Movie Thoughts Bundle (2014) #1

In this collection of short reviews, we’ll explore the year 2014 where Keanu Reeves makes a huge impression returning to his action cinema stomping grounds, John Favreau releases a family bonding movie revolving around mouth watering culinary imagery, Jake Gyllenhaal delivers one of his greatest performances to date, and Tom Cruise stars in a manga inspired sci-fi blockbuster.

1. John Wick - 9/10

In a pleasantly surprising twist for this year, we get a new Keanu Reeves action flick that felt like it popped out of nowhere and somehow ended up being one of the most entertaining movies of 2014. John Wick is as simplistic as you can get in a typical revenge thriller premise, but where that sentiment might sound like a reason to turn away for some viewers, it is through this minimalist story foundation that builds the means to some of the most exceptionally engaging action sequences to date. This is one of those movie special titles that come around every now and then where, as the audience watching, you can both feel and experience onscreen the passion and artistic drive behind the production team to create something truly game changing for a particular genre. In this case of John Wick, it's the absolutely brutal, beautifully stylized, and well choreographed action and stunt work.

But it doesn't just stop on the entertaining "gun-fu" elements as the characters themselves (Keanu's titular role being an absolute scene stealer) are fun to watch interacting within this alluring world of assassins. That's another thing that really made this movie stand out from a lot of other similar entries in the action genre being this new universe of secret organizations and highly trained killers with its own mysterious history and mythology. For a large part of it, it almost feels as though I was watching an amazing graphic novel gradually come to life revealing its deeper layers of fascinating world building. Guys, if you haven't seen John Wick as of yet, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a magnificent action movie that actually sets up a potential new franchise worth getting excited over. Also, we finally get to see Keanu Reeves back in his element as a butt kicking badass. What more can you ask for?

2. Chef - 9/10

Chef is a wonderful and personally inspirational film for me as someone who grew up being a huge fan of traveling and food related shows as well as being a food lover myself with an interest in cooking. There's an adventurous element to this film that encourages the idea of experiencing the world for yourself which really hit home for me as a guy who naturally craves exploration yet never has the finances to pull of my larger dreamed up endeavors. The performances are perfectly suited towards serving to the overall tone of the film's organically intertwined comedic elements. But full warning to any viewers with a big appetite; the cooking scenes will turn your entire mouth into a constantly running faucet triggered by food cravings. Be sure to pack something to eat right after or during the course of this film as the cooking scenes depicted are visually delectable to say the least. 

Aside from those elements, Chef is also a great "feel good" film for everyone in the family to enjoy together. If you'll allow me to go a bit more specific here, I would say that if you're a father wanting to spend time with your children or desiring to share your passions in life, this may be the perfect film for you to watch. There's a beautiful message about the significance of father and son bonding that I believe could positively impact many families out there primarily due to the socially anchoring world that children live in today. With that said, if you haven't seen Chef due to the hugely crowded market of mainstream juggernauts understandably stealing the spotlight, treat yourself to this deliciously magnificent film that will cater to your stomach as profoundly as it will to your soul.

3. Nightcrawler - 9/10

Nightcrawler is yet another reason why everyone's attention should be targeted towards Jake Gyllenhaal in regards to high caliber actors deserving more recognition for their craft. After watching Enemy (another recent film starring Gyllenhaal), I was constantly wondering what upcoming films would take this incredibly talented actor to the next level giving him a new juicy role to fully dive into and create something memorable out of. Well, in this case, look no further than Nightcrawler which wastes absolutely no time whatsoever in taking the task of evolving Gyllenhaal's career with a standout performance that truly gets under your skin. The actor undergoes a notable transformation in his physique which the he described in several interviews as mirroring the likes of a coyote (perfectly connecting with the scavenging and desperate nature of the character in question). 

This behind the scenes physical transformation goes masterfully hand in hand with an incredible onscreen performance portraying this desperate man constantly on the prowl to find a job while having a highly confident and arguably obsessive mentality about success. It's an unnerving yet alluring sight to witness this character journey and twisted success story unfold like a train wreck that's gradually nearing its inevitable tragic spectacle. You can't take your eyes off of it despite feeling disgusted by what's taking place. Nightcrawler is a solid film overall, and although I may have gotten admittedly caught up in the film's hype beforehand, it's by far one of the best movies of the year. It's a fascinating character study that's beautifully shot and filled to the bone with genuinely intense and suspenseful moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

4. Edge of Tomorrow - 9/10

Edge of Tomorrow is one of the most entertaining science fiction blockbusters that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing at the cinemas. It is surprisingly hilarious, satisfyingly action-packed, visually dazzling, brilliantly crafted (considering the time loop war concept of the film), and an altogether crowd pleaser for genre fans. To any action/science-fiction lovers out there looking for something fresh and exciting worth experiencing on the big screen with a group of people laughing and cheering, this one's a no brainer. Edge of Tomorrow offers an exhilarating cinematic experience with a pretty creative concept utilizing sci-fi elements such as time loops, exoskeleton battle suits, alien invasions, and video game/anime inspirations all blended up in a beautifully presented package. It's a fun roller coaster ride that constantly shifts angles entirely leaving you with something to contemplate over later.