I'm back from my slightly expanded holiday break. Last year, I experimented with doing a top ten list in different genres, but after doing the extensive series on my Top Ten Films of the Decade, I thought I would skip that are go straight to my overall list (the top five having already been posted over at MONDO).
Now without further ado, here are my top ten films of 2009!
10. District 9
Green-lit for Neill Blomkamp as consolation for the Halo movie, District 9 ended up being one most original sci-fi action films to come out in ages..
9. Watchmen
The graphic novel was long considered unfilmable, so it's no small wonder that it finally turned up on the big screen (with a decent adaptation to boot).
8. Up in the Air
Sure to be a contender in this year's Oscar race, Up in the Air will probably go down as the finest film Jason Reitman has done..
7. Star Trek
There was some worry with was J.J. Abrams was going to do with his “reboot” of Star Trek, but it ended up being both a new start for the series, while remembering everything that came before.
6. Avatar
In a lesser year, I would have probably ranked this film higher, since it shows the James Cameron has one of the best imaginations around.
5. Coraline
This stop motion film was definitely a treat for the senses. Henry Selick is still at the top of his game.
4. Paranormal Activity
This film came out of nowhere to become one of the more truly terrifying horror films I have seen. I was also great having the chance to see it at a midnight screening, since that's when it was most effective.
3. (500) Days of the Summer
One of the most quirky and unique romantic comedies that EVER came out. Definite a romantic comedy for guys that don't like romantic comedies.
2. Moon
Sam Rockwell single-handedly carries what is possibly one of the greatest science fiction films to come out since Kubrick made 2001: A Space Odyssey.
1. Inglourious Basterds
It took Quentin Tarantino over a decade to finally get to making this film and it turned out to quite possibly be is finest film since Pulp Fiction.
The film is not the gung-ho action film that it was advertised to be and it features some very fine performances (especially Christoph Waltz as the charismatic villain).
I'm sure this film will receive some attention during awards seasons (if only in the Best Supporting Actor category for Waltz's performance).
Until next year!!
