Top 10 Films Watched in 2014

I got through significantly more films this year than last as well as managing to go to the cinema a lot more often. I'm planning to write another post about watching films at home vs. the cinema, but I really liked that I made watching films more of a social activity this year and shared my favourites with my closest friends. So here is my countdown:

10. Her (2014)

I hadn't heard much about this film actually before going into the cinema to watch it apart from an offhanded synopsis of "it's about a man and Siri getting together". Of course, a man's relationship with an operating system is the basic plot outline of this film, but its real merit comes from the cinematography and set design. It was a stunning film, the visuals made up of a selection of bright block colours that go against the stereotypically grey colour scheme of futuristic films. I particularly found the opening and the idea of a corporation that write letters pretending to be from other people really fascinating. The narrative itself wasn't amazing, but the themes and emotional resonance you draw from the film is extremely thought-provoking and powerful.

9. The Maze Runner (2014)

This was another book to film adaptation of a YA book that came to the Hollywood mill after a long streak of them recently, but this one really surprised me with how good it was. With Divergent being enjoyable but not fantastic, I was unsure about what this was going to be like. To be honest, when I heard that The Maze Runner was being adapted, I was pretty disappointed as I thought the book would be ruined by a sub-par adaptation. I was completely wrong. The film is a cinematic action-thriller that was far more intense than I was expecting. The CGI of the Maze and the Grievers inside was incredible but the best thing about this film was Dylan O' Brien's acting. He was so raw and managed to draw Thomas' anguish through so well. Apart from Kaya Scodelario's average performance, the rest of the cast were also stellar and really made me believe the world of the Maze.

8. Some Like It Hot (1959)

My first viewing of a Marilyn Monroe film and one of the oldest films I've ever seen. Again, this was another film that I didn't know much about and to be completely honest, I only decided to watch it as it was screening in my university cinema with some free pizza. I was pleasantly surprised though by this humorous and touching romantic comedy. It was really radical for how old it was, touching on themes of feminism and identity. I didn't think I would laugh out loud as much as I did, it was hilarious - especially the ending. The characters were also really endearing to watch and the dialogue was on point. This has really encouraged me to delve into some older movies for 2015.

7. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

I'm holding up my hands and saying that I'm really not a big fan of superhero films. They're generally all pretty similar and I find it hard to enjoy them any further than just a bit of fantastical entertainment. Guardians of the Galaxy was genius, however, as it took this modern and satirical approach. As I'm sure most other people would agree, the soundtrack to this film made it, placing 80s classics among rocket explosions and battle montages. It was cleverly witty and I really liked Chris Pratt's performance as well as the rest of the unconventional cast. Also baby Groot.

6. Barefoot (2014)

I discovered this film when I was trailer watching on youtube, and I was on about the 20th video on a chain of related videos when this one really interested me. The premise is odd: a man who falls in love with a schizophrenic escapee from a mental institution. One of my main interests is stories that revolve around mental institutions or mental health in general and this one took a route I wasn't expecting but was equally enjoyable. The tone of the film is light, charming and heartfelt, and I really commend the character development. Evan Rachel Wood also excelled as the female lead and the soundtrack was adorably befitting. I later found out that this was an American adaptation of the German film Barfuss, which I am yet to watch, but am excited to do so.

5. How I Live Now (2013)

After I saw the trailer in the cinema before the main feature, it looked really intriguing and I only just got round to watching it this year. The story is really chilling and the portrayal of an apolcalyptic universe done in a subtley ominous manner. The cinematography was beautiful and it had both heart-warming and sinister scenes that fed into an amazing piece of film. Saoirse Ronan is absolutely brilliant, as are the rest of the young cast. This film thoroughly took me by surprise.

4. Starter For Ten (2006)

I hadn't read the book prior to watching it and thought a film about University Challenge would be somewhat entertaining. This film was such an entertaining experience and so British. Almost like a male version of Bridget Jones at university age set in the 80s. I also watched this just before going to university and it just really got be excited and reassured. A lot of laugh out loud moments and the real gold in this film was the dialogue. And Benedict Cumberbatch's character.

3. The Butterfly Effect (2004)

This was one of those classics I've never gotten around to watching until now. I knew vaguely what the film was about but I still wasn't expecting the route it went down. Really psychologically puzzling and thrilling with a satisfying ending. I was also thoroughly surprised by Ashton Kutcher's performance as well as young Logan Lerman's. It touched on so many important themes and was done artfully.

2. Fight Club (1999)

Another older classic that I've only just got around to watching. Although I knew the 'twist' at the end before watching it, the cinematography and script was so brilliant that it was still well worth the watch. I loved the way it was filmed - all chopped up like the main character's consciousness. The dark take on the dynamic between animalism and capitalism was entrancing to watch, leaving me unsettled. Similarly, the entire motif of the soap just encompassed the raw and darkly ironic nature of the film. 

1. Gone Girl (2014)

One of the blockbusters of this year and it's very understandable why it did so well. The entire film is thrilling and unexpected, taking you straight into the twisted minds of the characters. As well as being a really good mystery film, the film is a brilliant study on marriage ad human relationships as well as obsession and trust. It was a long film but certainly didn't feel that way and oh my, Rosamund Pike was absolutely breathtaking. The viewer is always kept just on the edge of the inside, only knowing the very least until the truth all comes tumbling down. I really did not want this film to end and just wanted to be a fly on the wall for that little bit longer.

Honourable mentions:

- Heathers (1988)

- Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)

- Frozen (2013)