2009 : Top 5 Best, Disappointing, and Surprise Films

So the year of 2009 wasn't the best in film but it did bring out a few titles that will be in my favorites years to come.

Top 5 Films of 2009

1. (500) Days of Summer - A film upon first viewing left me quite disappointed. But after reflection and a second chance it has become one of my favorite films of all time. It is one of the few films I could literally watch and enjoy every day. The story is unoriginal for sure, but the delivery is an absolute gem. No film has come close to delivering a better "boy meets girl" story than this one. Not quite a Top 5 of All-Time film, but probably slips into the top 10.




2. Up In The Air - A unique film chock full of dry humor and a subtle notion of a humanizing nature makes this one a winner for me. Not being a huge George Clooney fan it didn't appeal to me at first, but since since this one he has become one I keep on my radar.

3. Taken - A revenge story done right. The old man, Liam Neeon, shows that age doesn't stop you from kicking tail in this action packed thrill ride. The film impresses on all fronts with a very real problem that is happening in the world around us.

4. The Proposal - I will start by saying how much I dislike Sandra Bullock as an actress. On the other hand, Ryan Reynolds is one of the most entertaining actors to me. This duo made one of the most awkward and funny films I have seen of it's kind. It isn't the most original idea and isn't wonderful from start to finish, but it gets through with an overall pleasant performance.






5. Inglourious Basterds - This film had lots of advertising and bound for a big box office. Most of Tarantino's films never really impressed me much, but this one had one of my favorite actors involved - Brad Pitt. A building film that has two stories going throughout it that eventually cross paths leading up to a big finale. It's violent and funny; nothing is quite like this story.





Top 5 Biggest Disappointments of 2009

1. Zombieland - Woody Harrelson starring in a zombie filled horror comedy. Put me down for a yes on that one. Sadly instead of something fun like Shaun of the Dead we are left with a cheesy teenage romance afterthought thrown in to slow this film down to a crawl.

2. Up - Oscar nods, audience rave, and of course a Pixar. I finally get to see this film and wow, what a boring cartoon. It started out like it would have a decent story and the takes a left turn and becomes a quirky and random lackluster film.








3. State Of Play - I always have high expectations for Russell Crowe films and this one is simply summed up in one word - forgettable.









4. Brothers - An interesting looking film about a two brothers and one goes off to war. The one back home falls for his brother's girl and hell breaks loose when he gets home. It never developed the way you hoped and really felt draggy and overly emotional to the point it wasn't even enjoyable.

5. Law Abiding Citizen - Gerard Butler getting some revenge in this intense action. The film would've made a for a good show if the ending presented itself the way it deserved. Sadly it did not, which made the whole point of the film....pointless.







Top 5 Best Surprise Films of 2009

1. The Hurt Locker - Winner of several academy awards including best picture. This film was intense and kept you on the edge of your seat in this modern war film on bomb squads. Go watch it.

2. Whip It - Drew Barrymore's directorial debut in this film about a women's league roller derby team. It was quite entertaining and really unexpected.

3. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - It isn't the best animated film of all-time or anything, but it was very unique and kept me engaged - which is something most animated films fail to do for me.








4. Drag Me To Hell - A film with a seemingly normal beginning takes a dark turn and explodes into a frightening nightmare for a loan officer. I think it is safe to say this was the best horror film of 2009.

5. Gamer - This story has somewhat been done before by a more famously known name as Running Man. This one had a slight twist with actual people playing real people through a video game network type deal. It isn't the next best thing since sliced bread, but it was a good action packed film.