2014 so far…

July 15, 20146 min

The year is half way over, well ok, more than half way, but it’s hard to count January and February as they are considered by movie studios as ‘dump months’. But I wanted to look back at the first seven months of 2014 anyway and let you know what I thought were the best movies so far. This year has showed us how good the blockbuster can be with films like “Captain America: The Winter Solider” and also reminded us that Michael Bay still like to blow things up. As for as the smaller and more independent films, it has been just as much hit and miss as their bigger and more expensive counterparts. Now while that may not sound the like the most glowing review of the year in movies, the truth be told, there are more than enough gems out there and here are some that I enjoyed, that you may have missed.

 

5. Dawn of The Planet of The Apes/X-Men Days of Future Past:

I kind of cheated here and put two as my number five, but the reason is pretty simple, they both remind you that even blockbusters can be amazing films. While “Planet of The Apes” is the better if the two films, I choose to put them together because of what they represent. Both also show that sequels can exceed expectation, and still give us a great time at the movies. (Dawn of The Planet of The Apes and X-Men: Days of Future Past are both still in theaters)

 

4. The Raid 2: Berandal:

A sequel to a film that not many people saw, and like the two above motioned movies, the second offering in this film series is better then the original. Director Gareth Evans has found a way to make a classic action film, along with things you have never seen before on screen which will leave even the harshest critic satisfied. (Available on DVD/Blu-Ray)

 

3. Blue Ruin:

An intriguing story of revenge that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier ,“Blue Ruin” tells the story of Dwight (Macon Blair) and the actions he takes after learning his parent’s killer has been released from prison. (Available on VOD and on DVD/Blu-Ray 7/22/14)

 

2. Chef:

Everyone knows the story of the little engine that could. Well sometimes a little movie finds it way to capture people in such a way that they can’t wait to tell their friends and family about what they discovered. “Chef” is one of those movies, written and directed by Jon Favreau, it is the perfect movie to see on an empty stomach. (In Theaters)

 

 

1.The Rover:

The haunting tale of life in the Australian Outback after a economic crisis is not the happiest of movies, but you will be happy that you saw it. It is a bleak tale of a man who has little to lose written by Joel Edgerton and David Michod who also directed the film. With stand out performances by Guy Pierce and Robert Pattinson this is one film worth the trip to find it. (In Theaters)

 

There are plenty of other great films this year so far, and I think the second half could even be better. So stay tuned and in another six months you will get the full list, until then I hope this will do.

 

Honorable Mentions: Captain America: Winter Soldier, The Lego Movie, Neighbors, Edge of Tomorrow, How to Train your Dragon 2.

 

Brian Taylor

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