Top Movies of 2009 (Updated)

My Top 10 Films of 2009 (so far):

1. Up In The Air
2. Avatar
3. The Hurt Locker
4. District 9
5. Up
6. (500) Days of Summer
7. Inglorious Basterds
8. An Education
9. The Messenger
10. The Road


Movies I need to see:

Invictus
Crazy Heart
A Single Man
Where the Wild Things Are
The Last Station

Golden Globes - The results

So the Golden Globes were this past Sunday. Let's take a look back on my predictions and see where I was right (and wrong):

Best Picture - Drama
"Up in the Air"
"Precious"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"Avatar"

Prediction: "Up in the Air"
Winner: "Avatar"
Analysis: This pick both took me by surprise and at the same time it didn't. I was pretty sure I was going to be wrong on this one, but I thought "The Hurt Locker" might come out on top. While the story is far from original and there are plenty of cliches to be found, James Cameron's "Avatar" is a great film. I just thought it was a LITTLE too mainstream to win. But this IS the Golden Globes, so I'm not really shocked at this outcome.

Best Picture - Comedy
"The Hangover"
"Julie & Julia"
"Nine"
"It's Complicated"
"(500) Days of Summer"

Prediction: "(500) Days of Summer"
Winner: "The Hangover"
Analysis: At the beginning of the year I would have bet the house on "Nine", but Rob Marshall's film didn't live up to expectations. After that I went with my heart and picked (500) Days of Summer, a touching and brutally honest story of love that is well needed in this day of sub-par romantic comedies. In the end, however, the winner was "The Hangover", and I should have known. It is the top grossing R-rated comedy of all-time and rightfully so: it delivers the goods in a "Reservoir Dogs"-type narrative structure coupled with excellent performances all around that leave you wanting to watch it again.
Best Actor - Drama
Jeff Bridges - "Crazy Heart"
Colin Firth - "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman - "Invictus"
Tobey Maguire - "Brothers

Prediction: Jeff Bridges
Winner: Jeff Bridges
Analysis: This was an easy pick, even if I haven't seen "Crazy Heart". Bridges has long been overdue for a win and his performance has been lauded by all.

Best Actress - Drama
Carey Mulligan - "An Education"
Emily Blunt - "The Young Victoria"
Sandra Bullock - "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren - "The Last Station"
Gabourey Sidibe - "Precious"

Prediction: Carey Mulligan
Winner: Sandra Bullock
Analysis: I have admittedly not seen "The Blind Side", so I can't say for certain that Sandra Bullock's win was well deserved (though going into the Globes she had a lot of momentum so I should have known based on that that she might win). However, I have seen "An Education", and I firmly believe that Carey Mulligan's natural performance as a bright young woman who puts her Oxford dreams on hold to pursue a life with an older man is the best I will see this year from an actress.

Best Actor - Comedy or Musical
Daniel Day-Lewis - "Nine"
Michael Stuhlbarg - "A Serious Man"
Robert Downey, Jr. - "Sherlock Holmes"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - "(500) Days of Summer"
Matt Damon - "The Informant!"

Prediction: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Winner: Robert Downey, Jr.
Analysis: This pick both does and doesn't confuse me. I'm surprised because I wouldn't call "Sherlock Holmes" a comedy (though it has more than enough comedy in it) and therefore didn't even think to pick Downey, Jr. as the winner. But the man was do for some sort of award after returning to A-list status in 2008 with his roles in "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder", and with this race wide open and his performance as the infamous detective fitting him to a T this isn't too shocking. Once again I went with my favorite Indie movie of the year and its star and got burned.

Best Actress - Comedy or Musical
Meryl Streep - "It's Complicated"
Meryl Streep - "Julie & Julia"
Julia Roberts - "Duplicity"
Sandra Bullock - "The Proposal"
Marion Cotiallard - "Nine"

Prediction: Meryl Streep ("Julie & Julia")
Winner: Meryl Streep ("Julie & Julia")
Analysis: With her performance as Julia Child being the only thing close to an Oscar worthy performance from this group, picking Meryl Streep was a safe bet and sure enough she was the winner.

Best Supporting Actor
Matt Damon - "Invictus"
Stanley Tucci - "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz - "Inglorious Basterds"
Christopher Plummer - "The Last Station"
Woody Harrelson - "The Messenger"

Prediction: Christoph Waltz
Winner: Christoph Waltz
Analysis: Another surefire winner, Waltz has been the Oscar leader in this category since Cannes. Though he's facing some quality competition, it's a safe bet that he'll take home the Oscar.

Best Supporting Actress
Vera Farmiga - "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick - "Up in the Air"
Mo'Nique - "Precious"
Penelope Cruz - "Nine"
Julianne Moore - "A Single Man"

Prediction: Anna Kendrick
Winner: Mo'Nique
Analysis: This was my biggest mistake. Having seen both films and looking back on these performances I was criminally wrong. Kendrick is excellent, but Mo'Nique is monstrously good. What made me hesitant about her was her constant anger and hatred throughout the film, but her scene at the welfare center was something to behold, truly showing the audience that this was a character who was not only vile but desperate, and that scene is going to ensure I predict her come Oscar time.

Best Director
James Cameron - "Avatar"
Jason Reitman - "Up in the Air"
Quentin Tarantino - "Inglorious Basterds"
Clint Eastwood - "Invictus"
Kathryn Bigelow - "The Hurt Locker"

Prediction: James Cameron
Winner: James Cameron
Analysis: It takes a special talent to make a film with the epic scope of "Avatar", but James Cameron pulled it off, rightfully deserving his Best Director win.

Best Screenplay
"Up in the Air"
"District 9"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"The Hurt Locker"
"It's Complicated"

Prediction: "Up in the Air"
Winner: "Up in the Air"
Analysis: I thought of changing my prediction but I stuck with my gut and ended up correctly guessing the winner. While "The Hurt Locker" and "Inglorious Basterds" both had a shot, "Up in the Air" is at the top of the class in terms of this year's screenplays.

Best Animated Film
"Up"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
"Coraline"
"The Princess and the Frog"

Prediction: "Up"
Winner: "Up"
Analysis: Was there ever any doubt? Pixar owns the animated film sector, and with it's newest film it has created yet another classic. "Up" is truly deserving of its win and is a pretty safe bet to take home the Oscar.

Five Films You May Not Have Seen But Should

Here are five films that I enjoy immensely that may not have been seen by the masses:



1. "Road to Perdition"
Probably the most popular film on my list, "Road to Perdition" was just one of many excellent films to be released in 2002 ("Chicago", "The Pianist", "Adaptation", just to name a few). While it was recognized by the Academy in several categories and won the Oscar for Best Cinematography, the film for the most part went under the radar by the public. Its theme (the bonds between sons and fathers) may be nothing new but the execution is flawless. Director Sam Mendes, coming off his critically acclaimed debut "American Beuaty" that netted him the Best Director Oscar (and also won Best Picture), brings the 1930's gangster scene to life but instead of using violence as the method goes for the more intimate approach of a hitman fleeing with his son after the son witnesses what his father does for a living. The direction is top notch, the acting by all (Tom Hanks, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, and especially Paul Newman in his last Oscar nominated role) is excellent, and the score by Thomas Newman is beautifully engaging and touching. But the highest accolades go to Conrad Hall, who died before he was able to claim the Oscar for Best Cinematography that this film won and richly deserved. Bringing the period to life through excellent use of lighting and camerawork, it is a fitting end to Hall's illustrious career. "Road to Perdition" is a beautifully crafted film, one that should have gotten more attention when it was released and should be seen for just how good it really is.




2. "Glengarry Glen Ross"
If you like dialogue-heavy films, great ensemble acting, and plenty of expletives, then "Glengarry Glen Ross" is for you. Released in 1992, the film has since gone unnoticed by today's generation, who are more caught up with films that entertain than films with true skill. Focusing on the happenings of a real estate office, "Glengarry Glen Ross" is an adaptation of the play created by David Mamet, who wrote the screenplay for the film. Though the premise may seem terribly boring to moviegoers today (especially my generation), this is without a doubt one of the underrated films of the 1990's. Featuring a script to die for and a cast for the ages - Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin, and Alan Arkin - does it get any better?




3. "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
In my opinion this is the most underrated film of the past decade. 2007 will go down in history as having been a very good year for films - "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" are cinematic masterpieces worthy of the highest praise; "Juno" has already gathered a cult following; "Michael Clayton", "Atonement", and "Into the Wild", among others, add to the depth of that year. But this long-named film should not be forgotten when it comes to the great films of the year. "The Assassination of the Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" looks at the life of Jesses James and the obsession, and ultimately the disdain, with which Robert Ford, a youngster with dreams of being famous, has for his childhood idol. A box-office failure when it was released, it was recognized by the Academy in only two categories: Best Supporting Actor (Casey Affleck) and Best Cinematography. Had this film come out any other year those two nominations may have resulted into wins. Affleck is at his absolute best here, giving Ford a nervous, even pathetic edge that is a result of his desperation to be known and appreciated, and the cinematography by Roger Deakins is among the best you will ever see, with the train robbery scene standing out in particular. The acting as a whole is excellent, with Brad Pitt portraying James as a confident yet increasingly paranoid man. The pacing may be too slow for some, but in this case the film works best as a slow portrait of the life of one of the Midwest's greatest outlaws. And though it was hardly noticed in 2007, I would be willing to bet that history will look back on this film as easily being one of the best of its year and a hidden gem of its decade.



4. "Midnight Cowboy"
Of the five movies on the list "Midnight Cowboy" is not only the most critically acclaimed but also the hardest to watch. Not because it is the oldest, though I'm sure some will be put off by its 1969 release date. Rather, this film is the most controversial film on my list. It has plenty of sexual scenes along with some of drug-induced trips that plunge the viewer into unease. That being said, "Midnight Cowboy" rightfully deserves its place on AFI's Top 100 American films of all time. Despite being the first X-rated film to win Best Picture (the rating has since been lowered to R), it is a powerful character study that not only explores the gritty underbelly of urban society during that time period but also served as an effective "buddy" film. Joe Buck is a cowboy, a man from out West who dreams of making it big in New York City as a "hustler". However, when things don't go as planned, he finds himself paired with Ratso Rizzo, a crippled con-man who knows the ways of the streets. They work together in hopes of one day making it to Florida, where hopefully all of thier troubles will be cleard. The skill of director John Schlesinger is apparent through the interwoven tales of urban depravity and the power of friendship. The editing is superb, especially during the disorienting drug scenes and during Joe's flashbacks. Both Dustin Hoffman as Ratso and Jon Voigt, a relative newcomer at the time, as Joe are astoundingly efficient in their Oscar nominated roles. The film has lost some of its edge due to the increasinging amount of sex in movies today, but its effectiveness as a tale of two loners in need of companionship in the midst of a harsh and uninviting environment has now lasted 40 years, and it has taken its rightful place among the screen classics.




5. "Magnolia"
Paul Thomas Anderson can never be accused of not having ambitious goals. His first film, "Boogie Nights", tackled the porn industry during the 1970's and 1980's, a controversial topic that has never been conveyed with as much skill and daring. His second major film was even more ambitious and in the end even more memorable. "Magnolia" tracks the interweaving stories of several people over a few days in San Fernando Valley as they search for happiness, forgiveness, and meaning. Featuring an astounding ensemble cast with the likes of Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Jason Robards, and a career best performance from Tom Cruise to go along with a deep and riveting script, PTA's most confusing yet intriguing film is yet another example of why he is one of our generation's finest filmmakers.

Movie Review - Avatar

What can I say about "Avatar" that hasn't already been said? From the $250+ million budget to the ten years of work that director James Cameron put into his new epic, "Avatar" entered film lore before it even opened. But when it did come out, all of the hype was met with positive reviews. I was a little bit skeptical that a film that was made with such a heavy reliance on special effects would be able to stand as a great film. Upon seeing it, I can say that "Avatar" is one of the best films of the year.

The story of "Avatar" begins with Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a Marine who has been paralyzed from the waist down. When his twin brother dies, Jake takes his place as one of the members of a scientific team that is being used to diplomatically deal with the Na'vi, the large blue-skinned peaceful people of Pandora. He becomes an operator of his own Avatar, a genetically engineered Na'vi-human hybrid controlled by genetically matched human operators. As Jake becomes accepted into the Na'vi and falls in love with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), the humans decide that military force is necessary in order to move the Na'vi and claim what they came to Pandora for: unobtanium. However, when Jake, who was initially sent in to give the military information on the Na'vi, chooses to help the Na'vi instead and the war for Pandora begins.

The special effects of "Avatar" are what everyone wanted to see, and they are no disappointment. They world of Pandora is easily the most realized film world since Middle-Earth was re-created in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The difference in the case of "Avatar" is that not only are the creatures and the environment computerized but so are the inhabitants. The Na'vi are the most technically amazing creatures to be seen on film since LOTR's Gollum. Once the world of Pandora is revealed to the audience there is no going back. You are entered into a vision a decade in the making that has been brought beautifully to life by a master filmmaker. This is where the power of the film truly lies. One of the great functions of film is that it can engulf you in a world that can be totally different from our own and yet be so real. Pandora is such a place. By the time the film concludes there is no question that Cameron has succeeded in completely engaging the audience and emotionally investing them in this fantasy realm.

The rest of the film seems almost secondary to the astonishing visual effects, but CGI alone can't create a great film. Admittedly the weakest part of "Avatar" is the story. It has a few cliches which at times can detract from the greatness around it. However, these are overcome by the involving world in which they take place. The acting serves the film well, even if the screen time for the actual actors is at times outweighed by their animated counterparts. The cinematography is excellent, the score is wonderfully affecting, and the editing is pitch-perfect, especially in the film's stunning climax.

The wait for "Avatar" is over, and I can easily say that it is worth the wait. With special effects and CGI the likes of which we have never seen and direction that can only be expected from a skilled filmmaker like Cameron the film soars into the ranks of best films to come out in 2009. A trip to Pandora is a must for all movie lovers, because once there you too will see just how real of a world Cameron has created.

Movie Review - Sherlock Holmes

The story of Sherlock Holmes is legendary. He is known throughout the world for his unorthodox brilliance and captivating presence. So when news hit that Guy Ritchie was going to direct a new film about the world's most famous detective, you had to wonder if the former Mr. Madonna would be up to the task. After seeing "Sherlock Holmes", I am pleased to say he certainly was.

The story finds Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) several months after his last case. He is disheveled and unruly, and his partner Dr. Watson (Jude Law) is leaving their home to be with his fiance. However, Holmes is thrown back in the game when Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), a mysterious and powerful man with ties to the occult, rises from the dead. With the help of Holmes' old flame Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the two team up once again to take on a foe who seems to have magic on his side.

Purists may cry foul when seeing the legendary Sherlock Holmes become an intelligent version of an action hero in the new Guy Ritchie movie, but Ritchie has done an excellent job of keeping his visual fast-paced style while also including the intelligence and mystery that has become second nature to any Holmes story. In fact, the blending of this intelligence and action is what makes this film stand above the typical blockbuster fare. Several times during the film we are given a look inside Holmes' head, seeing the next several moves he will make. This visual style works to great effect as it engages the audience in the method behind the brilliance.

I don't think anyone could have more perfect for the role of Sherlock Holmes than Robert Downey, Jr. His roguish charm has helped re-endear himself to the public through films such as "Iron Man", and in "Sherlock Holmes" he is no different. Downey, Jr. is both tough and intelligent, and his mannerisms are spot on. As Dr. Watson Jude Law brings a rationality that is matched by his loyalty to Holmes. He knows that a more stable life is waiting for him, but he follows Holmes into adventure and danger with a reluctant loyalty that in the end is never second guessed. The chemistry between Downey, Jr. and Law is impeccable. Strong is frighteningly effective as the evil Lord Blackwood, while McAdams is fine as Holmes' love interest.

"Sherlock Holmes" is the type of film you would expect to see come out during the summer: it's got action, adventure, suspense, romance, and above all a high entertainment factor. That it came out on Christmas is a bit surprising, but the film is able to succeed during the heavy handed Oscar bait season by providing something that the Oscar hopefuls can be a little short on: pure fun.

Movie Review - Nine

When I first heard about the movie "Nine", I eagerly placed it atop the list of films I most wanted to see in 2009. And why shouldn't I? Directed by Rob Marshall, who struck Oscar gold with "Chicago". An A-list cast including 6 Oscar winners - Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren, and the always accountable Daniel Day-Lewis (whose turn in "There Will Be Blood" is my personal favorite performance in all of film). This movie has all of the parts to be a winner. A big winner. But after walking out of the theater I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed.

The plot centers on Italian director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis), who is experiencing a mid-life crisis as he prepares to start shooting his next film. His past few films have been flops and he has no script; better yet, he has no inspriation to start one. To make matters worse, Gudio has to juggle the many women in his life - his wife (Cotillard), his muse movie star (Kidman), his mistress (Cruz), an American reporter (Kate Hudson), and his deceased mother (Loren). Dealing with all of this at once, Guido is forced to discover what he truly wants and what he must do to get it.

My first problem with "Nine" has to do with most of the Oscar-winning cast. This is not to say that this is a poorly acted film; far from it, I felt that there were very few faults to be found with any of the performers. However, when you are given the actresses that Marshall has in this film it would be a crime to underuse them. Unfortunately that is what happens. The women in Guido's life come and go, with their impact seeming to fade upon their exits. It is true that dividing screen time among this many actresses is difficult, but the end result leaves something to be desired.

As I stated previously, the acting in this film is excellent. The film centers on Day-Lewis, and once again he is able to carry it. Guido is a man of charm but this charm is used to get him what he wants: an actress for a film, a mistress to sleep with, some more time while he works (or rather doesn't work) on his script. He is not a very likable character; in fact, he's pretty repulsive. Day-Lewis is able to show not only the ugly underbelly of the character but also the charm through which Guido seems to so many to be a brilliant man. It doesn't hurt that he can sing, too. Cotillard is the female standout. Her charcter is given the most emotion and what a job she does with it. Luisa is a woman who never sees her husband. He is always working or off with another woman and she's been hurt to the point of being fed up. As with every other actor in the film Cotillard sings quite well. Dench, Kidman, Hudson, and especially Cruz were all wonderful, but their lack of screen time was upsetting given their talents.

Another disappointing feature of "Nine" is its lack of emotional attachment to the audience and musical numbers that, while good, were not as memorable as some might wish for. I am a fan of Marshall's "Chicago", a movie that I found deserving of its Best Picture win in 2002 despite great competition. That film was filled great songs, but more importantly it had a story that fit well with these songs and ultimately rewarded the audience. "Nine" can't say that. The movie left me strangely emotionless, which, given the emotions that are running amok in Guido's life, is not a good sign. I was hoping for something that would last but instead was given a hectic look at the life of a man losing everything. Who's to blame? Not the cast, I would say. Maybe Marshall for direction that I found less than great. Maybe the screenwriters for a script that was lacking at times. Regardless, "Nine" is an ambitious film that, while good, comes up short of being what it should have been: great.

My 2010 Golden Globe Predictions

Note: I have not seen all of the films/performances, so my predictions shouldn't be taken too seriously. Also, I may be changing these as the awards get closer.

Best Motion Picture -- Drama
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious
Up in the Air (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama
Emily Blunt, The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education (WINNER)
Gabourey Sadibe, Precious

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart (WINNER)
George Clooney, Up in the Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Tobey Maguire, Brothers

Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
(500) Days of Summer (WINNER)
The Hangover
It's Complicated
Julie & Julia
Nine

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
Sandra Bullock, The Proposal
Marion Cotillard, Nine
Meryl Streep, It's Complicated
Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia (WINNER)
Julia Roberts, Duplicity

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
Matt Damon, The Informant
Daniel Day Lewis, Nine
Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes
Joseph Gordon Levitt, (500) Days of Summer (WINNER)
Michael Stuhlbarg, A Serious Man

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Mo-Nique, Precious
Julianne Moore, A Single Man
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air (WINNER)
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Penelope Cruz, Nine

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Matt Damon, Invictus
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Christopher Waltz, Inglorious Basterds (WINNER)
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger

Best Animated Feature Film
Coraline
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
The Princess and the Frog
Up (WINNER)

Best Director -- Motion Picture
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
James Cameron, Avatar (WINNER)
Clint Eastwood, Invictus
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds

Best Screenplay -- Motion Picture
Up in the Air (WINNER)
It's Complicated
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds