THE LEGO MOVIE – We Are Movie Geeks

The Top 21 Movies of the 21st Century……So Far!

It’s one thing to come up with a list of the best movies in any given year, but the best movies of a century that’s just in its 16^th year? We Are Movie Geeks polled a group of 30 carefully-selected (and mostly St. Louis-based) movie critics, movie bloggers, movie academics, movie promoters, and just plain old movie fans and asked for a list, in order of preference, of their Top Ten Favorite Films so far this century. Somewhere among the endless superhero blockbusters, franchise reboots, and sequels, some really great movies have come out in the last 16 years. And some of them were indeed superhero blockbusters, franchise reboots, and sequels! The 21^st century has another 84 years to go, and there’s no doubt that these choices will change as the years go by, but since it’s doubtful any of those polled will be around when the century ends (unless Stephen Tronicek – born in 1999 – makes it to 101), we might as well do this now. To come up with our top 21, a super-scientific algorithm was generated….just kidding! We simply scored each movie based on its rank in any given list. If a movie was #1 on any list, it received 10 points, #2 received 9 points, and so on (a movie ranked #10 received 1 point – get it?). Of course, all of these lists are highly subjective and some favorite titles will be omitted, so prepare to argue with the selections of these 30 film buffs (and yes, we’re naming names!).

HERE ARE THE RESULTS!:

21. GLADIATOR (2000 – Ridley Scott)

20. UP (2009 – Pete Docter)

19. THE LEGO MOVIE (2014 – Phil Lord)

18. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007 – The Coen Brothers)

17. 12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013 – Steve McQueen)

16. THE REVENENT (2015 – Alejandro Innaritu)

15. INSIDE OUT (2015 – Pete Docter)

14. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOLESS MIND (2004 – Michel Gondry)

13. O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? (2000 – The Coen Brothers)

12. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (2009 – Quentin Tarantino)

11. THE AVIATOR (2004 – Martin Scorsese)

10. SYNECEDOCHE, NEW YORK (2008 – Charlie Kaufmann)

9. MEMENTO (2000 – Christopher Nolan)

8. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001 – Wes Anderson)

7. BOYHOOD (2014 – Richard Linklater)

6. LORD OF THE RINGS RETURN OF THE KING (2003 – Peter Jackson)

5. THE DEPARTED (2006 – Martin Scorsese)

4. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (2015 – George Miller)

3. PAN’S LABYRINTH (2006 – Guillermo Del Toro)

2. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007 – Paul Thomas Anderson)

1. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (2001 – David Lynch)

Directors Martin Scorsese and the Coen Brothers each had two films on this list, as did writer Charlie Kaufman and Pixar director Pete Docter. Nothing from beloved directors Clint Eastwood, Ang Lee, Darren Aronofsky, Woody Allen, Cameron Crowe, Alexander Payne or David Fincher, but the all of them were well-represented on the individual lists, all of which are presented here:

Tom Stockman (We Are Movie Geeks)

10. THE AMERICAN (Anton Corbijn)

9. BLUE JASMINE (Woody Allen)

8. GRAN TORINO (Clint Eastwood)

7. THE DEVIL’S REJECTS (Rob Zombie)

6. CITY OF GOD (Fernando Meirelles)

5. LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (Clint Eastwood)

4. APOCALYPTO (Mel Gibson)

3. INGLORIOUS BASTERDS (Quentin Tarantino)

2. LIFE OF PI (Ang Lee)

1. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (George Miller)

Andrew Wyatt (St. Louis Magazine, Gateway Cinephile)

10. UNDER THE SKIN (Jonathan Glazer)

9. THE TURIN HORSE (Bela Tarr)

8. OF TIME AND THE CITY (Terence Davies)

7. ZODIAC (David Fincher)

6. CERTIFIED COPY (Abbas Klarostami)

5. THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (Andrew Dominik)

4. INLAND EMPIRE (David Lynch)

3. THE MASTER (Paul Thomas Anderson)

2. SYNECDOCHE NEW YORK (Charlie Kaufman)

1. CACHE (Michael Hanake)

Stephen Tronicek (FilmAnalyst)

10, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (Michel Gondry)

9. BIRDMAN (Alejandro Innaritu)

8. CLOUD ATLAS (Tom Twyker, The Wachowski Brothers)

7. UP (Pete Docter)

6. A SERIOUS MAN (the Coen Brothers)

5. INTO THE WILD (Sean Penn)

4. REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (Darren Aronofsky)

3. PANS LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toro)

2. ALMOST FAMOUS (Cameron Crowe)

1. BOYHOOD (Richard Linklater)

Dana Jung

10. SIN CITY (Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller)

9. THIS IS THE END (Evan Goldberg)

8. AVATAR (James Cameron)

7. DISTRICT 9 (Neill Blomkamp)

6. APOCALYPTO (Mel Gibson)

5. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

4. HUGO (Martin Scorsese)

3. INSIDE OUT (Pete Docter)

2. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (George Miler)

1. LORD OF THE RINGS RETURN OF THE KING (Peter Jackson)

Mathew DeKinder (Suburban Journals of St. Louis)

10. THE HURT LOCKER (Kathryn Bigelow)

9. THE TREE OF LIFE (Terence Malick)

8. MAD MAX FURY ROAD ROAD (George Miller)

7. ROAD TO PERDITION (Sam Mendes)

6. THE DARK KNIGHT (Christopher Nolan)

5. INGLORIOUS BASTARDS (Quentin Tarantino)

4. ANCHORMAN (Adam McKay)

3. LORD OF THE RINGS RETURN OF THE KING (Peter Jackson)

2. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paul Thomas Anderson)

1. 12 YEARS A SLAVE (Steve McQueen)

Jim Batts (We Are Movie Geeks)

10. KILL BILL (Quentin Tarantino)

9. THE ARTIST (Michel Hazanavicius)

8. THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN (Judd Apatow)

7. CAPTAIN AMERICA THE FIRST AVENGER (Joe Johnston)

6. AMERICAN SPLENDOR (Shari Springer Berman)

5. LORD OF THE RINGS RETURN OF THE KING (Peter Jackson)

4. GHOST WORLD (terry Zwigoff)

3. THE INCREDIBLES (Brad Bird)

2. SPIDERMAN 2 (Sam Raimi)

1. PANS LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toro)

Lynn Venhaus ( Belleville News-Democrat, Webster-Kirkwood Times)

10. (500) DAYS OF SUMMER (Marc Webb)

9. NEBRASKA (Alexander Payne)

8. 28 DAYS LATER… (Danny Boyle)

7. INSIDE OUT (Pete Docter)

6. THE DEPARTED (Martin Scorsese)

5. BOYHOOD (Richard Linklater)

4. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (Wes Anderson)

3. THE SOCIAL NETWORK (David Fincher)

2. THE DARK KNIGHT (Christopher Nolan)

1. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

Kent Tentschert (Webster-Kirkwood Times)

10. THE DESCENDANTS (Alexander Payne)

9. THE DARK KNIGHT (Christopher Nolan)

8. BIUTIFUL (Alejandro Innaritu)

7. UP (Pete Docter)

6. THE READER (Stephen Daldry)

5. NIGHTCRAWLER (Dan Gilroy)

4. INCEPTION (Christopher Nolan)

3. THE PRESTIGE (Christopher Nolan)

2. GLADIATOR (Ridley Scott)

1. THE REVENANT (Alejandro Innaritu)

Rob Garica (HEC-TV)

10. THE TREE OF LIFE (Terence Malick)

9. OVERNIGHT (Tony Montana)

8. BAMBOOZLED (Spike Lee)

7. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MAN (The Coen Bothers)

6. THE DEPARTED (Martin Scorsese)

5. CITY OF GOD (Fernanso Meirelles)

4. LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (Tomas Alfredson)

3. TALK TO HER (Pedro Almodovar)

2. PANS LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toro)

1. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

Sam Smucker

10. WINTER SLEEP (Nuri Ceylan)

9. IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (Kar Wai Wong)

8. LORD OF THE RINGS RETURN OF THE KING (Peter Jackson)

7. BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD (Benh Zeitlin)

6. BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR (Abdellatif Kechiche)

5. CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (Ang Lee)

4. THE LOOK OF SILENCE (Joshua Oppenheimer)

3. THE PAST (Asghar Farhadi)

2. SILENT LIGHT (Carlos Reygadas)

1. BOYHOOD (Richard Linklater)

Robert Hunt (The Riverfront Times)

10. AMERICAN SNIPER (Clint Eastwood)

9. PANS LABYRINTH (Guilermo del Toro)

8. THE TRIP (Michael Winterbottom)

7. SITA SINGS THE BLUES (Nina Paley)

6. NOTRE MUSIQUE (Jean-Luc Godard)

5. 2046 (Wong Kar-Wai)

4. WHAT TIME IS IT THERE? (Ming-Liang Tsai)

3. I’M NOT THERE (Todd Haynes)

2. WENDY AND LUCY (Kelly Reichardt)

1. CARLOS (Oliver Assayas)

Sam Moffitt

10. OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOUGH? (The Coen Brothers)

9. WHIP IT! (Drew Barrymore)

8. THE BABADOOK (Jennifer Kent)

7. MEMENTO (Christopher Nolan)

6. SLITHER (James Gunn)

5. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paul Thomas Anderson)

4. BLACK SNAKE MOAN (Craig Brewer)

3. MOON (Duncan Jones)

2. DRIVE (Nicolas Winding Refn)

1. SYNECDOCHE NEW YORK (Charlie Kaufman)

Michael Haffner (We Are Movie Geeks)

10. THE TREE OF LIFE (Terence Malick)

9. DRIVE (Nicolas Winding Refn)

8. IN BRUGES (Martin McDonagh)

7. LOST IN TRANSLATION (Sophia Coppola)

6. BOYHOOD (Richard Linklater)

5. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (Michael Gondry)

4. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (George Miller)

3. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (Wes Anderson)

2. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

1. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paul Thomas Anderson)

Renee Hirshfield (Webster University, Southwestern Illinois College)

10. AMERICAN SPLENDOR (Shari Springer Berman)

9. AMELIE (Jean-Pierre Jeunet)

8. TALK TO HER (Pedro Almodovar)

7. HUGO (Martin Scorsese)

6. INSIDE OUT (Pete Docter)

5. EX MACHINA (Alex Garland)

4. CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS (Andrew Jarecki)

3. INTERSTELLAR (Christopher Nolan)

2. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (Wes Anderson)

1. THE AVIATOR (Martin Scorsese)

Sarah Hirshfield (Mount Holyoke College)

10. MONEYBALL (Bennett Miller)

9. ELEPHANT (Gus Van Sandt)

8. SNOWPIERCER (Bong Joon Ho)

7. A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT (Ana Lily Amirpour)

6. 4 MONTHS 2 WEEKS AND 3 DAYS (Cristian Mungiu)

5. SUPER 8 (J.J. Abrams)

4. INSIDE OUT (Pete Docter)

3. EX MACHINA (Alex Garland)

2. PANS LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toro)

1. THE SOCIAL NETWORK (Davis Fincher)

Kathy Kaiser (Matinee Chat)

10. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (Quentin Tarantino)

9. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (Gore Verbinski)

8. DJANGO UNCHAINED (Quentin Tarantino)

7. IRON MAN (John Favreau)

6. CAST AWAY (Robert Zemeckis)

5. THE IMITATION GAME (Morten Tyldum)

4. THE REVENANT (Alejandro Innaritu)

3. THE DEPARTED (Martin Scorsese)

2. THE AVIATOR (Martin Scorsese)

1. 12 YEARS A SLAVE (Steve McQueen)

Melissa Thompson (We Are Movie Geeks)

10. BILLY ELLIOT (Stephen Daldry)

9. A MIGHTY WIND (Christopher Guest)

8. FANTASTIC MR. FOX (Wes Anderson)

7. HAIRSPRAY (Adam Shankman)

6. ELF (John Favreau)

5. SPIRITED AWAY (Hayao Miyazaki)

4. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (Gore Verbinski)

3. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (Woody Allen)

2. MOULIN ROUGE! (Baz Luhrmann)

1. LADY IN THE WATER (M. Night Shyamalan)

Pete Timmerman (Webster University)

10. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (Wes Anderson)

9. ADAPTATION (Spike Jonze)

8. REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (Darren Aronofsky)

7. PUNCH DRUNK LOVE (Paul Thomas Anderson)

6. CHILDREN OF MEN (Alfonso Cuaron)

5. TROPICAL MALADY (Apichatpong Weerasethakul)

4. THE ACT OF KILLING (Joshua Oppenheimer)

3. DOGTOOTH (Yorgos Lanthimos)

2. EVERYTHING WILL BE OK (Don Hertzfeldt)

2. IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (Wong Kar Wai)

Michelle McCue (We Are Movie Geeks)

10. GRAVITY (Alfonso Cuaron)

9. FANTASTIC MR. FOX (Wes Anderson)

8. AN EDUCATION (Lone Scherfig)

7. THE LADY IN THE WATER (M. Night Shyamalan)

6. THE HURT LOCKER (Kathryn Bigelow)

5. ROAD TO PERDITION (Sam Mendes)

4. THE LORD OF THE RINGS FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (Peter Jackson)

3. LOST IN TRANSLATION (Sofia Coppola)

2. MOON (Duncan Jones)

1. GLADIATOR (Ridley Scott)

Tim Venhaus

10. THE MASTER (Paul Thomas Anderson)

9. SUPERBAD (Greg Mottola)

8. KILL BILL (Quentin Tarantino)

7. BOYHOOD (Richard Linklater)

6. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (The Coen Brothers)

5. WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER (David Wain)

4. THE DEPARTED (Martin Scorsese)

3. REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (Darren Aronofsky)

2. THE ROYAL TENENBAUM’S (Wes Anderson)

1. ADAPTATION (Spike Jonze)

Travis Keune (We Are Movie Geeks)

10. THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (Andrew Dominik)

9. PANS LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toror)

8. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (Quentin Tarantino)

7. DRIVE (Nicolas Winding Refn)

6. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (George Miller)

5. THE WRESTLER (Darren Aronofsky)

4. OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOUGH? (The Coen Brothers)

3. MEMENTO (Christopher Nolan)

2. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (Michel Gondry)

1. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paul Thomas Anderson)

Cate Marquis (We Are Movie Geeks, The Jewish Light)

10. 12 YEARS A SLAVE (Steve McQueen)

9. A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT (Jean-Pierre Jeunet)

8. THE DEPARTED (Martin Scorsese)

7. AMELIE (Jean-Pierre Jeunet)

6. THE PIANIST (Roman Polanski)

5. GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (Wes Anderson)

4. PAN’S LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toror)

3. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (Quentin Tarantino)

2. OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOUGH? (The Coen Brothers)

1. MEMENTO (Christopher Nolan)

Matt Myers (Allied Advertising)

10. LORD OF THE RINGS THE TWO TOWERS (Peter Jackson)

9. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paul Thomas Anderson)

8. FANTASTIC MR. FOX (Wes Anderson)

7. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (The Coen Brothers)

6. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (Michael Gondry)

5. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (George Miller)

4. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

3. AMÉLIE (Jean-Pierre Jeunet)

2. KILL BILL (Quentin Tarantino)

1. SYNECDOCHE NEW YORK (Charlie Kaufman)

Max Foizey (ZekeFilm)

10. (500) DAYS OF SUMMER (Marc Webb)

9. OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU (The Coen Brothers)

8. CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (Ang Lee)

7. ATONEMENT (Joe Wright)

6. UP (Pete Docter)

5. CLOSER (Mike Nichols)

4. BLACK SWAN (Darren Aronofsky)

3. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paul Thomas Anderson)

2. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

1. THE LEGO MOVIE (Phil Lord)

Sandy Olmsted

10. THE FAIRY ( Dominique Abel)

9. THE ARTIST (Michel Hazanavicius)

8. PARANORMAN (Chris Butler)

7. PAN’S LABYRINTH (Guillermo Del Toror)

6. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (Woody Allen)

5. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE ( Jonathan Dayton)

4. HUGO (Martin Scorsese)

3. FRUITVALE STATION (Ryan Coogler)

2. HOCOLAT (Lasse Hallström)

1. BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD (Benh Zeitlin)

Carl Middleman (KFTK – 97.1FM)

10. BLACK SWAN (Darren Aronofsky)

9. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

8. (500) DAYS OF SUMMER (Marc Webb)

7. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (Michel Gondry)

6. CLOSER (Mike Nichols)

5. UP (Pete Docter)

4. OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? (The Coen Brothers)

3. CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (Ang Lee)

2. MEMENTO (Christopher Nolan)

1. THE LEGO MOVIE (Phil Lord)

Jim Tudor (ZekeFilm, ScreenAnarchy)

10. BUBBA HO-TEP (Don Coscarelli)

9. HOLY MOTORS (Leos Carax)

8. ALMOST FAMOUS (Cameron Crowe)

7. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (George Miller)

6. MULHOLLAND DRIVE (David Lynch)

5. HER (Spike Jonze)

4. THE INCREDIBLES (Brad Bird)

3. STAR WARS EPISODE III REVENGE OF THE SITH (George Lucas)

2. TOY STORY 3 (Lee Unkrich)

1. THE TREE OF LIFE (Terence Malick)

Dane Marti

10. INTERSTELLAR (Christopher Nolan)

9. INLAND EMPIRE (David Lynch)

8. THE HURT LOCKER (Kathryn Bigelow)

7. MINORITY REPORT (Steven Spielberg)

6. THE REVENANT (Alejandro Iñárritu)

5. THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (Andrew Dominik)

4. LINCOLN (Steven Spielberg)

3. THE AVIATOR (Martin Scorsese)

2. LORD OF THE RINGS RETURN OF THE KING (Peter Jackson)

1. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paul Thomas Anderson)

Ian McDonald (Allied Advertising)

10.THE LIFE AQUATIC (Wes Anderson)

9. DJANGO UNCHAINED (Quentin Tarantino)

8. CABIN IN THE WOODS (Drew Goddard)

7. PAN’S LABYRINTH (Guillermo del Toro)

6. LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (Tomas Alfredson)

5. HOT FUZZ (Edgar Wright)

4. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (The Coen Brothers)

3. MAD MAX FURY ROAD (George Miller)

2. SPIDERMAN 2 (Sam Raimi)

1. THE DEPARTED (Martin Scorsese)

THE LEGO BATMAN Movie Scheduled For February 10, 2017 Release

Building a strong slate of animated tentpoles that extends well into 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures today confirmed the release dates of three much-anticipated LEGO features. The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The next LEGO film to open will be the as-yet-untitled LEGO Batman feature, which is coming to theatres earlier than planned, with the global launch starting domestically on February 10, 2017.

Seven months later comes “Ninjago,” which had been slated for release in fall 2016; however the film is still under construction so it is being moved to September 22, 2017 domestically, with international dates to follow.

“The LEGO Movie Sequel,” the follow-up to the smash hit “The LEGO Movie,” is opening one week earlier than originally slated, now being released domestically on May 18, 2018, beginning its worldwide release.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “We are very excited about dating our upcoming LEGO animated features, which already have a worldwide fan following, built on the foundation of the first film. These three films already in the pipeline are just the beginning of a creative and diverse animation slate that will be delighting audiences for years to come.”

Kwan Vandenberg added, “We are looking forward to expanding the LEGO film franchise globally with these three incredibly imaginative movies, each offering something different to appeal to a broad range of audiences around the world.”

Jill Wilfert, Vice President of Licensing and Entertainment from The LEGO Group, noted, “We are so pleased to continue our creative partnership with Warner Bros. on these upcoming projects. It’s truly amazing to see how the big screen lends another dimension to the rich LEGO world, and offers new ways for fans to be engaged and entertained by these characters.”

BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.

Rob Schrab is Set to Direct THE LEGO MOVIE SEQUEL

Everything is Still Awesome!

Director Rob Schrab (TV’s “Community,” “The Mindy Project”) will mark his feature directorial debut overseeing construction on THE LEGO MOVIE SEQUEL, the eagerly awaited follow-up to the worldwide sensation “The LEGO Movie.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who wrote and directed THE LEGO MOVIE, are writing the new feature based on a story by Lord, Miller, Jared Stern and Michelle Morgan. In addition, Lord and Miller will serve as producers, alongside returning producers Dan Lin and Roy Lee.

Silverman stated, “‘The LEGO Movie’ captivated critics and audiences on a global scale with its irresistible blend of humor, imagination and fun. Warner Bros. is excited to build our relationship with The LEGO Group with this new adventure, and we join them in welcoming the multi-talented Rob Schrab to the LEGO family as he takes the helm of ‘The LEGO Movie Sequel.’”

In a joint statement, Lord and Miller said, “We are so excited to collaborate with Rob. He is a comedy genius, a visual savant, and we have been stalking him for years. No one works harder than Rob, and his aesthetic, combined with his sense of humor, bring a strong, unique, thoughtful, and passionately nerdy voice to this project. People who know him are slapping their foreheads today and saying, ‘Of course!’”

Schrab has recently directed episodes of such hit series as “Community,” “The Mindy Project” and “Parks and Recreation.” He also wrote, directed and executive produced “The Sarah Silverman Program,” for which he gained a WGA Award nomination. He previously earned a 2007 Annie Award nomination for Best Writing in an Animated Feature Production, for the Oscar-nominated comedy “Monster House.” In addition, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, and received an additional nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special for his work on the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

THE LEGO MOVIE SEQUEL is another piece of the Studio’s growing LEGO film franchise, also including the upcoming “Ninjago,” slated for a September 23, 2016, release, and an as-yet-untitled BatmanTM LEGO feature, due out in May 2017.

BOYHOOD, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL And CITIZENFOUR Top Winners At 65th ACE Eddie Awards

BOYHOOD (edited by Sandra Adair, ACE) and THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (edited by Barney Pilling) won Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) and Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy/Musical) respectively at the 65th Annual ACE Eddie Awards Friday night where trophies were handed out in ten categories of film, television and documentaries.

The black-tie ceremony was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel with over 1,000 in attendance to celebrate the year’s best editing.

THE LEGO MOVIE (edited by David Burrows & Chris McKay) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film and CITIZENFOUR (edited by Mathilde Bonnefoy) won Best Edited Documentary (Feature).

Television winners included “Veep: Special Relationship” (edited by Anthony Boys) for Best Edited Half-Hour Series for Television, “Sherlock – His Last Vow” (edited by Yan Miles) for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Commercial television, “True Detective – Who Goes There” (edited by Affonso Gonçalves) for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Non-Commercial Television, “The Normal Heart” (edited by Adam Penn) for Best Edited Miniseries or Motion Picture for Television, and “Anthony Bourdain – Parts Unknown: Iran” (edited by Hunter Gross) for Best Edited Non-Scripted Series. In the Best Edited Documentary (Television) category and “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History: Episode 3 / The Fire of Life” (edited by Erik Ewers) took top honors.

The Student Editing Competition winner was Johnny Sepulveda of Video Symphony who beat out hundreds of competitors from film schools and universities around the country. Oscar nominated director of BOYHOOD Richard Linklater presented the award to Sepulveda.

Award-winning filmmaker Frank Marshall received the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year honor presented to him by Chris Pratt. Marshall joins an impressive list of filmmakers who have received ACE’s highest honor, including Norman Jewison, Francis Ford Coppola, Clint Eastwood, Robert Zemeckis, Alexander Payne, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan and Richard Donner, among others.

Career Achievement Awards went to industry veterans Diane Adler, ACE and Jerry Greenberg, ACE. Their work was highlighted with clip reels exhibiting their tremendous contributions to film and television throughout their careers. The Robert Wise Award, which has only been presented a few times in the organizations history, was presented to journalist Carolyn Giardina of The Hollywood Reporter. The Robert Wise Award is presented to a journalist whose work has helped illuminate the craft of editing.

Among the evening’s presenters were Matt Damon, Chris Pratt, Rene Russo, Allen Leech (DOWNTON ABBEY, THE IMITATION GAME), Robin Leach, NIGHTCRAWLER director Dan Gilroy, Jeff Garlin and Amanda Fuller (LAST MAN STANDING). Serving as Master of Ceremonies was actress/comedian Mary Lynn Rajskub.

65th ANNUAL ACE EDDIE AWARD WINNERS

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (DRAMATIC):
Boyhood
Sandra Adair, ACE

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (COMEDY OR MUSICAL):
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Barney Pilling

BEST EDITED ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:
The Lego Movie
David Burrows & Chris McKay

BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE):
Citizenfour
Mathilde Bonnefoy

BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY (TELEVISION):
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History: Episode 3 / The Fire of Life
Erik Ewers

BEST EDITED HALF-HOUR SERIES FOR TELEVISION:
Veep: “Special Relationship”
Anthony Boys

BEST EDITED ONE-HOUR SERIES FOR COMMERCIAL TELEVISION:
Sherlock: “His Last Vow”
Yan Miles

BEST EDITED ONE-HOUR SERIES FOR NON-COMMERCIAL TELEVISION:
True Detective: “Who Goes There”
Affonso Gonçalves

BEST EDITED MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE FOR TELEVISION:
The Normal Heart
Adam Penn

BEST EDITED NON-SCRIPTED SERIES:
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: Iran
Hunter Gross

BEST STUDENT EDITING
Johnny Sepulveda (Video Symphony)

AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS (ACE) is an honorary society of motion picture editors founded in 1950.

Top 15 Scores/Soundtracks of 2014

Jerry Goldsmith, PLANET OF THE APES (1968) Nominee for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture

By Michelle McCue and Melissa Thompson

As 2014 comes to a close, we take a look back at some of the best movie music from this past year. The backbone of any movie, audiences heard rocket engines roar, traveled through LEGO worlds and made spiritual connections all thanks to the musical vision of the composer.

In a mix that was soulful, haunting and fun, this year’s soundtracks covered a range of emotions, from light to dark, to atmospheric and assaultive.

Our Top 15 scores wouldn’t be complete without an honorable mention…

Michael Giacchino – DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

The story about the birth of a civilization and “restart” for the planet Earth was no more prevalent than with the emotional reality of composer Michael Giacchino’s score. Director Matt Reeves’ sequel to 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes found its musical language through the empathetic sounds of the apes in the environment Caesar has created for them.

1. Hans Zimmer – INTERSTELLAR

Making his fifth collaboration with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, composer Hans Zimmer steered clear of any musical expressions he’d explored in the past with the director, and invented a whole new palette for the film with the earthy yet elevating notes of an organ.

We went for a spectacular adventure on a journey into the universe and Zimmer’s score gave humanity’s mission to the stars a very primeval quality.

2. Alexandre Desplat – THE IMITATION GAME, GODZILLA and THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

Three of the best scores this year, six-time Academy Award Nominee Alexandre Desplat’s music was heard by audiences throughout 2014.

Desplat developed one of his most unusual scores for THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL – one played entirely without traditional orchestral instruments. Instead, he brought in a host of Central European instruments, including balalaikas and the cimbalom, a type of hammered dulcimer common to Eastern European gypsy music.

With THE IMITATION GAME, the composer took us to the Bletchley Park codebreaking centre and inside the Enigma machine. Desplat may see his first Oscar win with his beautiful score to the Alan Turing biopic.

Listen on SoundCloud HERE.

Lastly with the great force of GODZILLA propelling the action and keeping the tension high, Desplat made a big sonic impact with the music. “I’ve never done a monster movie before, so coming to this with more than a hundred musicians—double brass, double horns—allowed me to open the frame of my imagination to another territory, and that’s very exciting.”

3. Jóhann Jóhannsson – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Filled with a charming score, composer Jóhann Jóhannsson’s music for director James Marsh’s THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING was a mix of orchestral instruments and synthesized sounds giving the story of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde an ethereal, lovely sound.

Read our interview with Jóhannsson HERE.

4. Atticus Ross & Trent Reznor – GONE GIRL

David Fincher returned again to work with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (THE SOCIAL NETWORK, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO) for the surging undertow to GONE GIRL.

Trent Reznor said, “In terms of the palette of sounds what’s unique on this one is that we used a more organic, less synthetic soundscape. We didn’t want it to feel too slick so we used a lot of interesting homemade equipment. There are moments where the rhythm is just me tapping on a wooden box so it feels repetitive but drifts around a bit like a human heartbeat.”

5. Antonio Sánchez – BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance

Drums, cymbals, sticks, mallets and rods were used for the percussion heavy score in director Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance. Four-time Grammy Award winner and composer Antonio Sanchez effectively sets the pace and rhythm to convey Riggan Thomson’s (Michael Keaton) tonal tightrope between comedy and pathos, illusion and reality.

Read our interview with Sánchez HERE.

6. John Powell – HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2

Composer John Powell’s fantastic soundtrack on HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 was filled with emotional triumphant orchestral pieces and a resounding chorus making it one of our favorites scores of the year.

Read our interview with Powell HERE.

Listen on SoundCloud HERE.

7. Henry Jackman – BIG HERO 6, THE INTERVIEW and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

Jackman had three big scores in 2014.

He composed a grandiose action score for North Korea’s favorite film – THE INTERVIEW. While building on his previous collaboration with Evan Golderberg and Seth Rogen on THIS IS THE END, Jackman scored the film as if it were a classic action-blockbuster to ground the film’s comedic moments. Jackman also created a score that celebrated the comic-book style action of BIG HERO 6, while weaving in the original music from American rock band Fall Out Boy.

But none was more epic than Jackman’s contemporary take on his superhero score for CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER. Up next for Jackman is Kingsman: Secret Service and Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War.

Read our interview with Jackman HERE.

8. Steven Price – FURY

Just as Price did on his Oscar-winning score for GRAVITY, where the sounds of radio waves were incorporated into the score, the British composer was able to find a distinctive voice for the music of FURY by using unusual and unconventional instruments in a fusion with the orchestral, choral and solo writing featured throughout. The daunting sounds put the audience inside the WWII tanks alongside Brad Pitt and his crew.

Read our interview with Price HERE.

9. Marco Beltrami – THE HOMESMAN

Marco Beltrami’ s created a rustic sounding landscape in director Tommy Lee Jones’ THE HOMESMAN. Alongside his work on SNOWPIERCER, THE GIVER and THE NOVEMBER MAN in 2014, the Oscar-nominated composer’s score for THE HOMESMAN evoked the desolation of the homesteaders by drawing out the essence of the wind with an innovative wind piano that contained 175 feet long wires.

Read our interview with Beltrami HERE.

10. James Newton Howard – MALEFICENT and THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1

The sweeping emotions and volatile moods of THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 and MALEFICENT are evoked not only in the performances and visual designs but in the music, which once again is driven by an original orchestral score from eight time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard. The music for both films cover the whole breadth of experience from scenes of epic action to moments of epic heartache and intimate poignancy.

Howard also composed the score for Dan Gilroy’s NIGHTCRAWLER and Edward Zwick’s PAWN SACRIFICE.

11. Hanan Townshend – THE BETTER ANGELS

Directed by A.J. Edwards, executive produced by Terrence Malick with a beautiful score by Hanan Townshend (TO THE WONDER), THE BETTER ANGELS music took a poetic approach to Abraham Lincoln’s childhood in the harsh wilderness of Indiana.

12. EDGE OF TOMORROW – Christophe Beck

The composer created a score that captured the suspense, the action and the fun of Cage (Tom Cruise) and Rita’s (Emily Blunt) extraordinary journey in director Doug Liman’s awesome EDGE OF TOMORROW.

Read our interview with Beck HERE.

13. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – Tyler Bates

Combining a rich orchestral score with familiar rock tunes, composer Tyler Bates’ score for director James Gunn’s GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY was one of the most popular of the year.

The soundtrack featured classic 1970s songs like Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling,” “I’m Not in Love” by 10cc, Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love,” and The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb.”

Bates also composed the score for the heart-pounding revenge thriller JOHN WICK starring Keanu Reeves.

Read our interview with Bates HERE.

14. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR – Alex Ebert

Another beautiful score from composer Alex Ebert (ALL IS LOST), the haunting music for director J.C. Chandor’s A MOST VIOLENT YEAR transported audiences into the treacherous yet stunning landscape of NYC, 1981. Ebert’s score uses piano, synth, and percussion to capture the tension and emotional pressure faced by Oscar Isaac’s Abel Morales, as he fights to protect his business and family.

Displaying his versatility, Ebert also recently composed the score for Disney’s animated short FEAST, which is currently being shown in theaters prior to BIG HERO 6.

A Most Violent Year (Original Music From and Inspired By) by Alex Ebert by Nyc1981 on Mixcloud

15. THE LEGO MOVIE – Mark Mothersbaugh

Brick by Brick, composer Mark Mothersbaugh’s fun score for THE LEGO MOVIE

Filmgoers went along for the hilarious ride with Emmet, Wyldstyle, Vitruvius, Lord Business, Unikitty, Batman, Benny the Spaceman and Bad Cop/Good Cop and it truly was the most AWESOME time at a movie theater this year!

Read our interview with Mothersbaugh HERE.

Listen as The Hollywood Reporter discusses with Marco Beltrami (The Homesman), Danny Elfman (Big Eyes), John Powell (How To Train Your Dragon 2), Trent Reznor (Gone Girl) and Hans Zimmer (Interstellar) the process behind scoring the top films of the year.

Top 10 Films of 2014

Contributed by Tom Stockman, Jim Batts, Melissa Howland, Travis Keune, Michael Haffner, Melissa Thompson and Michelle McCue

Going to the cinemas in 2014 was part emotional, part uproarious, and part interstellar thrill ride – there were a lot of movies to see this past year.

The everlasting bond between a parent and a child, courageous real life heroes, superheroes – past, present and future and their gripping stories of bravery graced the silver screen as well as our year ends lists. As a collective audience, we cried with them, we laughed with them and we cheered for them.

With the 323 films eligible for Best Picture at the upcoming 87^th Academy Awards, have a look back at the movie-going experiences that was 2014.

We Are Movie Geeks presents our Top 10 films of 2014.

Let us know your favorites by adding your top 10 films in our comments section below.

HONORABLE MENTION – NIGHTCRAWLER

NIGHTCRAWLER imparts a healthy amount of social commentary into a haunting and dark character study of one very determined journalist willing to do whatever it takes to survive in LA. It is through Lou’s journey into the depths of the crime world that director Dan Gilroy is able to speak about the dog-eat-dog world of business and the political slant of the media. Intense, nail biting, and shocking, NIGHTCRAWLER delivers an explosive finale that will leave you shaken. (review)

10. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Fans of the franchise were delivered another thrilling installment to the Planet of the Apes series. The critically praised DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES rode once again on the shoulders of conflicted leader Caesar, played with powerful depth by actor Andy Serkis. Along with composer Michael Giacchino’s emotional score, director Matt Reeves’ sequel to 2011’s RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES was this summer’s soulful, intelligent blockbuster. (review)

9. GONE GIRL

David Fincher might have outdone himself with his latest film GONE GIRL. The performances, especially Ben Affleck, along with an incredible plot are reason enough for this film to being home some awards this season. Just be careful. This film might hit home a bit too much for some viewers. (review)

8. LIFE ITSELF

In a year of superb documentary features, Steve James delivers a film that engages both the mind and the heart. It’s a terrific overview of the remarkable career of Pulitzer Prize winning movie reviewer Roger Ebert with great insight into the newspaper and show biz world. But more importantly it’s a very moving love story, first with competitor and TV co-star Gene Siskel, and at the end with his soul mate, the indomitable Chaz Ebert.

7. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Inspiring film biographies of triumph over adversity usually dominate the theatres near the end of the year in cinema, but this one gave audiences an unexpected bonus. Eddie Redmayne shows us the very human side of the genius who defied the odds of living with ALS. But it’s Felicity Jones who is the story’s beating heart as his wife Jane who inspired him to great heights with her unconditional love. It doesn’t tie up the tale in a nice little bow, but reflects the complications of true life. (review)

6. THE LEGO MOVIE

Few animated films are as chock full of contemporary pop culture nostalgia as THE LEGO MOVIE. This, along with the uniquely magical stop motion animation using actual Lego toys, combine to create a cinematic experience that both child and adult can enjoy on a level playing field, time and again… even if “Everything is Awesome” does become annoying after the first 10-20 times your kids recite the song. (review)

Even the bloopers were hilarious!

5. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

What can we say that hasn’t already been said about GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY? Writer/Director James Gunn takes audiences on a galactic thrill ride that will leave you laughing and touch your heart. After all, we are Groot! (review)

4. THE IMITATION GAME

During WWII, brilliant mathematician Alan Turing is hired to break the German Enigma code which involves pioneering computer work. Unfortunately, Turing is homosexual in an age where homosexuality is illegal, and there are those who seek to bring him down by whatever means possible. With a smart script and great performances by hot actors, IMITATION GAME is the perfect film for those interested in history, wartime intrigue, technology, and the struggles of visionaries way ahead of their time.

3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL is a terrific film and perhaps Wes Anderson’s best, an exhilarating experience thanks in part to a superior rapid-fire script but mostly to a magnificent central character played by Ralph Fiennes. Anderson keeps the story moving at a madcap Marx Brothers-style pace and the movie is packed with tasty dialogue, looks stunning thanks to Adam Stockhausen’s meticulous production design and sounds unique due to Alexandre Desplat’s Cossacky score. Wes Anderson is one of the few true originals currently working in American cinema. (review)

2. BOYHOOD

BOYHOOD may be labeled as a film, but a more apt description would be a unique experience that is truly unforgettable. As Ethan Hawke’s father figure responds when Mason inquires about “the point of all this,” it’s as if the whole of the film rests on his response: “You’re feeling things, and that’s what is important.” (review)

1. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE

BIRDMAN is such a complex look at the artistic process that it’s hard to even put into words all that it encompasses. Even more so, it is an incredibly ambitious meta experiment from director Alejandro González Iñárritu that pays off. The film is presented as a work of art while deconstructing what it means to be a working artist. You can’t help but stare in awe at the majesty of this triumphant and artistic masterpiece. (review)

Not to be left off the list, we decided to add some of our best surprises from 2014. This includes THE SKELETON TWINS, JOHN WICK, MALEFICENT, LUCY, and THE RAID 2.

The one that caught our eye was THE BABADOOK. As Michael Haffner wrote in his review,

“Between the cold, almost black and white photography, and slow building dread, THE BABADOOK feels like a classic tale of psychological horror. Jennifer Kent brings out a strong performance from the talented Essie Davis, but it’s her approach to real life anxieties and everyday horror that makes THE BABADOOK a must-see for non-horror fans and horror fans alike.”

Here are some of the most anticipated films coming to theaters in 2015:

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
JURASSIC WORLD
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
THE MARTIAN
JUPITER ASCENDING
TERMINATOR GENISYS
BOND 24: SPECTRE
FURIOUS 7
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
TOMORROWLAND
INSIDE OUT
TED 2
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY
MINIONS
MAGIC MIKE XXL
ANT MAN
CRIMSON PEAK
THE GOOD DINOSAUR
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2
THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT
KUNG FU PANDA 3
THE REVENANT
KRAMPUS
THE WALK
PEANUTS
CHAPPIE
CINDERELLA
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
SISTERS
PITCH PERFECT 2
THE WOMAN IN BLACK: ANGEL OF DEATH
EVEREST
KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
PAN
POLTERGEIST
THE SEVENTH SON
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

The individual favorites from the WAMG team:

Jim Batts

Honorable Mention: THE SKELETON TWINS

10. JODOROWSKY’S DUNE
9. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
8. GONE GIRL
7. THE IMITATION GAME
6. THE BOXTROLLS
5. LIFE ITSELF
4. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
3. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
2. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
1. BOYHOOD

Best Surprise: THE BABADOOK, OBVIOUS CHILD

Tom Stockman

Honorable Mention: JOE

10. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR
9. BIG EYES
8. SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR
7. ENEMY
6. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
5. THE IMITATION GAME
4. THE GAMBLER
3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
2. UNDER THE SKIN
1. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE

Best Surprise: THE RAID 2

Melissa Howland

Honorable Mention: THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

10. BIG HERO 6
9. THE BABADOOK
8. GONE GIRL
7. FURY
6. WHIPLASH
5. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
4. NIGHTCRAWLER
3. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
2. BOYHOOD
1. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Best Surprise: MALEFICENT

Michael Haffner

Honorable Mentions: NIGHTCRAWLER, IDA

10. THE LEGO MOVIE
9. THE BABADOOK
8. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
7. ENEMY
6. THE IMITATION GAME
5. WHIPLASH
4. SPRING
3. LIFE ITSELF
2. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
1. TIE: BOYHOOD and BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE

Best Surprise: JOHN WICK, LUCY

Michelle McCue

Honorable Mention: UNDER THE SKIN

10. NOAH
9. FURY
8. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
7. AMERICAN SNIPER
6. THE LEGO MOVIE
5. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
4. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
3. BOYHOOD
2. GONE GIRL
1. INTERSTELLAR

Best Surprise: JOHN WICK, SNOWPIERCER

Travis Keune

10. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2
9. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
8. BIG HERO 6
7. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
6. THE LEGO MOVIE
5. ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
4. LOCKE
3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
2. SNOWPIERCER
1. BLUE RUIN

Melissa Thompson

10. INTERSTELLAR
9. TAMMY
8. BIG HERO 6
7. MALEFICENT
6. ST. VINCENT
5. NOAH
4. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
3. GLEN CAMPBELL: I’LL BE ME
2. MY OLD LADY
1. INTO THE WOODS

BOYHOOD Takes Top Prize As New York Film Critics Circle Announce 2014 Winners

The New York Film Critics Circle voted today for their picks for the 2014 awards at the Film Society at Lincoln Center.

Boyhood was awarded Best Picture and Richard Linklater was named Best Director. Marion Cotillard was selected as Best Actress for her roles in both The Immigrant and Two Days, One Night and Timothy Spall was chosen as Best Actor for Mr. Turner. A Special Award was given to Adrienne Mancia, who, as a curator at MoMA for more than 30 years, helped shape the moviegoing tastes of New Yorkers by bringing the work of filmmakers like Bernardo Bertolucci, Manoel De Oliveira, and Marco Bellocchio to the United States.

In celebration of the Critics 80th year, the awards will be handed out during their annual ceremony on Monday, January 5th at Tao Downtown.

Full list of winners below

Best Picture: BOYHOOD

Best Director: Richard Linklater (Boyhood)

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard (for The Immigrant and Two Days, One Night)

Best Actor: Timothy Spall (Mr. Turner)

Spall won Best Actor in May at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)

Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)

Best Screenplay: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best Cinematography: Darius Khondji (The Immigrant)

Best First Film: Jennifer Kent (The Babadook)

Review HERE.

Best Foreign Language Film:
Ida

Best Nonfiction Film:
Citizenfour

Best Animated Film:
The Lego Movie

Says 2014 NYFCC Chairman, The Star-Ledger’s Stephen Whitty, “This was perhaps the most eclectic, least predictable movie year in recent memory, and I think the Circle’s final choices clearly show that diversity, drama and style – which makes Tao Downtown a particularly fitting choice for this year’s gala.”

A full list of voting members is below:

Melissa Anderson
ARTFORUM

John Anderson
VARIETY/NEWSDAY

Michael Atkinson
VILLAGE VOICE

Dwight Brown
NNPA SYNDICATION

Richard Corliss
TIME

David Denby
THE NEW YORKER

Karen Durbin
ELLE

Bilge Ebiri
NEW YORK MAGAZINE

David Edelstein
NEW YORK MAGAZINE

Marshall Fine
THE STAR

Scott Foundas
VARIETY

Graham Fuller
ARTINFO.COM

Owen Gleiberman
BBC.COM

Rafer Guzman
NEWSDAY

Stuart Klawans
THE NATION

Eric Kohn
INDIEWIRE

Joe Morgenstern
WALL STREET JOURNAL

Wesley Morris
GRANTLAND

Farran Smith Nehme
NEW YORK POST

Joe Neumaier
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Andrew O’Hehir
SALON.COM

Nick Pinkerton
FREELANCE

Peter Rainer
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

Rex Reed
NEW YORK OBSERVER

Joshua Rothkopf
TIME OUT NEW YORK

Richard Schickel
TRUTHDIG.COM

Kyle Smith
NEW YORK POST

Dana Stevens
SLATE.COM

Amy Taubin
ARTFORUM

Peter Travers
ROLLING STONE

Keith Uhlich
FREELANCE

Elizabeth Weitzman
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Stephen Whitty
THE STAR LEDGER/NJ.COM

Stephanie Zacharek
THE VILLAGE VOICE

42nd Annie Award Nominations Announced

The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, announced nominations today for its 42nd Annual Annie Award recognizing the year’s best in the field of animation.

Best Animated Features nominations include: Big Hero 6 (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Cheatin’ (Plymptoons Studio), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (DreamWorks Animation SKG), Song of the Sea (GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon), The Book of Life (Reel FX), The Boxtrolls (Focus Features/Laika), The LEGO Movie (Warner Bros. Pictures), and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (GKIDS/Studio Ghibli).

The Annie Awards cover 36 categories and include Best Animated Feature, Best Animated Special Production, Commercials, Short Subjects and Outstanding Individual Achievements. The winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.

“We had a steady increase in submissions this year and I am excited to say it’s going to be a great awards ceremony,” remarked ASIFA-Hollywood Executive Director, Frank Gladstone. “We added a new category to the mix – Best Character Animation in a Video Game – bringing the total Annie categories to 36. The Annies are a true celebration of the best talent in the animation industry, from big studio features to indie films, television series to internet shows, games, shorts and student films alike, as well as a wonderful group of juried award recipients again this year.”

The juried awards honoring career achievement and exceptional contributions to animation, will also be presented. Three Winsor McCay recipients have been selected by the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors – Didier Brunner, Don Lusk and Lee Mendelson for their career contributions to the art of animation; June Foray Award – Charles Solomon for his significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation; Ub Iwerks Award – DreamWorks Animation’s Apollo Software for technical advancement that has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation; and Special Achievement Award – The Walt Disney Family Museum recognizing the unique and significant impact on the art and industry of animation.

For a complete list of nominations, visit www.annieawards.org.

Created in 1972 by veteran voice talent June Foray, the Annie Awards have grown in scope and stature for the past four decades.

Warner Bros. Pictures Announces Upcoming Super Hero And Harry Potter Spinoff Films

Today at a Time Warner investors meeting, Warner Bros.’ Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara outlined an aggressive content strategy for the Studio aimed at increasing profits while “doubling down on outstanding content, working with the best talent and maintaining the culture that makes Warner Bros. so great.”

As part of his presentation, Tsujihara announced a bold expansion of the industry’s broadest theatrical slate, built around the largest, most important global franchises.

Warner Bros. Pictures will release three LEGO-branded films over the next four years, building upon the enormous success of this year’s “The LEGO Movie” ($468 million worldwide box office), starting with “Ninjago” in 2016, directed by Charlie Bean and produced by Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

Batman will take a star turn in “The LEGO Batman Movie” in 2017, directed by Chris McKay, and the sequel, “The LEGO Movie 2,” will debut in 2018.

The Studio will release three pictures, in 2016, 2018 and 2020, based on best-selling author J.K. Rowling’s original story and screenwriting debut, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Set in an extension of her familiar wizarding world, featuring magical creatures and characters inspired by Harry Potter’s Hogwarts textbook and its fictitious author, Newt Scamander, “Fantastic Beasts” will be directed by David Yates, who directed the last four Harry Potter movies, and reunite the filmmaking team of David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.

And, in a massive expansion of the Studio’s DC Entertainment-branded content, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema will release a slate of at least 10 movies—as well as stand-alone Batman and Superman films—from 2016 through 2020 that expands this prized universe of characters:

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” directed by Zack Snyder (2016)
“Suicide Squad,” directed by David Ayer (2016)
“Wonder Woman,” starring Gal Gadot (2017)
“Justice League Part One,” directed by Zack Snyder, with Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Amy Adams reprising their roles (2017)
“The Flash,” starring Ezra Miller (2018)
“Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa (2018)
“Shazam” (2019)
“Justice League Part Two,” directed by Zack Snyder (2019)
“Cyborg,” starring Ray Fisher (2020)
“Green Lantern” (2020)

On the television front, Warner Bros. Television Group is the undisputed industry leader, providing 32 shows to the five broadcast networks and an overall roster of more than 60 shows among network, cable, first-run syndication and animation. WBTVG will grow its leadership across multiple fronts, including cable, premium platform and kids programming as well as further its precedent-setting activities in SVOD and international television production and format sales.

Among the Studio’s programs are network TV’s #1 entertainment series in “The Big Bang Theory” and #1 unscripted series in “The Voice,” as well as favorites such as “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Gotham,” “The Middle,” “Mom,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Bachelor” franchise, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and many more.

For Turner, Warner Horizon Television’s “Rizzoli & Isles” and Warner Bros. Television’s “Major Crimes” are two of the top three scripted series on all of basic cable for 2014, and the #1 and #2 shows, respectively, on TNT. The Studio has a number of future projects set up at TNT, including a pilot production order for an untitled drama set in the unpredictable world of the Florida cocaine trade in the 1970s, from Jerry Bruckheimer, Michael Bay and Michelle Ashford, and is in development on “Titans,” from Academy Award-winner Akiva Goldsman and Marc Haimes, based upon the DC Comics characters.

At HBO, WBTV’s first series for the premium television company, the critically acclaimed “The Leftovers,” debuted this summer and has already been picked up for a second season. WBTV has also produced the pilot “Westworld,” from executive producers J.J. Abrams, Jonathan Nolan, Jerry Weintraub and Lisa Joy, and starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris and Evan Rachel Wood, and has a number of other projects in development at the company.

WAMG’s Favorite Films of 2014… So Far

Between January and August of 2014, local cinemas worldwide entertained moviegoers with themes of sci-fi, documentaries, animation, fairy tales, horror and thrillers.

Glowing up on the big screen were images of clicking colorful bricks, racing trains, mysterious creatures, superheroes – both shielded and guarded, coming-of-age tales and a fond farewell to the best Movie Geek ever.

Small and original storylines or epic stories with big stars, it’s been a good time at the movies this year and a lot for ticket buyers to choose from.

With so many to great films in the first half of 2014, including SNOWPIERCER, UNDER THE SKIN, ENEMY, LONE SURVIVOR, EDGE OF TOMORROW, and NOAH, whittling it down to a list of our “10 Favorite Movies of 2014… So Far” was a challenge.

Check out our lineup and let us know in our comments section below what your favorite movies have been this year. Some of these films are in theaters or you catch them at home on Netflix, OnDemand or a Premium Channel.

HONORABLE MENTION: THE LEGO MOVIE

Synopsis: The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

WAMG review HERE

THE LEGO MOVIE is wildly creative and often hilarious.

Opening Weekend: $69 million

10. THE RAID 2

Synopsis: He thought it was over. After fighting his way out of a building filled with gangsters and madmen – a fight that left the bodies of police and gangsters alike piled in the halls – rookie Jakarta cop Rama thought it was done and he could resume a normal life. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Formidable though they may have been, Rama’s opponents in that fateful building were nothing more than small fish swimming in a pond much larger than he ever dreamed possible. And his triumph over the small fry has attracted the attention of the predators farther up the food chain. His family at risk, Rama has only one choice to protect his infant son and wife: He must go undercover to enter the criminal underworld himself and climb through the hierarchy of competing forces until it leads him to the corrupt politicians and police pulling the strings at the top of the heap. And so Rama begins a new odyssey of violence, a journey that will force him to set aside his own life and history and take on a new identity as the violent offender “Yuda.” In prison he must gain the confidence of Uco – the son of a prominent gang kingpin – to join the gang himself, laying his own life on the line in a desperate all-or-nothing gambit to bring the whole rotten enterprise to an end.

WAMG review HERE

THE RAID 2 is compelling drama punctuated by fist-pumping action, and stomach-churning violence that barely gives the audience a moment to catch their breath

9. PALO ALTO

Synopsis: Shy, sensitive April (Emma Roberts) is the class virgin —a popular soccer player and frequent babysitter for her single-dad coach, Mr. B. (James Franco). Teddy (Jack Kilmer) is an introspective artist whose best friend and sidekick Fred (Nat Wolff) is an unpredictable live wire with few filters or boundaries. While April negotiates a dangerous affair with Mr. B., and Teddy performs community service for a DUI — secretly carrying a torch for April, who may or may not share his affection — Fred seduces Emily (Zoe Levin), a promiscuous loner who seeks validation through sexual encounters. One high school party bleeds into another as April and Teddy finally acknowledge their mutual affection, and Fred’s escalating recklessness spirals into chaos.

WAMG review HERE

PALO ALTO methodically paints a portrait of a generation that’s simultaneously looking for the truth and yet trying to drink enough to forget it.

8. MALEFICENT

Synopsis: MALEFICENT explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

WAMG review HERE

Angelina Jolie is incredible.

Opening Weekend: $69 million

7. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Synopsis: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes, led by Caesar, are threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

WAMG review HERE

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES leaves a lasting impression based on the impressive special effects, rich visual landscapes, and moving character interactions.

Opening Weekend: $72 million

6. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

Synopsis: After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” finds Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off assailants sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

WAMG review HERE

This crackling action-adventure tale may be the brightest gleaming jewel in Marvel’s dazzling movie crown.

Opening Weekend: $95 million

5. TRUST ME

Synopsis: TRUST ME tells the sharp, comic story of Howard Holloway ( Clark Gregg), a down-on-his luck agent for child actors and truly one the last good guys left in Hollywood. After discovering a 13-year-old acting prodigy (Sharbino), he is poised to close the deal of a lifetime which would catapult his tween client and, at long last, himself, into the big time. With the support of his gorgeous new neighbor (Amanda Peet), he must wrangle the actress’ volatile, overprotective father, dodge a scheming producer (Felicity Huffman), and outwit his uber-slick nemesis (Sam Rockwell). As he arrives on the brink of the Hollywood dream that’s eluded him for a lifetime, he begins to sense that his innocent young starlet may not be quite what she seems. This is the second feature film written and directed by Gregg, who made his directing debut with Choke, an adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel that starred Sam Rockwell.

WAMG review HERE

Clark Gregg bucks his beloved SHIELD Agent typecasting by writing, directing and starring in this smart, sincere, darkly comic tale of Hollywood extremes that proves he has much more to offer than playing a guy in a suit with a gun.

4. GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

Synopsis: THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.

WAMG review HERE

Thanks in part to his terrific script but mostly to a magnificent central character played by Ralph Fiennes, Wes Anderson pulls out his best film yet.

3. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Synopsis: From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team—the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand – with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

WAMG review HERE

It’s original, smart, it doesn’t talk down to audiences, and it’s above all, an emotional film about outsiders finally finding a place to fit in.

Opening Weekend: $94 million

2. LIFE ITSELF

Synopsis: Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present LIFE ITSELF, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful, and transcendent. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, LIFE ITSELF, explores the legacy of Roger Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.

WAMG review HERE

LIFE ITSELF is a heart-wrenching love story, a witty tale of news hounds, a glitzy jaunt through “Tinsel Town”, mixed together with great warmth, skill, and affection.

1. BOYHOOD

Synopsis: Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, BOYHOOD charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay’s Yellow to Arcade Fire’s Deep Blue. BOYHOOD is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It’s impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey.

WAMG review HERE

Richard Linklater has transcended the “coming-of-age drama” and has in fact achieved a cinematic marvel.

As to what’s coming up in the remaining months of 2014, MY OLD LADY starring Maggie Smith and Kevin Kline, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s BIRDMAN (Oct. 17), Graham Annable’s and Anthony Stacchi’s THE BOXTROLLS (Sept. 26), Christopher Nolan’s INTERSTELLAR (Nov. 7), Tim Burton’s BIG EYES (Dec. 25), David Ayer’s FURY (Nov. 14), Bennett Miller’s FOXCATCHER (Nov. 14) and David Fincher’s GONE GIRL (Oct. 3) are just a few of the films we can’t wait to see. How about you?

Tom Stockman (We Are Movie Geeks)

Andrew Wyatt (St. Louis Magazine, Gateway Cinephile)

Stephen Tronicek (FilmAnalyst)

Dana Jung

Mathew DeKinder (Suburban Journals of St. Louis)

Jim Batts (We Are Movie Geeks)

Lynn Venhaus ( Belleville News-Democrat, Webster-Kirkwood Times)

Kent Tentschert (Webster-Kirkwood Times)

Rob Garica (HEC-TV)

Sam Smucker

Robert Hunt (The Riverfront Times)

Sam Moffitt

Michael Haffner (We Are Movie Geeks)

Renee Hirshfield (Webster University, Southwestern Illinois College)

Sarah Hirshfield (Mount Holyoke College)

Kathy Kaiser (Matinee Chat)

Melissa Thompson (We Are Movie Geeks)

Pete Timmerman (Webster University)

Michelle McCue (We Are Movie Geeks)

Tim Venhaus

Travis Keune (We Are Movie Geeks)

Cate Marquis (We Are Movie Geeks, The Jewish Light)

Matt Myers (Allied Advertising)

Max Foizey (ZekeFilm)

Sandy Olmsted

Carl Middleman (KFTK – 97.1FM)

Jim Tudor (ZekeFilm, ScreenAnarchy)

Dane Marti

Ian McDonald (Allied Advertising)

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

HONORABLE MENTION – NIGHTCRAWLER

10. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

9. GONE GIRL

8. LIFE ITSELF

7. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

6. THE LEGO MOVIE

5. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

4. THE IMITATION GAME

3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

2. BOYHOOD

1. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

HONORABLE MENTION: THE LEGO MOVIE

10. THE RAID 2

9. PALO ALTO

8. MALEFICENT

7. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

6. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

5. TRUST ME

4. GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

3. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

2. LIFE ITSELF

1. BOYHOOD

Share this: