Best Films of 2009

1) The Hurt Locker

Simply a masterpiece of filmmaking and storytelling. One of the best of the decade. If you haven't seen it, do so immediately.

2) Up

This film is number two mostly because it made me cry. Up is a beautiful and touching story that reminds us that it is never to late to realize our dreams. And, more significantly, it's about how some of life's little moments become the most important of all.


3) District 9

I'm sorry but this movie blows Avatar out of Pandora. It's incredibly humbling to think that this young man's first film will likely, and deservedly, join the ranks of great science fiction films like Blade Runner and Terminator.

4) Bad Lieutenant Port of Call New Orleans

This incredibly underseen Herzog/Cage film should be on everybody's must see list. Its very funny, incredibly well acted, and pretty much everything you would imagine a Herzog-Cage team-up to be.

5) Avatar

Yes Avatar was great. Notice that of all the many awards it has been nominated for, none are for screenwriting. But the technology and the action are endlessly impressive, and it deserves much of its recognition.

6) Inglourious Basterds

The best historical what-if ever? Probably. I count this as Tarantino's best work since Reservoir Dogs.

7) The Cove

It's hard to watch, but an extremely entertaining documentary about a diverse group of individuals who, for a variety of reasons, want to expose Japan's dolphin slaughter. They go undercover into restricted areas with some help from Hollywood, making for some extremely tense moments.

8) 500 Days of Summer

The only romantic comedy of the year worth anybody's time. Perhaps that's because the film is not a series of dried up cliches.

9) Moon

Made for pennies, Moon is a testament to what a group of passionate filmmakers can accomplish with a bit of care and patience. A great science fiction film that strives for, but doesn't quite cross the masterpiece threshold.

10) Watchmen

Yeah, so I liked the movie more than the book. Sue me. My opinion is pretty much based solely on the opening title sequence: one of the most impressive pieces of filmmaking I have ever seen.