Best of 09?

[Jack's Smirking Revenge]

I'm surprised this wasn't brought up sooner actually. But what were the best films of 2k9 for you?

I'm going to go with Franklyn at the top for me. I just saw it today, and thought it was absolutely fantastic - it's probably gone down as one of my favourite films of all time. It was written, directed and shot so well I can't think where to fault it.

Then there's District 9, which I've also just seen recently seen. The thing I liked most was the concept of it, and I thought Sharlto Copley gave a really good performance in it.

Paranormal Activity and The Fourth Kind were both really good, if a little different. I was genuinely convinced that they were both real (having not known before seeing them that they weren't). It's good to see some people are trying different things in cinema and succeeding like this.

 

[charliepanayi]

I'd say Let the Right One as my #1 of the year in though officially it's a 2008 film (didn't get a UK release until 2009). Much better than this Twilight nonsense, it looks stunning, boasts two top drawer lead performances, and the ending is just jaw-dropping. Quite literally bloody brilliant.

Moon was excellent, good to see some science-fiction in the classic vein being made. Excellent debut from Duncan Jones and Sam Rockwell does very well in it, one-man show almost.

Adventureland was very underrated, and has a very good soundtrack. It captures that feeling of being between childhood and adulthood, and of having one of those summers you remember years later. Pretty funny too.

And for sheer nerve-shredding factor I have to mention The Hurt Locker. Visceral thrills all round, and it admirably won't be drawn on making ansy sort of political comment, instead just focusing on the duties of the soldiers.

 

[Amizon]

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince really did it for me. The stakes were even higher this time and I just feel that the actors get better with each film they make. I'm really looking forward to the final two parts, which'll see it all finally brought together.

I can't think of anymore films right now since my mind's a blank, so I'll post one or two more when they come back to me.

 

[SapphireStar]

Star Trek - It delivered to fans and non fans alike. Pegg was actually wrong IMO about the odd number ST film flopping lol. Loved every moment of it and the cast did such an awesome job of the ST cast. Looking forward to the next one XD

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince - The movies are getting as dark as the books, which rocks. This one was for me the most difficult to watch and the most emotional. Reading it was emotional for me and having a visual made it more powerful. Fucking amazing cast as always.

UP - OMFG DISNEY!!! Talk about the most depressing 15 minutes of a Disney movie!? But thats what made it a wonderful and emotional moving masterpiece. Just amazing and I cant wait to get the DVD

Hannah Montana: The Movie - I know some people will be like WTF?! But its such a coolio singalong family movie for first timers to the HM scene and fans already. I was smiling all the way through it, singing along and doing the odd dance XD

 

[Stella]

Avatar was definately my favorite film of the year. It's been years since I've walked out of a movie theater feeling like I got my money's worth, and I had that feeling with this movie. Right after I saw it I was already thinking of people I could go see it with a second time.

I thought New Moon was pretty good too, even though I'm really tired of the vampire craze the whole Twilight saga has started -___- It was exactly like the book though, give or take one or two scenes, so that made me happy as a reader. I've got to give the writers props for really translating the story to film. Most books that are made into movies fail miserably, such as Eragon.

I thought It's Complicated, The Proposal, The Ugly Truth, Star Trek, Underworld ROL, and Paranormal Activity were all good as well.

 

[Totoro]

Up - Was hyped up to be one of the best disney films for adults for a while. It delivered. Grown men (including myself) weeping in the cinema, but it all ended happily as you knew it would. Slick animation and an interesting story.

Avatar - This has been bandied around a lot, but it's true, it was the most visually stunning film I've ever seen. Perhaps in 20 years it may look dated but you've got to hand in to James Cameron for not giving up on his dream of 10 years! Just a gorgeous feature presentation.

The Hangover - One of the funniest films I've seen in a while. So funny that you miss bits because you are laughing so much. Also brought the slang term 'Ruffies' to my attention.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - I will admit I have a massive thing for Cate Blanchett, however I still think it was a pretty good movie. Interesting plot and Brad Pitt playing a more thought provoking role. Solid performance.

I saw Franklyn too, and if I'm honest it didn't turn out as I expected! Quite a few people left the cinema when I was watching it and I think it's an acquired taste. However I found it quite intereting and thought proking, and appreciated some of the gorgeous gothic imagery. My friends did not!

 

[niesl2]

I watched more 2008 releases past year then 2009 releases, so I'll probably be able to tell you about great 2009 films next year

For 2009 movies I did see, I really like Let The Right One In and Inglourious Basterds.

Let The Right One In was original and showed not so over the top vampires for a change. On top of that, Scandinavia is a great setting for horror stories.

Inglourious Basterds was the only movie in 2009 that could live up to it's expectations. While a lot of other movies failed to suprise or impress me as the should, Tarantino's movie has a lot of interesting characters, scenes and conversations that make this movie memorable and instant win.