Best Films of 2009

I have been awful this year about writing reviews and posting them. So, I'm going to cheat a little bit, and just post a top ten list for this year. I also plan on posting top ten lists for the decade - the decade's best albums, film's, and performances (both male and female). So, without delay, here are the my best rated films of 2009.

10) STAR TREK - I actually managed to write a review of this one. The film was very well put together, and the cast knew what it was doing. The film was entertaining and borderline philosophical at times, and made good effort to familiarize non Trekies with the delusional world of Star Trek. (B+)

9) ZOMBIELAND - Probably best seen with a few drinks, this film also touched on some human issues (such as the superman complex and adolescent struggles) while both lauding and satirizing the zombie film genre. A very memorable performance by Woody Harrelson and a cameo by Bill Murray also helped. (B+)

8) SHERLOCK HOLMES - Robert Downey Jr, perhaps the coolest actor in Hollywood, sure did convince me of his authenticity in this role. The visuals were stunning, and the story was enticing. It did justice to the legendary mystery solving Brit. (B+)

7) NINE - Not well received by the critics. Bugger knows why. Although not as good as CHICAGO, Rob Marshall managed to take a fairly mediocre musical and make it sexier, loading it with even more raw talent. A very good translation to the screen with incredible performances from everyone. The best part of the film? Fergie's take on 'Be Italian', or the new song 'Take it all', where we see Marion Cotillard at her sexiest. (B+)

6) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER - Although Summer was as cold as Estella from 'Great Expectations', we come to see the painful aspect of falling in love and learning to cope with one of the harshest realities of adulthood. Anyone who doesn't fall in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in this film doesn't have a soul. (B+)

5) THE HURT LOCKER - Kathryn Bigelow explores an aspect of insurgency culture that isn't even explored in the mainstream press - the bomb squads that risk their lives to keep streets safe in Iraq. Although I would have liked to see some more political aspect of insurgencies (IR geek. Sue me.), the film made us feel and really helped project the importance of our soldiers' role. (B+)

4) AN EDUCATION - This movie came to me when I most needed it - when I was questioning why exactly I was even going to school, and what the point of my whole existence was. Why are we being educated? Why must be habituate in the system? Carey Mulligan's performance was raw, vulnerable, and just incredible. (B+)

3) THE BROTHERS BLOOM - A quirky film about con-men that enhances the roles of friendship, family bonds, and love in the big scheme of our lives. It was funny and emotional from front to finish and makes the viewer feel less guilty about loving these characters with such blatant personal flaws. (A)

2) UP IN THE AIR - An honest take on the prospect of America at the turn of the decade. How was technology changed us, and how will it continue to shape and change our lives? Bold performances from the entire ensemble and both a well composed comic and serious tone make this film a truly necessary experience. (A)

1) INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS - I went into the film disliking Tarentino, thinking he was nothing but a hack. I left thinking he was brilliant. He is still in his true form and he is unapologetic about his style. He delivers a beautifully written story that makes you think 'What if?'. Easily his best work. (A+)