"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Belvin Olasov
Director Wes Anderson’s“The Grand Budapest Hotel,” could have been nothing more than a delightful trifle of a movie. The bulk of it is pure romp, as Monsieur Gustave (a foppish Ralph Fiennes)evades the murderous Dmitri Desgoffe und Taxis (Adrien Brody)through prison escapes and ski chases. But, though “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is the most energetic and immediately appealing movie of Anderson’scareer, it’s framed with melancholy and littered with quiet moments of kindness and warmth. Fiennes is as excellent with Gustave’s humanizing moments as he is with Anderson’s offbeat comedic timing, and the supporting cast of Anderson regulars are as colorful as ever. Anderson plays by his own rules, and “Grand Budapest” is as stylized and cute as any of his movies. But what makes the movie so vital is the affection and respect it shows to its buffoonish characters. Andersonmakes cartoons, but he never fails to show their human side.
"Boyhood"
Erika Ryan
This summer, director Richard Linklater finally released his 12-year project to theaters and stunned audiences across the country. “Boyhood” is centered on Mason (Ellar Coltrane) and his family, starting when he’s six years old. Over the course of the movie, the gradual progression and growth of the characters fosters an intimate relationship with each character and the audience, making for a very convincing — but fictional — family. Aside from the intimate details portrayed onscreen that hit home for most viewers, the power of "Boyhood" comes from the idea that nothing is fiction — Linklater was aiming to portray an American boy (and family) that could exist by tackling issues like divorce, abuse, relationships and growing up. “Boyhood” is dark, charming, realistic and overall touching. “Boyhood” doesn’t end with a specific climax and a clear image of Mason’scq-cm-mk future. He’s portrayed like a photo in a darkroom — after all, he’s still developing.
"Birdman"
Artie Braswell
Jazz drums drive the tempo of Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu’s experimental comedy "Birdman." The twists and turns around chic sets of a precarious theater production on Broadway will keep you on the edge of your seat. Theater director Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is an erratic, unreliable narrator who manages to keep his cool generally amongst his actors just long enough before losing control to dark hallucinations in privacy. Thomson is also starring in his adaption of a Raymond Carver short story, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” Thomson’s producer Jake (Zach Galifianakis) haplessly manages the unpredictable artist. Tensions develop further when star actor Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) comes on the scene — giving the play a breath of notoriety and Thomson an air of anxiety as his gorgeous but troubled daughter Sam (Emma Stone) solicits affection from Shiner. Keaton delivers a gem of a performance as the lead actor in a star-studded cast.
"Whiplash"
Emily Olyarchuk
The strength of an artist’s passion is to put the test when an unconventional — probably sociopathic — professor pushes him beyond the limits of mind, body and soul in "Whiplash," a film written and produced by Damien Chazelle. Initially released in January 2014, "Whiplash" details the struggle of a self-obsessed young drummer, Andrew (Miles Teller), at the nation’s top music conservatory and the shocking tactics of Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor at the conservatory, who will stop at nothing to find the next great drummer. This film captures the audience through a coarse and remorseless expression of a young artist’s path to success. At times the audience is appalled by Andrew’s actions and the techniques of Fletcher, but in the end their unrelenting passion can be admired for what it truly represents. The film is composed of intricate and powerful jazz music performed as a part of the story as well as in background sound. The performances of Teller and Simmons accompany the music in a blend of perfected skill and natural talent. The film is a unique representation of the artist’s struggle and what it took famous artists like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis to become musical legends.
"Interstellar"
Kylie Tokar
A story about love and endless possibility, "Interstellar" tells the tale of a selfless pilot and his journey through time and space. Regardless of the viewer’s knowledge of aerospace technology and potential time travel, this film has a fantastic plot and an excellent cast of characters, making it a pleasure to watch for all ages. Matthew McConaughey stars as a father struggling to make moral decisions between his family and the greater good of all humanity. His performance as a passionate patriot is breathtaking, taking viewers on a roller coaster of emotions as the plotline intertwines with thorough science. For nearly three hours, the audience forgets that they are not themselves enveloped by the vast darkness of space faced with the impossible task of protecting the human race. The effects are marvelous, depicting stunning, planetary beauty, rifted by interpersonal turmoil. The characters will have you at times teary-eyed, astonished, outraged and in love simultaneously. This tremendous flick is by far the greatest film of 2014.
"Into the Woods"
Lauren Galida
“Into the Woods” is a beautiful rendition of a well-known classic executed with breathtaking scenery and exquisite vocal performance. There was not a weak cast member vocally nor dramatically. A few of the more mature elements did not make the cut for this adaptation of “Into the Woods,” which communicated a more child-friendly vibe. The new, Disney-fied version stayed true to the authentic fairy-tale era and added Hollywood glam to some of the costumes. Even though the film and play itself is divided into two seemingly never ending acts, you can’t help but continue to watch every fast-paced song and wonder how each character performs with upmost diction. This unconventional mix of fairytales is as close to a real-life scenario as possible. Cinderella doesn’t end up with the prince, and several leading roles perish. This fairy tale pushes the boundaries of the stereotypical ideal of a fairytale — lives are lost and the series of events is unpredictable, which makes this musical fairytale less superficial than others.
"Snowpiercer"
Morgan Smith
This action/sci-fi film starring "Fantastic Four’s" Chris Evans explores life after a global-warming experiment kills off the majority of the population, leaving the world completely frozen over. Survivors board the Snowpiercer, a train designed to travel the entire globe. However, the train develops a stratified class order not unlike the one of our real world. When poor passengers begin to receive cryptic messages to revolt, they begin to fight their way to the front of the train where they see rich passengers living in opulence. The movie offers strong political metaphors for controversial topics such as the repression of the unprivileged in less-than-desirable conditions and their fight for change, against vicious, militant policing and a “preordained” society. To find out what happens when they reach the front of the train, pop in the DVD and get ready to experience a post-apocalyptic train ride.
"St. Vincent"
Kasey Meredith
While I initially thought this would be a dry comedy about an unlikely friendship between a crotchety old man (Bill Murray) and his small-fry grade school compadre (Jaeden Lieberher), "St. Vincent" was much more than that. Murray plays a father figure and babysitter to his new neighbor’s young son. While Murray’s character seems far from the ideal mentor — as a drunk and a gambler — he teaches the young boy many good morals like sticking up for yourself, albeit in unconventional manners. Among the humorous moments, "St. Vincent" is poignant, moving and explores the darker responsibilities of life, like divorce and acceptance of death. Unpredictable and sweet, "St. Vincent" is no doubt going to be added to my DVD collection.