My Top Ten Movies of 2014 (aka the year I cried every time I went to the movies)

I know my Top Ten List is late to the party, but there were a couple of movies I wanted to see before I made my final decisions.  

I also know this list is going to piss off some folks, other critics may think I have lost my mind.  So let's be clear.  This is a list of MY favorite movies.  Maybe they aren't blockbusters, maybe they aren't getting awards buzz, but they resonated with me for one reason or another.  

So without further ado:


#10  Selma

Someone commented on Facebook "we all know this story - we all took history."  I challenge that.  I think we are too quick to assume we know all about the struggles of African Americans in this country.  Every family should see this movie and many conversations should follow.  We have a long way to go, people.


#9 Love Is Strange

This was just a beautiful love story.  A simple reminder to open our hearts and allow people to love who they love.  Everyone has a story.  Everyone deserves happiness.  



#8 The Sublime and Beautiful

The human spirit is quite resilient, we all know this.  But this movie showcases all of the feelings we must work through when facing our darkest hours.  It was a very difficult movie to watch but man, was it beautifully done.  

#7 Whiplash

The underlying story in this movie really got to me.  If Miles Teller would have played an athlete, it would have been so predictable.  But seeing a young man in the arts facing the very same pressure and demons, well it was just fantastic.


#6 St. Vincent

This was a nice little surprise.  We went on a Sunday afternoon - and I let Jay choose,  telling him this was a "funny movie".  Well it was, until it wasn't.  Lots of funny parts, that's for sure - but we quickly learn it's so much more.  I absolutely loved this one.


#5 The Fault In Our Stars

I didn't read the book, so I didn't know how this story was going to end.  I fell in love with this movie for a million reasons.  It was a beautiful, young love story.  


#4 Rudderless

The directorial debut of William H. Macy, this is a little known gem.  I promise you will not be sorry for checking this one out.  It is fantastic.  The soundtrack is also great.  Go into it blind and you will love it.  Do no homework.  Just watch it.

#3 Birdman

I was blown away by this movie - on the edge of my seat for the entire ride.  Every story I read, every interview I hear about the making of this movie makes me love it even more.   It was unlike anything I have ever seen.


#2 Boyhood

I really can't begin to describe the way this movie affects you.  Linklater gets it SO RIGHT.  It is like watching your own life in fast forward.  This movie is a game-changer.



And finally, my favorite movie of 2014:


#1  Maps to the Stars

My favorite movies are always the ones that show just how screwed up all of us are.  Celebrities, Doctors, Regular Joes.  We are all just jacked up kids trying to survive.  This movie is a beautiful fishbowl that proves exactly that.  I fricken LOVED IT.

Movie Review - Rudderless

I was pretty excited when I saw this facebook post a couple of weeks ago (@TivoliKC):

"Also! Rudderless opens this weekend! It's the directorial debut of William H. Macy and stars Billy Crudup and Anton Yelchin. 

Not only are we the only theater in KC that you can see this film for it's debut week, but ALSO* screenwriter and former Kansas Citian CASEY TWENTER will be here in person to introduce the 7:00pm screenings on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25.
Casey will also offer an audience Q&A following.  Get your tickets now!!"

...and here is why;

1. I LOVE interacting with filmmakers, screenwriters, actors.  It brings me immense joy. 
2. I have been a big Billy Crudup fan since #AlmostFamous - which still ranks in my top ten favorite movies of all time.
3. I love Westport on a Friday night.

"A grieving father in a downward spiral stumbles across a box of his recently deceased son's demo tapes and lyrics. Shocked by the discovery of this unknown talent, he forms a band in the hope of finding some catharsis." - IMDB  Rated R

I hadn't heard  of @Rudderlessmovie until I saw that post, so  I went straight to IMDB to bring myself up to speed, googled Casey Twenter and sat my plan in motion to convince Jay Erdman this is what we should be doing (please note:  The Royals were in the playoffs).  Surprisingly, he went for it.

Directed and co-written by William H. Macy, “Rudderless”, stars Billy Crudup as Sam, a successful ad man whose world is shattered by the tragic death of his son. His death causes Sam to lose his job, become an alcoholic, and spending his days painting houses and hiding from the pain.

For reasons no one can understand, Sam wants nothing to do with the the memory of his son.  Faced with boxes of his son's belongings, he eventually takes out the guitar and teaches himself to play, which leads to an open-mic performance at a local pub, where he meets an awkward teen named Quentin (Anton Yelchin).

It's hard to say who befriends who, but it is obvious these two misfits need one another.  Together with a few other musicians they form an indie-leaning rock band that I would gladly pay to see in real life.  (Great Soundtrack!)

The twist halfway through “Rudderless” will take your breath away. It’s a ballsy move, and it makes you rethink  everything & beg for a rewind.   It answers the questions I think all parents have asked themselves while watching news reports of school shootings.  What would we do if?  How would we survive?  Would we survive?

It is a brilliant film - I loved every minute of it.   It happens to be available on Amazon already - if you are looking for something to do this weekend - just do it.