Since the first day of the fall semester in August 2014, several movies graced the silver screen. Intense action/thrillers, terrifying horrors, thought-provoking dramas, ridiculous comedies, precious family films — you name it. Of course, not every movie that is released is good, and there are very few that leave a truly lasting impression on their audience. Those are something special, and out of this school year’s releases (from August 25 to May 6), here are a few picks for the ones that really amazed.
“Imitation Game”
Do you know who Alan Turing is? If so, did you know who he was before you heard this film was being made about him? “Imitation Game” tells the story of Turing, breaker of the German Enigma code, creator of the computer’s predecessor, master of the crossword puzzle and a gay man in a time and place where expressing such an identity was against the law. This incredible, ingenious man, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, was the reason the Allies broke Germany’s code and won World War II. Turing’s story is one that everyone should know of — one of triumph, brilliance and, at times, heartbreak.
“Interstellar”
There are a handful of movies I have seen that have rendered me speechless, and after watching “Interstellar,” that list got a little longer. From the intensity and high stakes of space travel to the moving performances by Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, this film will have you on the edge of your seat until the credits roll. The special effects are absolutely gorgeous, and if you’re a stickler for scientific accuracy, you’ll be pleased. Forgive the bad pun, but this film really is an out-of-this-world experience.
“Avengers: Age of Ultron”
While emotional independent films and gripping historical dramas are wonderful, there are times when audiences want to turn to some tried and true characters of the comic book world for an exciting story. “Avengers: Age of Ultron” not only provided Marvel fans with their fix of superheroes, but delivered an interesting plot and relationship development, not to mention the introduction of several new superhumans. James Spader and Paul Bettany’s performances were top-notch, as the former made his Marvel debut and the latter began a new chapter within the series. For a good story, familiar faces and incredible action, “Age of Ultron” is a can’t-miss.
“Camp X-Ray”
Technically, this film had its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival in January 2014, but it didn’t begin its theatrical release until October 2014. An independent film, “Camp X-Ray” is the story of Amy Cole, an army private assigned to be a Guantanamo Bay prison guard, and the unlikely relationship that develops between her and a detainee. The story can be raw and painfully realistic at times, and Kristen Stewart’s role as Cole suited her well. The show was stolen by Peyman Moaadi, the actor who plays prisoner Ali; it is difficult to find the right words to explain how incredibly moving Moaadi’s performance was, mostly because the extent to which he made the character his own made it feel like he wasn’t performing at all. When an actor is able to transcend the line between playing and being a character, their film is guaranteed to be something special.
“Big Hero 6”
“Big Hero 6” is the classic story of an unlikely hero fighting for justice against those who have wronged him, told with the Walt Disney Animation Studios touch. The art style is beautifully crafted with gorgeous colors and intricate details everywhere you look. The characters are loveable from the very start, especially 14-year-old prodigy Hiro Hamada and robot Baymax. The relationships between the characters develop throughout the film as strangers turn into friends or enemies, but one thing that is never present is a romantic relationship. There isn’t a single couple in the film, not even a moment of flirtation between characters, and I believe that’s one of the reasons so many people fell in love with it. This film was truly about the heartwarming bonds between friends and siblings, which is why it deserves to be on this list.
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