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Hooked On A Feeling: Matt Donato’s Top 20 Films Of 2014

They say the way into a man's heart is through his stomach, and while there's nothing more soothing than a home-cooked meal and a crisp, hoppy IPA, I challenge that there's another way into a man's heart - nay, soul - and that's through his eyes. Food unlocks pleasures attained by few other experiences, but movies can pack an even weightier punch when dealing with raw emotions, self-reflection, and fantastical worlds beyond our wildest imagination. Movies are but keys unlocking cerebral dimensions that speak louder than words, which is exemplified by the best of the best once each cinematic year comes to a close.

11) The Trip To Italy

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Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are two extremely funny men, but apparently their comedic prowess only grows when food is introduced into the mix. Following 2010’s The Trip, Michael Winterbottom decided it was time to send these two comedians out for another restaurant tour filled with delectable meals and witty banter, this time taking place along the Italian coast.

The duo eat plenty of pasta, air their personal grievances, analyze their relationships, and crack wise about a slew of movies from The Godfather to The Dark Knight Rises – finding their best material was lambasting the inaudible nature of Christopher Nolan’s characters.

The Trip To Italy is like a perfect Sunday dinner with your family, with good food, better company, and hearty laughs shared throughout the whole experience.

10) Life Itself

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Life Itself is not included in my tops films simply because it pays tribute to one of film criticism’s leading voices, but because of what director Steve James captures after starting the project with completely different intentions. James unfortunately records the slow deterioration of a great, respected man, but it’s Ebert’s wishes to continue the project that are most awe-inspiring.

What could have been a depressing end is transformed into a story about tremendous will, a fighting spirit, and a cheery disposition that strikes so much inspiration through crushing realism. Ebert never rolls over. Instead, he finds new ways to further his voice even with the loss of his jaw (some shots are INCREDIBLY hard to stomach, yet Ebert never shies away from the camera), going out only on his own terms.

Life Itself could have been the most depressing film of 2014, but it’s instead one of the strongest, most passionate displays of human emotion one can fathom, as it pays tribute to the critic, the mentor and the family man all at once.