The DFW Film Critics Association announced their picks for the best movies of the year. If you haven’t seen that yet, here’s the link: http://www.dfwcritics.com/dfw-film-critics-name-birdman-as-top-film-of-2014/

I’m a member of the DFWFCA (I tell this to everyone within 5 minutes of meeting them) and I agree with our winners, but there are a few other movies I wanted to mention. That’s why I compiled my “2014 Films Most Likely Too…” list. Think of it as the Senior Superlatives for Movies.

Film Most Likely to Put a Cork in Your Tom Cruise Hatred- “Edge of Tomorrow”

I don’t know if it was Emily Blunt or the fact that Tom Cruise started off as a BAD guy, but “Edge of Tomorrow” actually made me LIKE him again. It didn’t do well at the box-office, possibly due to Tom-Cruise-Malaise but it was easily his best film in years. It MIGHT have had a 2nd life on DVD but some brilliant person changed the name of the movie when it was released. Obviously a move perpetrated by someone ELSE who hates Tom Cruise.

Film Most Likely to Make You Run for the Light Switch in ANY Dark Room- “The Babadook” 

I made the colossal mistake of watching this movie at home ALONE. “The Babadook” (about a character from a children’s book that comes to life) reminds us that the scariest thing isn’t what you CAN see. The HORRIBLE stuff is usually lurking in the shadows, just out of sight. You will remember this at the worst possible times after watching “The Babadook” but it’s absolutely WORTH IT.

Film Most Likely to Make You Scream Out, “HOLY F—— S—! DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?”:  “Whiplash” 

“Whiplash” actually DID receive a great deal of love from the DFWFCA but it’s so good I had to give it more. It’s about a young drummer who is taught by what might be the World’s Cruelest Instructor. The whole movie is greatness but it’s the last 10 minutes that will leave you dumbfounded. Don’t ask any questions. Just go see it.

Films Most Likely to Quell the Non-Stop Stream of Angelina Jolie Bashing: “Maleficent” & “Unbroken” 

She is beautiful, rich, and married to Brad Pitt which is probably why we love bagging on Angelina Jolie so much. It’s hard to NOT take her seriously though after 2 surprising 2014 projects. “Maleficent” wasn’t perfect, but she really was exceptional as the deliciously spiteful witch. Then Jolie surprised everyone by directing the visually stunning “Unbroken.” It can be exhausting at times but “Unbroken” is a huge feat in filmmaking and no one can take that away from her. Not the way Angelina took Brad Pitt away from Jennifer Anniston. OK, maybe ALL of the bashing hasn’t stopped.

Film Most Likely to Make You Cry Like a Baby AND Lust After an Animated Character: “Big Hero 6” 

I thought it was just me. I watched “Big Hero 6” and loved every second of it. (Honestly, I voted for it in the DFWFCA “Best Animated Picture” category but “The Lego Movie” won instead.) I was a little disturbed however, by my OWN fixation on Hiro’s older brother Tadashi. He’s sweet, super smart and a FOX! See?

I

I kept this to myself until my friend B.J. said to me, “Damn, how hot was Hiro’s brother?!” So, if you watch “Big Hero 6” (if you haven’t, you SHOULD) and find yourself lusting after Tadashi, don’t worry. You are not alone.

And finally,

The Film Most Likely to Make You Spontaneously Burst into a Helen Reddy Song: “Wild” 

“Wild” is another one that received loads of approval from the DFWFCA but I had to throw it in one more time. I loved this movie so much. It made me feel proud to be a woman and of our shared experience and lots of other hippy-feminist-stuff that would probably make you roll your eyes but I don’t care. “Wild” is simply that good. Oh, and you don’t have to be a woman to love it.

Now excuse me while I go dig out my old Helen Reddy album. Wait, a minute. What on EARTH am I gonna play this thing on?