Tag: 2014

REVIEWS: The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Trilogy

It’s time for another full franchise or filmmaker review. Today, I’m taking a look back at the well-renowned animated movie trilogy of How To Train Your Dragon-films, which I, believe it or not, had never seen before I started writing this article. Just like with my single article film series review of the Mission: Impossible films, you’ll find reviews of each of the three How To Train Your Dragon-films in this one article. Do note that there may be some spoilers in the three reviews. Continue reading “REVIEWS: The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Trilogy” →

Best of the 2010s: Directorial Debut Films

There is something very exciting about a directorial debut. Obviously, the filmmaker is excited about their first chance to step behind the camera on a feature film, but, as an audience member or film writer of any kind, it is so fascinating to see the choices being made. Sometimes some of the boldest and most imaginative filmmakers present us with instant classics, other times newcomers deliver a product that may not be extraordinary filmmaking but which may still be a moving or exciting motion picture. In this month’s best of the decade list, I’m honoring the very best directorial debuts. Some of them are first works for potential auteurs, while others are impressive blockbuster entertainment from untested new filmmakers just learning the ropes. Continue reading “Best of the 2010s: Directorial Debut Films” →

Best of the 2010s: Top Ten Comedy Films

Paramount Pictures; Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Comedy isn’t black-and-white. The genre most associated with films like your average American comedy like, say, American Pie or some Judd Apatow film is much more than its stereotype. There are stylish and quirky comedies, absurd and dark comedies. Comedy films come in all shapes and sizes, and the Best of the 2010s-list highlights multiple different types in the genre. Continue reading “Best of the 2010s: Top Ten Comedy Films” →

REVIEW: The Leftovers – Season One (2014)

The following is a season review of the first season of The Leftovers – Created by Damon Lindelof & Tom Perotta

Back in 2014, HBO released the first season of Tom Perotta and Damon Lindelof’s show about the global loss of 140 million people. The show was called The Leftovers and it was based on co-creator Tom Perotta’s novel of the same name.

The first season of the show takes place three years after the global loss and it is largely focused on the trials and tribulations of the Garvey family, which has been torn apart following the ‘Sudden Departure.’ But while plenty key characters lost key members of their family, the show makes clear that not all loss is related directly to the ‘Sudden Departure.’ Continue reading “REVIEW: The Leftovers – Season One (2014)” →

REVIEW: The One I Love (2014)

Release Poster – RADiUS-TWC

The following is a quick review of The One I Love – The feature film debut for director Charlie McDowell

The One I Love follows Ethan (played by Mark Duplass) and Sophie (played by Elisabeth Moss), a married couple going through a rough patch, who have been advised by their therapist (played by Ted Danson) to go on a weekend retreat to a secluded estate. But once they get there, they realize that their partner is only fun to be around in the guest house. Continue reading “REVIEW: The One I Love (2014)” →

Top Ten Movie Heroes of 2014

giphy.com
giphy.com

The following list contains spoilers for films from 2014

It’s time for the fourth Top Ten Tuesday of 2017. I’m still getting through the best heroes of this decade, and we’ve reached 2014. Do note that these characters aren’t solely ranked on how heroic their actions are. Also, some heroes may not be traditional heroes. Without further ado, here are the top ten movie heroes of 2014. Continue reading “Top Ten Movie Heroes of 2014” →

REVIEW: Whiplash (2014)

UK Release Poster - Sony Pictures Classics
UK Release Poster – Sony Pictures Classics

The following is a review of Whiplash – Directed by Damien Chazelle

Whiplash was one of my favorite films of 2014, and it is also one of the two 2014 films I rewatch the most (the other film being Guardians of the Galaxy). But I realized – when I rewatched it the other night – that I had actually never officially reviewed it. This may, in fact, be as good a time as any to review the film. Tomorrow, I’ll be seeing Damien Chazelle’s next film La La Land for the first time. So, as a bit of a warm-up to that forthcoming review, I thought I’d finally review one of the true masterpieces of the 2010s – Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash – one of my favorite films.
Continue reading “REVIEW: Whiplash (2014)” →

Top Ten Movie Villains of 2014

2014-villains
‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ 20th Century Fox

The following list contains spoilers for films from 2014.

It’s week five of the Heroes and Villains period of Top Ten Tuesday, and that brings us to 2014. 2014 was a truly great year for villains, and some of the villains on this list are some of my favorites of all-time. Do note that these characters aren’t solely ranked on how evil their actions are. Without further ado, here are the top ten movie villains of 2014.
Continue reading “Top Ten Movie Villains of 2014” →

REVIEW: Neighbors (2014)

Neighbors Poster
Theatrical Release Poster

The following is a review of Neighbors, also known as ‘Bad Neighbours’ internationally.

In Neighbors, Mac (played by Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (played by Rose Byrne) are trying to deal with life’s newest challenge for them: parenthood. But the Radners have also realized that parenthood may mean that they have to leave their old lifestyle behind. One day, they notice that someone is moving in next door, but soon learn that their new neighbor is a fraternity. Continue reading “REVIEW: Neighbors (2014)” →

REVIEW: Mozart in the Jungle – Season One (2014)

Mozart in the Jungle - Review

The following is a review of the first season of Amazon Studio’s Mozart in the Jungle, available on Amazon Video, and on Viaplay in Denmark.

Based on the memoir of Blair Tindall, Mozart in the Jungle is a ‘dramedy’ featuring beautiful classical music. Set in New York City, the show follows Hailey Rutledge (Lola Kirke), a young and talented oboist, who is suddenly given an opportunity to shine on one of the grandest stages of them all. Meanwhile, it is a time of massive change as a legendary conductor (Malcolm McDowell) makes way for a new, far more eccentric, edition (Gael García Bernal) at the Avery Fisher Hall.  Continue reading “REVIEW: Mozart in the Jungle – Season One (2014)” →