Top 10 of 2009

Over the past few weeks of considering 2009 cinema I kept coming to conclusion that it was a weak year of movies. However, after compiling my list I realized while not many movies that approach masterpiece status, there were also many films that were very good. Sadly the year was weak for so called fanboy movies, Watchmen was a large disappointment, while staying true to the source material in terms of plot it never explored the depth and complexity of Alan Moore's graphic novel. Transformers 2 couldn't live up to the first, and while Terminator: Salvation was slightly underrated it also doesn't hold a candle to the first two movies.

Anyway my honorable mentions include: World's Greatest Dad, The Messenger, Star Trek, Zombieland and I Love You, Man.

10. Big Fan

Described as a modern day Marty, Patton Oswalt (to my Sterling brethren - he grew up here), creates a pathetically unlikable character, but also makes us care about his plight. Robert Siegel's direction and script takes us into the world of a character where the New York Giants is the only reality and makes no apologizes for it even at his family's constant begging.

9. Moon

In a year where the Sci-Fi genre saw standout films such as Star Trek and Avatar, Moon stands among the best. Sam Rockwell is terrific in a duel role, where reality and the nature of humanity are questioned. The set design is terrific as the ship's     claustrophobic quarters seem to tighten as Sam becomes increasingly confused. To say much more would give up essential plot elements, but rent this when you get a chance.

8. A Serious Man
After No Country For Old Men, the Coen Brothers went back and created another madcap comedy Burn After Reading, which ranks among the brother's more underrated movies. With A Serious Man the duo crafted perhaps their most personal film, dealing with guilt, chance, role of religion and karma in the life of a 1960's Jewish college professor. I wasn't sure about the movie after first viewing this film, but weeks later the film's abrupt ending stayed with me. Does our suffering matter? Do good things happen for a reason? Certainly not the most accessible Coen Brother's movie and likely not to be as beloved as Fargo, Big Lebowski or Raising Arizona, it will certainly be one of the most discussed.

7. Up
After making their best back to back films with Ratatouille and Wall-E, Pixar delivered another strong film with Up. Pixar has certainly never been afraid to take chances focusing on main characters that include a rat, a robot that doesn't talk and now an elderly old man recently widowed. Up takes us on a journey that proves adventure does not discriminate against age and that perhaps our greatest adventure is taking on our wildest dream regardless of who we are. While reverting to more childish action scenes than other recent Pixar film Up still holds as a great movie if just for the first fifteen minutes.

6. The Hangover
Zach Galinfiankis gave perhaps one of the strongest comedic performances since Bill Murray in Ghostbusters. An instantly quotable movie, featuring scenarios that most guys and their 4 men wolfpacks can identify with. More importantly it's a straight up comedy that doesn't need to involve any romantic subplot (aside from needing to get home for a wedding).

5. Inglourious Basterds
I originally had this movie higher on my list, but after re-watching it on DVD the joys of Christoph Waltz's performance and the cathartic violence don't play as well the second time around. That being said the dialogue is well scripted, the production design pops and it remains Tarantino's finest since Pulp Fiction.

4. District 9
Holding up better upon repeated viewings than Inglourious Basterds, District 9 is a great example of a challenging thrilling action movie originating outside of the studio system. Sharlto Copley takes his bureaucrat from an incompetent hack to a heroic bad-ass. Not to mention the socio-political context and the excellent stage action sequences, District 9 is one of the most thrilling times at the movies all year.

3. The Hurt Locker
An art house picture this is not. It is a pulse pounding movie that focuses on the inner workings of a bomb disposal unit in Iraq, and what drives their addiction for danger. One of the more underrated scripts of the year also shows the differences between the characters, with those that fear their job and those that embrace it. Jeremy Renner is terrific as the sergeant leading the team, and Kathryn Bigelow's direction, along with superb editing and cinematography create one of the best movies of the year.

2. Gomorrah
While released on one screen in LA in late 2008, Gomorrah did not get a wider US release until February. Matteo Garrone's documentary style takes the viewer into the world of the Camorra in Naples, introducing five different stories from various levels on the crime syndicate. Terrifying for the vast influence the group has on the Western world, but also incredibly gripping as Garrone explores the consequences a life of crime has on the script's various characters. Gomorrah belongs in the same breath of other mob movies such as The Godfather and Goodfellas.

1. (500) Days of Summer

While not as unconventional as many reviews make this out to be, (500) Days of Summer remains the most enjoyable movie of the year. A romantic comedy that is actually funny while portraying real characters and remaining honest about love. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are both terrific. Also of key importance is the lack of chemistry the two have together, which is vital for the audience to buy into the story. Its obvious Tom and Summer are not meant for each other, even if Tom feels otherwise. A movie that forces us to look at our own failed relationships, no other movie was as personal or as relatable