The best-of-the-best from 1994 and 2014. Why we are talking about these films and why we haven’t stopped.
Drama
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Two men that have been sentenced to life in Shawshank State Prison form a lifelong bond and seek redemption through acts of decency.
Why it was awesome: It was written and directed by Frank Darabont and stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Personally, anything with Morgan Freeman as a narrator is probably going to rock your world. It is ranked #1 in IMDb’s “Top 250” list, is rated a 9.3/10 (based on over a million votes worldwide) and is considered one of the best movies of all time.
Why it’s still awesome: The Shawshank Redemption is about maintaining your feeling of self-worth when placed in a hopeless position. This film makes you think about what “free” really means- something everyone should think about at least once in their lifetime.
Gone Girl (2014)
A man’s wife mysteriously disappears and has become the focus of an intense media circus. The man finds himself in the spotlight when it’s suspected that he may not be as innocent as he thinks.
Why it was awesome: Based off the 2012 novel ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn and directed by David Fincher, Ben Affleck (*drool*) gives an amazing performance in this captivating drama/ thriller. Perks: the book is equally amazing and gives you bragging rights about how ‘you read it first’.
Why it will continue to be awesome: The film touches on themes of dishonesty, the media, the economy’s effects on marriage, and the way people perceive one another. The film also addresses issues around gender, and is said to be the “crystallization of a thousand misogynist myths and fears about female behavior” (Natalie Wilson, Ms. Magazine).
Action
Pulp Fiction (1994)
The lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster’s wife, and a pair of diner bandits become entangled in four tales of violence and redemption.
Why it was awesome: Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino and (if that’s not enough), stars John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth and Bruce Willis to name a few. If three hour movies aren’t your thing, the soundtrack is one of the most famous movie scores of its time and is guaranteed to make you feel like a certified bad-ass.
Why it’s still awesome: Quentin Tarantino.
Interstellar (2014)
After Earth has been devastated by drought and famine a team of space explorers travel through a wormhole in an attempt to find a potentially habitable planet that will sustain humanity.
Why it’s awesome: Directed and written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathon Nolan, this sci-fi/adventure stars big names like Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. The movie gives you an orgasm for your eyes and a workout for your brain.
Why it will continue to be awesome: Influenced by Star Wars (1977) and Alien (1979), the visuals alone make this movie a must-see. Though the concept of Earth being inhabitable may seem completely outlandish, it makes you wonder about how far the human race will go to save itself.
Romance/ Chick-Flick
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
A notorious bachelor finds love over the course of five social occasions.
Why it was awesome: Hugh Grant (!!!).
Why it’s still awesome: British comedy is never not a good idea. The film is funny, light-hearted and will always leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling on the inside.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Two teens struggling with different cancer conditions fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group.
Why it’s awesome: All hail author John Green, who wrote the 2012 novel this epic love movie was based off. Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and give your favourite stuffed animal some love.
Why it will continue to be awesome: The movie deals with some heavy issues around life, death and our notions of critical illness. The Fault in Our Stars shows us that even a short life can be a full one, and how mental strength can trump physical barriers.
Comedy
*These films were very hard to narrow, so I chose the ones with the highest IMBD score. Look for more in the “Notable” Section.*
Clerks (1994)
A day in the lives of two convenience clerks as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof.
Why it was awesome: Watching the shenanigans that behind-the-scenes of a dead-end job may seem incredibly stupid because it is. But in my professional opinion, stupid humour is the best humour. Anyone will find SOMETHING in this movie to chuckle about, guaranteed.
Why it’s still awesome: Despite its comedic performances, the characters are incredibly relatable and lovable. A great movie if you work in the service industry, with the tagline “just because they serve you doesn’t mean they like you” being forever relevant.
Neighbors (2014)
A fraternity moves into a house next-door to a couple with a new born baby.
Why it’s awesome: Starring Seth Rogan, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Dave Franco and even McLovin from Superbad (2007), the cast could stand in an empty room for 2 hours and still make you laugh your ass off. Luckily, there are multiple rooms these actors stand in throughout the movie.
Why it will continue to be awesome: Zac Efron without his shirt on would make a nun rip off her rosary and hail Satan.
Family
The Little Rascals (1994)
Loveable character Alfalfa tries to win over the darling Darla while his “He-Man-Woman-Hating” friends try to sabotage his attempts.
Why it was awesome: Heart-warming, hilarious and enjoyable for the whole family.
Why it’s still awesome: The Little Rascals is chalk-full of endearing characters, memorable one-liners and the BEST hairstyles. This movie is a classic, and can be enjoyed by any generation of audience.
Maleficent (2014)
Based off of the Disney classic ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (1959), the tale of the vengeful fairy that cursed Princess Aurora is given a chance to tell her side of the story.
Why it’s awesome: The film breathes life back into a cult classic and gives the ‘villain’ a voice that’s different than how you would expect. Angelina Jolie is stunning in the film, and the visuals are stunning.
Why it will continue to be awesome: Who WOULDN’T watch Angelina Jolie movies over and over and over again?
Animation
The Lion King (1994)
A young lion cub is tricked into thinking that he caused the death of his own father and abandons his destiny as the future king. He is befriended by two castaways who eventually help him reclaim his throne.
Why it was awesome: One of the most beloved Disney movies, Simba is one of the most relatable characters of our time. This film makes you laugh, cry and feel all the feels.
Why it’s still awesome: Keep Calm and Hakuna Matata.
The Lego Movie (2014)
An ordinary Lego construction worker, thought to be the prophesied ‘special’, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the Lego universe into eternal stillness.
Why it’s awesome: Lego is one of the most iconic toys of all time, and brings nostalgia to both adults and relevancy for children.
Why it will continue to be awesome: The movie actually deals with serious issues of self-esteem, father-son relationships and peer pressure.
Notable films
1994
Ace Ventura
Dumb and Dumber
The Mask
Forrest Gump
Little Women
The Santa Clause
2014
22 Jumpstreet
Divergent
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Sources
IMBD
Wikipedia
The Hidden Jewels 