Mallard's Top 10 of 2014

1. Boyhood- This one draws you in and makes you forget you're even watching a movie. Amazes me that something this epic in scope (12 years of filming) can feel so intimate and real.
   
   
   
     
2. Nightcrawler- Jake Gyllenhaal in the performance of a lifetime. He is absolutely captivating as the ruthless young videographer willing to do anything and everything for TV news.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Foxcatcher- Don't watch this movie if you cherish your image of Steve Carrell as goofball Michael Scott. He is equal parts creepy and terrifying as millionaire weirdo John Du Pont. Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo are also incredible as the meathead brothers who don't know how to communicate.
   
   
   
   
   
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel- I know Wes Anderson can be a love/hate kind of director. However, you can't deny that he knows how to create a unique visual world. I went along for the ride and loved every minute. Also Ralph Fiennes should do more comedy because his comedic delivery is spot on.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Jodorowsky's Dune- An incredible documentary that follows the doomed fate of Dune, the ambitious project of experimental director Alejandro Jodorowsky. It's a story of pure unbridled creativity ultimately getting roadblocked by dumb Hollywood executives. Just watch it.
   
   
   
6. Whiplash- You will want to punch JK Simmons in the face. He is the absolute perfect casting choice for the overbearing and emotionally abusive band leader of Shaffer Music Conservatory's jazz band. The movie is excellent, but Simmons steals the show.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Birdman- There's so many layers and insane goings-on in this one, that I already know I'm going to want to re-watch it at some point. The performances are all top-notch (particularly Edward Norton) and the heightened-yet-authentic portrayal of backstage hustle and bustle, bursting egos, and turbulent personalities all through masterful camerawork blend together for a phenomenal and entirely unique viewing experience.
   
   
   
   
   
8. Gone Girl- David Fincher was the perfect director to bring this dark tale of deception and betrayal to life. If you feel uneasy about this one when it's over, that's a good thing.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Interstellar- When I'm watching a sci-fi movie, I really couldn't care less about scientific inaccuracies or plot holes. If the story is solid, then I'm on board. Interstellar is a high-stakes space adventure whose heart is in the right place, and I really enjoyed it.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier- This was a really good year for blockbuster action movies (X-Men, Planet of the Apes, Edge of Tomorrow, Guardians of the Galaxy). I'll be honest, this one sneaks into the top 10 over those others because of the Cleveland connection. And in my book, it's probably the best Marvel Studios movie to date (yes, over Avengers).
    
    
    
    
    

 And... here's ten more movies from 2014 that I really liked for good measure.