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

They say the way into a man's heart is through his stomach, and while there's nothing more soothing than a home-cooked meal and a crisp, hoppy IPA, I think that there's another way into a man's heart - nay, soul - and that's through his eyes. Food unlocks pleasures attained by few other experiences, but movies can pack an even weightier punch when dealing with raw emotions, self-reflection, and fantastical worlds beyond our wildest imagination. Movies are but keys unlocking cerebral dimensions that speak louder than words, which is exemplified by the best of the best once each cinematic year comes to a close. With Christmas behind me and New Year's Eve rapidly approaching, another year is in the books full of marvelous on-screen achievements that will surely stand the test of time. Beyond the list I'm about to write are a slew of other noteworthy films, with performances like Jake Gyllenhaal's horrific turn in Nightcrawler, but my Top 20 Films Of 2014 are officially locked, with each movie selected for reasons I couldn't ignore. These are the heavyweights, the mighty warriors looking down upon their inferior peers, screaming from atop Valhalla in dominant cries of jubilation while BATHING IN THE BLOOD OF THEIR ENEMIES - or something like that. We were transported many places this year (other universes, dystopian tundras, LEGO settings, Selma) and watched many actors rediscover themselves (Reese Witherspoon, David Oyelowo, Michael Keaton), but each of these journeys shook me in their own unique way. Whether it was the biggest budget of the year or a tiny indie effort, 2014 proved to me that no matter how big, flashy, and visually alluring your film may be, without a rock-solid story, all you've got is another hollow puff-piece without an ounce of passion or heart - something I learned as numerous movies on this list almost* brought me to tears (be it tragedy or comedy). *I'm not a proud man. I cried, dammit. Enough talk, though, let's examine the great cinematic year that was 2014: 20) Neighbors Yes, I'm well aware that there's another Seth Rogen/Evan Goldberg comedy everyone is talking about, mainly because it almost started WWIII, but I'm going back farther. Hype and mystery aside, The Interview was a valiant effort, but let the records show that I could not stop laughing while sitting through the SXSW premiere of Nicholas Stoller's uproarious frat-house comedy Neighbors. Are the laughs solely at the expense of immaturity, vulgarity, shocks, perversion, idiocy, and brotacular stereotypes? Yes, yes, and more yes, but that's what makes Neighbors such a damn fine exploitation of the college years that every one of us dreams about. You've also got heroic performances by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as two parents struggling to connect with their "totally rad" past selves, partying with the perfectly douchey college punk played (to perfection) by Zac Efron, and a supporting cast that fills in nicely whenever a mindless dick joke or aggressively average De Niro impression is called upon. Neighbors could be a new generation's Animal House in the right circles (well, almost, because how do you top a perfect movie?), but Stoller's film will undoubtedly have you begging for more once the credits roll. Please, sir, can I have another? 19) Happy Christmas Joe Swanberg is one of many mumblecorians who are leading a grassroots campaign against Hollywood dramas, going the route of emotional tales based on grounded relationships, and even though his previous effort Drinking Buddies revolves around one of my favorite topics (beer), 2014's Happy Christmas immediately became my favorite Swanberg sensation. From Anna Kendrick's honest portrayal of a mid-mid-life crisis to the sweet, humble connection built between Swanberg and Melanie Lynskey, there's no glitz and glamor hiding the true, middle-class love that's complicated by real-world problems - not outlandish Hollywood dramatics. Swanberg dares to tell life how it is - stories considered mundane by other filmmakers - but Happy Christmas proves that when a film relies on performances, soul, and a link to the human spirit, you don't need gigantic outcries of attention when trying to prove undying love. Happy Christmas is a romantic heartwarmer for the modern age, refusing to fall victim to typical cinematic speedbumps that make every man a degenerate cheater and every woman a scorned, powerless onlooker. 18) Snowpiercer Despite all the commotion surrounding wishes to edit down Bong Joon-ho's Snowpiercer for American audiences, eventually the Weinsteins let this frigid, dystopian thrill-ride show audiences that significant sci-fi efforts can still possess hefty doses of social commentary. Led by an amazing cast including the iron-fisted Tilda Swinton and Chris Evans as a coup leader, Joon-ho's ideas are delivered with intrigue and horrifying socio-political realizations that are contained inside a hurdling train protecting its inhabitants from deadly temperatures. Snowpiercer is smart, inventive, savvy, and terrifyingly relevant, devolving backwards to a class-driven time where feudal rankings pitted peasant against king. Overall, the film is another Bong Joon-ho winner. The cold, chilling revolt is set inside a metallic tomb, yet bleakness and terror-tactics give way to a marvellously accessible science fiction brainteaser. 17) Why Don’t You Play In Hell? While some people might describe Sion Sono as Japan's answer to Quentin Tarantino, I disagree, because he's Sion freakin' Sono and that's it - well, and he releases more movies in two years than QT does in ten. His latest, Why Don't You Play In Hell?, is yet another madcap masterpiece that blends over-the-top violence with hilariously dramatized overacting and characters who live in a blissful world of vengeful insanity. The overarching plot is genius - two warring Yakuza factions decide they want to make a movie, so instead of opting for falseness, they enlist a team of filmmakers to record a massive battle between the clans. This provides plenty of opportunities for Sono to comment on mainstream cinema, play with gangster mentalities, and kill characters with decapitations galore, and it all plays out with an impressively demented scope. Why Don't You Play In Hell? might be considered slow-burn to some people, but the ending is easily some of the best cinema 2014 has to offer. Patience is a virtue here, and it's paid off in a wild, bloody fashion. 16) Boyhood It wouldn't be a year-end list without talking about Richard Linklater's Boyhood, a cinematic accomplishment filmed over a child's lifetime. Ellar Coltrane stars as Mason, a role that he played on and off from the ages of 5 to 18 - a boy's special maturation period that permits children the ability to discover themselves, comprehend the world, and shape themselves for the adventures to come. Instead of using multiple actors, Linklater thought it smarter to actually watch a child actor grow up before our eyes, and the choice absolutely opens a world of realism that you just don't see from typical Hollywood dramas. The connection to Mason's pubescent evolution is so much easier when investing in one single actor, and by the end, we feel like we've just spent years with Coltrane - because we ACTUALLY have. 15) Wild It's so nice to throw around Reese Witherspoon's name during awards season, as her turn in Wild provides one of the strongest, most uplifting female characters of 2014. Wild is undoubtedly a redemption story, but Witherspoon is allowed to embrace her vulnerabilities, acknowledge her emptiness, and accept her worst moments as stepping stones towards a bright future. She doesn't cry and sulk in the face of depression and self-depreciation, and exhibits a tremendous amount of strength as she traverses the Pacific Coast Trail, finding a parallel with nature every step of the way. Jean-Marc Vallée captures the scenic beauty of snowy valleys and rock mountains as Witherspoon (playing Cheryl Strayed) connects with the isolation inside herself, and thanks to Vallée's fearless lead actress, the journey ends up being inspirational, enlightening, and painstakingly heartfelt. Wild is about simultaneously connecting with the universe and our inner souls, reminding us that no matter how dark times may get, we always have the chance to embrace change for the better. 14) Blue Ruin Not enough of you know who Jeremy Saulnier is, and that's a shame. While I originally discovered this unique director through a film called Murder Party back in 2007 (a goofy horror flick), Blue Ruin shows how Sauliner's talents are maturing with age like a fine wine. There's no other reaction after watching Blue Ruin than "Holy Shit," as Sauliner musters the most honest, stripped-down story of pure revenge this year - and in a very long time. There's nothing flashy about the action sequences, and Sauliner does an amazing job avoiding any glorification of violent acts, but success would have been hard without lead actor Macon Blair's gut-punch of a maddening performance. Blue Ruin is the realistic equivalent of Hollywood's shoot-em-up action mentality, hitting upon an emotional impact that should come along with the decision to murder someone in cold blood - and the consequences that follow. 13) Cold In July As indie films continue to embrace an incredibly gritty nature, auteurs like Jim Mickle are finding their voice through grimy genre pieces that establish punchy, stylistic trends. While I'm a fan of his earlier works as well, Cold In July immediately jumped ahead as my favorite Micklepiece thanks to a sleek 80s vibe supported by a synthy soundtrack and a dirty period focus. Michael C. Hall hasn't been this good in a while, and Don Johnson's Southern swagger is off the charts, but Mickle's biggest triumph is building a slow-burn mystery that's equal parts suspenseful and engaging - including a powerful ending that sends Cold In July out with a loud, commanding BANG. Mickle has proven that he can do it all - hold our attention, tell a story, scare us senseless, and throw together a favorable action sequence. Whatever's next for this filmmaker, my excitement is already bubbling over. 12) Godzilla A lot of people didn't like this film, and that's something I'm sure I'll get hell for when people see it on my "Best Of" list, but in my opinion, Godzilla was the blockbuster restart that such a storied franchise needs. We already suffered through Roland Emmerich's more actioneer version of Godzilla, so Gareth Edward's franchise kickstarter gets back to what the original movies are about - Godzilla battling other monsters. The director captures the epic scale of the towering beast, revealing the true insignificance of humanity when pitted against a gigantic fire-breathing monster, yet Edwards still brings an almost humanistic quality to the titular creature. Godzilla echoes the same compliments I constantly bestow upon Cloverfield, re-establishing the legend of the creature so that future efforts have the ability to pack a creature-filled pay-per-view event - like the teased introduction of Monster Island. Edwards created the Godzilla movie that needed to be created, and he did so while keeping an epic, sprawling scale about the whole production that tops any disaster movie seen in 2014. 11) The Trip To Italy Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are two extremely funny men, but apparently their comedic prowess only grows when food is introduced into the mix. Following 2010's The Trip, Michael Winterbottom decided it was time to send these two comedians out for another restaurant tour filled with delectable meals and witty banter, this time taking place along the Italian coast. The duo eat plenty of pasta, air their personal grievances, analyze their relationships, and crack wise about a slew of movies from The Godfather to The Dark Knight Rises - finding their best material was lambasting the inaudible nature of Christopher Nolan's characters. The Trip To Italy is like a perfect Sunday dinner with your family, with good food, better company, and hearty laughs shared throughout the whole experience. 10) Life Itself Life Itself is not included in my tops films simply because it pays tribute to one of film criticism's leading voices, but because of what director Steve James captures after starting the project with completely different intentions. James unfortunately records the slow deterioration of a great, respected man, but it's Ebert's wishes to continue the project that are most awe-inspiring. What could have been a depressing end is transformed into a story about tremendous will, a fighting spirit, and a cheery disposition that strikes so much inspiration through crushing realism. Ebert never rolls over. Instead, he finds new ways to further his voice even with the loss of his jaw (some shots are INCREDIBLY hard to stomach, yet Ebert never shies away from the camera), going out only on his own terms. Life Itself could have been the most depressing film of 2014, but it's instead one of the strongest, most passionate displays of human emotion one can fathom, as it pays tribute to the critic, the mentor and the family man all at once. 9) The Grand Budapest Hotel Is it really a surprise that The Grand Budapest Hotel has made another "Best Of" list for 2014? Wes Anderson seems like he can do no wrong these days, as an endless flood of Buda-praise proved that the filmmaker's colorful sophistication is still well-loved among the cinematic masses. There's something so hypnotic about Anderson's overwhelming jolliness, even with murderous characters like Willem Dafoe's bruiser Jopling, but it's Ralph Fiennes who steals the show as concierge superstar M. Gustave - one of Anderson's most enjoyable characters to date. The hotel proves to be a home for a number of enchanting tales, from greedy villains to heroic bakers, as each guest opens a brand new chapter of follies and excitement that fit Anderson's tone like a snug scarf around a chilly neck. Anderson is a storyteller who needs no explanation at this point, so just imagine a spectacular cast including Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton, Adrian Brody, Harvey Keitel, and SO many other exceptional talents inhabiting The Grand Budapest Hotel. 8) The Raid 2 The Raid might be one of the most ass-kicking movies of all time, so much so that one had to wonder how Gareth Evans would top such a relentless assault of Indonesian martial arts and skull-crunching action. Well, apparently the answer was simple - make a bigger, meaner, and badder sequel that keeps the same frantic fight sequences, but expands the universe beyond a simple tower. Evans asserts himself as a solid storyteller and psychotic fight sequence choreographer through The Raid 2, making brawls from the original seem like child's play thanks to some of the best hand-to-hand combat imaginable. The editing glides along like a brutal ballet of bloody proportions, highlighting astounding grace and style despite limitless broken bones, deadly combos and gang-related violence, sealing the deal on what could be described as The Godfather Part II of action movies. The Raid 2 is an achievement I originally believed to be unattainable, but Gareth Evans happily proved me wrong with a sequel that people were actually crying out for. Now it's time for the franchise finisher. 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). 5) Selma Towards the end of every cinematic year there's always one film that flies under the radar, coming out of nowhere once awards season recognition starts being debated, and in 2014, that movie was Selma. Retelling the momentous events led by Martin Luther King Jr., challenging President Lyndon B. Johnson and the black right to vote by marching through a pro-segregation Alabama state, filmmaker Ava DuVernay ensures that Selma is an emotional powerhouse triumphant enough to capture King's legacy. Her direction is unflinching and revealing when exposing the civil rights struggles that took place, but DuVernay's trump card is David Oyelowo's performance as MLK Jr. - a performance that deserves the Best Actor award hands down. Every speech is perfectly annunciated and somberly prolific, where Oyelowo becomes unrecognizable while portraying the God-loving preacher who fought until the day he died. I dare you to find yourself not choking up during Oyelowo's weightiest proclamations, but it's a sweet reminder of how far we've come since such hateful, abhorrent times. 4) The LEGO Movie If you're like me, you've been starting each day with Tegan and Sara's "Everything Is Awesome" (featuring The Lonely Island) since seeing The LEGO Movie, because anyone who isn't made instantly happy by the infectious theme doesn't have a soul. Creators Phil Lord and Chris Miller didn't just make the next great animated children's movie, but they found a way to make adults feel like empowered youngsters gazing into a world full of wonder, limitless creativity, and a freeing sense of belonging. Featuring crisp, slick visuals that recreate lego blocks to perfection and a colorful universe that's constantly changing, The LEGO Movie keeps both kiddies and adults grinning the entire time with a slew of hilarious jokes and cameos, coming together in an impressively even-minded script which should be recognized when the academy announces the award for Best Animated Feature. Everything is awesome about The LEGO Movie - especially the feeling of invincibility that comes along with unjaded curiosity and an imaginative lust for life. Who knew such small toys could teach the world that every one of us is special in our own way? 3) Birdman In a year that saw many redemptive stories, no production achieved the technical beauty that Alejandro González Iñárritu's satirical Hollywood drama did. Birdman stars Michael Keaton as a washed-up actor who threw away a life of superhero stardom for a theatrical career that meant something more - finding nothing but hardship, vile critics, and a deteriorating mental state clouded by rivaling definitions of success. Edward Norton shines in a supporting role that's nothing but a brutish bad-boy type, too cynical to be contained by mere mortals, but it's Iñárritu's directorial eye that steals the show. The entire film is edited together as one super-long cut, exemplified by the camera waiting for characters despite empty rooms. Birdman soars above the competition thanks to Keaton's trashing of blockbuster mentalities and shallow celebrity cultures, but the film's inherent darkness is spun with an energetic cleverness that builds a world of emotion, entertainment and strange hopefulness (depending on your interpretation). 2) Inherent Vice There's no doubt that Inherent Vice is a hit-or-miss fever dream among audiences, which is commonplace for a Paul Thomas Anderson puzzler, but there's something so genuinely lovable about this psychedelic stoner noir (to me, at least). Whether it's Joaquin Phoenix's heavily-influenced performance, Josh Brolin's adoration of Chinese pancake houses and frozen bananas, or Anderson's ability to create a Looney Tunes episode geared towards adults, I still have no regrets about missing my press screening of The Interview to see my second favorite movie of 2014. This film will NOT be for everyone, as the narrative jumps around with seemingly no direction - but that's half the fun of Inherent Vice. You sit back, strap in, and hope not to get too much of a contact high from Anderson's addictive criminal haze. Inherent Vice is a shining achievement in the absurd, as the directors draws so many tremendous performances out of a bumbling connect-the-dots adventure completed by a high kindergartner - and pulls it off with ease. 1) Guardians Of The Galaxy Guardians Of The Galaxy coming in at number one? You better believe it. James Gunn's celestial caper is a galactic testament to everything we love about Hollywood magic, and the mere fact that Marvel let Gunn make the movie he wanted - with characters who weren't marketable until after release - keeps my spirits high about not only the Marvel Universe, but mainstream Hollywood in general. Where do you even want me to start here? The soundtrack is easily one of the best of 2014, two CGI characters end up striking some of the year's sweetest on-screen chemistry, Chris Pratt asserts himself as a charismatic leading lad, Gunn includes a Lloyd Kaufman cameo.....this is what happens when you let creative minds thrive instead of being stifled by mass audience appeal and promotional ability. Guardians Of The Galaxy represents a bold new direction for Marvel thanks to a Troma-bred filmmaker who believed in a rag-tag group of heroes the world knew nothing about, turning them into the lovable characters that the studio so hoped the Guardians would become. So, there you have it. Thanks for reading my Top 20 Films Of 2014, but now I want to hear from you - what are some of your favorite movies of the year? Sound off below!