Movies of 2014 That I’ve Had a Change of Heart About

Hello, readers!

I recently instituted a policy that I see every film I review (and watch but don’t review) twice. So I’ve gone back and watched most of them a second time. Needless to say, I’ve changed my mind about some of them. I’ve broken them down into three categories; ones that benefit from a second viewing, ones that don’t benefit, and one very special case.

Benefit:

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

I knew this was a great movie when I first saw it. However, I’ve now seen it seven times, and each time is better than the last. Now it’s probably my second film of the year, just barely trailing X-Men: Days of Future. it really is the movie that keeps on giving, and just bolsters the belief that Marvel can do (almost) no wrong.

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Another situation where loved it the first time I saw it, but a second viewing made me love it even more. All of the positives stand out more, especially the characters. Hiccup and Toothless’ second adventure is more than a match for its wonderful predecessor.

Revised Score: A-

Neighbors

When I first saw Neighbors, I said it was a pretty good but not great comedy that was a mild letdown. Now that I’ve seen it again, I feel confident in saying that I was wrong. This movie is hysterical. Some things didn’t work, but a comedy’s first duty is to make the audience laugh, and Neighbors succeeded with me.

Revised Score: B+

Non-Stop

Looking back, my ultra-low score of Non-Stop was way too harsh. I had a negative experience while watching it and it clouded my judgement. It’s certainly not great, but as fun little action thriller, Non-Stop is actually pretty decent.

Revised Score: B-

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

My expectations for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were so low that I think I let them get in the way of me giving it a proper score. Truth is, it’s a pretty enjoyable movie. The human side of things leaves a lot to be desired, but when the Turtles are onscreen it’s a blast.

Revised Score: B

Don’t Benefit:

300: Rise of an Empire

When your villain is miles more compelling than your bland bunch of heroes, you know your movie’s in trouble. Seriously, Leonidas could wipe the floor with Themistocles just be saying a catchphrase or two.

Revised Score: C+

Deliver Us From Evil

Why in my right mind did I give this such as high score the first time around? Sure, Sean Harris does a good possessed performance, but the movie itself isn’t scary at all.

Revised Score: D+

Godzilla

Godzilla himself is a very compelling figure, but the movie is ultimately bogged down by poor pacing and bland human characters.

Revised Score: C+

Hercules

I guess I fell under the Rock’s spell. God knows he’s charming. But Hercules isn’t. It’s bland, cliched, and makes a complete mockery of everything that makes Hercules a cool character. So, let me get this straight? Hercules is just some dude who’s really strong? Not the badass demigod that we know and love? From someone who doesn’t hate Brett Ratner, I now think this is his worst film.

Revised Score: D

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Oh Seth, what were you thinking? I’m sure the executives gave you a lot of freedom after your brilliant work on Ted, but come on. This was weak. I still trust that you, but this is the worst thing you’ve done since The Cleveland Show.

Revised Score: D

The Purge: Anarchy

It’s still better than it’s fairly weak predecessor, but all the flaws stood out to me more the second time. There’s too many characters that over-complicate things, and the message remains as preachy as ever.

Revised Score: C+

Snowpiercer

When I first saw Snowpiercer, I was just about ready to crown it czar. But like all of these movies, something changed upon a second viewing. It’s still an okay movie, but now it strikes me as too ambitious for its own good and unable to live up to its full potential…much like Bong Joon-ho’s other critically acclaimed sci-fi movie.

Revised Score: B-

Special Case:

Need For Speed

I have had the distinct honor (?) of seeing Need For Speed three times. THREE TIMES. That’s more than I feel comfortable with. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a bad but not terrible movie. The second time I must’ve been in one of my depressed phases, because after watching it I wanted to strangle someone. But after the third time, after I had time to take my chill pills, my reaction went back to what it was at first. I might be damning it with faint praise, but Need For Speed truly is one of the most almost semi-adequate video game movies of all time.

Revised Score: C-

Top 10 Films of the Mid-Year

Well, 2014 is halfway done. The summer movie season is at its halfway point, and soon all the theaters will be flooded with Oscar bait. We will soon be treated to the some of the best of cinema, and some of the worst. But that doesn’t mean the latter half of the year can’t be great. In fact, 2014 has been quite a strong year so far, and these ten films are the cases in point.

10. Enemy

Denis Villeneuve’s follow-up to last year’s excellent Prisoners makes for a very tense and uncomfortable (in a good way) thriller, and Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of the finest performances of his career. If you haven’t seen this (and I know most of you haven’t) definitely check it out as soon as possible.

9. Chef

I’ve been a big Jon Favreau fan for years, both in front of and behind the camera. Chef proves that he can easily manage both at the same time, creating a film with wonderful performances, fresh comedy, and nice little life lessons. Again, I know most of you haven’t seen this, so give this one a shot. I’ll think you’ll be surprised at how heartfelt and funny it is.

8. Edge of Tomorrow

I wasn’t expecting much out of this after the dreadful marketing, but I ended but really enjoying it. Edge of Tomorrow is probably the year’s most pleasant surprise, with a unique premise, great action, and a very different side of Tom Cruise that has rarely been glimpsed.

7. How to Train Your Dragon 2

I was a big fan as the first How to Train Your Dragon, and this sequel didn’t disappoint. It may not have packed quite as big a punch, but it was beautifully animated, very well acted, and developed new character relationships that are sure to enthrall fans and newcomers alike.

6. The Grand Budapest Hotel

While it may not be very accessible, probably because it’s probably the purest distillation of Wes Anderson’s style, but The Grand Budapest Hotel is a treat for his fans, being funny, well acted, and with a mania that harkens back to his glory days. 

5. Noah

The first true Biblical epic in a long time was pretty controversial upon release, but don’t let that stop year. On top of the brilliant performance by current greatest actor in the world Russell Crowe, but expands on the Bible’s account by filling in the blanks with an excellent tale of a world gone mad that has a very nice post-apocalyptic feel.

4. 22 Jump Street

Another sequel to an already great movie, but unlike How to Train Your Dragon 2, this one was even better than the original. How did 22 Jump Street accomplish this? With great chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, a new take on the same premise, and a truly amazing amount of laughs.

3. The LEGO Movie

We all had our doubts about this one, but when the trailers hit I was won over. Sure enough, The LEGO Movie ended up being one of the best animated films in several years, one that rivals even some of Pixar’s fine efforts. Great animation, great voice acting, great laughs, GREAT MOVIE.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Wow, this is probably the year for sequels. Another sequel that completely exceeds an already great original on multiple fronts. Chris Evans once again delivers, making the unambiguous good guy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe just as interesting as the millionaire playboy. But that’s not all; Winter Soldier also has a great plot, solid supporting cast, and some of the best action ever seen in any movie.

1. X-Men: Days of Future Past

One of those movies that I was really anticipating, but exceeded even my greatest expectations. For both the superhero subgenre and film as a whole, Days of Future Past  is a marvel on every level. It’s got a great story, possibly the greatest of any comic book movie. There’s also great action and performances that are the stuff dreams are made of. But special mention goes to James McAvoy, who gives the best performance of his career.

Well, that’s the best of the year so far. I’m sure this list will be very different at year’s end. With luck, it’ll be just as much fun as the first.