In The List!!!, I do a list that just reeks of being click-bait, analyzing a particular topic or subject that pertains to something major occurring in pop-culture. This week, in honor of Noah hitting Blu-Ray, I take a look at five films from the first seven months of 2014 that deserve more recognition.
Noah: An unending wave of religious controversy consumed Noah, to the point where one had to think the film was the spawn of Satan in order to drum up such conversation. All that controversy still befuddles me though, considering all of the excellent filmmaking at the center of Noah. Darren Aronofosky does an incredible job bringing realism and awe to Noahs immortal tale. Russel Crowe gives a tragic performance that meshes well with the beautiful visuals. Oh yes, and the rock monsters are seriously awesome!
Godzilla: Months of anticipation greeted Godzillas promotional materials, but whining about the lack of onscreen carnage led to the movie getting a poor reputation with many. What a shame, especially since the movies resistance to just turn over to a generic action scene is the films best strength. The film is much more invested in crafting the monsters presence, showing off all of the devastating power these beasts have. Not only does this lead to some exhilarating sequences relying on beautiful tension, but it also manages to heighten the incredible action moments as well.
The Immigrant: The Weinstein Company bizarrely dropped this beautiful movie in May with no promotion and very few theaters. Luckily, it's now on Netflix and good God do I implore anyone reading this to give it a watch because it's truly extraordinary. Marion Cottilard is just heartbreaking in the lead, Joaquin Phoenix conveys both menace and vulnerability superbly and the cinematography is just perfect.
Snowpiercer: Devoting itself wonderfully to both the absurd and dark, Snowpiercer was another bungled release from The Weinstein Company that deserves more recognition. This captivating post-apocalyptic world is relentlessly fascinating, and it shows just how thoughtful action films can be while also managing to bring out moments of truly awesome violence.
How To Train Your Dragon 2: It's weird to say a movies underrated when it's made $165 million at the US Box office and has a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but the slightly underwhelming box office performance for Hiccup and Toothless's new adventure has led it to being sort of forgotten amidst this summers numerous great movies. While it has some flaws that keep it from hitting the heights of the original (the supporting cast is wasted in the finale), it's still a film filled with beauty and charm that expands the world of the first movie in excellent ways.
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