In the case of this 169-minute 2001: A Space Odyssey meets Close Encounters of the Third Kind meets Contact epic, it is likely Nolan’s reach exceeded his grasp, much of this otherworldly adventure never gelling together in ways that are comfortable or satisfying. Yet Interstellar is unabashedly thrilling, euphoric and mesmerizing.

Citizenfour isn’t the best film of the year, it’s likely not even the best documentary, but it might just be the most important one, and for that reason alone it needs to be seen by as many people as possible right away.

Nightcrawler sticks with you like a popcorn kernel stuck in your tooth or like gum refusing to budge from the underside of your shoe, the overall picture an agreeably nauseating plunge into the sewer that is worth diving into headfirst and without a safety harness.

Whiplash is a musical mindblower, the power and the fury of this dramatic paradiddle a vibrant rim shot to the soul that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

There’s no denying Birdman is impossible to take your eyes off of. From the opening image of a meteor careening across the sky, to its final moments when an actor combines insanity and inspiration into some form of creative euphoria, the movie is a vital, rhythmically alive character study looking at creation in all its complexity.

Reeves’ John Wick is a walking hearse, unleashing death and destruction as easily as the average person breathes. He waltzes through the film with steely-eyed aggressiveness, his single-minded pursuit one he’ll see carried out come what may.

Shelton continues to grow as a filmmaker, and with Laggies she’s constructed her most cinematically inventive and visually effervescent effort yet.

Considering the type of actor Macy himself has always been, Rudderless is a showcase for all involved, Macy coaxing superlative performances.

Stonehearst Asylum isn’t up to standards set by the Roger Corman / Vincent Price films of yore, and that’s okay for few films can equal what that iconic duo achieved during their legendary partnership, this psychologically twisted little effort still offering up just enough in the way of thrills and chills to make a rainy-day matinee viewing worthwhile.