These are movies that opened to little or no fanfare, and were surprisingly good.  Or in some cases exceeded expectations on virtually every level.  I saw about 150 movies in 2014, and great surprises are few and far between.  I will link you back to my original review from the theater run, so you can read in depth about it, if you are considering renting, buying, or pay per view over the holidays.

The Five Most Surprising Movies of 2014

1/  John Wick  -  This up front, is not for everyone. This is a graphic novel that came to the screen,
                            and although highly violent, it was amazingly fun. This is a hard rated R movie,
                            and is certainly not for everyone. In short, an ex-mob hit man cleans out the
                            Russian mob in America, because they killed his dog.  It's a concept piece that has
                            to be "gotten" to really enjoy it.

2/  Top Five  -  Chris Rock in a career changing movie he wrote, directed and starred in.  Again, ahard rated R movie.                                  But this movies relevance is really strong.  This is highly adult,
                              very funny at times, and very moving at times, and speaks directly to many big issues
                              we face today. Very good.

3/  Guardians Of The Galaxy -  Really fun movie, that was packaged in previews rather poorly, but
                        is just great.  Strange, and off beat this is funny, visually fun and has a musical
                        soundtrack that is wonderful. Very good, very fun, very surprising given the advanced
                        trailers.  Good for about everyone.

4/  Peabody And Sherman -  There is far too much animation clogging up theaters today, but this
                        is great. True to the original cartoon decades ago, this is really entertaining from start
                        to finish.  Overall, this is up there with some of the best animated movies of the last
                        20 years.  Different than most, as it is intelligent and grown up witty.

5/  100 Foot Journey  - How is a movie about Indian VS. French cooking fun?  This is a story
                       you have not seen before, and that always scores high with me for originality.  Good
                       cast, and great food.  This is a great adult rental this holiday season. Well done!

So there you go, The Five Most Surprising Movies of 2014.  Make sure you check out my Five Worst, and coming soon, the Five Most Disappointing and the Five Best Movies of 2014.

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