Anthony T's Top 10 Films of 2014

There's no Anthony T's #TBT but I have my list for the best film of 2014. It’s nine day late, but it’s the first time that I’ve decided to do one of these best of list in almost five years. This year was a tough one considering I didn’t see film like “Boyhood”, “The Imitation Game” and other before 12/31/2014. Still, I managed to come up with a top 10 list for 2014.

Before I get started, here are my honorable mentions for 2014.

Neighbors, The Raid 2, On the Job, Begin Again, Only Lovers Left Alive, Dead Snow 2: Red vs Dead, Draft Day, Rigor Mortis and Oculus.

Now, let’s get on with my top 10 of 2014.

10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The film is the first of two Marvel films on my list. “Captain America: The Winter Solider” was a big improvement from the last Captain America film. One of the things that I liked about this film was the fact it was able to blend in spy film elements with its dark comic bookish story. It made the film entertaining and kept my interest throughout the film as the action was suspenseful. The film also had great action sequences and an intense story that made this comic book film very good. It’s amazing how Marvel is light years better than DC when it comes to putting out entertaining and serious comic book films.

9. The Legos Movie.

If you told me that this film would be on my top 10 of 2014 list last year, I would’ve laugh at you. But to my surprise, everything is awesome with “The Lego Movie”. One of the things that I liked about this was the film had an entertaining story. I liked how everything was fun from the characters to the story itself. It made me interested in these characters especially Batman, who should get his own Legos spinoff film. The other thing that I liked about it was the film’s screenplay. Whether it’s the way the dialogue was written to how they develop the characters, it manages to keep my interest considering that I’m not that big into any family film outside Disney or has Minions in them. “The Lego Movie” was the year’s biggest surprise as I expected this film would be an epic failure, instead it’s in my top 10 films of 2014.

My number 8 and 7 films were two of the most disturbing films of the year.

8. Found

“Found” was very one of most difficult films to sit through this year through its violence and dialogue but it helped with the film’s shocking and gloomy tone. One of the things that make this very good was Scott Schirmer’s direction. He made everything that come off as very dark and disturbing. It helped with the film’s shock value. The other thing I liked about this was the lead performances. Both Gavin Brown and Ethan Philbeck did a very good job making sure the performances were mature. It helped with the film’s tone and made some of the scenes very shocking. This is one of those films where you’re left in a state of shock.

7. The Sacrament

“The Sacrament” is another one of those films that shocks you to the core. One of the reasons for that was Ti West’s direction. This is clearly his best film considering he’s done some very good ones like “House of the Devil” and “The Innkeepers”. What makes this his best was the way that he executes everything. From the great performances from A.J Bowen and Gene Jones to how the cinematography was handled, it brought a very dark and shocking tone to the film especially with the ending. It was one of a few times that I horrified all year.

6. Guardians of the Galaxy

Going into this film, I thought it would be the least successful of all the Marvel films in terms of box office numbers. By the end of the summer, I was surprised that it made the most money out of all the summer films considering that “Transformers: Age of Extinction”, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and Disney’s “Maleficent” came out this summer. What makes this film very good was the way the director and co-writer James Gunn makes sure that the characters are entertaining and interesting. It also helped that the screenplay was very good. It had interesting characters with an entertaining story that keeps the comic book fan at heart interested. This was the only film that I’ve seen more than once in theaters this year.

5. Cheap Thrills

“Cheap Thrills” was my favorite horror film of the year. What makes this film great was the direction of first time director E.L. Katz. Whether it’s the way he handles the shocking scenes to the way he directs his cast, every aspects works so well that you’re horrified with the film’s action. The film also had one of the best ensemble casts of the year. There were great performances from Pat Healy, David Koechner, Ethan Embry and Sara Paxton. It made all the twisted action work. It also helped that it had a great screenplay that developed its characters and had effective dark humor that makes everything work. It’s worth checking if you’re into dark humor.

4. Chef

“Chef was one of those films that left a smile on my face this year. One of the reasons that I enjoyed this so much was Jon Faveru’s screenplay and direction. He does a very good keeping the film’s upbeat tone through his direction and writing. It helped kept my interested from the start to the end of the film. That’s something that you need for a film like this to be great. The other thing that I liked about this screenplay was the fact it focuses heavily on the main character and his journey to get back up after being quitting his job and his relationship with son. It made the story entertaining throughout. It’s one of those forgotten films that got lost in the shuffle this year.

3. Snowpiercer

“Snowpiercer” is the second film on this list to feature Chris Evans as the lead. This was the best film that was released this summer and it’s a shame that it was relegated to limited theatrical release and VOD. For a while, this was going to be my number one film of 2014. One of the reasons that makes his film great was Joon-ho Bong’s direction. He does a great job with the way the approaches the material. Whether it’s the film’s shocking violence to some of the great action set pieces, this film manages to stay on course and keep my interest considering the film is very dark in tone. Never I was lost considering that the film’s message was preachy at times or the fact it’s violent throughout. The other thing that makes this film great were the performances. Both Evans and Tilda Swinton were excellent. They both did a very good job making their character’s stand out. It made help make this film worth watching considering the subject matter that this film deals with. “Snowpiercer” is truly one of the best post-apocalyptic films that I’ve seen.

One of things that I liked about my two and my number one film is that they were original in the way it was filmed and approached from a director and screenwritter standpoint.

2. 20,000 Days on Earth

When I first heard about 20,000 Days of Earth, I didn’t care much for it until I was blown away by the film’s trailer. Thankfully, this lived up to the trailer and my list of the best films of the year. One of the reasons for it was the way that everything gelled together perfectly. This and my number one film were original in the style it was filmed and approached. Whether it’s the behind the scenes footage of Nick Cave’s album “Push the Sky Away” to some of the film’s scripted parts and some of his performances, it made this film fascinating to watch and brought a sense of energy that few films did this year. The other thing that I liked was the way that the screenplay and direction incorporates Cave’s narration from his point of view. It gave this film’s its interesting and captivating vibe that persists through the whole film. This is truly one of those films that you should check out, if you’re into Nick Cave’s music and screenwriting work.

1. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

"Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" is the year’s most unique and entertaining films and my favorite film of 2014. The film marks Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s first feature film since his 2010 film “Biutiful”. This was a great film from start to finish. He does a great job with the way that he handles his approach to the material and all the film’s long takes. It helped give the film its raw feel which made the film move at a good pace. Also, everything in the screenplay and his directions flowed with well. Whether its direction and use of the film’s score to how the characters seemed important, it keeps your interest throughout. The acting was also great in this film. If Michael Keaton isn’t being highly considered for Best Actor, then there’s something wrong. He delivers the year’s best performances of the year. The performances added to this film, as it helped keep my interest through. It has some very good supporting performances from Zach Graffians, Emma Stone and Edward Norton who should get a supporting actor nomination out of this. I truly hope that this film wins Best Picture and Best Actor at this year’s Academy Awards.

"Chef" Blu-Ray Review- Written by Anthony T

“Chef” is a film that I’ve been looking forward to a while, as it marks the return to independent filmmaking for actor/director Jon Favreau who starred in “Swingers” and stared and directed “Made” back in late nineties and early 2000’s. Both films were films that I liked back in the day and still do. Since then, his directorial career has taken off with films like “Iron Man” and “Cowboys and Aliens”. “Chef” is the latest and most ambitious film that he’s done to date.

The film is a about a gifted chef (Favreau), who suddenly quits his job after a food critic (Oliver Platt) writes a very negative review about his cooking and dealing with a boss (Dustin Hoffman) that won’t let him change the restaurant’s menu to please this critic. Without a job, he needs to find a way to pick up his once promising career. He travels to Miami to team up with his ex-wife (Sofia Vi, best friend and son to launch a food truck. His would reignite his passion to cook and give him a new lease on life. The film also Going into “Chef”, I had a feeling that I was going to like this film a lot considering it looked like my type of film. This is a return to form for actor/director Jon Favreau after directing many studio films, this is most definitely is his best film since “Iron Man”.

Most of that had to do with his directing here. One of the main things that makes it work so well, the way that he approaches his screenplay. Whether it’s the way that he directs some of the film best scenes to the way that he made the tone feel upbeat throughout, it made me very invested with was happening. When a film like this makes you want to smile, then you know it’s something that’s going to stick with you. The other thing that Favreau does very well is to make his performance and the performances around him very good. He does a very good making sure he and his cast had chemistry with each other. It made some of the film’s scenes very heartwarming and entertaining. This also helped made this film very enjoyable to watch, as it helped make characters very feel ordinary.

The screenplay from Favreau was just as good as his direction. One of the things that makes his screenplay very good, the way that everything is developed. Favreau does a very good job not rushing things. He made sure to take his time and let the characters and story develop. In an age where most films are rushing scenes to get straight to the action, this film doesn’t. Instead, it builds and builds layers to the point that you’re interested in the main character’s journey to being a relevant chef again. The other thing that I liked about this screenplay was the way that Favreau’s screenplay also spends time focusing on the main character’s relationship with his son. The whole subplot works very well because of the way that he makes those scenes have emotion to them. It made me interested and invested in the whole father/son relationship. It also gives the film some of its heartwarming moments.

The extras starts off with the director’s commentary track. Faverau and co-producer Roy Choi did a great in going into the various aspects of the film’s production. Whether it’s the preparation that Faverau did in anticipation of his role to the stories of the film’s production and screenplay, they both go into great detail about this film. It’s worth checking out after watching this film. After that, the extras wrap up with deleted scenes.

This is truly one of the best films that I’ve seen all year and I hope it finds an audience on DVD and Blu-Ray. With its great direction and very good screenplay, “Chef” is one of the year’s most entertaining and heartwarming releases.

Review Rating: Five Stars
Extras Rating: Two Stars

Jon Favreau's Latest Film "Chef" Set for DVD and Blu-Ray Release

Universal Studios recently announced that "Chef will be hitting DVD and Blu-Ray Combo Pack in September. The film is the latest from Jon Favreau (Iron Man) and stars Favreau, Sofia Verggara, Jon Leguizamo, and Dustin Hoffman.

Special features on the DVD and Blu-Ray include deleted scenes and feature commentary by writer and director Jon Favreau, and chef and co-producer Roy Choi.  "Chef" hits stores on September 30th.

Plot Synopsis:

A disenchanted master chef reclaims his love for cooking and his family during a rollicking road trip through some of America’s most mouthwatering food destinations in Chef, coming to Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital HD with UltravioletTM on September 30, 2014, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Writer, director, actor Jon Favreau (director Iron Man, Elf) stars in this heartwarming comedy with something on the menu for everyone. The Chef Blu-rayTM Combo Pack include uproarious deleted scenes, as well as feature commentary from Favreau and the film’s technical advisor and co-producer, food-truck pioneer Roy Choi.

An online feud with an influential food critic (Oliver Platt) and a creative disagreement with his investor (Dustin Hoffman) convince Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) to hang up his apron at a posh Los Angeles bistro and get his mojo back in Miami’s Cuban-inspired cuisine. When his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) helps him get a fresh start with a rundown food truck, Carl and his best friend and sous chef Martin (John Leguizamo) head across the country with Carl’s young son Percy on a culinary adventure that helps Carl rediscover what matters in life.

Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman, Sherlock Holmes), Scarlett Johansson (Her, The Avengers), John Leguizamo (Ice Age, Ride Along), Sofia Vergara (“Modern Family,” Machete Kills), Bobby Cannavale (Blue Jasmine, Win), Oliver Platt (“Fargo,” X-Men: First Class), Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy, “Alpha House)” and two- time Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman (Meet the Fockers, Rain Man, Kramer vs. Kramer) star in a film that Pete Hammond of Movieline praised as: “Highly entertaining!...It’s got it all: laughs, warmth, terrific actors and lots of mouthwatering food. Jon Favreau has cooked up a real winner NOT to be missed!”

The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a Blu-ray™, DVD and DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™.

• Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.

• DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.

• DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™ lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.

Bonus Features on Blu-ray™ and DVD

• Deleted Scenes

• Feature Commentary by writer and director Jon Favreau, and chef and co-producer Roy Choi

"Chef" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'CHEF': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Jon Favreau wrote, directed, co-produced and stars in this comedy flick about a chef who loses his job (at a successful restaurant) and then goes to work (for himself) driving a food truck. The movie costars Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, EmJay Anthony, Dustin Hoffman and Robert Downey Jr.. Favreau learned to cook for the film by training with Roy Choi; one of the most famous food truck chefs there is. The food looks so delicious (in the movie) that it was painful to watch (due to the fact that it made me painfully hungry) but it is a good film.

Favreau plays Carl Casper; a successful but unhappy chef who feels like he's lost some of his creative freedom working for Riva (Hoffman), at his popular Los Angeles restaurant. When an arrogant critic (Platt) writes a horrible review of Carl's food Carl attacks him on Twitter (thinking he's sending him a private message) and later he's caught (on video) chewing the critic out in Riva's restaurant (which goes viral). After quitting the restaurant Carl can't find work anywhere else, due to his notorious internet reputation. He then finally gives into his ex-wife's (Vergara) idea of running a food truck. This gives him the chance to spend more time with his estranged son (Anthony), as they drive the vehicle home from Miami and sell cubanos out of it (Cuban sandwiches). Carl's old line cook, Martin (Leguizamo), also joins them on the adventure.

I like most of the movies Jon Favreau has written and or directed (my favorites being 'SWINGERS' and the first two 'IRON MAN' films). He's not the best actor but he is likeable enough to carry a film like this and he appears to have a lot of good friends willing to help him out, in smaller supporting roles (like Downey Jr. and Johansson from the 'IRON MAN' films). The movie does have a decent father/son story to tell but I was most drawn into it by it's beautiful look at cooking (and the passion that goes into the art). I was starving by the end of the film (so it's probably best viewed while eating) but I can't see anyone who loves food not enjoying this movie. It's beautifully shot and touching at times; it's also funny as well (all of the performances are fun to watch). I also really liked it's commentary on social media (most noticeably Twitter) and it's look at how an ignorant critic can really effect someone's life. It's not a perfect movie (the third act could have used some more work) but it's definitely got enough going on to make it a really enjoyable viewing experience. One of Favreau's better efforts.

Official Stills for John Favreau's Upcoming Film "Chef"

Open Road Films recently released stills for the upcoming Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Swingers) film "Chef" which recently had its world premiere at this year's SXSW Film Festival. The film is written, directed and stars Favreau. Sofia Vergara, John Lequizamo and Dustin Hoffman also costar and features appearances from Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey, Jr. "Chef" hits theaters on 5/28.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: http://Fb.com/ChefTheFilm  

Plot Synopsis: Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) suddenly quits his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity for its controlling owner (Dustin Hoffman), he is left to figure out what’s next. Finding himself in Miami, he teams up with his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara), his friend (John Leguizamo) and his son to launch a food truck. Taking to the road, Chef Carl goes back to his roots to reignite his passion for the kitchen -- and zest for life and love.