It's that time of year again.
2009 has been a tumultuous year for the movie business. While the recession has seen a massive decline for independent production it was also a record year at the box-office with the North American market exceeding $10billion for the first time ever. This may have been driven by some less than stellar sequels (Transformers 2, New Moon, Ice Age 3, X-Men Origins: Wolverine etc) but there were some big surprises too. Who would have picked The Hangover becoming the highest grossing R-rated comedy ever? Or that an unknown director, whose only prior claim to fame was being part of the failed Halo movie would give us the most original sci-fi movie of the decade with District 9?
Yes, it’s been a funny year at the box-office. However with the recession seemingly past its worse we can look forward to 2010 with optimism, buoyed by the behemoth that is James Cameron’s Avatar, which smashed past $1billion in 18days, leaving Hollywood execs scrambling to take advantage of the new technology James Cameron has given moviemakers.
While Avatar may be the biggest spectacle of the year, you can’t forget the more unassuming films that came out, many of which are lucky to get one or two screenings on the festival circuit before winding up on DVD. It’s these movies that I hope will be hunted down after seeing them on end of year best of lists. I know everyone will have seen Avatar, Star Trek, District 9 and the like but I’d wager not many have heard of the brilliant documentary, Big River Man.
So here are my favourite twenty films of 2009. I have numbered them but given the quality of movies I saw this year a lot of them are interchangeable. Of course as with any list there is no pleasing everyone – at the end of the day it’s just one moviegoer’s opinion. If you’re interested in watching any of them a good chunk are out on DVD already and the rest will be out in the first few months of 2010, with the exception of Everlasting Moments which is scheduled for a mid-year theatrical release.
20) The Damned United
A brilliant biopic on one of football’s greatest managers, Brian Clough. It follows his disastrous tenure at Leeds United, interspersed with flashbacks to his glory days at Derby County. The subject may put off viewers who have no interest in sport but this is nothing like your traditional football film. As much as I like Football Factory & Green Street Hooligans it would be foolish to compare this to them. It’s not so much about the game as the man himself, a classic Greek tale of one man’s hubris. My original review can be read here.
19) Che
One of the most audacious undertakings by any filmmaker in recent years, Steven Soderbergh’s epic is split into two distinct films. Part One, The Argentine follows Che in the build up to the Cuban Revolution, culminating in the infamous Battle of Santa Clara. Part Two, Guerrilla, picks up seven years later and recounts his failed campaign in Bolivia. The scope of the project is astounding and Benicio Del Toro thoroughly deserved his Best Actor win at Cannes. It does skip anything to do with the Bay of Pigs or his time in the Congo but no film could possibly cover everything about this icon. Combined, they make a great companion piece to 2004’s Diarios de Motocicleta. I did find the first movie more enjoyable – it has some cracking action scenes while the second one takes a more brooding approach. Of course after sitting in the Civic for 5hours it could have just been my own exhaustion taking its toll.
18) Frost/Nixon
An adaptation of the 2006 play, Frost/Nixon recounts the interviews between David Frost (Michael Sheen) and Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) shortly after Nixon resigned from office. No-one expected Frost, a British talk show host to extract anything compelling out of the man, but Nixon revealing information even the courts weren’t privy to. Given its stage play roots there is no flashy camerawork and some may find this approach boring. For me this focused the film, intensifying the verbal sparring between these two great actors. It’s also a reminder that even still shots can have immense power – a close-up of Nixon looking into the camera, thoroughly beaten and emotionally drained speaks volumes.
17) The Baader Meinhof Complex
Another revolutionary film that I saw at the International Film Festival, it stars Moritz Bleibtreu (The Expriment) and Martina Gedeck (The Lives of Others) as Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof, members of the German terrorist group the Red Army Faction. Meinhof is a former journalist turned activist and Baader a former criminal. Both are Marxist revolutionaries fighting against rampant capitalism, who spent years terrorising West Germany with robberies and bombings. The film is perhaps a little too broad in scope as it introduces so many peripheral characters but that doesn’t stop it being a riveting action thriller.
16) Everlasting Moments
One of the last movies I saw in 2009 was also one of the best. From Swedish director Jan Troell, this unassuming film is an ode to the joys of photography and a bittersweet romance to boot. Set in Sweden from the mid 1910s through to post World War II it follows Maria Larsson after she wins a camera in a lottery. Discovering a hidden talent she is soon taking photos for everyone in the town, much to the annoyance of her alcoholic husband Sigfrid. It’s her newfound love for photography that sets up the most touching element of the film, a tragic love story with Sebastien Pedersen, the local photo shop owner. If you’re interested in early photography or appreciate an understated drama this is one definitely worth checking out.
15) Star Trek
JJ Abrams really does have the Midas touch. Whether it’s creating the best show on TV (Lost), masterminding the best viral marketing in years (Cloverfield) or rebooting a very lifeless franchise it seems he can do no wrong. The last Star Trek was critically derided and barely made back its budget so one would have to be crazy to green-light another one right? Not if you’ve got JJ Abrams directing. By rebooting the franchise and setting up an alternate reality to the original set of movies it opened up an ocean of opportunities for future sequels. Of course there wouldn’t be any if this one sucked but thankfully that’s not the case. The action sequences keep on coming and the story is entertaining too, if a little thin. Casting is great and Chris Pine is a worthy Captain Kirk. Simon Pegg is hilarious as always in the role of Scotty and our very own Karl Urban makes a great Bones. The biggest praise I can level at Star Trek is that it’s garnered a new generation of fans and won back doubters who thought the series had past its use-by date.
14) Defiance
One of the most underrated films on my list, Edward Zwick’s (Blood Diamond) latest is easily one of the best action movies of the year and a great WWII period piece. Given the glut of World War II films around these days it could explain some of the indifference it was greeted with in some quarters. I found the true story of the Bielski brothers absolutely riveting and it has some great guerrilla warfare sequences. Daniel Craig reminds why he was chosen for Bond with his portrayal of Tuvia Bielski and Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell provide great support. It could have been a little bit more honest in its depiction of events but even if the brothers weren’t quite as heroic as the movie leads us to believe at the end of the day their story is still one of the most insane acts of humanity and courage to come out of the war.
13) Rachel Getting Married
The reason you probably haven’t seen this on any end of year best of lists is due to it being in American critics lists last year. Not for everyone, but if you can handle handheld camerawork done in a verite style you will really dig this. Jonathan Demme (Silence of The Lambs) has created an incredibly raw, truthful piece of cinema about the bond of sisterhood and dysfunctional families. Anne Hathaway is a revelation as the troubled sister Kym and the supporting roles are all excellent. Look out for Tunde Adebimpe (lead singer of TV on the Radio) playing the groom.
12) Looking For Eric
A refreshing departure from Ken Loach’s usual work, this comedy/drama was one of the highlights from the International Film Festival. It follows Eric, a depressed postman who has his life turned around when his footballing hero, Eric Cantona appears to give him some life lessons. I don’t want to spoil it for you but thanks to Eric Cantona the third act provides one of the years most heart-warming moments. The only downside is the subplot involving Eric’s problem son getting involved with some crooked crims. I found it engaging but it may put off viewers wary of his overtly political Filmography.
11) District 9
There’s not much more to say about this movie that hasn’t been said already. My original review can be read here. If you haven’t seen it already you need to rectify this immediately as you’re missing out on the most original sci-fi flick in years. Using the setting of South Africa was inspired and director Neill Blomkamp makes $30million stretch further than you would think imaginable. Sharto Copley is an unlikely yet excellent action hero and the faux-documentary approach gives the action sequences great immediacy. Oh and the film gives all new meaning to the word ‘prawn’.
10) Inglorious Basterds
At the end of the film Lt Aldo Raine remarks, “I think this just might be my masterpiece”. He damn well might be right. Inglorious is Tarantino at the very top of his game. The pure love of cinema Tarantino shows in this movie sends a cinephile like me into delirium. Who else could turn a film critic into an action hero? The real star of the show though is the sure-fire Oscar nominee Christoph Waltz in his scene stealing, scenery chewing role of Col. Hans Landa, or “The Jew Hunter”. If you love cinema, you love this movie.
9) (500) Days of Summer
Romantic comedies don’t normally wind up on my end of year best of list but then (500) Days is no ordinary rom-com. The genre trappings stop at boy meets girl. The film is brimming with creativity such as a great musical number done to Hall & Oates, ‘You Make My Dreams’, an “I’ve been there before” reality v expectation cut-scene and a disjointed narrative that mirrors our own relationships. Of course it helps that Zooey Deschanel is an adorable beauty and Joseph Gordon-Levitt isn’t too shabby looking either. It’s also my pick for soundtrack of the year, featuring The Smiths, The Black Lips, Doves, The Temper Trap and Carla Bruni among others. My original review can be found here.
8) Up
Ah Pixar, how I love you so. Every year I can count on you to produce a 5 star masterpiece. Every year you top your best work yet. I am eternally grateful that a studio like yours carries on making movies that can be cherished and passed down the generations. Up is no exception. Taking place in a Venezuelan jungle filled with talking dogs, multi-coloured birds and awe-inspiring scenery the film follows widowed Carl Fredrickson who rediscovers life through the eyes of 8 year old wilderness explorer, Russell. There’s one scene in particular that perfectly encapsulates the artistry of Pixar – an extended montage tracking the complete life story of Carl and his wife Ellie. No dialogue. Everything that needs to be said is animated in front of us. It’s heartbreaking. My original review can be read here.
7) Big River Man
I imagine not many of you have heard of Martin Strel. I certainly hadn’t. Hailing from Slovenia, where he’s a household name Strel is not your ordinary sportsman. For his idea of fun he swims down rivers. Not a tiny river like the Waikato. We’re talking about The Danube. The Mississippi. The Yangtze. And now, for his latest marathon effort he is taking on the mighty Amazon. This is a river infested with nasties, whether it’s man-eating piranha or little fish that can swim up your pee-hole and eat your manhood from the inside out. You’ve got to be crazy right? Well this guy does prefer to drink spirits to water during his swims… And if the feat alone isn’t enough the documentary channels Werner Herzog’s Aguirre, Wrath of God with Strel and his crew getting lost in the depths of the jungle, both physically and spiritually. It’s a fantastic documentary. If you loved King of Kong, you’ll love this.
6) Broken Embraces
Yet another piece of brilliance from Spanish maestro Pedro Almodovar. Nominated for a Golden Globe and surely an Oscar, it’s a vibrant neo-noir complete with all his trademarks. Penelope Cruz, his muse, stars as Lena, a call girl turned actress who gets caught up in a love triangle between millionaire banker Ernesto Martel (Jose Luiz Gomez) and director Mateo Blanco (Lluis Homar). Told in flashback long after the romance has ended the film deconstructs their relationships while also touching on Almodovar’s love of cinema and the female form (aided by Cruz’s assets). The soundtrack is great and his trademark use of red as ravishing as ever.
5) Ponyo
A Miyazaki film ending up on my end of year best list is pretty much a given, such is the quality of his work. This year was no exception with Ponyo, a loose adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘Little Mermaid’ story. It’s probably his most child orientated work yet with adult themes taking a back seat. The film follows 5-year-old Sosuke who strikes up a friendship with a very special goldfish named Ponyo who desperately wants to turn human. Unfortunately this desire breaks the balance of nature and unleashes massive amounts of energy, creating a huge storm that turns Sosukes’ seaside village into Atlantis.
As much as Miyazaki’s hand-drawn artistry impresses it’s the inherent whimsy and magic he brings out of the animation that draws me back to his work time and time again. At 69 you’d think he would slow down – he’s talked about retiring ever since finishing Spirited Away but in September last year he signed a two picture deal with Ghibli over the next three years. I cannot wait.
4) The Chaser
This fantastic thriller marks director Hong-jin Na as the freshest talent to come out of South Korea since Chan-wook Park. It’s already being adapted for the US market by the same guys who did The Departed (a remake of Infernal Affairs), which is indicative of its originality. Inspired by a true story, the film follows Eom Joong-ho, a former police officer turned pimp who starts doing detective work when his girls keep going missing. He quickly figures out who the killer is and drags him to the local police station where he makes a complete confession. Too bad the lack of evidence and the complete ineptness of the police get in the way of the course of justice. But then that’s only the beginning… If you’re a fan of Asian cinema, you’ll love this one.
3) Milk
Some people say Mickey Rourke was robbed of best actor last year by Sean Penn. Granted he was fantastic, but they must have not seen Milk, such is the power of Penn’s portrayal. Penn plays Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office. It was only in his 40s that Milk got political and that’s where Gus Van Sant’s biopic picks up. Following Milk through his political campaigns and numerous lovers Van Sant brings to life this extraordinary character – one of the most important gay rights activists in history. Ably assisted by his supporting cast of James Franco, Diego Luna, Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch, Penn astounds in this against-type role, imbuing Milk with sensitivity and charm. This is one of the best bio-pics I have ever seen.
2) Avatar
What can I say? Avatar re-defines event movie. Even between writing the first paragraph of this article and writing this Avatar has jumped hundreds of millions ahead and is now the biggest movie of all time. You have to envy James Cameron – director of the two highest grossing movies ever. With Avatar he hasn’t just moved the bar for what special effects can achieve – he’s reinvented the wheel. For the first time ever Cameron has made CGI characters become 100% photo realistic. In a matter of seconds you forget what you’re watching is the highpoint of cinema technology and become totally engrossed in what the movie really is – a rollicking action adventure with a damn good story.
And while I’m on the subject – bollocks to the anti-Avatar bandwagon. You’re not going to devalue it by highlighting its similarity with Pocahontas and the like. Was Star Wars an original story? No, it’s an archetypal one. Some people are just too cynical. And even if you can’t get past the perceived lack of originality in the screenplay – there is absolutely no way you can argue the fact that Avatar is the greatest technological wonder ever created by the medium.
If you haven’t seen it I worry for you, I really do. Anyway I won’t blather on any more because you can read more on how I feel about it in my original review
1) The Cove
So here we are. My number one movie of 2009, and it’s a documentary. I knew walking out of it way back in July that it was destined to be my best movie of the year. I went straight out of the cinema and booked tickets to the only other session – It’s that good. Indeed it’s possibly the greatest documentary I have seen. It’s even better than 2007’s catholic kiddyfiddler doco ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ and that’s saying something. Walking out of The Cove I had one of those rare moments where you feel that what you have seen is so powerful that real change can be effected from it.
For those of you who haven’t heard of the movie already – and you will – it’s a certain Oscar winner – The documentary follows a ragtag group in their attempt to stop the annual dolphin slaughter in the infamous cove at Taiji, Japan. Led by Ric O Barry (a former dolphin trainer on the show Flipper) the team embarks on an Oceans Eleven style covert op to infiltrate the heavily guarded cove and show the world the atrocities taking place behind closed doors.
Smartly the doco is aware of people launching the ‘it’s a cultural thing’ defense and highlights the disturbing fact that dolphin meat has such high levels of mercury in it that were you to eat it you’d be effectively poisoning yourself.
Some will write this off for the simple fact of it being a documentary but The Cove is just as much a Bond style thriller as it is activist doco. Thoroughly entertaining, emotionally draining and packed with edge of your seat thrills The Cove is a powerful reminder that cinema really is a truly extraordinary medium.
Now in case you’re pulling your hair out at some of my omissions, here are the next ten on my list which still all deserve must-see status:
Slumdog Millionare
Revolutionary Road
Adventureland
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Summer Hours
The Class
Away We Go
Mother
Thirst
The Wrestler
And of course no year would be complete without acknowledging the year’s turkeys. Here is my list of the ten worst movies I dragged myself to see this year. Every one of these should be steered well clear of as there is a distinct possibility your sanity may be permanently damaged:
2012
Transformers 2: Revenge of The Fallen
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
He’s Just Not That Into You
The Invention of Lying
A Bunch of Amateurs
Sex Drive
Fast and Furious
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
And a few more distinctions to boot:
Biggest Surprise of 2009: The Hangover
Biggest Disappointment of 2009: The Invention of Lying
So that’s that. Another year of film been and gone and I look forward to 2010 with great anticipation. James Cameron has opened a whole new world for filmmakers with the technology on display in Avatar, although the true repercussions of this game changer will probably not be felt until later into the decade.
Peering at the release schedule over the next few months January is typically devoid of any truly drool-worthy releases but moving into February a slew of Oscar hopefuls arrive on our screens – Invictus, the Nelson Mandela/SA World Cup win biopic arrives on Jan 28th. Feb 4th brings Precious, based on the best selling novel Push, about a 16 year old girl whose upbringing couldn’t have been harsher. The Wolfman marks the first big Hollywood blockbuster of the year when it arrives on Feb 11th. A remake of the 1941 Bela Lugosi film about a man turning into a werewolf (funnily enough) it has an all star cast including Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt and Anthony Hopkins. The 18th Feb is probably the biggest week for releases with Scorsese’s latest, Shutter Island, Jane Campion’s Bright Star, Balibo and New York, I Love You all arriving.
The tail end of February sees Jeff Bridges blow people away in Crazy Heart, about a down and out country singer. It looks like this years’ Walk The Line. Also debuting in the last week of Feb is Che – one of my favourites from last year and an epic in every sense of the word. As this isn’t a 2010 preview article I’ll stop there and just list some of the other great movies I’m looking forward to this year: The A-Team, A Prophet, A Single Man, Alice In Wonderland, Black Swan, Boy, Bronson, Cemetery Junction, Clash of the Titans, Due Date, Enter The Void, The Extra Man, Fish Tank, The Green Hornet, Green Zone, Greenberg, Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 1, Hesher, Holy Rollers, Howl, The Hurt Locker, Inception, Iron Man 2, Jack Goes Boating, Jonah Hex, Kick-Ass, Machete, Nowhere Boy, Paul, Rapunzel, The Road, Robin Hood, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, Tron: Legacy, Tucker & Dale Vs Evil, Waiting For Superman, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, The White Ribbon and Your Highness. Phew. And that list doesn’t include the dozens of festivals, spearheaded by the World Cinema Showcase and the International Film Festival. Not to mention dozens and dozens more not yet on my radar. One thing I can be sure of looking at the upcoming slate for 2010 is that it’s going to be one great year for film. See you at the movies.
