Best of 2009

The most deeply disturbing, haunting and brilliant film of 2009. Proceed with caution; Lars von Trier gives a no holds barred look into a broken psyche, with stunning results. Amazing on all levels.

Just when you think Pixar can't outdo themselves...they do. The best film to come out of Pixar studios to date, and in gorgeous 3D. There is no reason anyone should not see this movie. Definitely the best of 2009 thus far.

Loosely based on the 1975 Italian exploitation film, this is easily the best thing Tarantino has produced since Jackie Brown. One of the best of the year.

As a fan of the book from my growing up, I could not have asked for a better adaptation of this beloved tale. Highly recommended. Definitely one of the best of 2009.

Absolutely amazing film done in a documentary/narrative crossover style that touches on several social issues, from poverty to racism to governmental control. Never dull, intense and ultimately satisfying as a damn near perfect alien film. Peter Jackson produced with longtime collaborator Phillipa Boyens, among others. Definitely one of the best films of 2009.

I will start off by saying that I had purposefully refrained from reading the graphic novel before seeing this film. Why? Because, I didn't want to see it with any preconceived ideas of what the movie should be. Due to this fact, I found the movie to be pretty brilliant. Word of advice to all the naysayers out there: Don't bother seeing this film! If you're just going to bitch about how long and boring it is, spend your money on 'Medea Goes to Jail.'

More detailed review later.

Truly amazing film, enhanced by its 3D presentation. As far as story, it's basically Alice in Wonderland, but with a modern spin. Hard not to enjoy this awe-inspiring film.

Outstanding political satire that kind of plays like Dr. Strangelove meets the British version of the Office. Definitely recommended to anyone who like one or both of those. James Gandolfini, as always, an asset to the film. Surprisingly good performance from Anna 'My Girl' Chlumsky! Definitely one of the better films of 2009.

A pretty true-to-life mafia film, without much in way of artifice or melodrama. Impressive cast, cinematography and direction make for an excellent, if not a bit hard-hitting, film experience. An interesting companion piece to 'City of God.'

One of the funniest damn movies I have seen in a LOOOOONG time. Sure, it's nothing revolutionary, but the performances are solid, the script is both smart and low brow, and the overall impact is just right. I haven't laughed this consistently at a film in quite some time. Highly recommended.

Okay, maybe I just fall into the perfect category for this movie. I like Star Trek, but I've never been a fanatic about it. Still, I enjoy some of the movies and the occasional episode or two. That being said, I didn't have too many reservations about a re-vamped version of the original story thread. I must say, I think J.J. Abrams created something fairly accessible with Star Trek, but also something exciting, engaging, and best of all, fun. Worth checking out if you're willing to let go and roll with it.

This was my favorite of the books, and I would say tied (with Prisoner of Azkaban) as my favorite of the films. If you like Harry Potter, why haven't you seen this already?! If you don't, I would advise you to stay away.

Mike Judge scores yet again! Absolutely hilarious workplace comedy that doesn't quite reach the heights of 'Office Space,' but manages to come close.

One of the best Seth Rogen vehicles to date. Here, he actually plays a character besides himself, and despite the fact that some people may find writer-director Jody Hill to be poking fun at those suffering from mental illness, I think he really humanizes it and shows what it is like for someone bipolar to experience the highs and lows of the disease. Nonetheless, the movie is not without its hilarious moments, and I highly recommend it to fans of Rogen and company's other work.

Well thought out character study that balances between its comedy and dramatic elements fairly well. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are superb.

A well played, well written and surprisingly poignant picture of the life of a college graduate's summer before returning to grad school. Granted, it also has its fair share of low-brow gags, after all, this is Greg Mottola, who gave us the wonderfully raunchy 'Superbad.'

For Judd Apatow's third outing as a film writer/director, he does something almost unthinkable: he gets a very human and interesting performance from none other than Adam Sandler! Though this film is not without its flaws and could use some chainsaw editing, it is still a notable achievement and worth seeing for the more subtle touches that make this a truly special and unique film in the often tired category of 'dramedy.' Eminem's cameo is a standout!

Hilarious, inappropriate, uncomfortable, grating and very entertaining conclusion to Baron Cohen's 'Ali G' trilogy of characters. While none of the movies were as good as the show, the latter two definitely challenged audiences to endure their brief running times with their in-your-face antics coupled with Baron Cohen's naive performances. Similar in structure to 'Borat;' if you liked that, give this a shot.

The fourth and final Futurama movie is not without its hilarity, though it is also not the best of the bunch. Still, there is no such thing as bad Futurama, and this is no exception to that rule.

Nothing exceptional, but a fun zombie movie nonetheless. Owes plenty to the likes of Evil Dead in tone and Peter Jeackson's early films in the way of creative use of gore, but has the mobilized Nazi twist that makes it slightly different. Worthwhile for fans of the genre.

A completely uncomfortable, hilarious, awkward and rewarding bromance from a bunch of the guys that have brought you other types of bromances. Among the best of the subcategory. Lou Ferrigno shines as...Lou Ferrigno. Guess it's not much of a stretch.

Slow at times, but a truly unique little film. For me to say something is strange is rare, but this one fits the bill. If you like Japanese cinema, check out this bizarre and quite funny little film.

Impressive ghost story with good performances and a fairly decent script. Not without its flaws, but certainly far better than most horror fare coming out these days. Recommended to fans of the ghost story genre.

This movie had a lot of good and bad elements, but I felt that director Alex Proyas tempered it with enough mind blowing effects that added to the story, instead of just being there for flash, that it worked. Granted, the finale is one of the more heavy handed I have seen in recent years, but for what the story was going for, I thought it worked. Nicolas Cage is very hit or miss as an actor for me, and here he didn't annoy me to the point of wanting to turn it off, so I would say, if you are willing to suspend disbelief and go with the story, you might find yourself enjoying this science fiction tale.