Top Ten Films of 2014 as chosen by Jake Boyle
So, newcomers, the rules: only films I actually saw and reviewed (obvious, I should think) qualify, and their categorization as 'Films of 2014' is based on the date of their general release in the UK. Here's the highlights of a pretty good year, and eyes on the horizon for what treats may arrive in the coming 12 months. Without further ado:
10. In Your Eyes - A charming, clever romcom that balances its warm familiarity with unique metaphysical oddity. The witty script is trademark Whedon, and the whole affair is supported and heightened by genuinely engaging chemistry, some nicely subtle dramatic strokes and proof that clever cinematography isn't just the plaything of the auteurs and arthouse.
9. X-Men: Days Of Future Past - The uniting of our favourite mutants old and new was almost as exciting as the monumental action that took place within. Not that it wasn't anticipated, but it was utterly fantastic witnessing Brian Singer restoring his former series to its former glory - blunt one-liners, sensational showdowns and minimal but incredibly effective use of curse words.
8. The Fault In Our Stars - There's an argument that an adaptation as loyal as this is pointless, but what's inarguable is that the end result is a masterclass in extreme emotion. Tears will come fast and furious in an exceedingly heartfelt and heartbreaking romance, and any risk of melodrama is offset by some charismatic snark in the sentiment and a grounding in Shailene Woodley's authentic exhibition of love and lamentation.
7. Edge Of Tomorrow - Well-executed sci-fi action elevated by a fantastic premise that provided as much laughter as it did interesting narrative progression. Smatterings of darkness and sarcasm added even more flavour to an invigorating alien invasion film that stimulated the brain a little and the heart rate a lot.
6. The Lego Movie - Anarchic, energetic, hyperactive delirium. Funnier that most adult comedies, this exercise in buzzing vibrancy was infectiously joyful and pure, unrestrained fun. A playground of infinite possibilities was exploited to bring 100 minutes of hilarity, madcap brilliance and inventive film-making.
5. The Wolf Of Wall Street - Every bit as frenetic and wild as The Lego Movie but with some slightly more adult themes. DiCaprio led the pack with a dynamic powerhouse performance amid a brilliantly sleazy tale told vividly and enthusiastically, packed with dark wit and acerbic humour that made a virtue of the captivating debauchery and immorality.
4. Gone Girl - An intelligent film through-and-through, from writing to camerawork to use of lighting. An exhilarating murder mystery plot that transitions into sharp, frank social satire, Fincher and Flynn managed to keep the dark suspense rolling throughout without inhibiting the playfully wicked sense of humour, that in combination with the scathing indictment of less desirable parts of our culture, brought this picture to life.
3. Nightcrawler - A truly unmatchable performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, fantastically embedding menace into the layers of his deeply unnerving character. A caustic satire of shock journalism, an incredible blackness underpinned both drama and comedy, intertwining the two to create an electric and ominous atmosphere, and the tension was so well executed that maximum reactions of horror could be drawn from neatly underplayed nastiness.
2. 12 Years A Slave - Unflinching, harrowing and deeply, deeply moving, this was definitely the year's most superlatively dramatic affair. The sheer brutality alone grabs you by the throat, but the rich emotions and the moments of tenderness map out a story that touches all bases of suffering and upset, framed perfectly by Steve McQueen's lingering shots, and by a cast pouring heart and soul into every moment of screentime.
1. Guardians Of The Galaxy - It was never in doubt. James Gunn's keen sense of style and genre awareness allowed him to create an idiosyncratic delight that amazes in all areas. An absolutely hilarious adventure that exhilarates every fibre of the viewer's being as they are whisked to each inventive, fascinating setting alongside outstanding dialogue and an irrepressible sense of amusement. The action was bracing and helped along by absolutely marvellous concepts and set-pieces. Indefatigable charisma embodied every aspect of a film that can be described as no less than awesome, in every sense of the word.
9. X-Men: Days Of Future Past - The uniting of our favourite mutants old and new was almost as exciting as the monumental action that took place within. Not that it wasn't anticipated, but it was utterly fantastic witnessing Brian Singer restoring his former series to its former glory - blunt one-liners, sensational showdowns and minimal but incredibly effective use of curse words.
8. The Fault In Our Stars - There's an argument that an adaptation as loyal as this is pointless, but what's inarguable is that the end result is a masterclass in extreme emotion. Tears will come fast and furious in an exceedingly heartfelt and heartbreaking romance, and any risk of melodrama is offset by some charismatic snark in the sentiment and a grounding in Shailene Woodley's authentic exhibition of love and lamentation.
7. Edge Of Tomorrow - Well-executed sci-fi action elevated by a fantastic premise that provided as much laughter as it did interesting narrative progression. Smatterings of darkness and sarcasm added even more flavour to an invigorating alien invasion film that stimulated the brain a little and the heart rate a lot.
6. The Lego Movie - Anarchic, energetic, hyperactive delirium. Funnier that most adult comedies, this exercise in buzzing vibrancy was infectiously joyful and pure, unrestrained fun. A playground of infinite possibilities was exploited to bring 100 minutes of hilarity, madcap brilliance and inventive film-making.
5. The Wolf Of Wall Street - Every bit as frenetic and wild as The Lego Movie but with some slightly more adult themes. DiCaprio led the pack with a dynamic powerhouse performance amid a brilliantly sleazy tale told vividly and enthusiastically, packed with dark wit and acerbic humour that made a virtue of the captivating debauchery and immorality.
4. Gone Girl - An intelligent film through-and-through, from writing to camerawork to use of lighting. An exhilarating murder mystery plot that transitions into sharp, frank social satire, Fincher and Flynn managed to keep the dark suspense rolling throughout without inhibiting the playfully wicked sense of humour, that in combination with the scathing indictment of less desirable parts of our culture, brought this picture to life.
3. Nightcrawler - A truly unmatchable performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, fantastically embedding menace into the layers of his deeply unnerving character. A caustic satire of shock journalism, an incredible blackness underpinned both drama and comedy, intertwining the two to create an electric and ominous atmosphere, and the tension was so well executed that maximum reactions of horror could be drawn from neatly underplayed nastiness.
2. 12 Years A Slave - Unflinching, harrowing and deeply, deeply moving, this was definitely the year's most superlatively dramatic affair. The sheer brutality alone grabs you by the throat, but the rich emotions and the moments of tenderness map out a story that touches all bases of suffering and upset, framed perfectly by Steve McQueen's lingering shots, and by a cast pouring heart and soul into every moment of screentime.
1. Guardians Of The Galaxy - It was never in doubt. James Gunn's keen sense of style and genre awareness allowed him to create an idiosyncratic delight that amazes in all areas. An absolutely hilarious adventure that exhilarates every fibre of the viewer's being as they are whisked to each inventive, fascinating setting alongside outstanding dialogue and an irrepressible sense of amusement. The action was bracing and helped along by absolutely marvellous concepts and set-pieces. Indefatigable charisma embodied every aspect of a film that can be described as no less than awesome, in every sense of the word.
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