2014 has been an intense year for the cinema-goers out there. From outrageous blockbusters such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” to catchy-tune spawning adventures like “The Lego Movie” to the deeply metaphysical and gorgeous such as “Interstellar” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” this year’s best films run the gamut. Below are The Daily News’ Top 10 movies of the year (along with some not-so-great standouts that deserve mention because of how terrible they were).
Matthew McConaughey, left, and Anne Hathaway star in “Interstellar.” (Photo credit: AP photo by Paramount Pictures, Melinda Sue Gordon)
MOVIE OF THE YEAR: ‘Interstellar’
Rating: 5 stars
“Interstellar” is more than just a tale of space exploration or of trying to save humanity. It’s more personal than that, finding its home on a raw emotional level. It uses the magic of cinema to sweep us into this epic of regret and grief, of time moving inexorably forward despite the best intentions of our adventurers. But, even against all the noise, despite all the mistakes and ego and good intentions gone awry, “Interstellar” reminds us that hope — nay, optimism — has this funny way of springing eternal.
Below, in no particular order, are the rest of the Top 10 list:
From left, Zoe Saldana, the character Rocket Racoon, voiced by Bradley Cooper, Chris Pratt, the character Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel and Dave Bautista in a scene from “Guardians of the Galaxy.” (Photo credit: Disney – Marvel)
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
Rating: 5 stars
“Guardians of the Galaxy” manages to pull off a rare feat: to not take itself too seriously yet still be an excellent movie. Director Gunn takes plenty of creative leeway with the source material, but few will mind considering the polished gem he produces. He revels in creating genuine characters who, even with all their flaws, prove impossible not to love. In essence, “Guardians” proves yet again all that glitters is not gold, and sometimes our greatest heroes are those you never expected to be.
Playing primary roles in a film centering around Lego blocks, from left, Emmet, voiced by Chris Pratt, Wyldstyle, voiced by Elizabeth Banks and Batman, voiced by Will Arnett, in a scene from “The Lego Movie.” (Photo credit: AP photo by Warner Bros. Pictures)
‘The Lego Movie’
Rating: 4 stars
The power behind “The Lego Movie” is the world in which we watch our characters try to save the day. You’re going to have a time laughing at all the puns and catching all the easter eggs. (And there’s a ton of them strewn about, so keep an eye out.) The sentiment, the emotion that runs through this film is a joy and bonds you to the characters in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Above, a scene from “Boyhood.” (Photo credit: IFC Films)
‘Boyhood’
Rating: 5 stars
A stunning portrayal of the simple act of growing up, “Boyhood” is simply breathtaking in its scope and direction. Its enthralling look in the life of Mason — who we see grow from 5 to 18 — moves at its own leisurely pace, blending drama and documentary in a way I’ve never seen before. By the time the credits roll, some three fantastically spent hours later, you’ll feel as though you’ve always known Mason. Because at that point, you basically have.
Scarlett Johansson is shown in a scene from “Lucy.” (Photo credit: Universal Pictures)
‘Lucy’
Rating: 3 stars
“Lucy,” though exceedingly silly, is slick and amusing, answering questions no one really cared about. Take that how you will. It’s hard to imagine many other actresses emulating the charm Johansson pulls off, which helps prevent the film from falling into outright comedy. But if you’re willing to suspend disbelief for a little while, you just might enjoy viewing the world through Besson’s eyes, even if you can’t come to terms with how he got there. Besides, who’s not going to enjoy watching Scarlett Johansson kick butt and travel through time?
Hugh Jackman, from left, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy star in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” (Alan Markfield/Marvel/MCT)
‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’
Rating: 5 stars
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” grapples both the complexities of time travel and the dangers of human reaction to the unknown in engrossing, fascinating ways. The ambitious take on morality, that thin line that can change everything, is brilliant, catapulting this installment into the highest echelon of superhero movies. “Days of Future Past,” with its heady ideals and powerful overarching themes, will at once make you giddy with adrenaline and somber with despair.
Zac Efron stars as a borderline psychotic fraternity president in “Neighbors.” (Photo credit: AP photo by Universal Pictures, Glen Wilson)
‘Neighbors’
Rating: 4 stars
In the end, “Neighbors” is a lot of things. Well-shot and sharply edited (especially during the major party scenes, which exude an almost surreal aura), the film is treated better than we’re accustomed to for a film of this variety. But it really just boils down to this: It’s funny. Laugh-out-loud, getting-shushed-by-other-filmgoers funny. For that alone, “Neighbors” is worth the price of admission. But all that plus a dance battle and fireworks? Now we have ourselves a party.
Ben Affleck is shown in a scene from “Gone Girl.” (Photo credit: 20th Century Fox)
‘Gone Girl’
Rating: 4 stars
In “Gone Girl,” director David Fincher takes a new approach to the horrifying madness that is marriage. His creation of a typical suburban couple mired in its own destruction toxin is clever and subtle, though at times a bit too focused on its male viewpoint. Scandalous in only the way reality TV manages these days, “Gone Girl” is both engrossing and wicked in its tale of martial bliss gone horribly wrong.
Ralph Fiennes (left) and Tony Revolori star in “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” (Photo credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures/MCT)
‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’
Rating: 5 stars
Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is simply a whimsical adventure of the most creative type. Gorgeous in its visual appeal and layers deep, it’s a brilliant and heart-felt look at a dying way of life in Europe. That, and there may be some amazing chases, crazy shootouts and a convention of concierges who gather to help a friend. All that AND a hilarious Ralph Fiennes? Yes, please.
Chris Evans stars in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” (Photo credit: AP photo by Marvel-Disney, Zade Rosenthal)
‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’
Rating: 4 stars
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is far better than it had any right to be. A superhero movie that focuses on the inner turmoil of a man out of time, “The Winter Soldier” is suspenseful, clever, moody and even a bit sad. It pulls no punches in reaching a new level of excellence in the superhero genre. It may not convert those who don’t partake in the genre’s lore, but the story’s not for them. It’s for the Captain, who comes to view the new world with wary eyes. I hate to say it, but it’s about time.
Top 10 films at the box office in 2014 in North America
1. “Guardians of the Galaxy,” $332.9 million.
2. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1,” $308.9 million.
3. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” $259.8 million.
4. “The Lego Movie,” $257.8 million.
5. “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” $245.4 million.
6. “Maleficent,” $241.4 million.
7. “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” $233.9 million.
8. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” $208.6 million.
9. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” $202.9 million.
10. “Big Hero 6,” $201.5 million.
Movies that should have been better
“300: Rise of an Empire”
“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For”
“A Million Ways to Die in the West”
Horrible movies
“Annabelle”
“Let’s Be Cops”
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
Silver Screening Reviews 