Best Movies of 2014

Another year has come and gone, blah blah blah, but we had some pretty sweet movies this year, and I actually think it was better than last year. Even though I have like four movies left that I want to see from 2014, I doubt any of them will crack my top films. Without further ado, my TOP FIFTEEN OF 2014. Also, chances are I won't sound as professional but whatever.

15. Big Hero 6

It sometimes feels like a typical Disney movie, but that's not a bad thing. It looks great and you will undoubtedly fall in love with Baymax.

14. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Few sequels are better than the first, but this one is definitely one of the better ones. Bonus points goes to them actually focusing on the apes (*COUGH* GODZILLA *COUGH*)

13. The Babadook

The Babadook is a creepy-ass motherfucker, and I have no doubt he could beat the ass of that pussy ghost from Paranormal Activity. But the movie also has a strong mother-and-son story that balances out the scares, which makes this one stand out.

12. The Lego Movie

While I wasn't too big on the "twist" at the end, I put that aside and acknowledged that this has everything I love about animation - unforgettable characters, hilarious jokes, and a big heart to go with it. Now if you'll excuse me, EVERYTHING IS AWESOOOOOOOOOOOOME.

11. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The movie that made shit go down hard in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and left viewers wanting to know more (even though some nerds already do know).

10. Guardians of the Galaxy

I've said it already, but MAN, was I wrong about this one. While on the surface, it may look dumb and cheesy, it's one hell of an entertaining movie. Make no mistake, this is the year that millions of people gave a shit about a tree and a raccoon.

9. The Skeleton Twins

Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig are already known to be funny as hell, but did you know they can ACT? They will make you laugh AND cry. Believe that.

8. X-Men: Days of Future Past

IT WAS AWESOME AND IT MADE ME FEEL STUFF THAT FEW BLOCKBUSTERS CAN MAKE ME FEEL, AND FOR THAT, I HOLD IT IN HIGH REGARD.

7. How To Train Your Dragon 2

Similar to The Lego Movie, but with FUCKING DRAGONS.

6. Nightcrawler

DAMN, JAKE GYLLENHAAL. I did not expect to be blown away by this movie like I did, but WOW, this one delivered in a wonderfully unexpected way. And Gyllenhaal has seriously never been better.

5. Boyhood

There is seriously no denying the effort and care put into this movie, and while one can argue that it's just another coming-of-age story, THEY ARE FUCKING WRONG. This is fucking cinematic history, and it's also a goddamn great movie. You will actually feel like you're growing up with Mason, and you will be transported back to your childhood, all the way into your awkward teen years. This one is definitely a must-see.

4. Gone Girl

I'm probably totally biased because of my love for THE FINCHER, but as long and weirdly edited though it may be, it's a great commentary on the media and it's love for fucked up stories. We, the viewers, ate this shit up the same way we would a big news story on domestic violence and murder, and both David Fincher and Gillian Flynn exploit it magnificently. Special mention to Rosamund Pike, "Octopus and Scrabble?", and Ben Affleck's penis.

3. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson makes another weird, quirky, colorful film, AND I LOVE EVERY MOMENT OF IT. It's probably his most well-told film, story-wise, but it's odd and lovable enough to stand out on its own. And Ralph Fiennes is the fucking man.

2. Whiplash

Call it "The Karate Kid with jazz", and you may be right. This was probably the first movie I went to see without watching any trailers beforehand, and I was hooked from the beginning. JK Simmons and Miles Teller will give you goosebumps like crazy. I look forward to more of Mr. Damien Chazelle's work.

And now, my number one film of 2014...

1. Birdman, or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

 MOVIES! ACTING! THEATER! THAT CAST! AHHHHHHHHHHHH. I aspire to make movies like this (stylistically), that is weird, honest, and funny. It helps that it's got a cast of people that I adore.