Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Innocence)
Bad. Classic "the acting and plot is so bad that it must be bad on purpose, which makes it an artistic comment, which makes it good" illusion. It's too bad that so many got suckered in.
Boyhood
Bad. Just a gimmick. If it weren't for the gimmick, it would just be another boring coming-of-age story that's been over and over. Although the acting from Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette was great.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Good. Although not, I have to say, the best Wes Anderson has done. I found it a bit difficult to get emotionally involved in the characters.
The Imitation Game
Good. But just. There is a touch too much Hollywood. I felt like the moments of dramatic tension were overdone. But the ending was very well done.
Selma
Bad. Couldn't find it's focus....was it about King Jr. or about the people of Selma? And WTF was up with Oprah? She's way too famous to be a non-central role--it just distracts.
The Theory of Everything
Bad. Similar to The Imitation Game in suffering from Hollywoodization, but to an even greater degree. And if the story is supposed to be based on reality, don't make petty changes, like having HER leave HIM (in the movie) instead of HIM leaving HER (what really happened).
Whiplash
Good. Should have won best picture. Great acting and a real story.
