.jpg
Neighbors. I was looking forward to this, mostly because it stars the always funny Seth Rogen, and I have a thing for Zac Efron. So yeah. While they both shined, Neighbors still wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. Zac Efron's performance is somewhat off-putting throughout - but like I said, he still manages to shine - and Seth Rogen does wonders. When all is said and done, Neighbors is a pretty good movie. The humor is usually hit-or-miss most of the time. Most of the time, that is - it certainly has its moments, which makes it worth watching, maybe even more than once.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL5c2szf3E4
Noah (2014)
3
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/scottmendelson/files/2014/03/25146848.jpeg
Wasn't totally sure what to expect going into Noah. I like Darren Aronofsky's movies, especially The Wrestler. But Noah isn't a movie you would really expect to see Aronofsky making. Regardless, I thought it worked. It may have been a little bit too ambitious for its own good. Russell Crowe, of course, steals the show. I thought his actions while on the ark were sort of questionable - not in a character sense, but more on the part of the writers of the film. I'm not a very religious person so Noah didn't "offend" me or anything. Good movie with strong visuals that takes the Biblical epic and adds a few touches of its own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qmj5mhDwJQ
Need for Speed (2014)
2
Director: Scott Waugh
Starring: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots
http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/need-for-speed-2.jpg
Aaron Paul and the stunts were the only good things about this movie. Michael Keaton's dialogue was a slight reminder that what I was watching should be taken with a grain of salt. It's not really that entertaining of a movie, for something full of car chases, explosions, and races. While it's certainly not the worst movie ever made, or the worst film of 2014, Need for Speed just didn't do it for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e73J71RZRn8
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
4.5
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson
http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-scarlett-johansson-chris-evans.jpg
While I did enjoy Captain America: The First Avenger, it certainly wasn't the best Marvel film, or even a great one. It was just a good, okay, decent movie. But its sequel is a different story. Captain America: The Winter Soldier adds in a thought-provoking mixture of political commentary and an Enemy of the State-style message. Plus it's just far more entertaining and surprising than its predecessor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SlILk2WMTI
God's Not Dead (2014)
2
Director: Harold Cronk
Starring: Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A. R. White
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bMjo5f9eiX8/maxresdefault.jpg
Terribly written, poorly acted, and incredibly biased - at times even offensive at how it portrays anyone who isn't a Caucasian American Christian male - God's Not Dead may be the worst film to come out of the recent crop of religious movies. Rather than prove a point, it actually damages Christianity with its argument. Characters not from America are shown to be uninformed, ignorant, and downright clueless, females are constantly portrayed as losing the battle they are fighting for and playing the underdog at a ridiculously low level, and atheists are realized as lost, selfish, and evil beings. God's Not Dead's "message" is Duck Dynasty, marketing for cell phones, and a two-hour advertisement for lawyers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDxuWYEunU
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
3
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx
http://spidermannews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DF-54477_r1.jpg
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 represents a small step back for the series. The first film, starring Andrew Garfield, was great. It felt like you were literally watching a comic book, the way it all unfolded onscreen. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 reminds me of X-Men: The Last Stand. Too many new characters and a lack of development as a result - especially with Osborne - and more style over substance - minus the ending - really puts a dent in Marvel's line of superior adaptations. But is The Amazing Spider-Man 2 bad? No, not at all. It's a good movie that still manages to surprise more often than not. You should definitely see it if you haven't already. Andrew Garfield and Jamie Foxx are two actors I'd like to see working together in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VkzArhVhIA
Godzilla (2014)
3.5
Director: Gareth Edwards
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vIu85WQTPRc/maxresdefault.jpg
This is the movie Godzilla deserves. Not some Roland Emmerich movie starring Matthew Broderick - though preferably not one with Aaron Taylor-Johnson or Elizabeth Olsen in it either, but Bryan Cranston is good enough - but one with emotion, interesting characters, an intriguing story, mind-blowing visuals, a haunting musical score, and a finale that'll rock the socks off of any fanboy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIu85WQTPRc
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
4
Director: Josh Boone
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff
http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/tfios2.jpg
Forget The Notebook and Dear John. If you want a real love story, one with depth, courage to face a difficult subject matter head on, relatable characters, some fine acting - especially on the part of Shailene Woodley - and a film that will make your heart ache for the better, then ditch the Sparks adaptations or the next fantasy-romance movie, and watch The Fault in Our Stars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ItBvH5J6ss
Foxcatcher (2014)
4
Director: Bennett Miller
Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo
http://virginiafilmfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FoxcatcherFINAL2.jpg
Wow. Foxcatcher is something else. It's so hard to describe. Steve Carell's incredible performance as John du Pont, Channing Tatum's transformation from overlooked athlete to self-loather, and Mark Ruffalo's status as both a father figure and loving brother. For starters. Bennett Miller is a genius. He knows what he's doing, and there isn't a moment wasted in Foxcatcher. The only problem I had with the movie was it felt emotionally distant at times but Foxcatcher, to me, is more of a timeless story showcasing human ambition, strength, and weakness, rather than a dramatic masterpiece.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8361stZ8n0w
cricket
01-17-15, 11:23 AM
The only one of those I've seen so far is The Lego Movie for the animation list. It wasn't a match for my taste, but it's a very likable movie.
The ones there I'm really looking forward to seeing are Foxcatcher and Winter Soldier, although I want to see The First Avenger first.
I'll also watch Noah, Godzilla, Grand Budapest Hotel, The Amazing Spiderman 2, Neighbors, and Non-Stop, but my expectations are limited for those.
The only one of those I've seen so far is The Lego Movie for the animation list. It wasn't a match for my taste, but it's a very likable movie.
The ones there I'm really looking forward to seeing are Foxcatcher and Winter Soldier, although I want to see The First Avenger first.
I'll also watch Noah, Godzilla, Grand Budapest Hotel, The Amazing Spiderman 2, Neighbors, and Non-Stop, but my expectations are limited for those.
Definitely see the first Captain America before the second.
22 Jump Street (2014)
4
Director: Bennett Miller
Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube
http://cdn2.hellogiggles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/24/22-Jump-Street-2.jpg
22 Jump Street is a seamless continuation of the misadventures of Schmidt and Jenko. Violent, hilarious, and bold, this sequel not only solidifies the potential for television-to-film adaptations, but it also proves that one can take things up a notch when it comes to its source material, spawning a film series that is totally unrecognizable from the original work, yet somehow improving it at the same time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9S_dYuq0vE
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
4.5
Director: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
http://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy.jpg
Marvel's best film to date. Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper, Guardians of the Galaxy is purely a popcorn flick - but it's a good one and not another Transformers sequel. You know in the first 10 minutes that this is going to be a good one, which it is. I hope Marvel - or rather Disney - continue to release quality films such as these and doesn't fall back to all-time lows like Fantastic Four.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crIaEzXgqto
A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
3
Director: Scott Frank
Starring: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, David Harbour
http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/a-walk-among-the-tombstones-liam-neeson1.jpg
Like I said, a movie where Liam Neeson kicks ass and takes names is usually worth watching alone. And while the first minute or so of A Walk Among the Tombstones might remind you of the action-packed Taken or something similar starring Neeson that involves explosions, chases, and bullets blaring, this film couldn't be any more farther than that. A Walk Among the Tombstones is a thought-provoking, surprisingly philosophical, and at times emotionally powerful film, especially in one scene where Neeson's character realizes the existentialism of his life following a shootout in the streets. It's not the best movie in the world, but this is worth watching, and to be honest it's ultimately unlike anything I've seen him in. Just don't expect it to put you on the edge of your seat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTKBowDjMQg
Gone Girl (2014)
4
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
https://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/gone-girl-df-01826cc_rgb.jpg
David Fincher is one of my favorite filmmakers working today. He has brought us Se7en, Fight Club, Panic Room, Zodiac, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Social Network, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. And now, his most recent film, Gone Girl, is just as brilliant - of course, it doesn't reach the heights of The Social Network. Starring en Affleck and Rosamund Pike - who deserves her nomination here - this film chronicles the search of a man's missing wife and the frenzy that occurs when it's suspected that he may not be as innocent as it seems. Great cinematography as always, solid acting, and an unnerving but fantastic musical score.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym3LB0lOJ0o
Dracula Untold (2014)
2
Director: Gary Shore
Starring: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gadon
http://imageserver.moviepilot.com/dracula-untold-review-brings-life-to-vampire-genre-luke-evans-as-vlad-aka-dracula.jpeg?width=1920&height=1200
Formulaic in every aspect, Dracula Untold is cliched, lazy, and lacking in depth. For what it does in the storytelling department, it takes away from other - and better - movies. The acting's honestly not the worst, but it also wasn't the best. But what's really at the rotten core of Dracula Untold? It practically has nothing to do with the true origins of the character of Dracula as found in Bram Stoker's work, and is instead comic book artistry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2aWqecTTuE
Fury (2014)
4
Director: David Ayer
Starring: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman
http://media3.onsugar.com/files/2014/10/16/945/n/1922283/7036ad9a4ffcec7a_FURY-PK-05__DF-05676_.xxxlarge_2x.jpg
To be totally honest, I wasn't expecting much going into this movie. Director David Ayer had just delivered audiences Sabotage, a film panned by critics and moviegoers. But having seen End of Watch, and liking it - though it certainly had its flaws - I was still optimistic. Let me start out by saying that Fury also has its number of flaws, which usually stick out like a sore thumb, chief among them the lack in character development apart from Brad Pitt's and Logan Lerman's characters. Performance-wise, Shia LaBeouf, Michael Pena, and Jon Bernthal rarely surprise, with all the fine acting delivered through Brad Pitt and especially Lerman. The writing also wasn't the best, but what does it for me is the haunting, frenzied, and engaging finale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OGvZoIrXpg
Big Hero 6 (2014)
4.5
Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams
Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/dorothypomerantz/files/2014/11/big-hero-six-e1415145924663.jpg
Adapted from the Marvel heroes by the same name, Big Hero 6 tells the story of Baymax and Hiro Hamada, who make up two in a six-member superhero team. It's undeniably funny, action-packed, and visually exciting. It's one of the best films to come out of Disney in 2014. It kind of resembles The Iron Giant without the politics. You should totally check out Big Hero 6 if you haven't already.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IdMPpKMdcc
St. Vincent
3.5
Director: Theodore Melfi
Starring: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts
http://assets.stvincentfilm.com/img/fpo-photo3.jpg
I like to see St. Vincent as a sort of comeback for Bill Murray, even though that's not really the case. I see it this way because, for one reason or another, it feels like Murray in classic form. Playing the bizarre, eccentric, mean, and careless characters he's been known to play. This isn't Murray from Moonrise Kingdom or The Grand Budapest Hotel. It's Bill Murray in a leading role, which is something we really don't see far too often. Anyways, St. Vincent is thoughtful, emotional, and at times extremely funny. Naomi Watts deserved some nominations this awards season for her role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dP5lJnJHXg
Interstellar
4
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
https://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/interstellar.jpg
I know people who absolutely love this movie and consider it one of the greatest films ever made. I did thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, enjoy this entertaining, thought-provoking, ambitious film from the genius Christopher Nolan. Interstellar, for me, was more than just a sci-fi adventure. I found it to be a character-driven drama, specifically chronicling Matthew McConaughey's personal obstacles. It's not my favorite Nolan film - The Dark Knight is my favorite - but it's certainly breathtaking in some aspects, and the references to 2001: A Space Odyssey are spot on, especially how Nolan is able to incorporate them into the story without "stealing" anything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vxOhd4qlnA
cricket
01-19-15, 11:40 PM
I want to see Fury; I didn't care much for End of Watch, but just finished Sabotage and liked it a lot.
I also want to see Walk Among the Tombstones and especially Gone Girl.
American Sniper
4
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner
http://media.breitbart.com/media/2015/01/bradley-cooper-american-sniper.jpg
Coming from someone who has read American Sniper, the movie left out a lot of questionable things Kyle said, especially regarding Jesse Ventura. Kyle lied about an incident that supposedly took place with Ventura, in which Kyle claimed Ventura said the Navy SEALs "deserve to lose a few." When Ventura sued, it was pretty much confirmed that the entire thing never happened, and he said some other ridiculous things, like when he described shooting two guys at a gas station when there is no evidence - and actually indications that it never happened - to support this. And he made up a fantastical story about being hired by Blackwater to snipe armed looters at the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina. Eastwood said he doesn't even believe his claims. Kyle also never came into contact with the Olympic sniper in Iraq known only as "Mustafa" or the Butcher of Fallujah, who was captured a month after he left the Navy. That was added in for dramatic effect. And I didn't support the Iraq War, but there's no doubt in my mind that Chris Kyle was a hero for what he did there by protecting the troops he was with. Because of him, men went home alive. He felt he had a calling and he went overseas, and he without a doubt loved America and everything about it which honestly makes him an undisputed patriot and inspiration to many. Bradley Cooper was fantastic in this movie. Clint Eastwood's directing was solid as well. All in all, great movie that focused more on Kyle's service and some aspects of his personal life, and even though it didn't address the things I wished it had in some parts, American Sniper was great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bP1f_1o-zo
Into the Woods
3
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden
http://kpbs.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/news/tease/2014/12/22/into-the-woods.jpg
Into the Woods isn't the best movie in the world, but it's not the worst either. Meryl Streep is brilliant as always, but linking the highlights of this film merely to her performance would be blasphemy. Emily Blunt, James Corden, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, and Daniel Huttlestone give excellent performances as well. Didn't care much for Anna Kendrick. While the film is usually a hit or miss in most parts for me, the acting is what really drives this movie. That and the musical score, production design, and costume design.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Byk9Is3TjY
The Interview
3
Director: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Randall Park
https://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/theinterview.jpeg
The Interview. Possibly the most controversial film of 2014, Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen directed this violent, sporadic, and funny mess. And it's largely Seth Rogen that makes the film work - both in front of and behind the camera. On the downside, James Franco just really didn't do it for me here. In fact, I found Franco acting-wise to be unlikable, which really surprised me because I think he is a great actor, minus his bizarre performance in Child of God. The Interview's final 20 minutes or so really kick the film into a "good" status and out of the "bad," and while the movie overall barely works, it's worth checking out because of the controversy, Rogen's usual antics, and a surreal portrayal of Kim Jong-un.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpyVENBPj5c
The Babadook
5
Director: Jennifer Kent
Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/szaLnKNWC-U/maxresdefault.jpg
A new all-time favorite. Unbelievably disturbing, dark, creepy, and even thought-provoking, The Babadook isn't your average horror film - if that's what you want to call it. Personally, I see this as a drama, one that pushes the boundaries of its genre to new heights, if you can believe it. This movie follows a mother who lost her husband in a car accident, now living as a widow with her child. One day, she finds a book named Mister Babadook in the child's room, and when she begins to read it to him as a bedtime story, becomes concerned when the content of the story turns gruesome. Attempting to get rid it never seems to work. And then, the titular character of the book begins to haunt her and her child at night. The movie pulls the Jaws affect. But the Babadook isn't just a monster. It represents grief, struggle, and most importantly, acceptance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5WQZzDRVtw
Whiplash
5
Director: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Miles Teller, J. K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/media/large/d/a/b/02698dfd8ebb6a7a4c5ce0e909619.jpg
Whiplash is, without a doubt, the most intense movie I have ever seen. When the credits rolled, I sat stunned in silence, and then a huge smile swept across my face. What an experience. Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons are equally compelling, the editing is absolutely perfect, and the ending ranks as one of the top five in history in my opinion. Whiplash is a masterpiece, and it's one of the greatest movies I have ever seen, plain and simple. You know from the drum build-up in the opening of the film that you're in for one wild ride. If you haven't seen Whiplash yet, I strongly encourage you to do so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d_jQycdQGo
The Normal Heart
4.5
Director: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch
http://www.trbimg.com/img-53779d60/turbine/bal-hbo-normal-heart-tv-movie-larry-kramer-201-001/1600/1600x1065
This movie will make you cry. End of story. Well, it will at least make you tear up for sure. Unless there's something wrong with you. The Normal Heart tells the mostly true story of a gay activist attempting to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS during the early 1980s. Starring Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, and Julia Roberts, The Normal Heart's simple story is a powerful one. Mark Ruffalo is magnificent in this. You need to watch it right away if you haven't already.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXl_mat0ef0
Tracers
4
Director: Daniel Benmayor
Starring: Marie Avgeropoulos, Taylor Lautner, Adam Rayner
http://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/2013/06/21/928/n/1922398/1833bc1b34a3e328_170831592.xxxlarge_2x/i/Taylor-Lautner-working-hard-pulling-off-stunts-multiple-days.jpg
I'm surprised I liked this movie as much as I did. While the trailer looked somewhat exciting, I wasn't sure whether or not Tracers could pull it off. But it did. I'm a fan of Taylor Lautner - at the time of writing, my avatar is a picture of him - though to be perfectly honest he hasn't picked the greatest movies to star in. I thought the first and third Twilight movies were decent, but they certainly weren't the best whatsoever. And Abduction was just awful. Just plain awful. But Tracers, on the other hand, was a surprise. Poor cinematography though. But I must say, the set pieces, especially the chase sequences, are masterfully done. They're intense, fast-paced, and engaging. Interestingly enough, I found Tracers to be somewhat beautiful. I know that sounds kind of ridiculous for a movie such as this, but there's some bizarre sense of awareness this film puts off, especially with New York City hovering in the background. I don't know, maybe if you watch the film, you'll understand what I'm talking about. I had problems with the acting from anyone other than Lautner, mainly because I feel like they were all miscast, and as a result gave off-kilter performances. The writing wasn't the best, and the ending could also use a little work, but being what it is, it certainly gets the message across. Anyways, I hope Taylor Lautner does similar work in the future. And I, surprisingly, recommend Tracers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSfZahdXxU4
A Most Wanted Man
3.5
Director: Anton Corbijn
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/u3nIeRy5qHw/maxresdefault.jpg
There's probably not a more thought-provoking film, other than Boyhood, to come out of 2014 than A Most Wanted Man. I must admit that this film lacks intensity. To put it simply, this film tells the story of a Chechen Muslim who illegally crosses into Germany. The German and US intelligence agencies in Hamburg become interested in him. This film is a deliberate puzzle, as the audience slowly puts the pieces together alongside the characters. Is the immigrant merely a tortured soul looking for refuge, or a cold-blooded, hardened terrorist waiting to strike? Philip Seymour Hoffman is brilliant in his role. Like I said, A Most Wanted Man is rarely intense. But it is intelligent and it's realistic. In the post-9/11 world, the message this film delivers is highly relevant today. It examines personal freedom, the surveillance state, and a society plagued with fear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYVcOe3hqrs
Expelled
2.5
Director: Alex Goyette
Starring: Cameron Dallas, Matt Shively, Lia Marie Johnson
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I didn't have high hopes for this film. I mean, Cameron Dallas, of all people, starring in a generic movie about a high school kid's quest to erase the bad grades on his report card? The plot alone tipped the scale. So did Expelled pass? Nope. But, much to my surprise, it actually came close. Unlike, say, the sequel to Mean Girls, Expelled doesn't try to be something it's not, or live up to anything. In fact, some of the characters in the story actually catapult the movie from being laughably bad to manageable, which in all honesty, is unheard of for something like this. I'd skip this one, but if you do end up watching it, just remember that it's not the end of the world as it's a step better than similar formulaic outings. And yes, the movie is actually a whole lot better than the trailer makes it out to be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2OnLOPQ1gk
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
3
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
http://thegeekiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/battle-of-the-five-armies.jpg
Ugh. What a disappointment. Don't get me wrong - The Hobbit: The Battle of the Fives Armies is a good movie, a reasonably solid adaptation, and by all means fitting for closure. But Peter Jackson barely pulled it off. I've been revisiting the Middle-earth films here recently. I purchased the extended editions of all five films currently available on Blu-ray, and starting with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, I concluded my two-week-long marathon with The Hobbit: The Battle of the Fives Armies. This movie felt ridiculously rushed. That's the main problem I had with it. In fact, that's really the only major one. As previously mentioned, I watched the extended editions of all the films, and I must say that the longer versions are far much better than the theatrical films. So I am hoping that the extended edition of this film will be a hundred times better. With the theatrical version coming to Blu-ray next month, I'll have to wait probably until November for a longer edition of this film to be released, which really sucks. But in the end, this was still a pretty good movie, but disappointing in its pacing which sticks out like a sore thumb perhaps more than any other film could when it comes to a Lord of the Rings movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcFj_gYEo9g
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