Movies I watched in 2009

Great soundtrack, screenplay and direction. Incredible cast. Such wonderful characters! Definitely a delightful experience.

Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio really do have great chemistry! Their performances feel very real. But there's a third star: Sam Mendes. The calmness and stillness of all of his previous films are there, but this time there's also a great deal of sadness, frustration and unhappiness. Although it is set in the '50s, RR feels very close to what relationships are nowadays. Simply terrific!

The whole concept of the movie is genius - but we should credit José Saramago for that. It was a very good adaptation, but I guess you enjoy it better if you've read the book.

Stephan is a truly amazing character! And visually, it was very stimulating. You could expect nothing less from Michel Gondry. Kudos.

No matter how good Woody's films are, it's like they're all the same - except for the ones where he's not acting. Still, it has a nice cast and a pretty cool concept.

All I can say about 'Bejamin Button' is that it is, easily, the best film of the year. It has everything a good movie should have: a wonderful storyline and screenplay, excellent performances, a masterfully skilled director and a flawless production. Cate Blanchett is her adorable, talented self. I never thought I'd say this, but Brad Pitt just might be becoming a hell of a good actor.

Wes Anderson's films always tell the story of disfunctional characters who learn a valuable lesson in the end, and this one is no different. The three lead actors have great chemistry, and, as always, Anderson gathered his team of constant collaborators. The journey these people go through may seem simple, but it makes a hell of a story. Once again, thank you, Wes Anderson.

Slumdog Millionaire is no masterpiece, but it still makes you fall in love with it in the end. Maybe it's because most people have low expectations - I know I did. Actually, I didn't even know what to expect. In the end, I got this heartfelt film, with just the right amount of romance, crime and even comedy. Jamal is such a loveable character, no one would be crazy enough not to root for him.

This is one of those films that feel like they're really happening. It all feels very realistic. It's down to Earth - it's not trying to impress you or anything: it's just telling a story about this girl, who might as well be someone you met in high school. Michelle Williams gives a great performance without trying too hard, and that's the best kind. She says a lot with her facial expressions, rather than just words. Wendy and Lucy is not a masterpiece, but that's okay.

Like Fernando Meirelles said, Julianne Moore is pure cinema. Her performance is, as always, excellent. The camera loves her! She's the glue that holds this film together, although the movie itself isn't so bad either.

Gran Torino feels like every Clint Eastwood film: great storytelling. He is perfect as Walter, a grumpy old man who learns about life in the midst of death. In some moments, it is even funny. Way to go, Clint. Once again!

The brilliance of this film is that a lot of its scenes don't necessarily have a point. It is meant to be just a fun couple of hours, getting to know this amazing character, and that it does well. It has depth, it's just that it's well hidden under Hawkins smile. Her character feels like a real human being, all along - she's the girlfriend you've always wanted. Happy-Go-Lucky is just one of those delightful little English films that will charm you just like that!

As far as period films are concerned, this is pretty much as good as it gets. The common topic of women forced into marriage in the eighteenth century doesn't seem to get old - specially not this time. Keira Knightley is just perfect for this kind of role - a strong, attractive woman from three centuries ago. Ralph Fiennes is, once again, mesmerizing as Georgiana's insensitive husband. I didn't know what to expect, but this film turned out to be a really good surprise.

Juliette, this character brilliantly brought to life by Kristin S. Thomas, is the glue that holds this film together, even though there are great performances by the other actors as well. The calmness of it lets you slowly take in who Juliette is and why she did what she did.

It does what it's set out to do: make you laugh and cry - maybe at the same time. It was delightful to watch this heart-warming story. Not bad for a rather predictable product of Hollywood's movie-making machine.

Great songs, but that's kind of a given. What's really surprising is that it doesn't have the 'glamour' of American independent films, but it still has this heart-warming, sweet story. The film goes by so fast, you don't even feel it.

When watching Doubt, one keeps wondering where the story will lead you, and that isn't always a good thing. But if there's one thing it does very well is suck you into it and give you doubts as well. That makes you want to stick around to see the end. The movie relies too much on its characters, but that's not really a problem when you have a cast of actors who are as competent as actors can get. Streep and Hoffman are specially delicious to watch. You walk away from this film with more doubts than answers, but maybe that's okay too.

Gus Van Sant handled this story with just the right amount of realism and emotional attachment.

Penn makes this character lively and real. Plus, he's in the company of a great cast.

It's not one of those films I'd say 'Wow' to, but it was definitely worth watching.

Mickey Rourke takes a turn for the best this time. He knows exactly how to balance the different sides of his character. Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood are also great, as usual.

Aronofsky's direction is what makes this film so special.

There are not many faults one can find in this film. Ron Howard directed it brilliantly. It could'nt have been better written.

As far as acting goes, it really is impecable. From the perfectness of Langella's performance to the supporting cast led by always awesome Sam Rockwell, it goes without saying that the cast is nothing short of brilliant. Well done.

Despite the lack of realism throughout the entire movie, the special effects and the great amount of adrenaline make up for it.

Shia LaBeouf is one of those actors who are a delight to watch.

The good thing about Goodbye Bafana is that it is not your average 'African movie'. It does not show starving children or the extreme poverty.

But when trying to focus on Mandela's story, it fails to go deeper, to find the real heart and soul of this amazing character.

Joseph Fiennes carries the entire movie on his shoulders - or, even better, his eyes. He always says a lot with just one look. That's not enough, though.

It could have been great, but it's just good.

The slowness and the melancholy of Stephen Daldry's films make them the masterpieces that they are. There's no rush to tell this story, and you feel every step of the way. Ralph and David did seem like one person. If there's one big reason to watch The Reader is Kate Winslet's perfect portrayal of a broken woman. The things she says with her eyes and with her body language are just astonishing - if it were any other actress, she couldn't have pulled it off. Winslet's performance sticks with you long after the film's over.

Like every Woody Allen film, this is about a romance that is, to say the least, complicated, but with tidbits of humour.

Unlike some of her most recent performances, Scarlet's really good, almost Woody-like. Penélope is also good, as usual, and so is Rebecca. The support of Patricia Clarkson was a good addition to the cast. But Javier Bardem represents, to me, the heart and soul of this film. Us, women, want him. Men wanna be like him.

The city of Barcelona is almost like a character. Great choice of locations.

Long story short, this is a complicated love story that is really fun to watch.

It's not the best film by Eastwood, but it still is well directed, written and acted, as one should expect.

It is, moreover, a magnificent story, that makes you wonder...

This is, for sure, one of Angelina's best performances so far. This is all the credit she lacked as an actress.

What a delight to watch! This amazing cast leads you through this crazy, fun story. The Cohen brothers are once again stating what we already knew: they're great at this.

Demme's movie takes you to a journey you already know: the family drama approaching an important event. Although you already know how it goes, you still wanna know a little more about those characters. It's the kind of predictiveness that still leaves you wondering.

Anna Hathaway's performance is incredible, as she peels of the layers of her deep character very slowly, but you never get bored. She's obviously the heart and soul of 'Rachel Getting Married', but Rosemarie and Bill also gave powerful performances.

It's a good story, up until a certain point. After that, it gets tiresome. The performances and 'impersonations' are what really counts. Brolin is almost perfect as Bush. The supporting cast hold their own. But, in between the flashbacks and the present, something gets lost halfway through it.

Despite the good production and acting, The Red Baron doesn't bring anything new to the WWI/military pilots genre.

Joe Fiennes brings a real charm as a supporting actor - as usual.

This type of journey - of learning how to appreciate what life gives you and to let go - usually involves young, good looking people. This character, though, has been damaged for life - ever sice the loss of his wife.

This journey becomes more and more interesting as we see the character grow - in a wonderful performance by Jenkins.

Even though I'm a big fan of your regular indie film, which is usually a lot better than the crap Hollywood sells, this one seems to have something more to offer, in between the lines.

The ending couldn't have been better.

It's hard to find a cast as good as this one. It has a good twist in the end. It is, in many aspects, original and fresh. Even so, there's a lot missing from this film, specially production wise. The cinematography makes it hard and tiresome to watch at times. With a few improvements, it could have been a hell of a movie in its genre.

Original, fresh storytelling. Excellent script. Incredible performance by Melissa Leo - the supporting cast is not far behind.

This tale of a realistic woman - for a change - makes you wanna follow her to see what's gonna happen.

All I have to say is: Wow.

Yet another cop movie with deep connections with family issues. It's not the first, and certainly won't be the last.

The performances are respectable and the story is deep enough. It doesn't really bring anything new to the table, though.

Lars is clearly socialy disfunctional, but Ryan makes him much deeper than that. It's wonderful to see what he can do with the character - he can easily make you laugh or cry.

If not careful, they could have easily have turned this into a tasteless comedy - as it often happens in Hollywood, but it's far from that: it's an original story about all of us who, in some ways, are different from most people around us. Great idea for a movie. Wonderful supporting cast.

The concept seems easy: the illness of a loved one. But Tamara Jenkins directed a movie that is so much more than that. It's about family, reconnecting, letting go and moving on.

The dynamic between Hoffman and Linney is just incredible. They have excellent chemistry as brother and sister, and once again deliver flawless performances.

By the end of it, you actually feel like you've learned something from it, like you've matured somehow.

Well done.

The concept of Australia is a rather good one. Too bad it wasn't developed properly through the screenplay.

The chemistry between Kidman and Jackman works, but it's not enough to help you make through over 2 1/2 hours of this drama.

Good production - in general - but it lacks in consistency and a proper rythm to tell the story.

Pearce is solid as the FBI agent, as well as Daniels, but Cheadle disappoints.

This movie just doesn't bring anything new to the table, and for that alone it's a pain in the ass to watch it.

It's getting harder and harder not to enjoy Carell's films. This is one of his best performances so far, which shines a way from the comedy you'd expect him to do. Nice supporting cast. A lot of fun.

Guy Ritchie comes home. Good cast, but, as always with his films, the storyline gets a little confusing. Good fun, though.

It's definitely a movie for guys, but it doesn't mean it isn't a lot of fun for us, gals. James Franco makes it all worth it: he's simply hilarious without doing too much effort. One of the best 'Hollywood comedies' of 2008.

One of those great stories about real people, like you and me, going through life trying to be happy. Too bad there are way too many characters and there's little chance of exploring them all.

A wonderful telling of the paranoia during the Cold War. A genious classic. Peter Sellers was simply incredible in all the roles he played.

The best thing about this movie is its cast. The rest is pretty much predictable. Plus, the script is flawed - a little too much for my taste.

It's a high class action/espionage film, but it doesn't go any deeper than that. Even Bond's feelings are more shallow than they should be. The whole guns, beautiful women and a lot of different countries and languages are getting old already.

It's just one of those animated films that REALLY makes you laugh. It's a whole lotta fun.

Intrigue and war on terror, all very well done. DiCaprio is incredible, as always.

It's good to see the man - or is it boy? - behind the hijacking. Too bad it's a story of violence and drug abuse, like pretty much every Brazilian film of the past 10 years. The good thing about it is that they used a little fiction to tell the story of this miserable kid.

Beautiful, heartbreaking story. You get really involved in these friends' story, and the two hours go by really quickly.

A really involving tale of mystery and murder that makes you wonder what happened and makes you stick around.

Surprisingly entertaining, and the sight of Patrick Wilson shirtless every once in a while is definitely a plus.

Too bad that's just not enough - specially if you have this many clichés.

At least it wasn't a complete waste of time.

The whole concept could have worked - it's a story made for Hollywood. But it turned into a big batch of clichès. Cool soundtrack, nice enough special effects, pretty stars, but that's as far as it goes.

One of the best action films I've seen in a while. Liam Neeson proves once again to be an actor who can do both: kick ass and really act.

It's amazing the effect Will Smith can have on you - he can make you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. But Seven Pounds is a total tear jerker. It's also a story that teaches you a lot - about love, guilt and loneliness.

The only good thing about it was getting to see the wedding preparations - I might be doing mine very soon. Other than that, the film has too many clichès and an inconsistent ending.

The film has a cool message, and Jim Carrey is the perfect lead. Plus, there's Zooey Deschanel, who is just lovely. It was a good laugh.

Just another thieves flick. That happens to be the best type of character for Morgan Freeman. Wasn't a complete waste of time.

You kind of see it comming - no pun intended.

Brandon Routh and Justin Long's appearances were great.

It's basically your every day romantic comedy, but its merits are in being realistic. Every woman can find herself in this film, for that, I'm grateful.

What a stellar cast! Tom Cruise did a good job, telling this magnificent story. Too bad Bryan Singer didn't make it his own.

Felicity Huffman does an astounding job as the transexual woman looking for happiness. Very moving.

Funnier than the first one, but it doesn't really bring anything new to the table.

Watching Sandra Bullock in action is a lot of fun, as always. Ryan Reynolds is a good leading man - attractive and funny. The pair and their supporting cast could only have been good.

It's funny how you always end up learning something from Woody's films - even if it's really trivial. It's also funny that even in the films he doesn't act in, you can see mr. Allen as a character (in this case, you can see him in Kenneth). Could have been better, but the amazing cast makes up for it. Too bad Sam Rockwell didn't even have a line...

The director gave some storylines more room than they should have while diminishing others, which were more important. Other than that, I think it's as bad as everybody says it is. Kudos on the special effects, as usual. Jim Broadbent is great, and so is Rupert Grint, who save the film when acting is concerned.

Lilia Cabral is just amazing, as usual. It's a lot of fun in some parts and very introspective in others. Good combination.

De Niro proves himself to be one of the most skilful actors out there, at such a young age. He's incredible in it and he makes this movie worthwhile.

Incredible cast and direction, but it's De Niro's movie, clearly. He's amazing in every scene and builds this incredibly intense character.

It was clearly challenging for the actors to learn to play the instruments and sing, plus it mustn't have been easy to shoot in NYC and Buenos Aires, considering this is a brazilian film. I take that into account. It's not a masterpiece, but it was definitely fun and interesting to watch the trajectory of these musicians.

It makes you wanna go to Mr. Magorium's yourself. It has a nice message to it and Dustin Hoffman is his adorable self. It works.

An adorable love story with an awesome soundtrack. What more can you ask for?

It's impossible not to love every single character Paul Rudd plays. Plus, Jason Segel is his adorable self. The whole concept is just really cool. Good comedy.