0
0
1974 was a freakin strong year in film. The films in this year are some of the most iconic and influential films of all time. Some changed the way you wrote and viewed their genre as a whole. I marvel at what films came out during this year, and it has a strong case as one of the best movie years ever. The Godfather came back with maybe the best sequel ever. Have fun with my list of the best films of 1974.
The Godfather Part II
When asked what the greatest sequel is ever made, many critics will land on The Godfather Part II. Some say it is the greatest movie ever made, but many believe it is the best sequel ever. Unlike the first film, this one you get two storylines. One is showing the life of Vito from his humble beginnings to crime boss. The other is Michael and his ruthlessness of being a mafia boss. Michael is straight up vicious in this film and Al Pacino is great. Hell, Robert De Niro is equally great.
Chinatown
“Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.” Chinatown is one of the greatest films ever made that didn’t win at the Academy Awards. Okay, it won one Academy Award. The film is inspired by the California water wars and is a great neo-noir mystery film. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway are excellent in this film. Yet, that ending will shock many because I sure as hell. The film is a must watch for this year and if you love movies. If it wasn’t for the Godfather, Part II, this film would’ve won best picture.
Blazing Saddles
Blazing Saddles is by far one of the funniest films ever made. Directed by the legendary parody mad Mel Brooks who co-wrote it with legends like Andrew Bergman, Norman Steinberg, Alan Uger, and the legendary comedian Richard Pryor, it is a story of a black sheriff in a new town. The film ranks #6 on AFI-100 Laughs list. You will definitely laugh during this film. If you don’t laugh Mongo will come after you.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a legend in the horror genre. A plot that follows a group of friends who are terrorized by a family of cannibals. This film set off a chain of films that brought forth one of the biggest slasher movie characters of all time. This film is considered one of the best and most influential horror films. Leatherface is the star and has become an icon in the horror and slasher genre. A fearsome figure that uses a chainsaw and makes a mask of people’s faces change the movie game forever. This film is good and a classic.
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie is the queen of writing mystery novels. One of her greatest novels ever written is Murder on the Orient Express. I always heard the original movie was great. There is always something about seeing a famous book on the big screen. This movie is entertaining as you go along with detective Hercule Poirot to figure out who murdered the passenger. The film has all the elements you enjoy in a movie and does the book justice. The cast is fantastic, the atmosphere is terrific, and the musical score hits all the right notes.
Young Frankenstein
Young Frankenstein is by legendary film maker Mel Brooks finest work. This film is hilarious, and it starts with Gene Wilder who also co-wrote the screenplay. Wilder stars as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Frederick tries to distance himself from his grandfather but when he is invited to Transylvania, he is drawn back to what his grandfather did. This is one of the best spoofs ever made and one of the best films of the year. A must watch film, if you want to get a great laugh.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
First off, I want to say that freakin Martin Scorsese directed this film. What is going on?? I always associated him with gangster films, but Scorsese has shown me he can direct anything and has significant range and an eye for directing. This film is about Alice who wanted to be a singer but didn’t achieve her dream. Her life changes when her husband is killed, and she must make take care of her spoiled ass son. She goes on a journey to find her way. I want to give major big ups to Ellen Burstyn for her performance as Alice Hyatt. Burstyn is a phenomenal actress who displayed more emotions in this film where you sympathize with her.
The Conversation
This movie is excellent and thrilling. It stars the late Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert. His team is hired by a person named the Director to follow a young couple. Harry and his team manage to capture some mysterious dialogue between the couple Harry hears a disturbing message. With his past haunting him, he wonders what the right thing is to do. Hackman is at his absolute best and Coppola was at his best with also making the Godfather Part II. This is one of the best films of the year.
Benji
I have to put the lovable dog on this list. Who didn’t watch Benji growing up? I remember watching the Benji movie with the cougar kittens and the big bad wolf. That was the first Benji movie I saw. This is the first of five movies and Benji was going strong. In this film, Benji is a stray but is loved by all the townsfolk. Benji befriends two kids who want to adopt him but when the kids are kidnapped, Benji is on the loose to rescue them. This movie was cute and fun. You can never go wrong with a Benji movie.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
If you are looking for one of the best crime dramas, then look no further than The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Starring Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, it is about a group of criminals who take over one of NYC subway trains and holds everyone for ransom. This film is AWESOME, and I highly recommend this one rather than the remake. This film has the right amount of thrills and comedy. Matthau and Shaw back and forth is excellent and needs to be seen.
