Best Films of 2009

Since it is almost 2010 and I don't feel like writing right now I have decided to work on a list for my favourite films of 2009. In order to qualify for this list the movie had to open in theaters during 2009. I have not seen all films released in 2009 so some that deserve to be on the list will not. This means that this list represents my favourite films of 2009.

Films I have not seen yet which I am sure will deserve to be on this list.
-Inglorious Basterds
-The Hurt Locker
-Ponyo
-Where the Wild Things Are
-The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
-Star Trek

These are my 7 favourite films of 2009 (I know its a weird number)


7. Watchmen
Was a great adaptation of a graphic novel I have never read. Had an enjoyable story and unique twist to the superhero genre. One thing I liked about it is that it was photographed very much like a comic book which gave it a unique look.

6. Pink Panther 2
I know that many people thought this movie was stupid. In one sense you're right, it was not the greatest movie. But I have always loved Steve Martin's sense of humor so it goes on my list of favourites for 2009.

5. Christmas Carol (3D)
Many people have complained that it was too much of an effects show. It may have gone a bit over the top with the 3D, but it was a very emotional and enjoyable story. Although I will admit there isn't a Christmas Carol adaptation I haven't liked.

4. Coraline
One of my most favourite stop motion films. I have always admired Henry Selick's style and it matched this film very well. Although I do feel that the screenplay could have had some minor adjustments to make it better, it was very good.

3. Avatar
Titanic, for guys. Although I liked it a lot I feel that there were some moments that felt cliched, and it was quite easy to guess what would happen next. None the less it showcased Cameron's incredible ability to create new worlds and was much better than that silly film, Battle for Terra. My prediction about this film is that it will end up like Titanic. It will win lots of Oscars, but will not get nominated for best original screenplay. In a few years when newer generations come to the cinema it will not remain as one of the greatest. But if it does, that would be cool because I liked Avatar a lot.

2. Up
Pixar is amazing.

1. District 9
My first thought was that it would be a disappointment. I knew Peter Jackson was producing it but I had never heard of Neil Blomkamp before. I was expecting another "effects show." When I saw the film I was blown away. Not only was it presented in a unique and relatively original way. It had an incredible story that was greatly emotional and heart wrenching along with great effects. One uique touch as Niel Blomkamp describes in the commentary is how he took a lot of the emphasis off the special effects by not placing them in the area of focus. In many films nowadays they like to showoff their special effects with grand epic shots. There's nothing wrong with that, but this new twist to story telling made the film stand out from others of its kind.


That is my list, I hope you enjoyed reading it.
Nate