Editorial 19/01/2014- Top 7 of 2014

I probably should have released this sooner, considering that we're now three weeks into 2015, but it takes me a while to catch all of the movies in a year as someone who doesn't go to the theaters that much. That being said, I have finally caught enough to be able to write a conclusive list of the best movies released last year. These will be based on technical fidelity, acting talent, innovation in storytelling, and our own personal opinion. As with our Christmas film list, the R ceiling will prevent films such as "the Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Boyhood" from placing on a website that is {generally} family friendly. With all that to say, let's get started.

7- the Lego Movie

In all honesty, I didn't expect the Lego Movie to be what it was. The first trailer set it up as simply a better-than-average kids' film, although each consecutive look made it seem better and better. What the final product- a story of an average Lego figurine taking his place as the most creative, most interesting, and most important person of all time- did was more than surprise me; it took its place along the animated classics. creative storytelling, unrelenting humor, and heartwarming moments that go where few other kids' films dare help us remember the entire message behind the Lego corporation. Everyone is special, individuality works best in teams, and everything is awesome.

6- Captain America: the Winter Soldier

This year was a big one for Marvel Entertainment, and this won't be the last you'll see of them on this list. First up, we have perhaps not the most original, but certainly a large step from its predecessor, "Captain America: the First Avenger." What this movie does is show how the superhero genre can be used to relay more relevant, modern themes. The intensity is kicked up as Captain Steve Rogers, fresh from saving the world in "the Avengers," discovers the corrupting force behind SHIELD and faces enemies from all sides. What follows is a long series of well-choreographed action, great acting from some Hollywood legends, and a question that truly lingers after the fact- "Who can you trust when chaos breaks out?"

5- Guardians of the Galaxy

How do you make a superhero movie feel more accessible than a superhero movie? If you just answered "throw in everything you loved about 'Star Trek' and 'Firefly'," then you have just seen "Guardians of the Galaxy", the tale of five criminal outcasts who must band together to save the universe and get a little cash along the way. It may be irreverent, and it may be bizarre, but it's been a long time since a summer blockbuster made me laugh this hard. With great direction and visuals to boost a nostalgic soundtrack of 70's classics, it basically is showing us that Marvel can do whatever they want with our money. I don't mind that so long as what they give us is more like this!

4- X-Men: Days of Future Past

Just when you thought that the Time Travel genre didn't have any more to give, the X-Men come along in possibly their greatest film yet. After the U.S. Government creates an army of robot sentinels to exterminate the Mutants, Wolverine is sent back in time to prevent the catalyst- Mystique- from sparking the revolution. This gives us an opportunity to see both the older cast and the newer one acting together and comparing and contrasting their philosophies. Naturally, when you have Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender in the same room, something good is about to happen. We just weren't expecting something as explorative and deep as this was.

3- How to Train Your Dragon 2

This was one of the few films on this list that I actually had the chance to review, and I was glad to see it in person. This installment continues the coming-of-age of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as he fights to protect his village and his newly-established dragon friends. Aside from being gorgeously-rendered and animated, it's just simply thrilling. Every scene alternates between quiet and heartwarming or active and exciting. It answers questions from the first one that you didn't even register that you had, and it opens up some exciting possibilities for the third entry.
Will it be good? If it was anything like this one, yes it will.

2- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

If it wasn't certain with the last film, this sequel to "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" solidifies the franchise's comeback into filming legend. After a plague wipes most of mankind out while making primates more intelligent, chief chimpanzee Caesar must establish peaceful relations between the two if he hopes to maintain the peace he desperately wants. It may sound like we know everything that is going to happen simply based off of that premise, but the plot continued to twist and surprise until the very end. As with the first one, we have Andy Serkis and a team of motion capture artists revolutionizing visual effects all the while with innovative storytelling. If you enjoyed the first one, or maybe if you didn't, this riveting piece will blow you away.

1- Live. Die. Repeat: the Edge of Tomorrow

After watching this one, I was severely disappointed in the movie-going audience for not giving this the gross it deserved. In a complex hybrid between "Groundhog Day" and "Gears of War", an egotistical soldier finds himself on the front lines of an amphibious invasion against a hostile alien force only to find himself skipping back 24 hours every time he dies. In spite of how it sounds, this plot actually winds itself into several creative moments. Seeing Tom Cruise's character develop and learn more about the world around him is almost as much fun as watching some fairly amazing battle sequences. It may not be as deep as "Planet of the Apes", but it is pure and simple fun from start to finish, which is why I'm giving it my pick for Film of the Year.

Honorable Mention- the Book of Life

Not every film is an instant classic, but there was a wide margin of charm this year. Case in point: we have the Latin-Alternative adventure of "the Book of Life"- the story of three friends who are caught in the middle of the Gods' wager on humanity. It's not everyone's movie, for sure- many could be stopped at the curiosity that is Mexican culture. It's all presented beautifully here, though, with an engrossing visual style and some beautifully written music. That's forgetting the unique story, lively characters, and witty humor. To make you feel better, I was debating putting this in the place of "the Lego Movie", so it's definitely worth the watch.

Honorable Mention- the Hobbit: the Battle of Five Armies

Yes, I finally got the chance to see this movie. Yes, I'm sorry that I posted it on this list before I got to do a proper spotlight on it. Yes, it is worth the watch to Tolkein fans. With the amazing 15-year journey of Peter Jackson's Middle Earth coming to a close, it serves as a nice look back into everything the franchise has done. It may be a little more underwhelming than "Desolation of Smaug", and some may even like "an Unexpected Journey" better. That doesn't mean that it shouldn't be added to your "Lord of the Rings" collection as soon as it comes out on DVD and Blu Ray, though.

All rights belong to their respective owners, no infringement intended.