Hooked On A Feeling: Matt Donato’s Top 20 Films Of 2014

7) Chef

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter (@Donatobomb), you know it’s no secret that I’m a hardcore foodie – which might explain why Jon Favreau’s food-truckin’ revival resonates so deeply in my own personal life. Sure, he may bash critics a bit as far as Oliver Platt’s mean-spirited blogger is concerned, but Favreau’s deliciously indulgent assessment of his own career is translated into the world of food with loads of heart, getting back to the indie roots that opened the door to the likes of Iron Man.

There are fantastic performances abound, including young Emjay Anthony as Favreau’s son and John Leguizamo as his raunchy best friend, but the food stays front and center, representing the creative freedoms which Favreau expresses a need to experience once again.

Chef is a mouth-watering character piece that comes from a brutally honest place in Favreau’s life, but the fun and vibrant style of flavorful cuisine pairs with a witty commentary on social media that acts as a poignant resurgence of the soulful Jon Favreau that we love so much.

6) The Guest

After attending this year’s Fantastic Fest in Austin, I can confirm that the BEST way to watch The Guest is when writer Simon Barrett buys the entire theater a Fireball shot (like, cinnamon schnapps and hot sauce, not a college kid’s shot-of-choice) and you drink along with Dan Stevens on camera. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the ONLY way to watch one of the year’s most intense action thrillers, but the spicy concoction goes down so smooth – much like Adam Wingard’s best film to date.

Part “charming stranger” psychological horror, part “kill ’em all” survival film, Wingard does his job by establishing an unnerving easiness when introducing Dan Stevens’ all-too-perfect soldier, only to have the tension explode in a flurry of bullets when the truth comes out. The Guest is a midnight movie with tremendous depth and Wingard’s signature ear for perfectly-cued musical scores, rivalling Guardians Of The Galaxy in the soundtrack department.

You’re Next is a fun, suspenseful ride, but The Guest is a striking new high for the collaborative team of Wingard and Barrett – two men I trust with ANY genre idea they might think up next (well, after their remake of I Saw The Devil, that is).