4. Whiplash

There are few films that can cut to the core of what it really means to achieve greatness. In “Whiplash,” a young, ambitious drummer (Miles Teller) earns a spot in jazz music school where the instructor (J.K. Simmons) pushes his students beyond what most could endure. It is horrifying, yet exhilarating to watch a young man endure torture in order to achieve his dreams. Simmons is phenomenal as one of cinema’s most hardcore assholes in years, standing among the ranks of the drill sergeant from “Full Metal Jacket” (Lee Ermey). Because of his position of power, Simmons’ character is unparalleled at creating a sense of terror, making nothing more suspenseful than watching Miles Teller on stage desperately trying to not disappoint his instructor. “Whiplash” is an intense psychological thriller that painfully illustrates the cost of becoming a great artist.

– Naftali Burakovsky, Staff Writer