Film Reviewer Jr.'s Favorite Films of 2014: Part 2 (Film List)

This is Part 2 of Film Reviewer Jr.’s Favorite Films of 2014.  If you haven’t already, please check out Part 1 linked here: Film Reviewer Jr.'s Favorite Films of 2014: Part 1

Film Reviewer Jr.'s Favorite Films of 2014: Part 1 (Film List)

Best of the year lists are usually released around the end of December to the beginning of January…I’m releasing mine near the end of February.  There is method to my madness however; as long as I’ve been interested in film, the month of January’s been used for wide releases of films previously only available in select theaters nowhere near me.  Selma, Wild, A Most Violent Year; these films weren't available in local theaters till January (and I wasn't going to travel to Chicago for early access…I love the cinema, but not that much).  Because nearly every film viewed during January is from the year before (whether it be in theaters or a rental I missed seeing earlier), I consider it part of the previous year’s calendar (in terms of film at least).  Films released during January are thereby eligible for any end of the year lists (whether it be best of the year or worst).  February has since become my official first month of the new film year, yet is primarily used for compiling, writing, and releasing late reviews and end of year lists (with March being a return to my regular reviews).

Wild (Film Review)

Wild is a very spiritual film; a story of self-discovery as a young woman hikes over 1000 miles after her life’s gone to shambles.  It’s also very serene, sad, funny and unnerving.  Most importantly however, Wild is one of the best films of 2014, along with having one of the strongest performances of 2014.  Cheryl Stayed (Reese Witherspoon) has had a really messed up life; a difficult childhood, a self-destructed marriage, heavy drug problems, her estranged relationship with her family, and the death of her cancer-ridden mother (Laura Dern).  At her wits end, Cheryl decides on a make it or break it decision; to hike over a 1000 miles across the Pacific Crest Trail.  She has no experience and no one to accompany her; yet with nothing holding her back, Cheryl builds up the determination and takes a life changing journey, one where she’ll either rediscover herself, or break down trying.

Top Ten Cinema Songs of 2014 (Film List)

I love music, you love music, we all love music!  Our tastes may differ (sometimes considerably), but I'm sure you'd agree without rhythmic sound our world would be a much duller place.  It’s no wonder music remains a major part of the cinema; hell, even during the silent era of film music played a huge role in a film’s showing (nowadays, silent films have the added benefit of letting the distributor pick its accompanying tunes…or misfortune depending on the distributor’s taste).  Usually it’s the soundtrack brought up when referring to a film’s music, but this is not what I’m writing about; instead I’m paying tribute to the best 2014 songs in cinema. 

Land Ho! (Quick Review)

Land Ho! could be described as an older version of the Trip series (The Trip, Trip to Italy); replacing the fictionalized versions of British celebrities Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon with two ex-brother in-laws, one an Austrian sophisticate whose recently lost his wife (Paul Eenhoorn) and the other a hard-accent, fun-loving American whose been forced into retirement (Earl Lynn Nelson).  Such combination sounds more aligned with a love-hate sitcom of two opposing types, yet Land Ho!’s protagonists bicker surprisingly less than the Trip’s protagonists.  There’s great chemistry between Colin (Austrian) and Mitch (American); acting less as love-hate friends and more close brothers who occasionally get on each other’s nerves.  Another pleasant surprise is Land Ho!’s peaceful calm and serenity with its characters and atmosphere (which takes place in Iceland); the film’s modest budget works effectively to its advantage, focusing on the conversations between our protagonists alongside naturally gorgeous shots of Iceland’s remote landscape and mountain range.

The Bottom of the Barrel (Worst Films of 2014)

I don’t seek out bad films, I try to avoid them…

Selma (Film Review)

Selma will undoubtedly draw comparisons to Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln; both are great films about using strategy and tactics to create a more racially equivalent country.  Selma and Lincoln also feature a prominent civil rights activist, portrayed exceptionally well by their respective actor.  The key difference to Selma is the basis of its strategy; Lincoln featured a primarily political angle with passing of the 13^th amendment, while Selma possesses a media-oriented approach, used by Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers to influence citizen and politician alike on eliminating race-based voting restrictions.  Director Ava DuVernay's approach is fascinating to say the least, and drives the film as more than simple bibliography while simultaneously diving into King’s life.