Inspired by Ain’t It Cool News‘ ‘A Movie a Day’ feature, I took on the task of trying to watch 365 movies in 2009.
I created a twitter account and an IMDb list to record my progress, and thanks to the interest from my friends and twitter followers, I succeeded.
Here are the top ten movies out of the 365 I saw this year (bear in mind that these are movies which were new to me and were not necessarily released in 2009).
10. Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
Original review
A real life ‘rockumentary’ which is highly inspirational and emotional.
Additional comments
I think being a musician myself (I’m a drummer) made this all the more inspirational. The level of commitment these guys show towards their music and each other is at times quite staggering.
9. Once (2006)
Original review
One of my favourites of the year so far with great music, laughter and a very special friendship.
Additional comments
Another film which heavily features music. There are some genuinely touching moments in this film, and the romantic gesture towards the end has to go down as one of cinema’s all-time greatests.
8. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Original review
The hype surrounding this film is completely justified. Absolutely breathtaking.
Additional comments
Every element of this production is top class with the editing being the most impressive aspect. The way the many different moments in time are so perfectly and fluently presented to us is the reason this film is so enjoyable.
7. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Original review
The dialogue is as superb as you’d expect, particularly in scenes with Waltz.
Additional comments
I cannot emphasise enough how terrifying and superb Christopher Waltz’s performance is in this brilliant story. When he is on screen, the tension is almost unbearable.
6. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Original review
I’ve developed a real interest in legal dramas this year and this is one of the best.
Additional comments
This was the only film from IMDB’s top 30 that I hadn’t seen, and being that my interest in legal dramas had grown, it seemed like a good one to include this year. I certainly didn’t regret that decision.
5. Avatar (2009)
Original review
James Cameron’s return to Hollywood is absorbing and technically brilliant, in 3D or not.
Additional comments
Allow me to expand on my ‘3D or not’ comment… Because I have amblyopia in my right eye, I didn’t really experience the full 3D effect. However, Cameron’s return is enough of an immersive, mind blowing experience anyway.
4. Frozen River (2008)
Original review
A brilliant character drama, fully deserving its Oscar nominations. Leo was superb.
Additional comments
Melissa Leo and Misty Upham were my favourite female performers this year (in a leading role and in a supporting role respectively) and the screenplay was equally as absorbing.
3. District 9 (2009)
Original review
This perfectly crafted science fiction film is one of my favourites of the year.
Additional comments
One of my top three favourites as it turns out. As critics have said, this is probably the closest bond between humans and aliens we’ve seen on screen since E.T.. I would also suggest it’s one of the closest bonds between humans and CG creatures we’ve ever seen.
2. Paris, Texas (1984)
Original review
Easy paced and precise, you are sucked into the story of two brothers and their families.
Additional comments
This film is so much more than the words I managed to squeeze into less than 140 characters. It is a deeply affecting drama containing many interesting and complex personalities, individual journies and relationships. The road trip aspect of the movie is particularly impressive – the cinematography, the dialogue, and the many different emotions experienced.
1. The Wrestler (2008)
Original review
An absolute masterpiece which is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Incredible performances.
Additional comments
‘Heartbreaking and uplifting’ says it all really and Darren Aronofsky is fast becoming one of my favourite director’s. This was all about Mickey Rourke though and his performance was my favourite from a male lead this year – he deserved the Oscar.