My Favorite Films of 2014

Will wonders never cease? For the first time ever, three musicals made it to my list of Top Ten movies of the year.  As an avid movie musical fan, I feel quite happy about that. My list also includes a couple of fantasies, a drama, a sci-fi flick, a romance, a comedy and a biopic. As usual, these films have been selected mostly for their entertainment quality. They are the 2014 films I want to see over and over again.

MALEFICENT. Angelina Jolie commands the screen as the wicked fairy from “Sleeping Beauty” in a new version of the fairy-tale fantasy. This unusual adaptation deals with such serious themes as betrayal, revenge, love, and redemption. But the most impressive thing about Maleficent involves its creative presentation. Practically every scene comes across like an intriguing work of art. The film is truly a rare cinematic masterpiece.

NIGHT CRAWLER. This practically perfect movie follows one of the most mesmerizing creeps ever seen on screen, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the main character (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) for one second because I was afraid to miss ANYTHING he said or did. The film’s outrageous dialogue and its important theme about the emphasis of violent stories on TV news also contributes to  a fascinating story being told -- one that held my intense interest from beginning to end.
  

MAKE YOUR MOVE.  Derek Hough (be still my heart) tap dances up a storm in this VERY entertaining musical co-starring the multi-talented South Korean star BoA. Believe it or not, our favorite “Dancing with the Stars” pro can really act! Plus, the dance numbers are first rate here. How often do we get to see dynamic tap routines on the big screen lately? And SURPRISE!!!  the story is riveting -- just like the PR claims. Too bad the movie received such a limited release. Fortunately, the film is out now on DVD, and I highly recommend it.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. This was the most emotional film of the year for me. Shailene Woodley’s portrayal of a teen suffering from cancer who falls in love with a fellow student tugs at your heartstrings. I admire how the romance is treated so tastefully in this movie. Yes, it’s a sentimental tear-jerker. But there are charming and humorous moments throughout – plus, all the cast members are excellent in their roles, especially Laura Dern as the compassionate, caring mother.       

MUPPETS MOST WANTED. Have you ever thought a movie was made just for you? That happened to me while watching Muppets Most Wanted. This hilarious romp includes most of my favorite things: singing, tap dancing, comedy, and The Muppets, who always make me smile. This eighth Muppet movie is one of their best. Happily, that special Muppet magic is still going strong.

WINTER’S TALE. This strange but wonderful film -- which represents magical realism at its best -- took my breath away with its compelling performances, tender love story, thrilling background music, and suspenseful sequences involving a magical white horse. Colin Farrell and Jessica Findlay make a superb romantic couple on screen. They look soulfully at each other in a way that melts your heart. I would be remiss not to mention the splendid look of the film. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel makes the most of wintry landscapes, moonlit nights, starry skies and period settings. Winter’s Tale may not be the easiest film to follow, but it’s one of the most visually stunning.  

SNOWPIERCER. Snow scenes and action in a fast train, oh my! This sci-fi movie takes place after Earth has suddenly become uninhabitable because of a disastrous global warming cure-all. Those who’ve survived are living aboard a train that keeps circling the same track at super-sonic speeds. The survivors are divided into a caste system, which a daring group finally rebels against. Great special effects enhance this exciting offering starring Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton and Ed Harris. I was glued to my seat while watching the captivating journey unfold.  

ANNIE. In a refreshing update of the popular musical, our spunky heroine sports an Afro and the Daddy Warbucks character is now a wealthy candidate for mayor of New York City. Because these key roles are played by Quevenzhané Wallis and Jamie Foxx, they are in excellent hands. Most of the musical numbers still make me want to join in -- especially “It’s a Hard Knock Life” -- and I felt in such a good mood after seeing this amusing, uplifting movie!    

LIFE’S A BREEZE. In this delightful Irish comedy, a grandmother (Fionnula Flanagan) and the youngest member (Kelly Thornton) of her extended family work together to save their other relatives who can’t seem to do anything right. This is a very funny -- yet touching -– movie with the most amazing and hilarious twists and turns I’ve seen on screen in a long time.    

THE LAST OF ROBIN HOOD. This fascinating true-life tale about the desire for fame and the price it demands stars Kevin Kline as Errol Flynn in his later years after the booze and legendary philandering have taken their toll. Kline talks like Flynn, swaggers like Flynn and simply BECOMES Flynn in this movie about the famous actor’s scandalous affair with star-struck teenager Beverly Aadland, portrayed oh-so convincingly by Dakota Fanning. Kline and Fanning are disturbingly spellbinding together here. But there’s more! As Beverly’s fame-obsessed mom Florence, Susan Sarandon almost runs away with the movie. And I loved every minute of it.

HONORABLE MENTION: Life Itself, Gone Girl, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, 13 Sins, My Old Lady, X-Men Days of Future Past, Godzilla, The Face of Love, Hateship Loveship, The Calling, We Are the Best!

DISHONORABLE MENTION: Into the Woods, Under the Skin, Cheap Thrills, Authors Anonymous, Inherent Vice, The Zero Theorem, A Fantastic Fear of Everything

MOST MEMORABLE SCENE: Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader lip-synching “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” in The Skeleton Twins