10. Pacific Rim
We start off the top ten with a movie that is clearly run by visual effects, but that wasn't enough to derail this picture, because sometimes it does. This film has great visual effects, but that is because it is about giant monsters coming up from under the ocean to wreak havoc on Earth. So, the high point of this film are the beautiful effects, but I also liked that the monsters came from a portal inside the Earth instead of from space, an interesting idea I thought. We also have a good cast as Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba headline it and they both are great, Elba is the best since he controls the screen whenever he is on it. It is also nice seeing Charlie starting to branch out from his Sons of Anarchy role. So we get an action packed movie with beautiful visuals to start out our top ten, one that should have gotten at least an Oscar nomination for effects.
3.5/4 Stars
9. Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 was a leap from the previous film because it dug deeper into Tony Stark rather than Iron Man. After the chaos in New York he developed post traumatic stress disorder and looses it every now and then. But, with Stark suffering from that we got the best performance from Robert Downey Jr. as Stark and I was very impressed with it. We also get the best villain of the series so far, although we think we have one then it turns out to be another, a twist I wasn't very fond of, but the main villain was a very interesting one and by the end you really do hate him. We also got great visual effects, editing, and screenplay from writer/director Shane Black, who I hopes comes back for the fourth one.
3.5/4 Stars
8. Mud
We steer away from effects here. This is one of those films that not many people know about because it wasn't in wide release or promoted will. But, don't let that stop you from going to rent because it is very good and tells a good story. This film didn't use hardly any effects because it didn't need to, it is a character driven film with an intriguing main character named Mud. Matthew McConaughey plays the mysterious Mud character who is on the run and is trying to find the woman he lost. He runs into two boys who try to help him find her and leave the area, but he is also being pursued by bad guys. Nevertheless we get a groundbreaking performance, one of a few this year, from McConaughey, a great screenplay, and great direction in a film that will leave you smiling by the end.
3.5/4 Stars
7. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Back to more visual effects! The film opens with a flashback and then jumps back to where the first one left off, and from there on it grabs you and doesn't let go. I'm serious now, by the time it ended I was like "that's it?" because I was that into this film. First off, it is visually brilliant with the classic Peter Jackson feel and effects. The fight scenes were also incredibly filmed and fun to watch, especially the barrel scene, spider scene, and the whole sequence with Smaug near the end. The make-up and acting was also fantastic along with the incredible sound editing and mixing. By the time it ends you will be left wanting to see the third and final one as soon as possible.
3.5/4 Stars
6. The Place Beyond the Pines
If you like stories about bank robberies, dirty cops, and family then this film is for you. The last thing this movie is is a thriller because you're not waiting for anything big to happen or any twists. You are waiting to see where the story goes because it spans quite a few years and you want to see what the characters will do and why. It is told in three segments that all connect with all of the different characters in some way. It has a fantastic screenplay, that should have been nominated for an Oscar, and wonderful direction by Derek Cianfrance. Not to mention the cast, Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, and Ray Liotta who all deliver thrilling performances.
3.5/4 Stars
5. Prisoners
This film might be the best thriller of the year along with possibly the best screenplay of the year. The screenplay if filled with so many suspenseful twist that I lost count and by the end I was shocked beyond belief, and I loved it!! Hugh Jackman also delivers us one of his best performances ever that is Oscar worthy, but didn't get nominated, and this is pretty much his movie. Jake Gyllenhaal is also very impressive as a detective struggling hard to find the truth. Direction is also fantastic from a new and upcoming director Denis Villeneuve. This film will leave your heart pounding and your mind twirling from start to finish.
4/4 Stars
4. Star Trek Into Darkness
If you liked the first movie by J.J. Abrams then you will love this one because it ups the ante. Not only is it visually thrilling it is will make sweat from beginning to end. With several nostalgic moments from past Star Trek films it pays perfect homage and delivers better than ever. The cast blows this out of the water, especially Benedict Cumberbatch who takes over the film whenever he is on screen. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto aren't too bad either, especially when it comes to the fantastic emotional scenes. This may not be the best or most thrilling movie of the year, but it will leave a mark when you're done watching it.
4/4 Stars
3. Gravity
It is very hard to act in a movie where it is just you for the majority of the time, but Sandra Bullock did just that. Yes, George Clooney was in there as well, and he was great, but Sandra had to virtually act with a green screen by herself and this is probably her best performance. Along with her we have possibly the best visuals in all of film this year along with sound mixing and that frightening score that we get in those wonderfully shot frightening scenes that will make you squeeze your arm rest to death. We can credit Alfonso Cuaron for the thrilling screenplay, the perfect direction, and the scariest filmed scenes of the year.
4/4 Stars
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
Yeah, this might be a little long for some people to sit through, but you know what, once it ends, you cannot believe it has been 3 hours. That's right, the film is so well put together that you have no idea it has already been three hours once it is over. The editing is an instant classic, as are most Scorsese pictures, along with the serious and comedic filled screenplay that has perfect balance. Of course Martin Scorsese knows what he's doing and gave us another classic with his perfect direction. And finally, Leonardo DiCaprio was perfect as he gives us possibly his best performance, although he has so many it is close, that absolutely blew me away. Jonah Hill also shines.
4/4 Stars
1. Captain Phillips
My favorite movie of the year is this masterpiece, Captain Phillips. We all knew this was a true story when this movie was announced and came out, but we didn't know it would turn into this breathtaking thrill ride that Paul Greengrass put to the screen. The film from start to finish will have you on the edge of your seat and you will love every minute of it. On top of the fantastic direction, the editing and screenplay is also flawless and controls the film's perfect pacing. But, Tom Hanks is absolutely perfect in this role as Richard Phillips and delivers his best performance since Cast Away. This is a film that brings suspense to the next level and should have earned Tom Hanks an Oscar, but the fact that he wasn't even nominated is an insult to him and film.
4/4 Stars
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