We all know the Academy has their picks. We all know the critics have their picks. Generally, these picks are similar. Me? I don't care what THEY have to say. I like to go outside the norm with my choices. These are all MY opinion. A lot of these will be questioned...by everyone BUT me.
So - without further ado...
CORY'S TOP 20 FILMS OF 2009.
1. The Blindside.
- Sandra Bullock's much deserved Award-winning performance in a film that was snubbed for every other deserving award. Easily the best drama of 2009.
2. James Cameron's AVATAR.
- A new twist on a classic tale. Spectacular action and phenomenal visuals fuel this story of acceptance of other people, standing up for what's right...and the quest for UNOBTAINIUM. Yup - that's what it's called. A detailed review a la Cory is in the works.
3. Taken.
- If ever there was a revenge flick people could relate to - it was this one. Liam Neeson dominates the joint as an ex-spy hell bent on getting his daughter back from kidnappers. Take James Bond and Jason Bourne, mix them into a super spy, and you get the sheer ass-kickery of Liam. Great action flick!
4. The Princess and the Frog.
- Walt Disney pictures have shown us over the years that they can make a classic fairy tale last the test of time. Then CGI took over. This film shows they still have the touch! The Princess and the Frog belongs on the same shelf as Cinderella, Snow White, and the rest of the ladies of Disney. Great job Disney!
5. Star Trek.
- Easily in my top 5 for one reason, and one reason only...I LIKED IT. What I mean by that is I HATE THE STAR TREK UNIVERSE! I hate the TV shows, the movies based off of them, WILLIAM SHATNER, the list goes on. But this film made me want to watch the show and buy all the toys! I mean I'm not going to...AT ALL...but it was that good of a movie!
6. Sherlock Holmes.
- Robert Downey Jr. takes another role and shows he can still do it awesomely. Great Sherlock Holmes tale, with a definite sequel planned. If nothing else, Rachel McAdams was smoking hot!
7. Public Enemies.
- Johnny Depp as John Dillenger. Enough said. Dillenger's story is almost accurate to the letter...but Agent Purvis' story (played by Christian Bale) was very loose. Still, Depp delivers!
8. Up
- While not my favourite Disney/Pixar project, you cannot deny its powerful, moving story of an old man who just wants to have an adventure before he dies. Not so much for little kids but older kids and adults will like it.
9. District 9
- In a very intense look at the human condition, Neill Blomkamp shows us just what people would do if aliens came to Earth. Forget Independence Day, think more Remember The Titans etc. where we just CAN'T accept them into our culture. Sad but true point of view. The styling of the movie was the only downfall in my opinion.
10. The Lovely Bones
- Peter Jackson revives yet another book and turns it into his own. Very sad and fantastical look at a girl (who gets murdered) trying to find a way to help her family cope - even though they can't see or hear her. Very good thriller while maintaining a very sad story.
11. The Hangover
- The highest grossing comedy of all time delivers in every way. It's like Bachelor Party meets Dude, Where's My Car...but frickin' hilarious! Zack Galifianakis steals the show while Bradley Cooper and Ed Hemls are not far behind. A must for everyone who had a bad night before.
12. State of Play
- Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Helen Mirren. A superb cast fuel a superb thriller about a congressman (Affleck) dealing with the suspicious death of his assistant and the larger story that may have lead to it.
13. Zombieland
- Zombie gore laced in outstanding comedy. If gores not your thing, just close your eyes, because every word that comes out of Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson is pure comic genius! If you ever wanted to know how to survive a zombie epidemic...and see Bill Murray back to true form - WATCH THIS!
14. Watchmen
- When a group of ex-superheroes discover one of their own murdered, one of them (played by a wickedly awesome Jackie Earl Haley) decides to extract some vigilante justice to find answers. However, the answers lead to a new question entirely. Very tense and deep movie with a very long runtime. Pace yourself, but sit back and watch it.
15. Inglourious Basterds
- Quentin Tarantino's dialogue reigns supreme in this WWII flick about a group of soldiers hell bent on taking down Hitler's regime by any means necessary. Tense dialogue and a wicked finale make up for the fact that the middle is a tad dry. Brad Pitt's humour and sadism absolutely makes this movie!
16. The Box
- Donnie Darko's Richard Kelly tells us a tale of human choice. What would YOU do for one million dollars? Who you take someone's life? Cameron Diaz (who unfortunately fails to deliver) and James Marsden play the couple forced with the unthinkable option.
17. The Ugly Truth
- We men are pigs, and we don't deny it. In this film Gerard Butler shows it. Hosting a TV show about what men think women are only good for (and not holding back), Butler's character does not believe in love...until he meets his new producer. Can her razor-sharp wit match his own? Let the battle of the sexes begin!
18. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
- A great cast (including the always funny Bill Hader, Bruce Campbell, and Anna Faris) topped off with a witty, charming, and flat out hilarious look at an inventor who never could do anything right - until he creates a machine that controls the weather. And by control the weather I mean he can make it rain food. Yes, I said food. All of this and more in this zany kids tale that everyone will watch over and over.
19. Whip It
- Drew Barrymore's directorial debut is pure gold. In a story of Bliss Cavender, a small-town girl who discovers the hardcore world of Roller Derby. She then makes a choice to leave behind a world of beauty pageants and talent shows to make new friends and don the helmet of her exciting new world. Very amazing performance by all the cast!
20. Paranormal Activity
- A psychologically intense thriller that let's your imagination do the work. When Katie and Micah discover strange noises in their house at night, they set up a camcorder to see what they can discover. What they find is a lot more disturbing than they first realized. Set up just like Blair Witch Project, this "true story" makes you feel like this just happened to your neighbour! Open your mind and prepare to be scared!
Nice list. Still haven't seen Paranormal activity, (and still won't), whip it, the box and the lovely bones. I think the one I would butt heads with you the most on is the blind side. I still liked it quite a bit but I thought it was overrated. Good job on the list though.
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