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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.

8) The Raid 2

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The Raid might be one of the most ass-kicking movies of all time, so much so that one had to wonder how Gareth Evans would top such a relentless assault of Indonesian martial arts and skull-crunching action. Well, apparently the answer was simple – make a bigger, meaner, and badder sequel that keeps the same frantic fight sequences, but expands the universe beyond a simple tower.

Evans asserts himself as a solid storyteller and psychotic fight sequence choreographer through The Raid 2, making brawls from the original seem like child’s play thanks to some of the best hand-to-hand combat imaginable. The editing glides along like a brutal ballet of bloody proportions, highlighting astounding grace and style despite limitless broken bones, deadly combos and gang-related violence, sealing the deal on what could be described as The Godfather Part II of action movies.

The Raid 2 is an achievement I originally believed to be unattainable, but Gareth Evans happily proved me wrong with a sequel that people were actually crying out for.

Now it’s time for the franchise finisher.