Top Films of 2014- Jonesy's Picks

These top films lists really are arbitrary. You read these and either agree with some and yell at your computer screen with the addition or omission of this film or that film. Also, why didn't the author see this amazing film before compiling their list?! What blasphemy! 

But the great thing about the internet is the opinions that get said and the discussions that follow. Yes, it's an arbitrary list of what I think were the best movies I saw in 2014. I didn't see everything, and there were films I wish I had seen before making this list. But that's neither here nor there. 

So to the best of my movie-going ability, here are my favorites from this past year.

Enjoy!

Netflix Instant: TV and Movie Picks

We starting to get into the holiday season. Are you Christmas decorations up yet? Just kidding. For this week, I have three amazing films that I enjoy for very different reasons. So if your football team is on a bye week, here are some picks to keep you entertained. 

SNOWPIERCER

Humanity is going through another ice age, and the remainder of the human race is left on a train traveling around the world as it tries to survive. Chris Evans is fantastic as the unofficial leader of the lower class as they try to strive for a better living environment. This film is a fantastic and entertaining thriller.

THE ROCKETEER

I have loved this movie ever since I was little. This was one of the first films I remember seeing in the theatres, so it has a special place in my heart. Nostalgia may play a part in how much I love thsi film, but it is still highly entertaining even today. 

BLUE RUIN

This was one of my favorites from Fantastic Fest 2013. It's a small, revenge thriller where the plan doesn't quite go as expected. The film works because of the stellar performance of Macon Blair. He will be one to watch in coming years. You can check out my review here.

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Netflix Instant: TV and Movie Picks

The cold front has set in here in Dallas, and it's the perfect weather to cuddle up on the couch and watch some movies. Also, there seems to be an annoying cold running around, so even more reason to just chill, drink some hot tea, and stream away. 

ALL IS LOST

It's difficult to carry a movie by yourself, but Robert Redford is in top form in this film. He plays a man whose boat begins to take on water as a storm approaches. It's a harrowing tale of survival that will leave you on the edge of your seat. 

THE UNKNOWN KNOWN

My cohort saw this last year at Fantastic Fest, and he very much enjoyed this documentary. Former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, is put under the microscope by the legendary Errol Morris. Morris attempts to retell Rumsfeld story from the time he was young to piece together the enigma of a man we all got to know during the Iraq conflict.

BLUE RUIN

Yet another amazing Fantastic Fest film which has made its way to Netflix. This was my favorite movie from last year's festival. Revenge isn't easy, and if most of us tried to take revenge on someone, we would fail miserably. BLUE RUIN explores that concept as a man tries to seek revenge for the murder of his parents. It's tense, well acted, and easily one of the best movies streaming right now. 

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Jonesy's Favorite 2014 Movies..So Far

 2014 has been a pretty great year in terms of movies thus far. Thankfully I've avoided some of the bigger disappointments and bombs, but for the most part, I've found enjoyment with most of the films I've seen. It's definitely been a year of great sequels (which is a surprise), but there are a few original films that have stood out in my mind. My cohort has already posted his list, which you can find here.

As always, mine are in no particular order

Check it out after the break.

Jonesy's Top Ten Films of 2013

We made to 2014, and it's time for another year of great movies. I ended 2013 seeing 271 films, 70 of which were released in 2013. Overall, it was a great and entertaining year. My disappointments were more difficult to come up with than this list. I narrowed my list to 15, but then it was like pulling teeth trying to whittle it down to a top ten. As always, my list is in no particular order, and look for my honorable mentions and festival mentions towards the end.

My cohort has already posted his top films, and now….

Onto my list!

Fantastic Fest 2013 Wrap Up: Jonesy's Top Films

This year's Fantastic Fest came with much anticipation. The festival was moved to a different location, The Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, because the Lamar location was still under renovation. However, as always, the team of individuals that put together this festival did no disappoint this year. In fact, this may have been the most solid set of programming I've seen in the three years I've gone. Out of all the films, only two were disappointments. It was tough to pick just five favorites, but I finally narrowed it down. But seriously, almost all the films I saw I would recommend.

Now onto my picks!

Fantastic Fest 2013 Review: BLUE RUIN - Jonesy's Take

BLUE RUIN

Directed by Jeremy Saulnier

Written by Jeremy Saulnier

Starring: Macon Blair, Amy Hargreaves, Kevin Kolack, and Devin Ratray.

Synopsis: An outsider's life is turned upside down when the man responsible for his parents' death is set free from prison.