Best of 2014: Movie Edition

 Hello, and welcome to my next installment of 'Best Of 2014'. Seeing as how 2014 is over and 2015 has started, I'll be taking a look back at 2014, particularly television and film. 

 Best Comic Book Film: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Yowzah, was that hard to pick. Still, it's quite hard to beat CATWS. A couple of years ago, I wouldn't believe you if you told me that Marvel just kept getting better and better after The Avengers, but somehow they manage it; and in spades. I wasn't originally excited for the film; when the first trailer came out, I was 'eh', but by the time the second one came out, I was ready for it to be April. The film manages to convey suspense, humor, and action all in one neat package that absolutely hits the nail on the head. One of my favorite things about the film (besides Sam Wilson, because he's awesome) is definitely Steve and Nat's friendship. I really hope that continues in Age of Ultron (*crosses fingers*, please writers, please?)

Honorable Mentions: Guardians of the Galaxy, The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Best Sci-Fi Film: Guardians of the Galaxy

I, like oh so many, had like zero hopes for GOTG. Seriously, a film about a talking racoon and tree? How could that possibly end up being any good? Yet, somehow or another, Guardians ended up being a lot of fun, and a quick fan-favorite. Filled with humor and action and likeable characters that really shouldn't be likeable and an awesome soundtrack, Guardians blew our expectations away. 

Honorable Mentions:  n/a

Best Comedy: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

Okay, though I don't think it necessarily counts as a comedy, TMNT was hilarious; I was giggling all the way through, and I enjoyed all the geeky references. It ended up being a lot better than I thought it would be, and resparked my love for Mikey, Donnie, Ralph, and Leo.

Honorable Mentions: R.I.P.D.

Best Action Film: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Yes, yes. I know. Everyone hates it. Even Sony, apparently, given the fact that the franchise is all but officially confirmed dead (rumors please don't be true!). However, it remains as one of my favorite films of the year. Andrew Garfield continues to kill it as our beloved Web-Head, paired with Emma Stone, who also does her role as Gwen Stacy in spades (yeah, I avoided the pun). The two's chemistry still manages to play an important part in the franchise, even more so in this one. Despite claims of too many villains, (and the asking of why the film even need Harry Osborn in it), it's still an enjoyable movie, even with it's flaws (like how long it is and the obscene amount of flashing lights).

Honorable Mentions: TMNT, Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, X-Men Days of Future Past

Best Leading Character/Actor: Peter Parker/Andrew Garfield (TASM2)

Yes, yes, I know-I'm biased due to the fact that the Web-Head is my favorite superhero. Whatever. However, Peter is still just as likeable (even more so) in TASM2, and Garfield manages to capture the sarcastic nature of Peter perfectly.

Honorable Mentions: Steve Rodgers/Chris Evans

Best Supporting Character/Actress: Natasha Romanoff/Scarlett Johansson (CAWTS)

One of the best parts of Captain America: The Winter Soldier would be Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow. Once more, Scarlett Johansson portrays the morally-gray super-spy, who this time seems a little less serious than in previous films, and a bit more laid back. One of the best parts of the film (besides the cute shoes) was Nat's friendship with Steve. Plus what is probably my favorite Black Widow line: I only act like I know everything, Rodgers. Plus Nat trying to set Steve up with a girl throughout the whole film is hilarious.

Honorable Mentions: Gwen Stacy/Emma Stone

Best Ship: Peter Parker & Gwen Stacy (TASM2)

Peter and Gwen's relationship is the heart of the Amazing series, and was definitely the heart of TASM2. Throughout the whole film, you find yourself routing for them, even at times when you realize you probably shouldn't if you already know how the film ends (aka: me). Their relationship can make your laugh, grin like an idiot, and cry your tiny little eyes out (I wasn't the only one, I heard sniffling in the theater!). Their chemistry and heart made the ending all the more heartbreaking, and was definitely one of the best things of the franchise.

Honorable Mentions: n/a

Best Brotp: Steve Rodgers & Natasha Romanoff (CATWS)

Definitely my favorite thing about the Winter Soldier was Steve and Nat's friendship, if you couldn't tell from previous entries. The two's banter is hilarious, particularly Nat's insistance of trying to find Steve a date, to their loyalty to one another, what more is there to love?

Honorable Mentions: Peter and Harry (TASM2), Rocket & Groot (GOTG), Xavier & Raven (X-Men: Days of Future Past), the Turtles (TMNT)

Well, that's it for this post, and the final installment for Best Of 2014. Coming soon will be Looking Forward: 2015. As you could probably tell from above, I don't watch very many movies that aren't comic-book related. Happy New Year's, and let's hope for some awesome films! ('Course there will be, Avengers and Star Wars in the same calendar year? It's going to be awesome!)