(in no particular order)
Up
Those Pixar people seemingly know what the heck is up. Ten for ten! This movie was better than I had expected and I went in with some pretty heavy expectations. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Wall-E and still think that Nemo is dramatically overrated. UP was something special, one of the best for years to come.
Funny People
Quickly one of my favorite Adam Sandler movies, and top contender for best of the year. Don’t be surprised if you see more of Funny People come award season. The funniest film of the year; Apatow has always found a balance of heart and humor in his best films, and Funny People is no exception. Full Review coming soon.
Watchmen
In a time where I need another superhero movie like I need an ass on my elbow, enter Watchmen. One of the ballsiest (hehe blue balls) movies I have ever seen. It took chances, it took an R rating, and it had a running time akin to a shitty school play. Alas this movie was inspiring and controversial; just what the film industry needs.
Whatever Works
Woody’s best movie since Match Point in my opinion. Larry David basically playing…Larry David from Curb your Enthusiasm, what else but funny and smart could this movie be? I often think that most female characters in an Allen film come off as over written and very unrealistic – but this movie had a change of pace – the whole thing was that way; yet it “works”. See what I did there?
Observe & Report
This would be #1 at this point I’m fairly certain. I can’t express enough about this dark piece of art. Totally unexpected and original (don’t see Blart) – I am still thinking about this movie and can’t wait for its DVD release. It’s not often I come out of a movie feeling dirty and guilty…oh wait.
Taken
Remember Bond? Bourne? Well, move over guys… Liam Neeson is here? OK seriously, this movie was good fun. It came out overseas last year so technically you could say it came out in 2008 – but it was released in North America back in January, so I win either way. Great action comes with original fighting sequences, a sweet car chase, and a spectacular climax. Check it out toot sweet.
Bruno
I hate myself. I became one of those people who laugh out loud super hard in a theater. I’m fine with the occasional laugh and chuckle, but leaning out ones seat…really? And sure enough, during Bruno; I became that person. This movie was better than Borat, and shocking to say the least. It’s easy to make a movie just for shock with no added value (see Jackass 1 & 2) but bring on a relevant social issue mixed with comic relief and you got satire as its best. Give us more of this please.
Tyson
I loved this documentary. You can read all the headlines and “trustworthy” excerpts online, but the real voice of Mike Tyson just seems to speak the truth so much better. He doesn’t hold back in this tell all documentary about the “baddest man” on the planet. Ever see Mike Tyson cry? I hadn’t, so to see this monster in the most venerable state of his life was very uneasy – yet satisfying. Satisfying to see that even the “baddest” man has a heart.
The Last House on the Left
Think of the movie The Unborn. Now pretend it was awesome. Too many useless slick, quick edit crap factories are being released, so to see that a remake of an overrated movie could come on the scene and totally surprise me is refreshing. TLHOTL is well acted, well scored, and looks great. Wes Craven must be proud (and surprised). Check out the great trailer.
click slick
Taken
Remember Bond? Bourne? Well, move over guys… Liam Neeson is here? OK seriously, this movie was good fun. It came out overseas last year so technically you could say it came out in 2008 – but it was released in North America back in January, so I win either way. Great action comes with original fighting sequences, a sweet car chase, and a spectacular climax. Check it out toot sweet.
Bruno
I hate myself. I became one of those people who laugh out loud super hard in a theater. I’m fine with the occasional laugh and chuckle, but leaning out ones seat…really? And sure enough, during Bruno; I became that person. This movie was better than Borat, and shocking to say the least. It’s easy to make a movie just for shock with no added value (see Jackass 1 & 2) but bring on a relevant social issue mixed with comic relief and you got satire as its best. Give us more of this please.
Tyson
I loved this documentary. You can read all the headlines and “trustworthy” excerpts online, but the real voice of Mike Tyson just seems to speak the truth so much better. He doesn’t hold back in this tell all documentary about the “baddest man” on the planet. Ever see Mike Tyson cry? I hadn’t, so to see this monster in the most venerable state of his life was very uneasy – yet satisfying. Satisfying to see that even the “baddest” man has a heart.
The Last House on the Left
Think of the movie ‘The Unborn’. Now pretend it was awesome. Too many useless slick, quick edit crap factories are being released, so to see that a remake of an overrated movie could come on the scene and totally surprise me is refreshing. TLHOTL was well acted, well scored, and looked great. Wes Craven must be proud (and surprised).
Tags: best of, The Best Movies of 2009
