We no longer have to wait until summer for the blockbuster to hit the big screen as we are treated to movies from this genre all year around - and that is something that I have no problem will. It has not been the most outstanding blockbuster year, but there have been a handful of great films that have enjoyed success.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
We have already taken a look at the superhero/comic book movies that have had us raving over the last twelve months, and now we take a look at the trio of blockbusters that have really stood out from the crowd in 2014.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
I have been looking forward to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ever since it was announced that a second movie was in the pipeline - I was a MASSIVE fan of Rise of the Planet of the Apes when it was released back in 2011.
Despite Rupert Wyatt producing a wonderful film with Rise of the Planet of the Apes; it was all change in the director's chair as Matt Reeves took over the helm. Reeves has brought us movies like Cloverfield and Let Me In in recent years, and this is his first film since his adaptation of Let Me In back in 2010.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes really was one of the movies that did not disappoint this year and was one of the best blockbusters that I had the joy of seeing in 2014. It is always fantastic when you watch a movie that lives up to everything to that you thought it would be - it is so rare to see a blockbuster film truly achieve that. It is one of the most engrossing films as Reeves beautifully balances the performances and character development with the special effects that elevate this film even further.
While there are some great performances from new cast members such as Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman, it is Andy Serkis' central turn as Caesar that really is the standout performance. Three years ago, Serkis was wonderful as Caesar and he delivers an even greater performance this time around, as he has developed this character even further.
Caesar is a character who is concerned with the survival and the prosperity of the apes, and yet he still feels very connected to the human world because of his upbringing. This conflict is a central part to this film and portrayed wonderfully be Serkis. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes delivered on every aspect to be bigger, better and darker than the original, and deserved every bit of acclaim that came its way back in the summer.
As well as being a critical smash, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was also a box office hit, as it grossed in excess of $708 million worldwide. The movie surpassed the success of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and went on to be the seventh highest grossing movie of the year.
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
The Hunger Games has been one of the most successful franchises in recent years, and it has been a year since Catching Fire and Mockingjay - Part 1 was one of the most anticipated films of the year. Mockingjay is the final book in Suzanne Collins' trilogy and has been split into two movies - the first really does build up to the epic conclusion that I am expecting.
Some may say that Mockingjay - Part 1 is a little short on action, but I didn't think that that detracted from the movie at all as it gives director Francis Lawrence to really delve deeper into the characters and the film's themes. We get to really see the impact that coming through two Hunger Games has had on Katniss as her status changes drastically in this film.
Katniss is no longer a champion or a victim of the Hunger Games, she is now a symbol and an icon of war and revolution, and this move really sees her come to terms and understand that responsibility that comes with such a role. Thankfully, the rather tiresome love triangle is put on the backburner this time around - which I am sure is something that pleases just about everyone.
This is a movie that delves into the idea of social unrest and how 'people power' is something that can bring down governments and end oppressive regimes - these are themes that we can all relate to and help to really ground this story in reality. I really loved the pacing of the film, as Lawrence is slowly building up to what is going to be an action packed final instalment next year.
So far, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 has grossed over $611 million at the worldwide box office. While it is the least successful film in the Hunger Game franchise so far, it became the tenth highest grossing film of 2014 in just four weeks.
- How To Train Your Dragon 2
There has only been one major animation movie this year, and that has come in the form of How To Train Your Dragon 2. How To Train Your Dragon 2 saw Dean DeBlois back in the director's chair and came four years after the success of the first movie, which was released back in 2010.
DreamWorks has become a real animation powerhouse in recent years, and How To Train Your Dragon 2 is the best movie that they have delivered yet. The innovative set pieces and great flying scenes are some of the best and most beautiful moments in the movie.
And while there is no doubt that new animation techniques have been developed since the success of the first film, DeBlois has not let those special effects rule this movie. Much like there first film, this is a warm family movie that is as funny and touching as it is visually stunning. The central character of Hiccup has been developed further as he begins to ask who he is and what his place in the world is going to be.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 may be an animation film, and yet there is something incredibly human about it that will thrill the adults as well as the kids. It would have been so easy for DeBlois and co to re-hash what they had already done with the first film, and yet How To Train Your Dragon 2 is a bigger, darker, and more complex movie that offers a very different viewing experience compared to the first film.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 has surpassed the $494 million grossed by the first film, as it had taken over $618 million by the end of its theatrical run.