My usual disclaimers – these are films I saw at the cinema in 2009. Which, again, wasn’t as many as usual (I blame climate change). And I accept no responsibility for movies taking forever to get to New Zealand … No absolutely clear winner this year, but some fine films indeed.
In alphabetical order, my top ten of 2009 are:
Avatar – Yes, it was predictable and preachy, with two dimensional characters. But in 3D, wowsers, it was something else. Cameron has created an amazing visual feast – an incredibly detailed vision that is indeed a joy to watch.
Dean Spanley - The most delightful film of 2009, no question. Strange and superbly acted, a touching tale of a father and son. And some weird Kiwi bloke who thinks he's a dog.
District 9 – Despite the almost unbearable motion sickness during the first half (I actually had to excuse myself at one point), I adored this film. So striking and surprising and fresh. With a brilliant performance by newcomer Sharlto Copley as everyman Wikus. Fingers crossed 2010 brings us another such cinematic treat.
The Escapist – One of those films I saw because there wasn’t much else on, and, boy, was I glad I did. A gritty, compelling and immensely enjoyable prison movie. With a wonderful turn from Brian Cox.
Gran Torino – My film of 2009? Hmmm, perhaps. An amazing performance by Clint – I’m not the biggest fan of his acting, but this film changed that. Surprisingly sweet and funny for a movie about a racist bigot.
Moon – I hope this movie finally proves that Sam Rockwell is a god. Personally, I have known since Lawn Dogs … A pleasingly claustrophobic, tense and compelling film. A throw-back to the classical sci-fi era, this film is a must see for fans of films in space.
Revolutionary Road – Surprisingly, especially to me, I loved this film. And I like surprises. Great performances by Winslet and DiCaprio. Tragic, funny, sexy, sad. Watching this self-indulgent couple’s relationship turn train-wreck was incredibly compelling.
A Serious Man – Can a year go by without a Coen brother’s film in my top ten? Unlikely. There is a lot going on in this film, much of which I fear was lost on a gentile like myself. But I really didn’t mind. This is a wonderful black comedy, with a stunning turn by Michael Stuhlbarg in the lead role. Sublime stuff.
Wolverine – Yeah baby! In a year distinctly lacking great action films, this big budget feast was a welcome treat. Is my love of the film based largely on Hugh Jackman’s physique? Maybe – so, sue me. An utterly entertaining watch, I hope to see more of Wolverine in 2010.
Zombieland – Hands down, the most absolutely and utterly fun movie of the year. Great one-liners, wonderful tricks with graphics, a surprising amount of heart. And, without question, the greatest cameo of the year. It’s kinda gory, so not everyone’s cup of tea. But if zombies and laughs are your thing, you wouldn't have found a better Friday-night-flick in 2009.
And highly commended: Julie & Julia (half of a very good film indeed with a stellar performance by Meryl Streep; pity it couldn’t have just been Julia), The Informant! (possessed of the most unlikeable lead of 2009 – a great turn from Matt Damon), Milk (Sean Penn at his best in years and an interesting history lesson of a film), The Reader (I loved how morally challenging this film was – a thinker), Star Trek (it didn’t disappoint, which it could so easily have done – a fun and entertaining film), Sherlock Holmes (utterly entertaining with Downey at his charismatic best).
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Top Ten of 2008
Disclaimers as usual – these are films I saw at the cinema in 2008. Which, disappointingly, wasn’t as many as usual (I blame politics and the recession). I accept no blame for movies taking forever to get to New Zealand …
And apologies for the lack of blogging activity in late 2008. I will endeavour to do better.
In alphabetical order, my top ten of 2008 are:
The Counterfeiters – A compelling, wonderfully acted, not-your-usual-prison-camp film. Cock full of the type of moral dilemmas we hope we never have to face. A worthy Oscar winner.
Dark Knight – Some of you will cry foul at this choice, but I thoroughly enjoyed the latest Batman outing. Loved it’s darkness, it’s creepiness, it’s violence. As good as Batman Begins, if not slightly more entertaining. And, I hate to go along with the crowd, but Heath was truly wonderful.
Frost/Nixon – Some of the best acting you’ll see in a long time, this is a wonderful film. The two leads simply become their roles. A stellar supporting cast in a compelling tale.
In Bruges – Without a doubt the funniest movie of 2008. This black comedy was wonderfully surprising and violent and laugh-out-loud hilarious. Colin Farrell continues to impress me in these off-beat roles.
Iron Man – Absolutely and utterly entertaining. I unashamedly loved this film, in large part due to its brilliant leading man. An on-form Robert Downey Jr is a thrill to watch.
Juno - A supersmart and witty jem of a film. Great acting all round, with especially good turns from Jason Bateman and Allison Janney. And, hands down, the best soundtrack of 2008.
Lars and the Real Girl – An odd and endearing film which, thankfully, avoided the obvious crassness that might have gone along with the subject matter. It’s smart and witty and definitely corny. A delight.
Michael Clayton – The best thriller of 2008, this film is quality, quality, quality. George showing once again that he will be remembered as the James Stewart of his generation. It’s slow burning, it’s intriguing and it’s jolly well acted.
No Country for Old Men – I have talked to several people who walked out of this film. WTF?!? An absolutely brilliant turn from the Coen Brothers. A killer script, with some terrific acting, and as creepy as they come. A strong contender for the top film of 2008.
There Will Be Blood – I have only come across about three people who have seen this film. And while it’s a particularly dark movie which perhaps is not everyone’s cup of tea, I think it’s a crying shame it didn’t get a bigger audience. For me, it was the best film of 2008 – there, I said it. Now, for goodness sake, see it!
Notable mentions: Shine a Light (fantastically filmed & wonderfully intimate), Tropic Thunder (some truly memorable and hilarious moments; Downey Jr was a joy to watch), Wall-E (incredibly cute and beautifully animated), Quantum of Solace (it wasn’t Casino Royale, but it continues to take Bond away from cheese & cliché and places him squarely in high action genre), Burn After Reading (it disappointed many, but I really enjoyed this quirky and surprising Coen Brothers film), Mamma Mia (not quite the musical triumph that was 2007's Hairspray, but a whole lot of fun nonetheless)
Worst of 2008: The Happening (what has happened to the M Night Shyamalan?!?)
And apologies for the lack of blogging activity in late 2008. I will endeavour to do better.
In alphabetical order, my top ten of 2008 are:
The Counterfeiters – A compelling, wonderfully acted, not-your-usual-prison-camp film. Cock full of the type of moral dilemmas we hope we never have to face. A worthy Oscar winner.
Dark Knight – Some of you will cry foul at this choice, but I thoroughly enjoyed the latest Batman outing. Loved it’s darkness, it’s creepiness, it’s violence. As good as Batman Begins, if not slightly more entertaining. And, I hate to go along with the crowd, but Heath was truly wonderful.
Frost/Nixon – Some of the best acting you’ll see in a long time, this is a wonderful film. The two leads simply become their roles. A stellar supporting cast in a compelling tale.
In Bruges – Without a doubt the funniest movie of 2008. This black comedy was wonderfully surprising and violent and laugh-out-loud hilarious. Colin Farrell continues to impress me in these off-beat roles.
Iron Man – Absolutely and utterly entertaining. I unashamedly loved this film, in large part due to its brilliant leading man. An on-form Robert Downey Jr is a thrill to watch.
Juno - A supersmart and witty jem of a film. Great acting all round, with especially good turns from Jason Bateman and Allison Janney. And, hands down, the best soundtrack of 2008.
Lars and the Real Girl – An odd and endearing film which, thankfully, avoided the obvious crassness that might have gone along with the subject matter. It’s smart and witty and definitely corny. A delight.
Michael Clayton – The best thriller of 2008, this film is quality, quality, quality. George showing once again that he will be remembered as the James Stewart of his generation. It’s slow burning, it’s intriguing and it’s jolly well acted.
No Country for Old Men – I have talked to several people who walked out of this film. WTF?!? An absolutely brilliant turn from the Coen Brothers. A killer script, with some terrific acting, and as creepy as they come. A strong contender for the top film of 2008.
There Will Be Blood – I have only come across about three people who have seen this film. And while it’s a particularly dark movie which perhaps is not everyone’s cup of tea, I think it’s a crying shame it didn’t get a bigger audience. For me, it was the best film of 2008 – there, I said it. Now, for goodness sake, see it!
Notable mentions: Shine a Light (fantastically filmed & wonderfully intimate), Tropic Thunder (some truly memorable and hilarious moments; Downey Jr was a joy to watch), Wall-E (incredibly cute and beautifully animated), Quantum of Solace (it wasn’t Casino Royale, but it continues to take Bond away from cheese & cliché and places him squarely in high action genre), Burn After Reading (it disappointed many, but I really enjoyed this quirky and surprising Coen Brothers film), Mamma Mia (not quite the musical triumph that was 2007's Hairspray, but a whole lot of fun nonetheless)
Worst of 2008: The Happening (what has happened to the M Night Shyamalan?!?)
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