For this post I went over every single wide release currently scheduled for 2014. I broke them down by quarter and then by genre. I selected my pick for each genre in each quarter - plus an overall favorite for best movie in that quarter. And then I selected my favorites from the quarterly winners for an annual selection - also broken down by genre.
Each movie was carefully selected based on "recommendability." I looked at trailers (where available), who was involved, and what they had done in the past.
I imagine people reading this post for three reasons. The first reason is some poor soul might actually enjoy my writing. The second reason is that a similarly poor soul might read this post to understand the mind of David a little better. And the third reason is to use this post as a resource throughout the year. Maybe it's September and you want to know what romance movies are playing. Maybe you only see one movie a year and you want an opinion on which it should be. Whatever the case may be I hope you find this list helpful.
Bottoms up!
Best of First Quarter 2014
Horror: I, Frankenstein
Why: I usually don't like horror movies, and this one doesn't interest me. It looks like more action than horror though, and it looks like the least likely to be rated R.
Action: Robocop
Why: The only real competition here was Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and of course that still might be better, but Robocop is a wildcard. It's a veteran director - from Brazil. So he hasn't done anything that has been released up here. Ultimately the trailer won me over. Especially Michael Keaton's character in the trailer. Something about this movie looks solid.
Comedy: The Lego Movie
Why: This was a tough call between The Lego Movie and Muppets Most Wanted. Sequels today are so hit-and-miss. I believe this Muppets sequel will be good, but starting fresh is always easier, and the creative team here put their heart and soul into this movie.
Drama: Noah
Why: Not a lot of tough competition here in the drama department. Oh, and Darren Aronofsky.
Family: Muppets Most Wanted
Why: The Lego Movie falls in this category as well, but I didn't have the heart to not give the Muppets something. Also, I believe kids will enjoy this one as much as The Lego Movie, if not more. The Muppets will be more silly, where I think The Lego Movie will draw more on pop culture.
Sequel/Prequel: Muppets Most Wanted
Why: The only competition was Jack Ryan, and reboots are, technically, not sequels
Romance: Divergent
Why: Another case of simply rising above the competition. In this category all we have are two romantic comedies (they look really dumb), one hardcore drama/romance (that will likely be dumb), and one that suffers from "Cloud Atlas Syndrome", that is to say, it's based on a book that is too non-linear to make good sense on screen. Also, Shailene Woodley is starring here, and she is a fine young actress. I have no doubt we will be seeing more of her in the coming years.
Animated: The Lego Movie
Why: Just trust me on this one. Animated movies are a dime a dozen, making it very easy to pick out the ones that will be any good.
Superhero/Comic Book: 300: Rise of An Empire
Why: I think this movie will be dumb, but there are literally no other movies this quarter that fall in this category.
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Robocop
Why: I rated this genre by how much sci-fi/fantasy you would be getting in the movie in addition to how good I thought the movie would be. Winter's Tale stands a chance in this category, but with only very light fantasy elements.
Adventure: The Lego Movie
Why: This was obvious in my opinion. An adventure movie must include an adventure! And none looked as grand as in The Lego Movie.
Overall First Quarter Pick: The Lego Movie
Why: Because if I could only see one this would be the one.
Best of Second Quarter 2014
Horror: The Purge 2
Why: Again, I don't care for horror movies, but the other ones look truly awful while this one only looks lame.
Action: Edge of Tomorrow
Why: Because Doug Liman is directing it and that's enough. I anticipate the Captain America sequel to be very good too, but Doug Liman isn't directing that one. The X-Men movie will also be excellent I think, but the action scenes in this one will still likely be better.
Comedy: A Million Ways to Die in the West
Why: This will likely be rated R and if it is I don't recommend seeing it, but in terms of moviemaking skill this will outshine all the others.
Drama: Transcendence
Why: Again, very weak competition in the drama category. Also, this first-time director has a PhD from the Christopher Nolan School of Drama - as it were.
Family: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Why: Because Rio 2 won't be as good and Maleficent looks weird. And your kids will love it.
Sequel/Prequel: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Why: In a quarter with many sequels/prequels this one will likely have the best and most natural character progression and connectivity to its prior installment(s).
Romance: The Fault in Our Stars
Why: Blended will likely be funnier, but if you're a romance purist looking for the real sappy stuff then this is the one for you.
Animated: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Why: Rio 2? Who cares?
Superhero/Comic Book: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Why: With Spider-Man and Captain America sequels in the same quarter, this was a tight race. Ultimately, however, Bryan Singer is not directing the other two, and Bryan Singer is a gifted director. Also, in terms of sheer epic-ness, this one has no competition throughout the whole year.
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Edge of Tomorrow
Why: In terms of sci-fi-ness this one will have more than the others. And I think it's gonna rock.
Adventure: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Why: Hiccup and friends had a grand and fun adventure last time and I have no reason to think that will change this time.
Overall Second Quarter Pick: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Why: I'm a little biased here, but I think this one will have it all. Mostly I mean an engrossing story and fantastic action. This will be great.
Best of Third Quarter 2014
Horror: Deliver Us From Evil
Why: The competition is pathetic. And Eric Bana will be in this one.
Action: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Why: This is another wildcard. I picked this one mostly because all the producers are returning from the first one which was amazing.
Comedy: This is Where I Leave You
Why: I chose this one literally because it stands the least chance of being awful. It might actually be funny.
Drama: Get On Up
Why: It sounds like a gay dance movie but it's actually a biopic of James Brown. And the dude from 42 is playing James Brown.
Family: The Boxtrolls
Why: Because the other two family movies (Planes: Fire and Rescue, Dolphin Tale 2) are blatant money grabs.
Sequel/Prequel: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Why: Hardly any competition. And this one, I think, will blend well with its predecessor.
Romance: Step Up: All In
Why: One word: MOOSE! And this is the only movie that qualifies.
Animated: The Boxtrolls
Why: It was this or Planes: Fire and Rescue. And this one is a genuine attempt at a movie. The other is a genuine attempt at your wallet.
Superhero/Comic Book: Guardians of the Galaxy
Why: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles could be better, but I think we can all agree that Marvel is on a roll, so this is my bet.
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Why: Because sci-fi/fantasy should fill you with wonder and this one fills me with wonder better than the others. I would give Jupiter Ascending more credit, but, the Wachowskis are involved and their record is spotty.
Adventure: Guardians of the Galaxy
Why: Hercules could be more adventurous or have more adventure elements, but I don't like talking about Brett Ratner and Marvel at the same time.
Overall Third Quarter Pick: Guardians of the Galaxy
Why: Marvel's in house movies tend to adhere to a certain standard. And that standard is good, making this a safe bet.
Best of Fourth Quarter 2014
Horror: Paranormal Activity 5
Why: Only choice
Action: The Hobbit: There and Back Again
Why: Peter Jackson has a way with action. Action in his movies tends to be superior to other movies.
Comedy: Business Trip
Why: Dumb and Dumber To could be really good or really bad. Business Trip was written by a good writer and I think it has a better chance.
Drama: Interstellar
Why: It's about space and stuff, but, come on, it's Christopher Nolan.
Family: Paddington
Why: Kids will love this one and the people behind it are solid. Also it will likely be the most family friendly family film.
Sequel/Prequel: The Hobbit: There and Back Again
Why: You can't beat the Peter Jackson approach to making trilogies.
Romance: The Best of Me
Why: While the other two that fall in this category also fall into other categories, this one is exclusively romance. Oh, and it's the same guy that directed One Fine Day. You know, that picture perfect romance movie from the 90s?
Animated: Big Hero 6
Why: Marvel Studios is kind of a trump card at this point. The other one in this category (Book of Life) may be better, but with the producers from Marvel Studios backing Big Hero 6, I have to get in line with them.
Superhero/Comic Book: Big Hero 6
Why: Only choice
Science Fiction/Fantasy: The Hobbit: There and Back Again
Why: It will be a great film and it's spilling over with fantasy elements. As a side note, however, keep your eyes open for Dracula Untold. My instincts tell me that might be one to watch. And as a side note to that side note, yes, Luke Evans will star in both movies mentioned.
Adventure: The Hobbit: There and Back Again
Why: Because the whole trilogy is just one big adventure and this is the last one!
Overall Fourth Quarter Pick: The Hobbit: There and Back Again
Why: Because while Interstellar will be a fantastic film (no doubt), The Hobbit will leave you feeling happier - you can take that to the bank. Nolan movies make you think. The Hobbit will make you thrilled to be alive.
Best of 2014
Horror: Deliver Us From Evil
Why: This is the only horror movie I might actually want to see in 2014.
Action: Edge of Tomorrow
Why: Two words - Doug Liman.
Comedy: The Lego Movie
Why: While not just a comedy, I believe it will be funnier than any straight-up comedies. What's more, it will be fun for the whole family, not just that weird uncle that likes to tell your kids dirty jokes.
Drama: Interstellar
Why: Because Christopher Nolan movies are so dramatic and so beautiful! Seriously though, they are.
Family: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Why: This is going to be a home run for anyone and everyone under twelve.
Sequel/Prequel: The Hobbit: There and Back Again
Why: Because nobody does trilogies like Peter Jackson
Romance: The Best of Me
Why: In reality I think this will be the best romance in years, not just the best of 2014. I would go see this with a dude if I couldn't otherwise.
Animated: The Lego Movie
Why: Even though How to Train Your Dragon 2 will undoubtedly make more money, there's something about starting fresh that I think puts this one over the top.
Superhero/Comic Book: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Why: How could I not? (more on this later)
Adventure: The Lego Movie
Why: Because sequels are rarely as adventurous as the first.
And finally . . .
Top Pick of 2014: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Why: Because of the absolute brilliance of deciding to do a Days of Future Past movie in the wake of an old and a young X-Men cast (I'm not kidding here, this was the best idea in movies in a really long time). Because Bryan Singer decided to direct. Because the majority of both casts are returning. But most importantly because all these things will come together to make a movie that you will be sucked into with characters that you will care about and action that will leave you in awe.
* * *
But these are just my guesses. My picks. I've been paying very close attention to movies for a very long time now, so they are very educated guesses, but they are just guesses.
And, of course, this applies mostly to my taste in movies, but I hope that by reading this list you can make better decisions on what to see every time you decide to go to the movies in 2014.
Happy New Year!
The one. The only. Big Shot Critic
