My Top Films of 2009

Sorry I haven’t updated anything to my dedicated readers (of which there aren’t any), but here goes my latest post.

Well boys and girls, here goes, these are the top 10 films of this year. There was much to choose from and I will most definitely have left out some films because I hadn’t seen them yet (although Up is in this list). I will give honorable mentions to Coraline and Adventureland, both films I look to see soon. Other films include the political satire In The Loop of which I have the DVD but yet to see. Two films that I am a big fan of are The Hurt Locker which actually came out in 2008 and is more a docu-drama than a war film as well as The Taking of Pelham 123 just to see John Travolta act all “Face/Off-ish” as a villain again. Of course I have also missed out on Sherlock Holmes primarily because I haven’t seen it yet but in general, Guy Ritchie is a hit/miss director but I am expecting it to be a pretty sensational film.

1. Avatar

The delicious visual treat to end 2009 as well as the decade. A moral speech, a last hooyah and some truly epic moments. All you need in a James Cameron movie. An orgasmic experience that touches both nerves of excitement and sentimentality, Cameron delivers a futuristic tale that has ethics all written over it. At nearly 3 hours long, this 3D CGI fest is not all about the amazing visuals such as the recent bomb 2012, it brings about a touching side to mankind’s hunger and lust for wealth. Sam Worthington plays the role of a disabled marine with a wish to walk once more, but pays the price when he realises it is at the cost of others’ freedom to live. Topped by a wealth of film talent, this long awaited sci-fi fantasy does not disappoint. Sure there are cliches all over the place, yes there is almost a Last Samurai standoff in the end and of course the antagonist is always the last to die, but this film wasn’t claiming to be different in terms of story, it was meant to be a masterpiece for all future epics to aspire to. Avatar has raised the bar in what you can give to the audience, expect entertainment, receive an experience. Tops my 2009 list.

2. Star Trek

Have to be honest and say that never have I been a Trekkie. Have always preferred Star Wars over Star Trek but this new remake was a thrill ride all the way. Second to Avatar, this film dominates with CGI Visual Effects and unlike so -called “epics” these days, there isn’t just an orgasm of images to cover up a loose plot and underdeveloped characters, with Star Trek, you truly get a story that is coherent in the sci-fi fantasy genre.

3. Zombieland

An unbelievable surprise to have a low-budget film pick up third. Horrifingly funny. A cheap thrill of a film that honestly is the American competition to Shawn of the Dead. In practical terms, it is gory but to the extent that you will laugh your head off (no pun intended) at some of the memorable moments. The theme park finale is the icing on the cake, and will appeal to the modern young audiences hyped up on Left4Dead and other zombie-fication games. The ingenious rulebooks totally rips out all the classic horror cliches and it is with that reason why this film stands out above all other horror movies. Personally I find it better humoured than Shawn of the Dead primarily because I am not a big fan of British humour and that was a parody of a film whereas Zombieland is a parody of the entire survival horror genre. Top film, one of the best of 2009.

4. Inglorious Basterds

Honest to hand, I am not a fan of Tarantino, the only two pieces of work that I appreciate from him is Jackie Brown and the Season 5 Finale of CSI, but Inglorious Basterds really captures historical fiction with imaginative dialogue.

5. Up

Owning up to not having seen this film except for trailers and from other people. Will need to watch this definitely but it seems deserving of a place primarily because a Pixar flick is always welcomed.

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Having given up reading the series after The Goblet of Fire, this is the first Harry Potter film that I hadn’t read up beforehand. However, it would probably have been best that I hadn’t read this book because having not known the story allows me to gain more from the film, its dark plotlines and intricately antagonists. Although like the previous films, it is the supporting casts whom keeps this vehicle rolling, the film is still very much enjoyable.

7. State of Play

All the cliches for a film’s potential failures are visible here, the old formula of having an all star cast no longer guarantees a film’s success, the remaking of a hit tv series into a feature film and that Americanifying a film are all disproved in this very case. State of Play is street smart thriller that grips you to the edge of your seat and brings back Russell Crowe to his early decade successes.

8. Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Surprising isn’t it? I wouldn’t have expected this beforehand either but the film is such a wonderful bliss in a modern film industry overused by explicit sexual innuendos or swearing. Paul Blart has none of that, a simple story of depressed mall cop falling for a girl and in the meantime defeating a group of “baddies” who aren’t your average violent psychos with an attitude problem.

9. District 9

Cheap, fast and beneath the alien skins, this film tackles a problem all society faces, that of accepting the minority.

10. Taken

Initially not a big fan because I am rather disappointed by the loose ending (a bit like Flightplan ended up being), but having rewatched the film, have to say the first half of the film warrants enough to be included in this top 10.

And thats my top 10 films! Looking forwards to the new year as there are a selection of films that manage to be released across the seas before we get them that really gets my film appetite going, things like the posthumously released Heath Ledger/Terry Gilliam feature, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Invictus, the post-King Kong Peter Jackson film, The Lovely Bones, the Viggo Mortesen survival horror The Road as well as the Roald Dahl adaptation Fantastic Mr.Fox. Looking forwards to the new year, and just to give my Happy New Year wishes to everyone who read this nonsense.

Will also be doing a worst films of 2009 as well as Best films of the last decade (2000-2009).
Happy 2010!