My favorite movies of the past year

I've finally caught up on the great movies of the past year or so and I have compiled some thoughts on the films that meant the most to me.  A "ten movies from 2014 I'd take to a desert island" list.  Let me know if I missed any and what some of yours are.

This isn't a top ten list, mind you.  The older I get, the less I see films and art as some kind of competition that you can rank or decalre one a "winner" over another.  Each film is art in its own right and deserves study, thought, and consideration just as much as the next.  The great movies of the past year are all wonderful achievments of many brilliant people.  Let's take a look:

Boyhood

Richard Linklater crafted a masterpiece over the course of twelve years.  The film is difficult and asks the viewer to open up and connect with thier own experiences and relate to, perhaps, the most real family I've ever seen in a fiction film.  It is moving and sad, but happy and thoughtful at the same time.  Fantastic performances, truthful filmmaking, and subtle themes make it one of the most important movies in the last 10 years.

Interstellar

I loved Interstellar.  It is most epic yet very personal.  Comparisons to 2013's Gravity are off base.  Where Gravity is a rollercoaster ride, Interstellar is a odyssean drama.  It asks us difficult questions, presents difficult ideas, takes us on a journey and makes us open our eyes and minds a bit wider.  It's old-school filmmaking set in the near-future.  It's haunting and beautiful and begs us as humans to keep exploring and journeying beyond what we think is possible.

Whiplash

The biggest surprise of the year.  Incredible performance by J.K. Simmons and fantastic direction and editing.  It reminded me of my days in high school, competing at music festivals and intensely rehearsing.  Of course, my experience was quite a bit different than the group run by the near-psycotic and semi-violent Fletcher.  It's a musical thrill ride that left me drumming at my table for days after.

Birdman

Birdman is technically brilliant.  The performances are very fun and the movie keeps you on your toes throughout.  I struggled at times with how self-aware the film was, but it seemed to just reflect the personality of its main character.  Ed Norton is the highlight for me.  It's probably the most unique film in a long time and, if you pay close attention, you might learn a little something about the way you perceive fame and popularity.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Starlord is just the best, right? The most fun movie of the year and Chris Pratt gives a welcome relief to the Marvel genre that has begun taking itself way too seriously.  The closest we've gotten to the original Star Wars trilogy in a package that might actually be more entertaining (if only slightly less emotionally impactful).  I can't wait for the return of the Guardians.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Many people don't care much for Wes Anderson's movies, but I am a fan.  The thing I loved most about The Grand Budapest Hotel was just how much fun it was.  The story is full of twists and turns that always edge on the bizzare.  The performances are perfect and the world Anderson creates left me with a smile on my face.  It never takes itself seriously, but it cares very seriously about being crafted perfectly.

Foxcatcher

Such a haunting film.  Because I was unfamiliar with the details of the true story, I was constantly having my insides turned around by all the twists the characters go through.  Steve Carrell is so perfect as the mysterious Jon DuPont.  Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum are incredible as the Schultz brothers.  No other director created such a tangible, thick atmosphere as Bennett Miller.  I still get the chills when I think about it.

Citizenfour

The documentary chronicling Edward Snowden's release of secret NSA information and spying programs to the public had my jaw on the floor from the moment he appears on screen.  A facinating man and an incredibly complex issue create a very memorable film and, more importantly, hopefully begin a real conversation about the balance between privacy and security.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

The series reboot of Planet of the Apes has been spot on through the first two films.  'Dawn' stands very well on its own, but when combined with 'Rise', it becomes the spiritual successor to the Terminator franchise.  An uprising, thrilling action, incredible visual effects, and unlikely heroes.  I can't wait for the next one.

Edge of Tomorrow

Groundhog Day with robots and aliens.  But the movie is much more than that.  Clever storytelling, great action and performances, and a fresh look at the action/sci-fi genre make for a memorable popcorn experience.

2014 gave us a lot of great movies.  The blockbuster season was better than I can ever remember and the late season films were all beautiful and memorable.  I hope 2015 can deliver more of the same.