Best of 2009

Although it is almost time to ring in the bell for the new year, I'd like to take a moment and look back to what has happened in the movies over this last year. There have been some duds (we'll get to that a little later), but there have also been some very bright spots. I'd like to dedicate this article to those movies that stood above the rest. Disclaimer: these are only selected from the list of movies that I have seen the whole way through, there are handfuls of hidden gems that could be discussed. Nevertheless, here is the list, in no particular order, for best movies of 2009.

SIN NOMBRE- This is the story of two very different paths crossing, but striving for the same goal. On one path is a honduran teenage girl named Sayra. Sayra and her family are taking the opportunity while it lasts to essentially 'train-hop' to the United States. On her journey she comes across El Casper, a member of the MS-13 gang. He has realized how violent his lifestyle has become, and he is looking for a way out. This doesn't make the gang happy, so they decide to kill him for leaving. Now Sayra and El Casper are running away from their old lives and hoping to reach their dream. The United States and a brand new start.


GOODBYE SOLO-This is the story of two unlikely people meeting, and how it changes both their lives forever. It is also the story of one man's life winding up, while one's is just starting. A newly immigrated man from Senegal, named Solo, gets a job as a cab driver. One of his passengers, William, asks Solo to take him up to a very specific mountain and to not pick him up. Solo then takes it upon himself to find out why, and the journey that these two men end up taking is one that could be celebrated during Oscar season.


STAR TREK- The first 'blockbuster' of the year, 'Star Trek' was down right awesome. The ever-so-familiar story of Captain Kirk and Spock and the rest of the crew is rewound all the way to the very beginnning of their reign. Led by newcomers Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, this will surely set up a new Star Trek dynasty, and bring in a whole new generation just like the last ones did.


RUDO Y CURSI- This is the story of two brothers experiencing the dream of professional soccer in Mexico together at the same time. They both go through their trials and tribulations, and their careers eventually are on the line due to their shortcomings. If you don't mind reading subtitles the whole time, then this is a must see.


THE HANGOVER- This was the biggest hit of the summer. A hilarious comedy about having one hell of a night in Vegas in celebration of a bachelor party, and then not remembering one thing the next day; all on top of losing the groom in the course of the night/morning. A really funny twist on the mystery genre. If you have not seen this movie yet, do it immediately.


THE HURT LOCKER- Hands down my favorite movie of the year. This is the most tense and on-edge you will ever feel at a movie. A story about the difficulties and stresses of being on a bomb-defusing unit out in Iraq, this movie is flawless in almost every single way, and will surely need a few hands to hold all the Oscars it could recieve.


(500) DAYS OF SUMMER- The best romantic comedy in the last five years. It is so fresh in the way the story is told, that it is an automatic easy-to-watch film. The chemistry between leads Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt will have you trying to relate this to any past relationships you've had, thus proving that this is one of the more authentic and refreshing comedies in a while.


THE COVE- This thrilling documentary about to secretive killing of dolphins in Japan will surely bring a few Oscars home. The thing that is most fun to watch in this film is that the film crew wasn't allowed to get their shots the way they wanted, so they had to do everything secretly; whether it be hidden cameras in trees or underwater, or shooting things at ridculous hours in the morning just to have something substantial. The results of what they ended up getting are incredible and shocking.


ZOMBIELAND- You can thank lead actor Jessee Eisenberg for getting this one on the list. It's not a tremendous movie by any means, but his comedic timing had me laughing throughout. Also, something about swarming zombies and an amusement park in the final act just worked for me.


PRECIOUS- Wow. This movie was phenominal. Held together by very strong acting, this movie (based on the novel by Sapphire) will have you holding back tears for longer than you could imagine. You will not be more touched by a movie this year.


FANTASTIC MR. FOX-Shot in stop-motion animation, this quick-witted, hilarious, and creative comedy will be a hit with every generation. Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray, 'Mr. Fox' will be one that you'll have to look for on DVD.


UP IN THE AIR- Never have I watched a movie that was more relevant to the times we are in than this one. Lead by George Clooney, this movie about recession and how people deal with losing jobs in tough times is very well choreographed by director Jason Reitman. It went along pretty slowly, but I enjoyed every minute I had my eyes on that screen.


INVICTUS- If you are looking for that pick-me-up or that inspirational boost, this is the movie to see. A true story about the presidency of Nelson Mandela in South Africa and his relationship with national rugby team, Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon deliver and then some on this sure to be Oscar winner.


AVATAR- This is undoubtedly the most hyped up movie of the year. Directed by James Cameron, who won an Oscar for 'Titanic', and hasn't made a movie until this one, delivers on every level. The movie is highly regarded for it's visual effects, which are absolutely incredible. However, the story itself holds its ground, all in all making a very wortwhile movie; one that everyone that loves movies should go out and see.