CMJ
Jan 3rd, 2010, 11:27:44 AM
My yearly process of trying to rank the films of the year has begun in earnest. It is something I have done since 1997.
I revise these lists well into the following year(because of catching up), and then occassionally I'll revist old years and shift stuff around as films age better/worse in my mind.
Anyways, here is my current list for the year 2009.
1. The Hurt Locker - The best portrayl of what the Iraqi war is/was like for the guys on the ground that we're ever likely to see. A true acheivement
2. Up in the Air - Was this a character study...a romantic drama...a comedy....I'm still not sure. What I do know is I loved this intelligent film. Reitman is 3 for 3 as far as I'm concerned.
3. Away We Go - Sam Mendes steps out of his normal strike zone with the warm hearted comedy about two early 30 somethings trying to find their way in the world
4. Where the Wild Things Are - Sendek's book come to life in this mournful look at childhood
5. A Single Man - Collin Firth gives a brilliantly restrained performance of a gay man contemplating suicide after the death of his long time partner in 1962 Los Angeles
6. (500) Days of Summer - A wonderful examination of an intense, but short lived relationship...and the pain that follows
7. Crazy Heart - Perhaps Jeff Bridges best performance in this little gem about a down and out country singer
8. Fantastic Mr. Fox - Wes Anderson's quirky hipster take on the classic children's book. Alot of fun.
9. Invictus - Clint Eastwood's look at Mandella and rugby is a real inspiring crowd pleaser
10. Star Trek - Hugely exciting and thrilling....even to a non Trkkie like myself
I revise these lists well into the following year(because of catching up), and then occassionally I'll revist old years and shift stuff around as films age better/worse in my mind.
Anyways, here is my current list for the year 2009.
1. The Hurt Locker - The best portrayl of what the Iraqi war is/was like for the guys on the ground that we're ever likely to see. A true acheivement
2. Up in the Air - Was this a character study...a romantic drama...a comedy....I'm still not sure. What I do know is I loved this intelligent film. Reitman is 3 for 3 as far as I'm concerned.
3. Away We Go - Sam Mendes steps out of his normal strike zone with the warm hearted comedy about two early 30 somethings trying to find their way in the world
4. Where the Wild Things Are - Sendek's book come to life in this mournful look at childhood
5. A Single Man - Collin Firth gives a brilliantly restrained performance of a gay man contemplating suicide after the death of his long time partner in 1962 Los Angeles
6. (500) Days of Summer - A wonderful examination of an intense, but short lived relationship...and the pain that follows
7. Crazy Heart - Perhaps Jeff Bridges best performance in this little gem about a down and out country singer
8. Fantastic Mr. Fox - Wes Anderson's quirky hipster take on the classic children's book. Alot of fun.
9. Invictus - Clint Eastwood's look at Mandella and rugby is a real inspiring crowd pleaser
10. Star Trek - Hugely exciting and thrilling....even to a non Trkkie like myself