Ladies and gentlemen, it's that time of year again. For those that don't know, I have an annual tradition of posting my Top 10 movies of the year either in late December or early January (previous lists can be here, here, here, here, and here). This year's list comes a little early, but I think I'm ready. There's a handful of critically acclaimed movies that I've yet to see this year (including The Lovely Bones, Nine, Crazy Heart, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Princess and Frog). But, as prejudiced as it may seem, I feel pretty solid about this list as it is and I'm ready to throw it down.
Honorable Mentions:
Star Trek and Moon -- This was a brilliant year for science fiction movies....for smart science fiction movies. These two movies succeeded on opposite levels. Star Trek successfully rebooted one of the highest-profile sci-fi franchises in a big-budgeted way. Moon, on the other hand, was a tiny little thing that featured really only one guy -- Sam Rockwell, in a grandiose performance. Both rocked...they just weren't quite as good as the other two sci-fi movies that actually made my list.
An Education -- This was one of those movies that was made to win awards. It is very well-made and features some of the finest acting performances of the year. While I think it's destined to be nominated for a lot of Oscars, I think it will end up mostly being an also-ran when the Academy Awards are handed out. Same thing for my top 10 list.
Anvil: The Story of Anvil and It Might Get Loud -- Two stellar documentaries about rock and roll.
Watchmen -- This movie failed to gain any serious traction for moviegoers who hadn't read the book. But, as a fan of the graphic novel, I appreciated the reverence the movie had for the source material, even if it did change the ending.
And, without further ado, my Top 10 List.
10. (tie) Where the Wild Things Are
I always make the last spot on my list a tie -- it let's me name the top 11 movies without sounding weird.
The first of my #10s has divided some audiences, among them a number of my friends and family. I actually got in a Facebook fight with my brother over this movie when I put out a status report saying that I liked it. So, yeah, I'm aware that not everyone liked Where the Wild Things Are. Well, those people are idiots -- this movie was awesome. An exploration of the competing and conflicting emotions that all children struggle to reconcile, Spike Jonze's third directorial effort succeeded both visually and emotionally and left me thinking -- just like the book did -- how lucky I am to have a mother that loves me.
10. (tie) The Road
I wrote a review of this movie just a couple days ago, so I won't go into too much detail here. Fantastic movie. Made me cry.
9. Up in the Air
On paper, this movie seems pretty generic. An aloof guy goes through an experience and learns that he actually needs/wants more human connection, etc., etc. The beauty with this movie is in the execution -- stellar writing, superb performances all around. And, just when you think the movie is about to sell out to convention, it flips it on its head in the third act. When was the last time George Clooney made a movie that didn't work?
8. District 9
One of those smart science fiction movies I was talking about. Both the director -- Neill Blomkamp -- and the star -- Sharlito Copley -- of District 9 are going to be huge. It's shocking what can be accomplished when studios invest money in talent and originality. Sadly, I'm fully expecting some idiot to greenlight a sequel, complete with a bigger budget and a watered down plot. Oh well.
7. Avatar
This is the other smart sci-fi movie I was talking about. Just wrote a review yesterday. Read it if you want to know more. Otherwise, just watch the clip below.
6. 500 Days of Summer
Another convention-defying movie that, on first glance, appears to be following one of the established movie formulas, but, in the end, changes the formula just enough to be able to benefit from and exceed audience expectations. My full review can be found here.
5. Drag Me to Hell
Yeah, I know. This seems little random and maybe even purposefully idiosyncratic. But, I'm telling you, it's not. For this movie, Sam Raimi, now one of the biggest directors in the game, returns his lowbrow horror roots and gives us another chapter in his cult's mythology. While it's not a literal sequel to the Evil Dead movies, Drag Me to Hell definitely belongs in the same cinematic family tree as Army of Darkness. It's a funny movie that's fully aware of how ridiculous it is. Yet, it also manages to have a few legit scares here and there.
And, since we're into the top five, let's give it some more clips. One of the more memorable scenes in two parts:
4. Precious
Once again, I'll refer you to my recent full review of this movie. Everything you've heard about this movie is true. It's heart-wrenching and brutally sad, but it also has an inspiring streak. After I wrote my review, a friend of mine expressed his skepticism regarding my praise for Mo'Nique's performance in this movie. But, I'm not backing away from it. I am going to flat out guarantee she wins an Oscar for her portrayal of the title character's abusive mother who, as we come to find out, is wrestling with demons of her own. I wouldn't be surprised if Gabourey Sidibe walked away with a gold statue of her own.
PRECIOUS: November - Click here for more blooper videos
3. Up
Is it just me or does it seem as though Pixar has a monopoly on talent and creativity in Hollywood? Seriously, the only group of filmmakers who seem incapable of making something that sucks is the one residing in that special office on the Disney lot. With Up, they scored yet again, melding stories that are suitable for kids, but are as poignant and touching as anything marketed toward adults. And, once again, they throw together a set of characters that are like nothing you've ever seen on screen before. Brilliant.
2. The Hurt Locker
Over the last several years, we've been treated to more than our fair share of movies about the war in Iraq. Yet, until The Hurt Locker, they all pretty much sucked (alright...In the Valley of Elah wasn't bad). It's amazing to see how good a movie can be, even about such a controversial subject, when agenda doesn't take the place of story. There may be an agenda in The Hurt Locker, but I sure didn't see it. Instead, it is a bleak account of the horrors of war -- all war, not just the current one -- and a fascinating character study of one soldier who becomes addicted to the rush of combat. Brilliant direction, acting, and writing. This is easily the best movie about the Iraq war to come out so far.
1. A Serious Man
This is likely no surprise as I said just last week that I thought this was the best movie of the year. In all actuality, it wasn't even a close race. The Coen Brothers' latest opus is a masterpiece on many levels and, in my opinion, one of the best movies of the decade. I wrote a really long review of it already. So, check that out if you want to know more.
So there you have, folks. These are the best movies to come out this year. All in all, 2009 was a decent year for movies. Far better than last year. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I'll be working to put together a list of the best movies of the decade...only appropriate as we're coming up on the end of the '00s.
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