Top Films of 2009
March 18th 2010 22:06
Here is a look back at 2009 and my top 5 movies.
1. The Hurt Locker
An extrodinary achievement in film in 2009 was The Hurt Locker. For me it was a realistic depiction of the Iraq war that left out all the politics and was the better for it. This was a film that perfected the art of building tension and truly moving audience members to the edge of thier seats. The documentary style only added the the realism of the film. I also congratulate The Hurt Locker, not only for winner Best Picture at the Oscars, but for representing the passionate independant film makers and representing them well.
2. Up in the Air
Probably the best screenplay of any film in 2009, not to mention suberb acting. All three leads in the film were nominated for Academy Awards and although none of them won, they were each deserving of their nominations. I loved the movie for being current and relevant to our social and economic climate here in the U.S. Rich characters drive an interesting story in this one. You wouldn't think you could do a lot with most of the scenes being in hotels or airports, but that is the brillance of Reitman's screenplay and direction. Brillant film and a must see indeed.
3. Inglorious Basterds
Quentin does it again with this violent, but entertaining take on history and WWII. He manages to take fragmented stories and tie them together seemlessly, which has become one of the many things he tends to do very well. With an outstanding performance from Cristoph Waltz and an underrated one from Brad Pitt, Inglorious Basterds is glorious and probably Quentin's best film yet.
4. Zombieland
Zombieland didn't win any awards, but that's only because they don't have a catergory for enteraining as hell movie! This was the most fun I had at the movies this year. With dark humor and a bloodthirsty attitude, Zombieland is a fun-filled time at the movies. It's in a genre that has been overdone at times, but the style in which Zombieland presents itself seems to poke fun at the genre and the movie doesn't take itself too seriously. There's no social commentary here, just blood, guts and a helluva good time killing zombies!
5. State of Play
A very overlooked film in my opinion is the political thriller starring Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams. Helen Miran also turns in another noteworthy supporting performance as the editor of a Washington newspaper that has the delimma of doing what's right versus doing what makes the paper stay in business. This is a plot driven movie, with enough twists and turns to keep teh guessing all the way to the end. That's not to say the characters aren't there either. There is a very nice relationship between Crowe's character, who is more old-school, and McAdam's character who is the talented young tech-savvy reporter. A good one to rent if you haven't seen it.
1. The Hurt Locker
An extrodinary achievement in film in 2009 was The Hurt Locker. For me it was a realistic depiction of the Iraq war that left out all the politics and was the better for it. This was a film that perfected the art of building tension and truly moving audience members to the edge of thier seats. The documentary style only added the the realism of the film. I also congratulate The Hurt Locker, not only for winner Best Picture at the Oscars, but for representing the passionate independant film makers and representing them well.
2. Up in the Air
Probably the best screenplay of any film in 2009, not to mention suberb acting. All three leads in the film were nominated for Academy Awards and although none of them won, they were each deserving of their nominations. I loved the movie for being current and relevant to our social and economic climate here in the U.S. Rich characters drive an interesting story in this one. You wouldn't think you could do a lot with most of the scenes being in hotels or airports, but that is the brillance of Reitman's screenplay and direction. Brillant film and a must see indeed.
3. Inglorious Basterds
Quentin does it again with this violent, but entertaining take on history and WWII. He manages to take fragmented stories and tie them together seemlessly, which has become one of the many things he tends to do very well. With an outstanding performance from Cristoph Waltz and an underrated one from Brad Pitt, Inglorious Basterds is glorious and probably Quentin's best film yet.
4. Zombieland
Zombieland didn't win any awards, but that's only because they don't have a catergory for enteraining as hell movie! This was the most fun I had at the movies this year. With dark humor and a bloodthirsty attitude, Zombieland is a fun-filled time at the movies. It's in a genre that has been overdone at times, but the style in which Zombieland presents itself seems to poke fun at the genre and the movie doesn't take itself too seriously. There's no social commentary here, just blood, guts and a helluva good time killing zombies!
5. State of Play
A very overlooked film in my opinion is the political thriller starring Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams. Helen Miran also turns in another noteworthy supporting performance as the editor of a Washington newspaper that has the delimma of doing what's right versus doing what makes the paper stay in business. This is a plot driven movie, with enough twists and turns to keep teh guessing all the way to the end. That's not to say the characters aren't there either. There is a very nice relationship between Crowe's character, who is more old-school, and McAdam's character who is the talented young tech-savvy reporter. A good one to rent if you haven't seen it.
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