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Top 10 Best Films of 2014

 

10. Joe

15-year-old Gary (Tye Sheridan) is desperate to find work so that he may be able to take care of his sister and mother who live in squalor.  His abusive, alcoholic father lends no helping hand to his family, as he is lazy and only thinks to provide for himself.  Luck briefly turns around when Gary begins working for Joe (Nicholas Cage), an ex-con who has gone straight but is still haunted by his past.  Nicholas Cage gives one of the best performances of his career and Tye Sheridan continues to impress as a young actor on the rise.  Though the film barely saw the light of day in theaters, it remains to be one of the most powerful dramas of 2014.

9. The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars goes beyond a Nicholas Sparks romance.  There is more here than just an illness or cheesy one-liners.  This film portrays a genuine love story that isn’t forced or dramatized.  From the moment Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) meet, you can tell you’re about to witness something special.  I’d be lying if I said I rarely cry during movies, I do cry, but this is the first time I have balled my eyes out over watching a beautiful relationship and wanting that kind of “true love.”

 

8. Neighbors

As far as the best “laugh out loud” comedy goes, Neighbors wins by a landslide.  It is the only film this year that had my ribs hurting from laughing so hard.  What is most satisfying about this film is how it is more than just a hilarious slapstick comedy.  There is heart and a sense of authenticity.  A lot of us are afraid to grow up.  It can feel as though we will be missing out on “the party,” but Neighbors shows us that in reality, your life and how you choose to live it can be the most legendary party that never ends.

 

7. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson has been on a roll for several years now, with stop motion animation, a childhood romance, and now, his biggest and boldest film yet.  The Grand Budapest Hotel  follows the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars.  And Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

 

6. Gone Girl

Every year I look forward to the “dark mystery drama” that will keep me on the edge of my seat, dying to know what will happen next, and eventually leave me with a satisfying conclusion.  Last year that film was Prisoners, this year it’s Gone Girl.  Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel is masterfully directed with a mix of satire and menace by David Fincher.  Ben Affleck gives his best performance yet, and Rosamund Pike shines as the conniving yet brilliant “Amazing Amy.”

 

 

5.Guardians of the Galaxy

There is not much explanation needed for why Guardians of the Galaxy is placed so high on my list, simply watch the film and be blown away by a witty cast, exciting adventure, and Groot!

 

 

4. Boyhood

Richard Linklater has made cinematic history with a true coming-of-age story.  Linklater filmed over 12 consecutive years to chart the growth of a boy into a young man.  As you watch Mason (Coltrane) and his family through the years, you can’t help but reflect back on your own life journey.

 

 

3.The Guest

Last year, Wingard brought us the ingenious You’re Next, which like The Guest, is a horror that calmly lets things escalate to a state of restless violence.  Wingard and Barrett have admirably paid homage to the old-school slashers with their John Carpenter-influenced 1980’s styling.  From their music, to their by the numbers outline that follows the rules of the usual scary movies.   The Guest may welcome audiences to a familiar plot, but there is enough gusto in this story that makes for a surprisingly, hell of a good time!

 

2. Whiplash

It’s a simple story.  An ambitious student continuously tries to excel in his music school and impress the prominent drum teacher.  Miles Teller and J.K. Simons take their characters beyond the cliché student teacher stereotypes.  J.K. Simmons as Fletcher is one of the most terrifying villains I’ve seen in years.  With heart pounding performances, a perfectly paced story, and a jaw-dropping, exhilarating conclusion, Whiplash is a phenomenal film that came very close to nabbing the top spot.

1. Obvious Child

I could go on for days raving about this film, sharp script, break out performance by Jenny Slate, and the most endearing on-screen romance.  Gentlemen, take note: Always warm the butter for your date’s bread.  Though Obvious Child deals with a sensitive subject that most people have strong opinions on, it is important to understand that there is so much more to this story.  It’s about finally facing the reality of being independent for the first time.  Donna (Slate) must make tough decisions that she would otherwise avoid.  Like the film quote says “creative energy can sometimes come at the lowest point your life.”  Regardless of the circumstances, audiences can relate to this film when reflecting on a dark time that forced you to start over.

Honorable Mentions: Babadook, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Skeleton Twins, The Lego Movie, Birdman, Chef, Rosewater, The One I Love

Bottom 5

5. Think Like a Man Too
4. When the Game Stands Tall
3. Heaven is for Real
2. Are you Here
1. The Other Woman

DIFF 2014 Quick Movie Reviews Pt.1

Flutter

Director/Screenwriter: Eric Hueber

Cast: Lindsay Pulsipher, Glenn Morshower, Jesse Plemons, Jonathan Huth Jr.

Rating: 3.5/5

Flutter follows Jo Lynn (Pulsipher) and her struggle to provide for her son, who has severe narrow angle glaucoma.  In an attempt to treat his condition and prevent him from going blind, Jo Lynn starts growing her own marijuana to bake into his brownies.  As time goes on, the trouble of maintaining finances and her son’s “medicine” leads Jo Lynn down a desperate and dangerous path.  The film is full of nail-biting moments, and features a painfully, touching performance by Lindsay Pulsipher that you won’t forget.  Flutter is a gut-wrenching portrayal of how a mother’s love can drive her to do almost anything in order to protect her child.

About Mom and Dad

about mom and dad

Director/ Screenwriter: Rachel Shepherd

Cast: Farah White, Brent Anderson, Katy Rowe, Alisha Revel, Johnny Mars

Rating: 3.5/5

What better way to celebrate your daughter’s upcoming nuptials than feuding with your husband over his recent unfaithful act.  Terri (White) has to deal with more than just her relationship problems, as her children seem to have gotten raveled up with their own matters of infidelity.  For the most part this film is well acted, with strong performances by Farah White and Brent Anderson.  But it’s the brilliantly written script that made me thoroughly enjoy this realistic, hilarious, and at times sad movie.  About Mom and Dad shows how the people we love most can cause our greatest anger and happiness.

I Believe In Unicorns

Director/ Screenwriter: Leah Meyerhoff

Cast: Natalia Dyer, Peter Vack, Julia Garner, Toni Meyerhoff, Amy Seimetz

Rating: 3/5

When there isn’t much going on in your life, and all you do is go to school and take care of your ailing mother; a first romance couldn’t come at a better time.  For Devina (Dryer), bad boy Sterling (Vack) is the perfect birthday present: excitement, sex, and an escape from reality all rolled into one!  However, relationships are never easy and it can be even more difficult when both parties involved may not be on the same page.  Devina sums it up best when asking her newfound lover, “Do you really like me or is it temporary?” I Believe in Unicorns is a compelling coming of age story that takes an uncomfortable look at the desire for an adventurous love.

Joe

Director: David Gordon Green

Screenwriter: Gary Hawkins, based on a novel by Larry Brown

Cast: Nicholas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Ronnie Gene Blevins

Rating: 5/5

15-year-old Gary (Sheridan) is desperate to find work so that he may be able to take care of his sister and mother who live in squalor.  His abusive, alcoholic father lends no helping had to his family, as he is lazy and only thinks to provide for himself.  Luck briefly turns around when Gary begins working for Joe, an ex-con who has gone straight but is still haunted by his past.  Joe is easily one of the best films of the year.  Nicholas Cage gives one of the best performances of his career and Tye Sheridan steals every scene he is in.  This powerful drama is one everyone must see when it opens in theaters April 11.

Check out the full list of films playing at the Dallas International Film Festival.

The First Ten Films for the 2014 Dallas International Film Festival have been Announced!

THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES THE FIRST TEN FILMS FOR

THE 2014 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

AutoNation Returns as Presenting Sponsor

And Lascaux Films Presents Debut of Audience Awards

DALLAS, TX, March 3, 2014 —The Dallas Film Society announced today the first 10 films chosen to screen at the 8th edition of theDallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation April 3 – 13, 2014. Also announced is the debut of Audience Awardssponsored by Lascaux Films.

“Approximately 150 films from all over the world will be screened during the 11-day Festival and selecting the first ten films is like completing the first mile in a marathon,” said James Faust, artistic director, Dallas Film Society.  It’s exhilarating and exhausting selecting the best among the thousands of outstanding entries we receive and announcing the entire line-up is the moment I reach the finish line and the fun of the festival begins!”

“We are incredibly grateful for all DIFF sponsors.  The return of AutoNation further substantiates their commitment to community and we are very excited to welcome them back as the Presenting Sponsor in 2014,” added Lee Papert, president and CEO of the Dallas Film Society.  “As a true filmmaker’s festival, we are so happy to offer the Audience Awards this year.  The debut of Audience Awards, offering a cash prize of $5000 in the categories of Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature and Short Film, made possible by Lascaux Films, provides filmmakers a level of recognition that confirms their film resonated with the audience.”

“AutoNation is thrilled to return as the Presenting Sponsor for 2014 DIFF,” said Wendi Madden Inglis, Regional Marketing Director for AutoNation.  “At AutoNation, we consider our customers to be our top priority and supporting the arts is a way we can give back to the communities in which they live.  DIFF brings great films to the Dallas area and it is our pleasure as a company to assist in such an important Film Festival.”

The DIFF 2014 films will not only represent works from America, and Texas in particular, but also films from Poland and Hong Kong and classics from years gone-by — truly an international and timeless offering.

 

WORDS AND PICTURES  

 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Fred Schepisi

Cast: Keegan Connor Tracy, Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche

SYNOPSIS: An art instructor and an English teacher form a rivalry that ends up with a competition at their school in which students decide whether words or pictures are more important.

 

JOE   

                         

(USA)

DIRECTOR: David Gordon Green

Cast: Nicholas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Ronnie Gene Blevins

SYNOPSIS: An ex-con, who is the unlikeliest of role models, meets a 15-year-old boy and is faced with the choice of redemption or ruin.

 

HELLION 

                

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Kat Candler

Cast: Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins

SYNOPSIS: When motocross and heavy metal obsessed, thirteen-year-old, Jacob’s increasing delinquent behavior forces CPS to place his little brother, Wes, with his aunt, Jacob and his emotionally absent father, Hollis, must finally take responsibility for their actions and for each other in order to bring Wes home.

 

QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Matt Livadary

SYNOPSIS: QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO chronicles a complete season of the International Gay Rodeo Association. Roping and riding across North America for the past 30 years, the IGRA’s courageous cowboys and cowgirls brave challenges both in and out of the arena on their quest to qualify for the World Finals at the end of the season. And along the way, they’ll bust every stereotype in the book.

 

RICH HILL  

                                                                                                 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo

SYNOPSIS: RICH HILL intimately chronicles the turbulent lives of three boys living in an impoverished Midwestern town and the fragile family bonds that sustain them.

 

ABOVE ALL ELSE  

(USA)

DIRECTOR: John Feige

SYNOPSIS: One man will risk it all to stop the tar sands of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from crossing his land. Shot in the forests, pastures, and living rooms of rural East Texas, ABOVE ALL ELSE follows David Daniel as he rallies neighbors and environmental activists to join him in a final act of brinkmanship: a tree-top blockade of the controversial pipeline. What begins as a stand against corporate bullying becomes a rallying cry for climate protesters nationwide.

 

IDA

                                                                                                        

(Poland)

DIRECTOR: Pawel Pawlikowski

SYNOPSIS: Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.

 

FIRESTORM (NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE)  

                                        

(China/Hong Kong)

DIRECTOR: Alan Yuen

Cast: Andy Lau

SYNOPSIS: A storm is heading to the city of Hong Kong, and with it comes another occurrence so destructive, it vows to bring down everything it touches. A crew of seasoned criminals led by the notorious Nam (Hu Jun), armed with high-powered weapons, pulls off another smooth and violent armored car heist in broad daylight in a crowded street. Whoever tries to get in their way, they will show no mercy. This puts the police force to shame and humiliation.

 

BELIEVE ME (WORLD PREMIERE)  

                                                      

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Will Bakke

Cast: Nick Offerman, Johanna Braddy, Christopher McDonald

SYNOPSIS: Desperate, broke, and out of ideas, four college seniors start a fake Christian charity to embezzle money for tuition

 

PARIS, TEXAS (1984) 30th Anniversary Screening reuniting cast and crew at the Historic Texas Theatre. 

(West Germany/USA/France/UK)

DIRECTOR: Wim Wenders

Cast: Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell

SYNOPSIS: A man wanders out of the desert after a four year absence. His brother finds him, and together they return to L.A. to reunite the man with his young son. Soon after, he and the boy set out to locate the mother of the child, who left shortly after the man disappeared.

Passes and Tickets

DIFF passes are on sale at the online Prekindle box office at www.DallasFilm.org and range from $125 for a Festival Lounge Pass to $750 for an all-access Star Pass, which includes:

  • All-access pass to all screenings
  • One invitation to the Opening Night Screening & Gala on April 3, 2014, subject to availability.
  • Admission for one person to all Centerpiece screenings and parties during the Festival
  • Access for one person to the Festival Lounge. (Must be 21 or over to enter the Festival Lounge or to consume alcohol.)
  • Admission for one person to all regular film screenings and panel discussions
  • Dallas International Film Festival swag bag full of unforgettable merchandise

Starting March 17, individual tickets and passes can be purchased at the Prekindle Main Box Office in Mockingbird station, and online atwww.DallasFilm.org.