Ten Best Films of 2009
Franck Tabouring
The year 2009 has come to an end, and I admit I got to enjoy a bunch of superb films, even though the movie year wasn't necessarily as powerful in terms of quality as some other recent years.
That said, these are my favorite flicks of 2009. Please note I picked these movies from all those I've seen this year. I really tried to watch as many as possible, but I admit I did miss a few in the end.
To keep a long story short, enjoy these picks and feel free to comment on them or post your own top 10. Thanks for stopping by, and here's to a new year filled with awesome cinematic experiences.
10. STAR TREK
I never was a real "Star Trek" fan... until now. Loaded with a great story, interesting characters, impressive action, a superb pace and awesome visuals, J.J. Abrams' franchise reboot really kept me staring at the big screen from start to finish. "Star Trek" is probably the most entertaining flick of the first half of 2009, and I clearly remember I left the theater thrilled when I first saw it. What a great sci-fi adventure!
9. THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE
This is the first time I decided to put a documentary into a list of the best films of the year, but "The September Issue" really deserves it. I am in no way interested in the fashion industry, but this film still managed to fully capture my attention. This one is a fascinating look into the world of Anna Wintour, and it documents the making of the September issue of Vogue in the most entertaining way possible.
8. THE HANGOVER
I've seen "The Hangover" three times already, and I'm still highly entertained. Stuffed with humor that actually works, this R-rated comedy is one of the best of the decade. Yes, I really mean that. Instead of offering us embarrassingly disgusting jokes, this one works on pretty much every level. Plus, it features a superb cast, tons of hilarious twists, and of course, one big laughter after another.
7. DISTRICT 9
Without a doubt, this is probably my favorite sci-fi flick of the decade. Director Neill Blomkamp's "District 9" is one of those films that manages to wow you even though the style in which it was shot is not entirely new. That said, the film sure boasts an original concept, and on the big screen, this one looks gorgeous. Additionally, it's a flick full of first-class action and meaning. It's a big winner, for sure.
6. UP
Pixar is back in one of my top 10 lists, and this time, it's the marvelous adventure "Up," which I absolutely adored. Heartwarming and entertaining at once, this animated jewel literally carried me away, and I love when a film manages to do that. Vivid characters, strong colors and lots of big adventures are all over this film, which I clearly consider one of the year's best.
5. ADVENTURELAND
Poor marketing prevented this film from pulling large audiences, but "Adventureland" is a fascinating little film filled with realistic characters and some of the best dialogue I've heard in a film this year. Additionally, it's both funny and moving, balancing silly jokes and real-life issues in a wonderful blend of subtle drama and refreshing comedy. Make sure you catch this one if you haven't already.
4. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" is a masterpiece. It truly is. Beautifully written and directed, this WWII drama delivers on so many levels, especially in terms of casting. Christoph Waltz owns this movie big time, and he successfully initiates the film's best sequences. The rest of the cast delivers as well, and so do the genius dialogue, touch of violence and action.
3. THE ROAD
Am I the only one to include this film in my list of 10 best of 2009? It almost seems so. Still, I was quite fascinated by John Hillcoat's "The Road," a dark, depressing film boasting fantastic cinematography and great visuals. The post-apocalyptic world this piece creates is unique, and the technical aspects as well as the stunning cast and suspenseful plot all make this a movie to remember. It's a truly engaging experience.
2. THE HURT LOCKER
I finally managed to watch this film after missing it this summer, and I can't wait to watch it again. Kathryn Bigelow has clearly created the best war flick in a long time, and every single minute of this explosive thriller is just mind-blowing. It's written, directed and edited with passion and detail, and the acting is just as impressive. It's a tough flick at times, but it sure has a lot to show and say.
1. UP IN THE AIR
This is it! This is the one! This is my favorite film of 2009. Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air" is clearly the best reflection of the times we live in, and I admit I absolutely loved every minute of this clever, emotionally charged and above all realistic drama about a man in search of a human connection. Clooney and his supporting cast make every line of the fascinating script work, and there is not one unnecessary moment in this unique viewing experience. What a surprising winner!
Almost made the cut: INVICTUS, CRAZY HEART, BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS, AVATAR, NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU, THE SOLOIST, FANTASTIC MR. FOX.
Reader Comments (1)
I've not seen The Road yet (it's not out yet in here), but to tell the truth I am less than excited. I've read the book, and I had to read all of McCarthy's books for my BA thesis which was on post-apocalyptic literature. He's like Dan Brown – read one, read them all.
I haven't thought about a list in that much detail, but I think "Up" would be my number 1. And I'd probably have put (500) Days of Summer somewhere in the top 10, too.
Star Trek? Don't get me started. Most unoriginal movie I have ever seen. It's basically a collage of everything Abrams has ever come with before. Giant red ball made from a strange material that threatens to destroy the world – ever watched Alias?