Scene Stealers: Summer Movies 2014

“I am going to die surrounded by the biggest idiots in the galaxy.” – Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy

Isn’t that what summer movies are all about? Checking our intelligence in at the theater door and joining other fellow “idiots” as we watch mind-numbing, big-budget flicks with minimal plot lines and questionable acting? I admit, the term ‘idiots’ might be a bit harsh here, but after watching “The Legend of Hercules” with my friends, I definitely felt like an idiot for having gone (though we did get plenty of laughs from the experience so it ended up being worth it).

Here’s my Top 5 Scene Stealers from 2014’s Summer Movie Extravaganza:

 

Honorable Mention: Quicksilver in “X-Men: Days of Future Past”

This is for everyone who loved Evan Peters as Quicksilver in DoFP and felt that he ‘stole the show’ (which seemed to be the common theme in most of the reviews I read). I loved the movie, but I admittedly am not a huge fan of Peters… however, I felt I had to include him on the list in some way since his role generated so much buzz among fans.

Now for my real picks…

#5: The Dinobots in “Transformers: Age of Extinction”

The latest Transformers movie clocked in at 2 hours 45 minutes; including previews I’m going to round up my time investment to an even 3 hours. While I found the movie to be entertaining, it was WAY too long. The Dinobots, however, were AWESOME! If you can hold out until 2 hours and 15 minutes into the movie (that’s how long it takes for Michael Bay to finally introduce them), you’ll discover that the wait was well worth it… maybe.

#4: Mel Gibson in “Expendables 3”

I know Mr. Gibson is a rather polarizing individual in real life, but I grew up watching the Mad Max and Lethal Weapon series and Braveheart is pretty much my favorite movie of all time, so I still find myself enjoying his performances on the silver screen. I had a blast watching the latest Expendables movie (although judging by the box office, I am not in the majority) and I thought Mel Gibson was fantastic as “Stonebanks.” It was like watching an evil version of Martin Riggs.

#3: Falcon in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”

Winter Soldier is arguably the best Marvel movie to date. Not only did this movie win over critics by executing well developed plot lines, it also allowed for the development of its cast which included ‘Scene Stealer’ Black Widow (see “Comic Book Movie Stars”) and Marvel newcomer Falcon. Anthony Mackie brings a presence to the screen that turns Falcon into an immediate co-hero, rather than just a sidekick. I’m really looking forward to seeing how they use his character in the next Avengers movie.

#2: Godzilla in “Godzilla”

I usually stay away from deeming any headlining character a ‘Scene Stealer’. However, when it comes to Godzilla, I think the guy deserves a little credit since he faced the daunting task of overcoming the atrocity that was Godzilla 1998. Fortunately, this Godzilla truly lives up to his title “King of the Monsters” as he squashes the Cloverfield-looking monster bugs and saves the human race. My only disappointment was that Godzilla wasn’t featured enough in the movie… but he sure as heck stole every scene he was in!

#1: The Guardians of the Galaxy in “Guardians of the Galaxy”

What a wonderful surprise GofG was! This movie was easily my favorite of the summer (and all of 2014 for that matter). Every one of the Guardians held their own on the screen without taking anything away from each other. They also accomplished something that can be extremely difficult for comic book/sci-fi heroes; they kept the audience interested in them despite new aliens and monsters popping up in every scene.

Well, that’s my breakdown of this summer’s box office. Can’t wait for 2015!