Reviews

Banjo_grrrl 2009 Top Ten

This is my top ten list of the films that made an impact on me in 2009 – although if it was a top eleven then Drag Me to Hell, which looked amazing and scared the stuff out of me, (after 10 minutes I had to leave) would definitely make the grade. Any film that can scare you after 10 minutes is by definition brilliant! I would happily watch any of these 10 films again and recommend everyone I know see them. I have tried to go for a broad spectrum of genre but most of all films that entertain and don’t leave me wishing I could go back in time and make a different choice. I have seen far too many of the latter in ‘09. Perhaps I’ve made some bad choices or there actually were more bad films this year then normal. I won’t mention them by name just make sure you watch the ten I’ve chosen before selecting something else – you have been warned!!

1. Moon – Duncan Jones
My absolute favourite film of the year is Moon. I love Silent Running to death, so was already partial to the ‘lone human in space’ theme and this was the first film I saw at the Rex Berkhamsted, which only improved an already amazing film. Nothing much happens but that is the way I like my films. If I ever have my own robot I will give him the voice of Kevin Spacey.

 

2. Adventureland – Greg Mottola
I want a giant ass panda! Jesse Eisenberg was simply brilliantly awkward in Adventureland and made me remember a simpler time without text and email. My only surprise is that I have yet to see the t shirts out and about. So tell me are you games or rides?

 

3. 500 (Days of Summer) – Marc Webb
500 (Days of Summer) is a sweet film that is my romcom of the year. Loved the non linear style and although not groundbreaking it made me smile. She’s odd, she needs a slap at times but a good, if not truly happy, ending.

 

4. The Hurt Locker – Kathryn Bigelow
The Hurt Locker is my action film of the year and I’m not a big fan of action, in fact I can and have fallen asleep watching a car chase and magically woken up when the story begins again – if I ever have insomnia I will be reaching for The Fast and The Furious. This film is enjoyable, it reminds us that soldiers are heroes who have chosen their vocation (or maybe it’s chosen them?) and accepts that despite the ever present danger some may even find their time in the field preferable to home life.

 

5. Monsters Versus Aliens – Conrad Vernon & Rob Letterman
Monsters Versus Aliens was my first 3D film and my daughter’s first ever cinema experience, I love monsters and I love aliens so what could be better? A film for children and adults which is refreshing and although Where the Wild Things Are has its strengths it’s less of a film for children – if you have fond memories of the book go see the film but not so good for a four year old. Monsters Versus Aliens is silly and fun and I love the metamorphosis scene and the referencing to House of Wax. Thank you Dreamworks.

 

6. In the Loop – Armando Iannucci
In the Loop for inventive swearing and Nazi Julie Andrews lets all climb ‘the mountain of conflict‘.

 

7. An Education – Lone Scherfig
A simple story about why an education is better than boys – take note! Very cute clothes on display also.

 

8. Fish Tank – Andrea Arnold
This time why an education is better than boys with lame horses or your mother’s latest boyfriend – take note!

 

9. Milk – Gus Van Sant
The first of two great biopics from the 70s on my list, Milk earnt a place for its ‘we can change the world’ spirit.

 

10. Frost/Nixon – Ron Howard
While Frost/Nixon made the cut for its ‘how do you know if you don’t give it a go?’ ethos.

Related Posts

• Neil Fox The Dirty Dozen 2009
• Neil Fox The Dirty Dozen 2008
• Monika Volsing 2009 Top Ten
• Monika Volsing 2008 Top Ten
• Miss D 2009 Top Ten