5. Godzilla
Director: Gareth Edwards Cast: Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen
A rare monster movie with a monster that actually matters. Godzilla is given purpose and motivation for what he does; he isn’t causing destruction for shits and giggles. He may actually be a hero. Oh and Bryan Cranston further proves to audiences that he needs to be in more movies. 9/10
4. Noah
Director: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly
This isn’t your typical Russell Crowe blockbuster. This is a dark and superbly acted drama about a man who has to make a choice. A choice that will literally change the world. For people that are familiar with Darren Aronofsky’s work, they will be pleased to know that the big budget that was given for this film had no effect whatsoever on Aronofsky’s artistic vision. 9/10
3. The Double
Director: Richard Ayoade Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska
Jesse Eisenberg’s best role and performance since David Fincher’s The Social Network. He gets the opportunity to play the passive, awkward stereotype that he always does but then half way through the film we meet his “double,” also played by Eisenberg. This is when things gets crazy! I’ve never seen Eisenberg like this before. This film perfectly uses style to enhance its substance and I would even compare the director, Richard Ayoade, to David Lynch. 9/10
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori
Funny, heartfelt, devastating, romantic, are just a few words to describe Wes Anderson’s newest masterpiece. Every frame of this picture is so meticulously thought out that one would think each shot was designed from an art piece. Everything in Anderson’s world seems bonkers, but that’s if one is looking at this film as just entertainment. This film takes place during a time where being alone was one of the most dangerous and horrifying things imaginable. Now tell me that isn’t relevant. 10/10
1. Only Lovers Left Alive
Director: Jim Jarmusch Cast: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston
A beautiful,melancholy portrait of two lovers, Eve and Adam, played brilliantly by Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston. There’s an offbeat, cool quality to this film that matches perfectly to the stunning cinematography. The score (SQURL and Jozef van Wissem) has an awesome dark/rock vibe to it. Music is at the core of this story. The struggles that every couple goes through, like the arrival of a troublemaking sister-in-law played by Mia Wasikowska in an award worthy performance, gives the audience their own binoculars into these people’s lives. Eve and Adam are cool, cultured, and human. Oh and did I mention that they are vampires too? Check this movie out. 10/10
Go to imdb.com for more information on these films.
