Last year I made a list of my favorite films that I saw during 2009. I'd like to do the same thing once again for 2010 because, well, I like countdown lists and I like looking back at the year gone by. So, once again, here are my favorite movies (in a very particular order) that I saw for the first time this year.
10. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Pure creativity - that's how I describe this movie. It tells an original story in a very original manner. I will admit that the movie won me over almost immediately with the 8-bit Universal Studios logo and music at the very beginning. Classic! It's not for everyone, but if you're a fan of video games (which I am) then this film will probably appeal to you.
9. Trekkies (1997)
I will state, up front, that I am not a Star Trek fan. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen a full episode of the series, but I was thoroughly entertained by this documentary. This movie shows respect for fans of Star Trek, but it also shows that Trekkies (or Trekkers) are able to laugh at themselves.
8. Up in the Air (2009)
George Clooney gives yet another spectacular performance as a man with commitment issues (he plays that character a lot, doesn't he?). In fact, practically every person in this film delivers a realistic and engaging performance. It's kind of stressful, though, so be prepared for that. This film also made me want to travel more, but that desire will quickly go away once I get to the security checkpoint line at the airport.
7. Moon (2009)
I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, but Moon definitely made an impression on me. Sam Rockwell carries the weight of this film on both of his shoulders and he carries it well. It's definitely a slower movie, but the conclusion is well worth the wait.
6. District 9 (2009)
Maybe I am a sci-fi fan. . .this is the third one on this list. Some of you are resisting watching this movie, but I will state again, this film features some of the best character development I've seen on the screen. This was director Neill Blomkamp's first feature film and it featured relatively unknown actors in the cast, yet it still managed to be successful at the box office and with critics. Let's hear it for South Africa!
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Yes, I am a Harry Potter fan, but even I got frustrated with J.K. Rowling as she kept our protagonists spinning their wheels in the forest for a HUGE chunk of the 7th book. However, this movie was very entertaining considering the material they had to deal with (spoiler alert: nothing happens). Plus, it got me really excited for Part 2 and the finale of the Harry Potter film series.
4. Toy Story 3 (2010)
My kids are in love with this film. It isn't as funny as the first movie (which, can you believe, came out over 15 years ago?) and not as quirky as the second movie, but Toy Story 3 packs the most powerful emotional punch of the three. If Pixar is smart (and I think they are) they'll put the series to rest after this film. It was an exceptionally good ending to the trilogy.
3. Inception (2010)
Inception was exercise for my brain. Christopher Nolan proves, once again, that he is one of the best directors of our time. He also wrote this movie, which makes it even more impressive. Nolan has directed seven feature films, out of which I've seen six and I've been seriously impressed by each one. Inception allows you to come to your own conclusions, yet it is thoroughly satisfying.
2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
This movie was so much fun - I crack up each time I watch it. The humor is quick and witty and there are new funny things each time I see it. In addition, it is full of fun visuals, bright colors and clever animation. I wish I could have seen it in 3D. Plus, it's a movie where delicious free food falls from the sky - who doesn't love that?
And my #1 movie of 2010 is. . .
1. Zombieland (2009)
This year was filled with a lot of mediocre movies, so I'd also like to give an honorable mention to Sherlock Holmes, Resident Evil, Troll 2, Inglourious Basterds, My Date with Drew, The Blind Side and Fantastic Mr. Fox who all came very close to making my top ten.
I'm excited to see what movies 2011 brings!
5 comments:
Ah, ZombieLand. How I love thee...
I second you on Sherlock Holmes, Inception and The Blind Side, and would venture to add Tangled and True Grit.
If only I had seen those *grumble*darnkids*grumble.*
ok, sorry it's taken me so long to get to this.
-scott pilgrim: really enjoyed the movie and probably need to see it again. i am surprised at how many year-end reviews that mention it have commented on the 8-bit universal studios theme at the start (two reviews have done that). while i thought that was cool, it was hardly the most memorable part of the movie for me. still, solid film (makes me a little sad that edgar wright had to leave simon pegg and nick frost on their own to do this, but still).
-trekkies: we watched this in my super 8 class about.... ten years ago (dang.) solid and fun.
-up in the air: at number 8? really, 786?? for me, this was not only the best movie of 2009, but made my top ten of the decade.
-moon: still need to check it out. glad you've approved.
-district 9: no comment.
-harry potter: i've seen it three times and i think it's the best of the movies yet, although i like your spoiler alert.
-toy story 3: not as brilliantly funny as number 2, but an excellent adventure movie. i've heard that there are plans to still do "toy story" shorts, but i'm pretty sure that the movie affirmed that this is the last feature film, and i think we're all cool with that.
-inception: loved it for a lot of reasons and while i'm not a christopher nolan disciple like so many are, he is one of the directors i'm most interested to watch over the next twenty years. his flaw is that he manages to tell amazing stories without saying anything. but they're fun rides.
-cloudy with a chance of meatballs: really? i blew this one off without a second thought and have never really heard otherwise. i think i'd be more interested to watch "district 9" than this one.
-zombieland: heard good things about this, but i'm not a zombie guy. you and me, we're from different worlds.
i hope "true grit" is on your list next year (if you did see it in 2011). if you saw it this year and didn't list it, shame on you, former 786.
here's to another year of movie texts.
Jeff, I think that when I watch Up in the Air again, it could move up in the ranking. My ratings are fluid, after all.
Moon is seriously good, as is District 9 - but you know that.
I am waiting until all the Harry Potters are released before I make my final verdict on them, but I really liked Order of the Phoenix.
Toy Story shorts? Interesting.
You're saying The Dark Knight didn't say anything? It said volumes!
Yeah, I really like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. I don't know why, but I can't get sick of it.
And you may enjoy Zombieland, give it a chance, Jeff. Just don't fall asleep in it like you did Shaun of the Dead.
And I just saw True Grit a few days ago. It'll most likely make my list.
Thanks for commenting.
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