Best Of 2014: ‘The Big Screen Edition’

2. Boyhood

A more emotionally honest portrait of growing up has never been put onscreen. That’s because Richard Linklater spent 12 years filming “Boyhood,” turning this little movie about a boy becoming a man into a directorial achievement on par with what Alfonso Cuarón did with “Gravity.” The way Linklater edits his literal years of footage is impressive, and his careful repudiation of big moments in favor small ones makes “Boyhood” feel akin to life itself. “Boyhood” is a time capsule for the audience, something Linklater expresses via music (the first song we hear is Coldplay’s “Yellow”) and conversation (there’s a lot of George W. Bush bashing). It’s all so good and effortless that people might take “Boyhood” for granted.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy

Could it be anything other than this? I had impossibly, high expectations regarding this but after watching it, it had exceeded them all. James Gunn’s Space Opera featuring a thief, a murderer, an assassin, a talking raccoon and a sentient tree became one of the biggest hits of the year. Employing some great acting talent, superb CGI, terrific cinematography, witty dialogues and the best soundtrack to come out in years, aptly titled Awesome Mix Vol.1 it compels you to say, “Make Mine Marvel”. “Guardians of the Galaxy” was the closest we’ll ever get to “Star Wars” as directed by Quentin Tarantino. It’s a little bit of both: the best movie Marvel’s ever done and the most enjoyable summer blockbuster since “Star Trek.”