Top Ten of 2009

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).