Otakus & Geeks Top Five Best Movies of 2014

2014 was a great year for movies. We saw the return of the X-Men, the Captain put his stamp on the Marvel Universe. Gone Girl made me think twice about getting married and many more. However with so many great and horrible movies to enter this year. It's time for me to choose the best of the best.

The Best Top Five

1. Nightcrawler

Nightcrawler really surprised me this year. This film came out of nowhere and definitely took top spot for best movie of 2014. Starring Jake Gyllenhall as Louis Bloom a cameraman who stop at nothing to get his footage. This movie had everything you can ask for in a film. It had a solid performance from Gyllenhall who really transformed himself to a point I forgot it was him. His performance is down right creepy and will keep you watching. You also had a great script that never misses a beat and keeps the intensity going throughout the film. As a journalist I found this film to be a great look into how far one will go for the story. Louis Bloom is willing to do anything and I mean anything to make sure he has the scoop. The story keeps it realistic as possible and even uses real news people from L.A. In addition Rene Russo gives another standout performance that compliments Gyllenhall's Bloom.

2. Gone Girl

I didn't get a chance to read the Gone Girl book which the movie is based on. However I' am thankful that I didn't read it would have ruin the twist for me. Gone Girl was purely masterful in almost every aspect of filmmaking this year. Great acting by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. Great directing by David Fincher and great screenplay by Gillian Flynn. Gone Girl made me really question about getting married and relationships in general. The surprise twist and ending had me really thinking about relationships. Affleck has really grown as an actor and gives one of his best performances to date.

3. Whiplash

Ever had a coach or teacher that was so hard on you but actually made you better. Whiplash is a film that can be viewed as that premise. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons are Oscar worthy for their performances. J.K. Simmons gives a performance of his career and brings so much intensity. Miles Teller really shows why he is one of the best talents out there as Andrew. Having no musical knowledge on how to play the drums prior to this movie only sweetens the deal when he hits the drums.

4. X-Men Days of Future Past  

Bryan Singer returns to put the X-Men back on track and did he ever. X-Men Days of Future Past is not only the best superhero of 2014, but also one of the best films of 2014. Action and drama go hand in hand in this latest entry. The time traveling element to fix issues in the franchise was a great tool to reboot the franchise. The performances from the entire cast is spot on. The best scene however is with Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy meeting each other. This truly is the best X-Men film to date.

5. Captain America: The Winter Solider

I was waiting for a Marvel movie with a more darker and serious tone. Marvel finally deliver that with Captain America: The Winter Solider. This film still had the humor Marvel is known for, but it took a more darker tone this time. Captain America in this film shows why he is truly a badass, the leader of The Avengers and why he is an icon. Chris Evans delivers yet another great performance as Cap showing a man struggling to adjust to this modern world. The best scene is between Cap and Peggy get those tissues ready.