2009 Movies in Review

As most of you know, I usually spend at least one of my weekend nights at the movie theaters. I really don’t think there is anything better than a night at the movies! Previews, popcorn, candy, diet coke---err wait a minute I stupidly gave up pop for New Years and haven’t had a drop in 3 weeks (note: more on my sufferings later)—well anyways, there are enough goodies to please me. I like the movie theater so much that I have no qualms about attending a film by myself. Luckily, I don’t have to do that too often, as Kris and Laura happen to like movies just as much as I do. Kris even sat in the love seat with me once. Hey, it was by accident but I’m still counting that. I think he even tried to get me to sit in that same seat last weekend.

I can’t say that I have any real experience as a movie critic. I tend to think a movie is good as long as it is entertaining and/or makes me think. Here is my list of the Top 10 movies of 2009 and a list of movies that in my opinion fell short. Also, I included some movies that I was not able to see but I think would probably be worth seeing and possibly added to my Top 10.

Top 10 of 2009

1. Inglorious Bastards: Great cast, excellent acting. Entertaining plot line with a combination of seriousness and laughter. I ranked it ahead of Avatar because this is the movie that I watched from the love seat.
2. Avatar 3D IMAX: As everyone knows, James Cameron nailed this movie. The graphics and imagery were amazing. The $15 ticket to see it in the IMAX was well worth it.
3. District 9: Another great movie. This one really makes you think. Very interesting storyline that happens to be about extraterrestrials but many aspects of this film can be applied to real life. Must see movie.
4. State of Play: Another hit for Russell Crowe. Loved the scenes at Ben’s Chili Bowl. If you are ever in DC, stop there for a bowl of chili or a chili cheese dog.
5. The Hangover: By far the best comedy of the year. This movie had me laughing through out—never a dull moment.
6. Away We Go: It was good to see Jim from the Office branch out and play different role. Interesting and entertaining movie.
7. 500 Days of Summer: I’d say this was the best romantic comedy of 2009.
8. The Soloist: Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. each show why they are award-winning actors in this movie.
9. Up in the Air: George Clooney at his best.
10. Julie and Julia: Meryl Streep and Amy Adams were great to watch. Streep perfected the role of Julia Child. I walked out of this movie wanting to a. start a. blog and b. start cooking out of my Julia Child “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”

Blah, blah, blah-Too much hype and just not that good of 2009

1. Twilight: New Moon: After reading the books, the movies have been giant disappointments despite my girl Kristen Stewart playing the lead.
2. Bruno: Nothing compared to Borat. I seriously considered getting up and leaving this movie early.
3. Public Enemies: Did not live up to the hype. I thought a little more character development would have really helped.
4. Ugly Truth: Blah, other than Gerard Butler.
5. Observe and Report: I expect more from Seth Rogen.
6. Couples Retreat: Too many funny people and not enough funny parts. Vince Vaughn tries to hard sometimes and always plays the loud guy that doesn’t listen.
7. Invictus: This movie had the potential to be great with the storyline and cast. There was no character development, the rugby scenes were confusion for anyone that does not play rugby, and it was slow developing. After Eastwood’s previous hits I expected more.

Movies that I am really bummed I missed in the theaters of 2009
1. Hurt Locker
2. Paper Heart
3. Brothers
4. Taking of Pelham 1,2,3
5. Invention of Lying
6. Men who Stare at Goats
7. Up
8. Pirate Radio