I see a lot of films in a year; basically I see most every film released each year. It’s my job as a reviewer to find my way to them. Sometimes it’s a great thing, filled with lots of excitement and joy, other times it’s a chore.
During the year I hit upon a few films that just get to me on a purely entertainment level. I get totally wrapped up in them for one reason or another. Call it my guilty pleasure. This year there were 13 films that grabbed me. Eleven were live action films; one is a documentary, and one an animated feature. I’d like to recommend them to you, so here’s my list in no particular order.
Edge of Tomorrow – Far and away Tom Cruise’s best movie in like forever. It’s an inspired Sci-Fi romp with a show stealing performance from Emily Blunt.
Chef – Written, directed and starring Jon Favreau, this feel-good film is a treat for the eyes as well as the heart. And, it’s a great road picture to boot!
The One I Love – From the clever filmmakers of “Safety Not Guaranteed” comes another great romance with an “out of left field” premise. Best Couples Retreat Ever!
The Grand Budapest Hotel – I’m not usually a Wes Anderson fan, but this film is surely his best and most enjoyable. Check in to his zaniness.
Gone Girl – Not my favorite Ben Affleck performance, but Rosamund Pike is so brilliant that he gets kudos for just being in the picture with her. Mystery Solved.
Lucy – Give Scarlett Johansson a few pills and she’ll rule the universe. Literally!
The Guest – A psychological action thriller with a star making turn by Dan Stevens as the guest you want and don’t want to visit. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies – Peter Jackson’s fond farewell to Middle Earth is the best film in the whole series of six movies. I’ll miss them guys!
The Imitation Game – Benedict Cumberbatch playing Alan Turing, the tragic British scientist who cracked Nazi Germany’s Enigma code and helped win the Second World War. Fascinating untold true story.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier – The Best Marvel Story ever translated to the screen. From the first scene to the last, it keeps on going. If only they could all be this good.
Guardians Of The Galaxy – Second Best Marvel Story made into a movie. The raccoon, the tree, another woman of color, and Chris Pratt? Oh yes!
Jodorowsky’s Dune – If you ever wondered how the film “Alien” came to be, watch this fascinating documentary by Frank Pavich. It traces director Alejandro Jodorowsky’s unsuccessful attempt to adapt Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel “DUNE” into a film. It’s the Stuff of Legends.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 – As sequels go, this one is both better and more imaginative than the original animated action fantasy, which was pretty darn good in its own right. Climb aboard and give flight to your imagination.
You can’t go wrong watching any of these films; they’re all great. Well that’s it from me until next year. I wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season.
