Top 5 Movies of 2014 (As of Sept. 18)

Editor's Note: I have not seen all the movies that came out this year. Listed here are the movies that I have seen.

Summer is over and, let's be honest, there were some amazing movies this year. Below, I have listed the best movies this year in my opinion (and I highly recommend watching them)!

#5. Guardians of the Galaxy

Already the highest-grossing movie of the year, Guardians of the Galaxy is also one of the greatest movies this year. The script is well-written, each character having their own complex-yet-simple personas, and they are well-played by the actors. It's also well-directed and just all around fun to watch!

#4. Edge of Tomorrow

Yet another sci-fi flick makes it into my list, and what better choice for fourth place than Edge of Tomorrow? It's a time-loop thriller done right, with pitch-perfect pacing, edge-of-your-seat action, a fair amount of complexity and twists, and great lead characters portrayed by great actors!

#3. How to Train Your Dragon 2

A children's movie making the list? What sorcery is this?! I'm not sure, but there is no doubt that writer and director Dean DeBlois has crafted an amazing sequel and a beautiful animated adventure. The script is fantastic, perfectly balancing the light-hearted humor for the kids with a story that anyone of any age would enjoy.

#2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Another sequel/sci-fi flick. This was the year for it, I guess. Anyways, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a thrilling, of not intriguing, adventure. The morals and messages ring loud and proud throughout this well-scripted and well-directed movie. It has the best pacing I've seen in all the movies this year, neither ending too soon or too late. And the story itself is so good, I just had to buy the novelization (which I hope to read soon)!

#1. Boyhood

If you have seen Boyhood, then you shouldn't be surprised to see it as my number one choice for Movie of the Year. Following the story of a boy for a real twelve years, Richard Linklater masterfully weaves a dramatic tale about growing up. It is a long movie (nearly three hours), but it goes by quickly, like life.

Do you agree with the list? What are your top picks for Movie of the Year? What's your favorite movie of the year? For me, the answer is The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Not the best movie, I know, but it's still my favorite!

Comments

What to Read After Insomiac's Spider-Man

So you've just defeated the Sinister Six, maybe done a side mission here and there, or perhaps 100% completed what most are considering the best Spider-Man game ever made (and they're right). What now? Where do you go from here to learn more about the wisecracking wall-crawler? Besides Tom Holland's performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we've never really seen Spider-Man portrayed so solidly like we have here. This, my friends, is where the fun part comes in: Entering the vast world of Spider-Man presented in comics and novels. Allow me to be your guide, providing recommendations for any requests you may be wishing for. "I just want more..." Well, you're in luck because Marvel has 2 options for you! Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover is the official prequel novel to the game, taking place 6 months prior. It follows Spider-Man trying to find an imposter killing people, working with a newfound friend from the police force to take ...

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" (2015) REVIEW

Anyone else felt the need to buy a suit after watching this movie? Ever since his dad passed away, Gary "Eggsy" Unwin has been doing his best to care for his mother. Unfortunately, his short temper with others including his stepfather doesn't help. When he lands into trouble, he calls the one number that can get him out of the tight spot. Little did he realized his connection would hire him for job unlike any other: a kingsman position in the secret organization of the same name. Using his physical and mental skills, Eggsy must train to prove his worth to the organization, but trouble is brewing as a billionaire inventor moves forward in his plan in recreating the world in his image. Kingsman: The Secret Service was really unexpected for me. I had only seen bits and pieces of the trailers and have heard nothing but great things about the film. I can honestly say those remarks were not said in vain. Kingsman is truly an amazing spy-flick, full of amazingly choreo...

"The Son of Neptune" (2011) by Rick Riordan REVIEW

WARNING: If you have not read the previous book in this series or the previous series this is following up on, I think it'd be best to not read this post due to spoilers. After eight months of slumber, Percy Jackson wakes up without any memory of his past. Nothing, except a name: Annabeth . Trained by the Roman wolf teacher Lupa, Percy tries to find a safe haven for demigods like him, finding it in San Francisco, California. Percy knows he is safe there, but he also knows he doesn't belong there. Everything seems... off. Maybe because he somehow knows Greek mythology facts and Camp Jupiter, the safe place for demigods, uses Roman mythology. However, his safety is short-lived when he and his new friends, big, clumsy Frank Zhang and mysterious Hazel Levesque, are set to go on a quest to Alaska to free Thanatos, the god of death, from the hands of the giant Alcyoneus. The clock is ticking with less than five days on the counter as Percy struggles to lead his new friends ...

Kevin Lau

Search This Blog