Top 25 Movies of 2009
There were many. Some exploded on screen, in a good way, few failed to create a ripple and many didn’t even release in India. Yes, Hollywood movies came in all sizes, each sporting a different weight on the scale of course. Go through our list and note down/memorize/take a mental picture of these must watch movies of 2009 –
1. Up in the Air
Yay, a George Clooney flick! This one should not be missed; after all, it’s on number one on this list. Actually, that doesn’t matter; no flick on this list should be given the royal-ignore. Directed by Jason Reitman of the 'Thank You for Smoking,' and 'Juno' fame, the one’s a winner too. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, this movie has similarities to the term-life.
2. Up
I don’t know what the heck is up with the word ‘Up’ but it sure is a box office winner. This movie has been hailed as Pixar’s best (now that’s something!) with UPscale animation, UPpity (in a nice way) dialogues and an UPbeat presence ever since it came out. There sure is something about an old man tying balloons to his house and flying away.
3. Inglourious Basterds
What do you get when you put together a very talented director – Mr. Quentin Tarantino himself, a theme of revenge and Nazi’s? An ass kicking awesome movie. Though the theme of the movie might be old but the awesome storytelling abilities and dialogues turn it around at a splendid angle.
4. Avatar
By now you all have heard, at least 48 times, how cinema has been changed for the better by James Cameron. But let me say this, cinema has been changed forever and for the better by James Cameron. It’s brilliant how almost all scenes come with 3D integration. And yes, this movie was 12 years in the making!
5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Directed by Wes Anderson, this movie is about angry farmers who are tired of sharing their chickens with a fox and try to get rid of the rival and his family. Witty, emotional and funny, this movie has voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and many more!
6. Precious – Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
This movie has been raking in all kinds of reviews and though it may not be a feel good film, the performances win your heart. This movie has been nominated for 3 Golden Globes and has had other 19 wins and 26 nominations.
7. Star Trek
Oh yes, the movie was reinvented and people all around were skeptics but delivered it did. This one pulled through alright. Die hard Star Trek fans never had a doubt anyway.
8. Zombieland
What a mighty fun film to watch! This horror comedy (horror comedies are ALWAYS fun, except for some disasters in the past) focuses on two people who have found a way to survive in a world run by zombies. This movie was taken a notch higher on the awesome scale by Bill Murray who has a special appearance in the film.
9. The Cove
This part-thrilling, part-heartbreaking documentary exposes the mass slaughter of dolphins in Japan and has been hailed as the best documentary of the year. Directed by Louie Psihoyos, it’s about a group of activists, led by famous dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry. They break into a cove near Taijii, Japan to expose animal abuse and threat to human health.
10. 500 Days of Summer
First off, let me say what this movie is not – another same old romantic comedy. Though it does belong to the ‘romantic comedy’ genre, it’s so much more. Told in a random order, this movie packs a punch and more. Normal love story tale, it is not.
11. District 9
Neill Blomkamp gives us an awesome action movie with brains! This movie had all the sci-fi drama and aliens along with an important message as it spoke against segregation.
12. Invictus
Clint Eastwood gives us a feel-good film portraying Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela, who comes up with a unique plan to unite an apartheid-torn land by recruiting the National Rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World cup. It tells the tale about an inspired leader and an inspirational sports team.
13. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Stunning visuals, a great story, danger and blooming romance, yes the kids have all grown up and this installment does not disappoint as they go against the evil Voldemort.
14. The Hangover
Almost all scenes in this movie deserved a laugh-out-loud. There was something about Zach Galifianakis which made you laugh the minute he came on screen. That and the complete memory loss of three friends who are trying to find their soon-to-be-married buddy and the inimitable situations they keep landing up in made for a great comedy.
15. Food, Inc
This documentary is a stark expose on food facts and tells you why you would want to put that burger down. It talks about Government agencies and companies who are responsible for America's E.coli-related illnesses and rising obesity problem.
16. I Love You, Man
A very funny Paul Rudd tries to find a best man by going on various man-dates. When he does find the one and is bonding well, little cracks of problems start appearing on his relationship with the girlfriend. Some might even say, this movie is funnier than the hangover!
17. The Road
Taken from the Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, the story is about a father (Viggo Mortensen) and son, making their way through and fighting for survival in a disaster torn and cannibal populated America. Though this movie might be tough to watch, it has striking visuals and emotions.
18. The Blind Side
People love real life stories and this one has a happy ending. This is a story of Leigh Anne Toughy (Sandra Bullock), a well off white woman who adopts a black teen from the streets and raises him into a star athlete. Of course, it also has football.
19. Paranormal Activity
Expect horror and expect chills and not in an over the top way. This movie is a winner as it accomplishes in a great task- making you scared of your own bedroom.
20. An Education
This is a story about a teenage girl in 1960s suburban London and how her life changes with the arrival of a playboy nearly twice her age. This has been told from the female perspective and has a coming of age theme. A winner!
21. A Serious Man
A black comedy set in 1965 tells the story about a Minnesota college professor whose life breaks into pieces when his wife prepares to leave him because his incompetent brother won’t move out of the house. Though the humor does not make perfect sense, it’s fun trying to figure it out.
22. Adventureland
This comedy is set in 1987 and tells he story of a college graduate (Jesse Eisenberg) who takes a job at an amusement park, only to find out, it was the perfect course for the real world.
23. In the Loop
This political satire is quite frightening actually. It is a story about US President and UK Prime Minister fancying a war. It is a smart, funny and eye opening display of what goes on behind the scenes.
24. Coraline
A bored Coraline finds a secret door in her house and finds a new world which is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home but has evil secrets. The animated Coraline is a rich imaginative movie, something that will stay with us.
25. Anvil! The story of Anvil
This is a film about heavy metal that even non metal listening populace can watch! It is about Canadian metal band called Anvil who never made it big time but inspired a whole generation including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. This is a story about human spirit and determination.
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