The number of films set to hit the silver screen in 2014 is exhaustive to say the least. Read on for our top five picks of where you should invest your hard-earned cash this year!
The Grand Budapest Hotel
American born Wes Anderson is renowned for his visually enticing films, quirky characters and trademark whimsical storylines. The Grand Budapest Hotel delivers on all of Anderson’s beloved idiosyncrasies and is a must see for any lover of colourful comedy dramas. Anderson hasn’t been shy in disclosing that the film’s protagonist is largely inspired by Austrian writer Stefan Zweig, whose character is played by a suitably eccentric Ralph Fiennes. The film has been a global box office hit and is Anderson’s highest grossing endeavour to date, racking in a huge $104m and counting.
2 States
Overseen by Indian director Abhishek Varman, 2 States is a classically colourful Bollywood rom-com which tells the heart-warming and thoughtful love story of two students heralding from radically different cultural backgrounds. Will their love withstand or will they be torn apart by their ethnic differences? UK movie goers can catch 2 States at Cineworld as part of the company’s increasingly popular Bollywood spectacle.
Maleficent
The silver screen is no stranger to fairy-tale inspired motion pictures that range significantly in production quality and box office success. Maleficent promises to be one of the good ones, with an all-star cast including Angelina Jolie as a chilling Maleficent and the willowy Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora. While the film is based on Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty, the storyline focusses on unravelling the untold story of the hardened villainess and her realisation that her curse on Aurora may be hindering the Kingdom’s chances of peace. The celebrity cast, intriguing storyline and Walt Disney seal of approval make this dark horror/fantasy film a 2014 must see!
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Jennifer Lawrence has captured the hearts of film lovers across the globe for her bold and impeccably accurate portrayal of Panem rebellion heroine, Katniss Everdeen. Mockingjay Part 1 picks up in the aftermath of Katniss’s dramatic removal from the deadly Quarter Quell arena and sees her transported to the illusive ‘District 13’. With the weight of the revolution resting on her shoulders, Katniss must navigate her way through her trying personal life while standing as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the peoples’ rebellion. Its two predecessors smashed box office records and the splitting of the third instalment into two separate films is a testament to just how much the public have lapped up The Hunger Games saga.
Transcendence
Johnny Depp stars in this sci-fi drama which explores the darker side of what technological advancement holds for the future. Supported by Morgan Freeman and Rebecca Hall, Transcendence promises brilliant acting and an intriguing plotline that plays on the possibility of computers surpassing the intelligence of the human brain.
From fantasy and drama to Bollywood and comedy, the 2014 film inventory is bigger, better and more varied than ever. Happy viewing!
