Thursday, December 31, 2009

Top 10 Movies 2009

Honorable Mention
This was an unbelievably beautiful movie in every way.  Released on Earth Day, it shows awe inspiring clips of the beauty of the planet and the animals which inhabit it.  There are many stunning and breathtaking moments.  The movie shows that our Earth truly is fully of beautiful.  




Top 10 2009


#10 Star Trek  PG-13 
This movie puts JJ Abrams on the map as a top director. The origin story and the freshness through which you see Star Trek was surprising.  A great fresh take on this old franchise.  














#9  Invictus  PG-13
Clint Eastwood has been so impressive in his later career tackling important issues in his films.  This movie was no different.  Highlighting Nelson Mandela’s leadership, character, and vision of unifying South Africa’s racial divides by supporting the White national rugby team following his 27 year imprisonment.  A bit heavy handed in the sports segments, but the political and leadership segments make it worth it.













#8 Where The Wild Things Are
Tanner and I enjoyed this movie based on the classic children’s book by Maurice Sendak.  A.O. Scott of the New York Times has written the definitive word on this movie.  He ranked it #1 on his 2009 list and also included it on his best movies of the decade.  Read his brilliantly written essay here about this movie and why making movies that honestly portray the challenges kids face is vital.  









#7  The Brothers Bloom
An off-beat, quirky movie that was enjoyable and entertaining.  Adrien Brody is always likeable and this vehicle was also a warm tale about the brother’s complex relationship.  




#6  Up  PG
Of course Pixar gets a spot here.  In fact, this might have been my favorite Pixar film yet.  It was so original and heartfelt.  Everyone who watches this movie loves it.
















#5  An Education  PG-13
Set in the early 1960s, this movie tells the story of a high school girl preparing for Oxford, but changing her plans after meeting a charismatic older man. Carey Mulligan has been hailed as the next Audrey Hepburn and she shows a great range here. The title says it all.  This girl really does get an education in many things. 










#4  The Hurt Locker  R
This movie was gripping from beginning to end.  Many scenes break from convention and go in new places many films never do.  Kathryn Bigelow will probably win the Oscar for her direction.  I think this will become the classic film about the Iraq war much as Platoon and Apocalypse Now are for Vietnam. 














#3  Avatar  PG-13
When the credits rolled after 2 hours 40 minutes, the first word I said was “Wow.”  I had zero interest in this movie in November.  I was so surprised by how riveted I was by the story and especially by the world of Pandora.  It was even better in 3-D.  Don’t wait for video!




#2  Up In The Air  R  

This movie captured an authenticity in people that few movies do.  The direction was superb, and the performances were all solid.  The backdrop about corporate downsizing was also timely and relevant.
















#1 Fantastic Mr. Fox  PG
I saw this film twice in the theatres– once with Tanner and once with Delaney. What a great multi-layered kid/adult movie!  This is possibly Wes Anderson’s best movie yet, and certainly his best since Rushmore.  Pure creativity and talent are on display at all times!  Not enough people saw this movie.  I hope you check it out.

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