Ok…here are the “biggies!” My top 5.
On a personal note, this awards season will be an exciting time for me. This will be my first participation in the Critics Choice awards since becoming a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA). That awards show airs January 15, 2015 on the A & E Television Network from the Palladium in Hollywood, California.
And yes, we will be having ANOTHER BackstageOL.com ballot competition!
Now, without further ado, here are my Top 5:
5. Birdman
This will definitely be an awards contender. The entire cast is brilliant, but special kudos go to the film’s lead Michael Keaton who is absolutely stellar.
The movie is about a former cinema superhero who is attempting a comeback on the Broadway stage. Sound familiar?
Put this movie on your year end watch list. You won’t regret it.
4. Whiplash
Another film that was added to my list late as I didn’t get around to screening until early December. Wow.
This movie is powerful with a great depth of human emotion. I think I was even more partial to this release because of it’s music based theme, but even if you aren’t in to the music scene you will enjoy “Whiplash.”
Some scenes are hard to watch because of their rawness. Trust me on this.
J.K. Simmons is a LOCK to win Best Supporting Actor. There, I just gave you a “freebie” pick.
3. The Theory Of Everything
This isn’t the first movie about Stephen Hawking. It probably isn’t the last either. It is, however, the BEST.
Yes, it’s a biographical portrait of the famed physicist, but it is also a real emotional roller coaster. There are celebratory ups…and there are draining downs that play out in Hawking’s life. It’s a VERY moving film.
There WILL be several awards nominations for this one.
2. The Imitation Game
Another biographical release. In this one we learn about Alan Turing. No, I hadn’t heard of him either (which is shocking.)
Turing is credited for being one of the early inventors, of sort, of the computer. His ability to crack Nazi Germany’s Enigma code saved MANY lives during World War II.
We also learn about his personal struggles coping with his own identity during a difficult time.
Alan Turing was a hero…and this is his story.
Two more things about this film- this was my favorite movie from this year’s Toronto Film Festival. Secondly, Benedict Cumberbatch is a GUARANTEED Best Actor nominee. He may also win. There’s another freebie.
1. Guardians Of The Galaxy
YES! That was my reaction after seeing this movie the first, second, third AND fourth time.
To me, this film is the reason we go to the movies- escape.
I’m going to sound cliche-ish, but “Guardians” is a fun ride.
The cast REALLY works as an ensemble. You can tell it was fun to make. This movie MUST be on your viewing list for 2014.
To put it simply, it’s awesome. The soundtrack is even more awesome. I CAN’T WAIT for the sequel!!!!!
Dave Morales is a member of the Houston Films Critics Society and the Broadcast Film Critics Association
