John's Top 10 Movies of 2009

I watched hundreds of movies during 2009, dozens of them that were new releases. There were more movies that were average or just plain bad than films that left a lasting impression on me. To celebrate the end of 2009 and the New Year, I have compiled a list of those memorable films from 2009 (to include the late Christmas releases from last year) in a Top Ten format. Each film has a brief commentary along with a link to the full review that has been posted on another website. If I missed any exceptional movies, please feel free to let me know by leaving a comment!

Avatar - How could I miss putting the most recent, groundbreaking, record-shattering film on this list? It was not perfect, but it provided entertainment value combined with phenomenal special effects. (Five Stars)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Another film that combined great special effects with an interesting story. The concept of this film was the most original of the year. Brad Pitt was outstanding. (Five Stars)

Inglourious Basterds - This film started with a title that was intentionally spelled wrong. Maybe that was an indication that things would be a little different in Quentin Tarantino's World War II "period piece." Gritty, cutting edge action-packed fun. Suspend what you know, and enjoy the ride. (Five Stars)

Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood probably saved his best for last. In a riveting performance as a typical Eastwood character we get an interesting look at urban life from a throwback perspective. There is a tender heart beating somewhere beneath that rough exterior. (Five Stars)

Up - This animated film was not just for the kids. A refreshing, funny, interesting and different look at life. Not many animated films deliver complex characters like the ones we find here. And plenty of hidden gems if you pay attention! (Five Stars)

The Reader - I enjoy my Indie Films as much as I like the mainstream Hollywood stuff. The Reader was an excellent period piece that takes place following World War II. It is part love story, part coming-of-age, part period piece. The parts add up to excellence. (Five Stars)

The Hurt Locker - Another Indie Film that manages to take a look at the Iraq War without drawing any conclusions. By focusing on the characters and avoiding the politics, this film manages to engage the audience. Tough characters with acceptable flaws engage the audience for a riveting ride. (Five Stars)

State of Play - My final five star film on this list is an interesting suspense/thriller. This tense political thriller will keep you guessing. The characters will win you over. Some of the scenes seemed ripped straight from the headlines. A well put together film. (Five Stars)

Star Trek - Yet another remake of the classic. This one goes back in time and provides the back story for the Star Trek saga. An excellent group of young and talented actors recreate the originals with amazing precision (for the most part). Another Sci-fi for the Top Ten list. (Four Stars)

Sunshine Cleaning - Amy Adams carries this tender film (another Indie for the list) of family dysfunction. What sets this film apart is the ability to make the dysfunction endearing, quasi-functional and realistic. Rather than relying on cliche, this film delivers the goods. (Four Stars)

There were several other films that I thoroughly enjoyed last year, that really need to make your Netflix queue. These are films that could have made the top ten, but faced some stiff competition. If you haven't seen any of these, I highly recommend that you add them to your "to do" list...

The Wrestler - Mickey Rourke comes back to the big screen with passion. He gives up his body to relentless beating to give us an excellent piece of cinema. There is a tortured relationship with his daughter that gets glossed over. Some exploration of that subject might have elevated this film to the top ten. (Four Stars)

Doubt - I was awestruck at the performances of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep. Amy Adams also appears in this film, giving her two on my must see list (If you haven't seen her in Junebug, you have to see that one, too). This film focuses on emerging changes in the Catholic Church prior to Vatican II. The film asks questions that it does not answer. An interesting concept exceptionally packaged. (Four Stars)

Valkyrie - One of several World War II films that made my list this year. Tom Cruise helps recreate the historical plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. This film had remarkable physical resemblances in the characters as well as tracking key dynamics in the plot. The dialogue was the icing on the cake. (Four Stars)

Defiance - Another historically based World War II era film that was masterfully produced. This film examines the resolve of ghetto escapees aided by brothers who have not been strangers to the authorities. The resilience of this band of refugees examines personality dynamics within the context of the struggle. (Four Stars)

Bedtime Stories - I don't have a pure family comedy on this list until now. Although not a big fan of the zany antics and annoying noises common to Adam Sandler and his films, I sometimes find a film of his I like. This film is one of them. An interesting fairy tale concept with real life consequences. Sometimes the frog becomes a Prince. (Four Stars)

I hope you have had an opportunity to see some of the films on my list. If you haven't, I would recommend any of them without pause. If I am remiss in listing a blockbuster or maybe an offbeat film that didn't find its way onto any of the theaters near me, please leave a comment for me. If it is a film I haven't seen and you recommend it, I am likely to add it to my queue.

Happy New Year!