best movies of the year 2014

1) Boyhood

People argue that if you take out the “12 years in the making”, then you have a basic movie. But that is the point, you CANNOT take that out of the equation because that is the main reason this movie worked so well, and that is why the creators of this landmark achievement deserve all the awards they can get. Besides its groundbreaking ambition, the beautiful screenplay and effortless work of all the actors, the movie feels like a miracle, by extracting truths out of what appear to be life's most random moments and daring to honor those small moments and the life they add up to.

2) Interstellar

Cristopher Nolan continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking with Interstellar, his most ambitions film to date (and that is a lot to say from the man that brought us movies like Memento, The Dark Night and Inception). Interstellar is cinematically epic, technically savvy with arresting cinematography and visual effects. But it is that dramatic intimacy and humanity that set it apart. Although last year’s Gravity was certainly an achievement (worthy of all praise it got), it didn’t have the narrative ambition of Interstellar, which rest on an inquiry into the deepest recesses of space and the true potential of the human condition.

3) Whiplash

I don’t want to focus on J.K Simmons performance (he should win the Oscar period), I want to focus on all the other elements that make this an extraordinarily accomplished piece of work. For starters, it takes a new refreshingly subversive spin on the “inspirational teacher" theme. Secondly, it’s incredibly raw and brutal but hugely entertaining as well (a rare accomplishment).

4) Birdman

I had high expectations for this movie (more than any other movie this year), and for the most part, it did not disappoint. This serves as a “welcoming back to form” to its director Alejandro González Iñárritu, after tasteless back to back efforts (Babel and Beautiful). The slick delivery of humor and drama and the director’s technical showcase make Birdman one the most original films to come out in recent years. Last but not least, kudos to Michael Keaton’s astounding work (they should give him the Oscar).

5) Under the Skin

Anyone thinking of making a Sci-Fi these days should look at Under the Skin first. This is a visionary, mind blowing sci-fi masterpiece. The movie is beyond-strange, intensely disturbing and ultimately bizarrely moving, so it is not for everyone’s taste, but it is an incredibly rewarding experience for those that stick through the end credits.

6) Snowpiercer

Another spectacular Sci-Fi with thrilling action and suspense, (with surprisingly few special effects) and inventive storytelling. Snowpiercer feels like dystopian moral parable, strange and distinctive but hugely rewarding film-viewing experience.

7) Selma

Just as last year’s 12 years a Slave, Selma is a difficult but necessary experience about one of the most unfortunate chapters in American History. Oyelowo was sensational in Selma, making you believe, body and soul, heart and mind, in his performance as Martin Luther King.

8) Blue Ruin

I loved this film, it reminded me of the Coen Brothe’s “No Country for Old Man” (at a smaller scale). Blue Ruin is a quietly powerful low-budget revenge thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

9) Nighcrawler

This film confirms Jake Gyllenhaal’s status as one of Hollywood’s premier actors (although he had a few good performances before, nothing compares to this transformative performance). But the movie is not just about Jake, it also has great craftsmanship, combining black comedy, intense action, audacious tonal shifts with artful cinematography.

10) Force Majure

A top-notch Swedish psychodrama, one that viciously attacks the human condition in a strangely tragicomedy sort of way. This intriguing relationship drama was painful to watch.

Oscars Predictions

Best Picture

Who is going to win: Birdman

Who should win: Boyhood

Comment: No question, Boyhood is the best picture of the year, but Birdman has been picking some steam lately. Also Birdman seems to fit more the traditional academy voter.

Best Director

Who is going to win: Richard Linklater (Boyhood)

Who should win: Richard Linklater (Boyhood)

Comment: No question too, Boyhood best achievement in direction. But like I said, Iñárritu can take it away from Linklater. But I I think this year, it’s going to be a split (best picture goes to Birdman and Director to Boyhood)

Best Actor

Who is going to win: Eddie Redmayne

Who should win: Michael Keaton

Comment: I think Keaton had the best performance, I don’t get easily impressed by performances that rely on physical antics. But I think unfortunately they are going to give the Oscar to the actor that played a paraplegic instead of the more complex/character driven performance.

Best Actress

Who is going to win: Julian Moore

Who should win: Julian Moore

Comment: This is not Julian Moore’s best performance by far (she should have multiple Oscars by this point in her career), but it was definitely a solid one, characteristic of her greatness.

Best Supporting Actor

Who is going to win: J.K. Simmons

Who should win: J.K Simmons

Comment: This is the easiest category

Best Supporting Actress

Who is going to win: Patricia Arquette

Who should win: Patricia Arquette

Comment: Also a no contest, she had a better performance than any of the other nominees.