Jack's Top 5 of 2014

Boyhood

Richard Linklater's twelve year film experiment paid off and we got a stunning insight into growing up in the last decade. Although I wasn't in the same situation as Mason, I felt like his story had a degree of relatability that a lot of young people can identify with. Ellar Coltrane gave a gripping performance throughout the years with amazing support from Ethan Hawke.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson's twentieth century adventure around Central Europe featured a great comedic turn by Ralph Fiennes and all the quirky elements that we've come to expect from the world of Wes Anderson. The bright and colourful cinematography by Robert Yeoman wonderfully showcases the many fun scenes. Anderson's light hearted look at twentieth century politics and symbolism is also a fun element.

Nightcrawler

Dan Gilroy's stunning look at the shifty world of local TV news was one of my most anticipated films of the year and I was not at all disappointed with the outcome. Jake Gyllenhaal's chilling performance of Louis Bloom was so engaging that I found it difficult to look away from the screen whenever he was on it. Gilroy's debut feature will definitely stick around in my mind.

Calvary

John Michael McDonagh's second feature boasted a compelling story and cast of well rounded and complex characters played by some of the most amazing talents in Britain and led by Brendan Gleeson at the top of his game. The movie takes a dark approach to the abuses committed by members of the Catholic Church and is an unforgiving film in it's portrayal.

Predestination

The Spierig Brothers made this sci-fi movie in Australia and, apart from Ethan Hawke, has an all Aussie cast. The film looks at one of the inherent paradoxical problems that makes time travel impossible. Sarah Snook gives a career making performance.

Honourable Mentions

Charlie's Country

Rolf De Heer's brutally honest film about an ageing indigenous man in Australia's Northern Territory is an amazing film. Australian icon David Gulpilil gives a heart-wrenching performance as Charlie.

Under The Skin

Johnathan Glazer's bizarre sci-fi film is enthralling and Scarlett Johansson gives a performance that would throw most people's image of her. I never would have thought that I would be creeped out at seeing one of the sexiest women alive naked.