Film: Top 10 of 2009

The year 2009 is almost done, so it’s time to post my top 10 list of films. I saw a lot of clunkers and films that had great moments but didn’t satisfy overall. The ones on this list are films that made me smile when leaving the theatre, happy to have spent my precious time watching something thoroughly entertaining.

1. STAR TREK

Don’t need to know anything about Star Trek to enjoy this film. Trust me. The characters and story are vibrant. Kirk and Spock’s relationship is well played. The special effects are incredible.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/05/star-trek.html

2. UP IN THE AIR

Jason Reitman can do no wrong, he’s like Pixar. George Clooney is at his suave best and deserves all the praise he gets. The story is timely, meaningful, darkly humourous and emotional.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/12/film-up-in-air.html

3. THE HANGOVER

While the humourous situations are fun to watch, it’s all about the chemistry between the male leads. Zach Galifianakis, steals the show and is now a household name.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/06/film-hangover.html

4. (500) DAYS OF SUMMER

Short and sweet and non-linear. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deshanel are very cute together as they go through the ins and outs of infatuation, flirtation, rejection and more. Nice soundtrack too.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/08/500-days-of-summer.html

5. AVATAR

Sure, the focus in on the spectacle of the mind-blowing universe James Cameron has created, but the story is also well-told. This is an event movie and (in Cameron’s words) not meant to played on an iPhone. http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/12/film-avatar.html

6. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Fantastic acting, directing, art direction, costumes, music and most of all story. Totally relatable with its raw emotions; although probably aimed more at boys than girls. Spike Jonze has done it again.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/10/film-where-wild-things-are.html

7. I LOVE YOU, MAN

The perfect movie for a guy about to get married. Paul Rudd and Jason Segal have quite the bromance. Unlike a lot of other comedies, it’s not too raunchy. Well maybe a scene or two.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-love-you-man.html

8. FANTASTIC MR. FOX

Very fun stop motion animation with all the quirkiness of a Wes Anderson movie. Clooney and the cast do stellar voice over work. I still laugh at their use of the word ‘cuss’ to keep it family friendly.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/12/fantastic-mr-fox.html

9. INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

So much tension through dialogue and dramatic irony, I was on the edge of my seat. Beautifully shot and filled with pitch black comedy. The bloddshed at the end is too over-the-top, but that’s Tarantino.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/08/film-inglorious-basterds.html

10. UP

Not my favourite Pixar film but no slouch either. Lots of heart found in this story of an old man dealing with loss by embarking on an adventure. Dug and Russell steal the show.

http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2009/06/film-up.html

I noticed as I was writing the reviews that I spent a lot of time talking about actor chemistry this year. Maybe it’s because I’m married now but I notice how well certain actors work together. From Leo & Kate in Revolutionary Road to Robert and Jude in Sherlock Holmes, it has been a great year for camaraderie, romance and bromance. What’s in your top ten list this year. Feel free to let me know.