Note: To qualify for this list, a movie must have had a theatrical release since my first blog post (November 9, 2012).
Believe it or not, the Runner-Up spot was the most difficult choice when putting this list together. Some other films I considered for this spot included "Dunkirk," "Raw," "The Act of Killing," "The Place Beyond the Pines," and "Whiplash." But when it came down to it, there was only one real choice. "Ex Machina" is a science-fiction film from first time director Alex Garland, and is easily one of the best directorial debuts I've ever witnessed. The film follows Caleb, an average programmer at a tech company who wins a constant that allows him to visit and help the company's founder with a secret project, only to learn that the secret project is an artificial intelligence by the name Ava. "Ex Machina" is a horrifying, intense, and beautiful movie. This movie has the uncanny ability to make you uncomfortable while watching it. It touches on several complex themes in a mature way, and really is one of the ultimate "what-ifs" we've seen from sci-fi in the past few years. And if there's any justice in the world "Ex Machina" will, and should, go down as a classic.
"Boyhood" is one of the most impressive films in the entire history of cinema. For those who don't know, "Boyhood" is a coming-of-age drama from director Richard Linklater. It follows a young boy as he grows up over the course of 12 years. What makes this movie so impressive is that it was actually filmed over the course of 12 years. Production began in 2002, and didn't finish until the year of its release in 2013. Since the film's debut, it has garnered high acclaim from critics and has been called the best film of modern times by countless critics; it's even one of the best reviewed movies of all time on Rotten Tomatoes, and the best reviewed movie of all time on Metacritic. While not for everyone, "Boyhood" struck a chord with me. It reminded me of my own childhood, and gave me a sense of nostalgia I've never felt with another movie. This film is a triumph, an ambitious and beautiful movie that will go down as one of the all time greats.
Every once in a while, someone tells me how they watched a movie that I recommended through my blog. Since the beginning, it appears that the movie that most have watched based off of my recommendation would have to be "Mud." Directed by the exceptional Jeff Nichols, "Mud" is a southern drama that was my pick for the best movie of 2013. The film revolves around two young boys in the south who come upon a boat that was washed ashore on a small island in the Mississippi river, and learn of a man known only as Mud living out of it. They soon discover Mud is a wanted fugitive, but agree to help him rekindle an old flame and escape the state. "Mud" feels like something right out of a Mark Twain novel. Highlighted by several strong performances, beautiful cinematography, sympathetic characters, and exceptional direction from Nichols, "Mud" really is one of the best movies of the past few years. While Nichols last two films have not been as strong as this one, years down the line I'm sure he'll look back on "Mud" with pride as his magnum opus.
Throughout the history of cinema, there are only a few trilogies worth anything. There's "Back to the Future," "Lord of the Rings," "Indiana Jones," and a few more. One of those trilogies would have to be "Mad Max." Taking place in the post-Apocalypse, the series revolves around a former cop named Max Rockatansky. From the mind of Frank Miller, people thought the series had been put to bed decades ago; but years later Miller expressed interest in continuing the franchise with another movie. This untitled fourth film was supposed to begin filming in the early 2000s, but after countless issues it was stuck in development hell. It wasn't until a decade later that production picked up again, but with such a long time between films and the main character being recast, many were unsure. But when "Mad Max: Fury Road" was finally released, it was almost instantly praised as a masterpiece. Rewriting some of the "Mad Max" lore, "Fury Road" follows our title character as he helps several women escape captivity from a brutal war lord and cult leader. "Fury Road" is an impressive film to say the least. It features several of the best action sequences ever seen in a movie, as well incredible special effects. Coupled with interesting characters, a strong story, and a surprisingly well written screenplay, and you have what may be the best installment in such a beloved franchise.
I
remember walking into the theater with the intent to watch "Birdman."
I knew fairly little about the film outside of what was shown with the initial
trailer. I was intrigued but ultimately unsure, little did I know I was about
to watch one of the best films of the decade. "Birdman" revolves
around Riggin Thomson, a washed movie star most well known for playing a
superhero many years earlier. Riggin hopes to revitalize his career with a
Broadway play he wrote based off the work by Raymond Carter. But when troubles
with the play and his personal demons begin to emerge, Riggin is pushed to his
breaking point. "Birdman," much like "Fury Road," ranks
among my favorite movies of all time; the style, the acting, the themes and
motifs blend together with exceptional cinematography and an amazing soundtrack
to create a truly incredible movie. A high point in the career of almost
everyone involved, the fact that this movie only ranks at number two on this
list shows how highly I respect the film that took the top spot.
Since starting my blog, I've talked about this movie in multiple posts because I truly believe that it is the best movie released so far this decade. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, "Zero Dark Thirty" is about the CIA's hunt for Osama Bin Laden after the events of the 9/11 attacks. Primarily revolving around an agent known only as Maya, we see the CIA spend years tracking down the most wanted man in the world. Upon its release ZDT was met with equal parts praise and criticism. Praise as a film as a whole, and controversy regarding its depiction of torture and historical accuracy. Those flinging criticisms seemed to miss many of the film's points, but that's a conversation for another day. "Zero Dark Thirty" is a masterpiece. From the acting, to directing, to storytelling, and beyond, it is an incredible cinematic feature. Bigelow made waves years earlier with 2009's "The Hurt Locker," which would go on to win best picture at the Oscars and win her best director (making her the first woman to receive the honor); even so, many will argue ZDT is an even better film. Since starting this blog back in 2012 I've reviewed many great films, but I can honestly say the best of the best in my mind has to be "Zero Dark Thirty."
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