Best & Worst of 2008

BEST & WORST OF 2009

Chances are if you’ve seen one mainstream top ten film list, you’ve seen them all. Because, and let’s admit it, there are only so many top of the heap movies released each year. Oh sure, there are lists containing very personal, and exceedingly subjective, choices and/or selections motivated by the high degree of their obscurity (the old, aren’t-we-just-so-in-the-know critics who’re proud to display their elitism by citing movies seen by a precious few film aficionados and virtually none of the general public).

But, in general, a consensus of opinion by those who see more than the occasional film can be relied on as a sure gauge of quality. In that spirit, following are some movies that impressed us as particularly worthy this year and, given the above, will most likely be familiar and in agreement with other lists. Any that don’t ring a bell, we suggest, might be worth a look-see somewhere along the line. Here then are the best with some thoughts from both of us, in alphabetical order:

AVATAR - A technical triumph (3D, performance-capture, etc.) that is visually awe-inspiring overcomes a simplistic story of greedy humans willing to ecologically destroy a far away moon laden with an incredibly valuable ore, unobtainium (the wittiest joke in the movie) and its nature-oriented alien population, the Na’vi, by means of lab-created inside spies (that would be the Avatars). (Charles Zio)

DISTRICT NINE – Aliens appear over Johannesburg where their culture, eating habits (cat food), and appearance (derogative term “Prawns”) lead to segregation in a vast slum. An effort to move them, under bumbling Wikus (Sharlto Copley), is opposed by alien Christopher (Jason Cope) who’s amassed a fluid to repair the mother ship. An actioner (near its end), political allegory, buddy film, and homage to past sci-fi films, what impresses is that the blend works. Good direction by Neill Blomkamp and script by him and Terri Tatchell. (CZ)

THE HURT LOCKER – War movies have not been doing well at the box office for years now in this anti-war climate, but this film is a standout. From the opening moments when we’re told, “War is a drug,” to the closing, everything in-between feels absolutely authentic. As such, defusing bombs, an edge of your seat occupation, keeps the viewer uncertain of what will happen next and gripping his/her chair. Jeremy Renner gives an outstanding performance as the hotshot who only feels alive when he’s facing annihilation. He and director Kathryn Bigelow deserve Oscar nominations for their work. (Ann Marie Oliva)

I'VE LOVED YOU FOR SO LONG – Are some acts unforgivable, no matter the reason? This independent film from France/Germany by writer/director Philippe Claudel explores the nature of forgiveness. The mystery slowly but skillfully unfolds with a minimum of flashbacks. Kristin Scott Thomas has never been better as a woman released from prison, but who has no escape from the crime she has committed. It’s possible to be both repulsed and sympathetic to her plight; a compliment to the filmmakers. (AMO)

PASSING STRANGE – A Broadway musical embracing its source, this biographical tale of a middle class black youth and his journey of self discovery (through Europe and various identities) brims with energy, humor, and emotional depth. Narrator Stew (book and lyrics) is ably assisted by actors Daniel Breaker, Eisa Davis, and multi-roled de’Adre Aziza, Colman Domingo, Chad Goodridge, and Rebecca Naomi Jones. His music (co-created with Heidi Rodewald) is a mix of upbeat rock and slow tempo ballad, all of it effective, with a showstopper mid-film. Spike Lee captures a rollicking good time. (CZ)

PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPHIRE – The powerful and disturbing story of Claireece Precious Jones (superbly captured by Gabourey Sidibe), an abused (in every manner) Harlem teenager. Pregnant, uncommunicative, and lost, her only refuge fantasies of glamour, Precious eventually finds rescue in an alternative school and her teacher Ms. Rain (Paula Patton) who encourages her to write (suggesting the book “Push” to come) and social services contact Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey) who digs for the ugly truth hidden in her past. Mo’Nique, playing Precious’ mother, gives a performance that is fierce, compelling, and truly memorable. If there’s a sure Oscar winner, this is it and deservedly so. Director Lee Daniels deserves one, too. (CZ)

SIN NOMBRE – This is also the best debut movie of the year from writer/director Cary Fukunaga, capturing the poverty and desperation of (nameless) Mexican and Central American immigrants trying to reach the United Sates for a chance at a better life. The brutal reality of gangs, the violence, constant danger and vulnerability of riding on top of trains is never overplayed. The mostly unknown cast is believable throughout. (AMO)

TAKEN – “I will hunt you down. I will find you. And I will kill you.” So says Liam Neeson to the abductors of his 17-year-old daughter. And he’s such a fine actor he makes it believable that there’s no stopping a revenge-bent parent who also happens to be a CIA operative as he defeats a triumvirate of evil - former Eastern European communists, corrupt government officials, and a despicably lecherous sheik. It doesn’t always make sense, but the ride is fast and fun enough that it doesn’t really matter. (CZ)

STAR TREK – At the risk of gushing, THIS is the way to take something old and make it new, and better. Even if you are not a fan of the various incarnations of the Star Trek series, there is no problem starting from scratch with these actors. As with the original, the stories are morality tales, and though years in the future, these space explorers become heroic despite their less than perfect humanity. Then there is the half human/half Vulcan Mr. Spock who keeps reminding us his human half is his weakness. Writers Alex Kutzman and Rob Orci didn’t forget the humor. (AMO)

UP – This movie proves that animation, when done well, can move an audience and hang with the big boys. The opening sequence about a life-long love story is very affecting, and there weren’t many dry eyes in the theater. Original, funny, insightful: the characters are not necessarily ones with whom you'd want to spend time, but I didn’t want UP to end. (AMO)

UP IN THE AIR – It’s in the title. Ryan Bingham (George Clooney, perfectly cast) is above it all. Professionally, he flies state to state as a corporate hatchet man. Personally, he’s removed from emotional entanglements. His neat world is jolted by two women - Natalie Kenner (Anna Kendrick) a controlled, confident young woman who he must teach the ropes of the business and Alex (Vera Farmiga) his match in terms of savoring business perks and transitory hookups - leading him to question what he believes is his ideal life and the realities of coming in for a landing (the callousness of his job and a lonely old age). Jason Reitman handles the direction deftly and has co-written (with Sheldon Turner) a thoughtful script. Heartfelt. (CZ)

WALTZ WITH BASHIR – War again. This time the point of view is from writer/director Ari Folman who was a nineteen year old Israeli soldier in the first Lebanon War in the 1980’s. Years later he is having a recurring nightmare about being chased by vicious dogs. Unable to remember much of his time in the army he seeks out fellow soldiers and people he met during that time. The animation is dark and foreboding and is a surprisingly good complement to the story. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has an insistent way of not letting go until an ugly truth is faced. (AMO)

HONORABLE MENTION (alphabetical order):

500 DAYS OF SUMMER
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
THE MESSENGER
THE ROAD
ZOMBIELAND

THE WORST - Unfortunately, there are always some lemons; too many this year:

ALL ABOUT STEVE - As good as Sandra Bullock is in THE BLIND SIDE, that’s how bad she is in this ridiculous waste-of-talent movie. The character is supposed to be quirky, but just ends up annoying as a crossword puzzle maker who can’t find a boyfriend; big surprise. Someone should have known better and stopped the madness.

BRUNO – Sacha Baron Cohen’s humor is not based on cleverness, intelligence, or insight. Whatever persona he adopts (here a single-minded gay Austrian celebrity seeker), his aim is to insult, embarrass, harass, and demean everyone who comes within reach. It’s the cheapest comedy. And it ain’t funny.

I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER Huh? How did this movie get made? Maybe on the strength of the premise: nerdy high school valedictorian gives his graduation speech about being hung up on the popular pretty blonde cheerleader. Unfortunately, it’s downhill from there. Also, terribly miscast.

JENNIFER'S BODY – Partly a photo shoot of current “It Girl” Megan Fox; at times a commentary on high school social life, and dollops of not very scary vampiric flesh eating equals a movie that never rises above the sum of its not too great parts. Diablo Cody has definitely not written another Juno. Completely forgettable.

LAND OF THE LOST – There is no reason to see this variation on the 1970s television series because, to be succinct which this movie (at two tedious hours) is not, the laughs are nonexistent. It is absurd (but not in a good or entertaining way). Chaka can’t save it. The Sleestaks can’t save it. Even Will Farrell can’t save it. So forget it.

MY LIFE IN RUINS – Okay, so MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING was charming in its way, but this movie has nothing to recommend it. It’s an embarrassment.

NEXT DAY AIR – This movie couldn’t decide what it wanted to be, as a result, I didn’t care.

OBSERVE AND REPORT – What were they thinking? Unlikable characters, lame story: I couldn’t wait for this movie to be over and get away from the feeling of being trapped in a shopping mall.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY - A triumph of the internet. This supposedly true story of the haunting of a pretty (though whiny) college girl and the documentation of such by her live-in (full of foolish bravado) boyfriend is short on thrills and chills. Hey, the big proof of the demon is footprints in white powder (ooh, scary). Writer/director/editor Oren Pell made the movie for $10,000. A special category for him – Best Marketing of the Year.

YEAR ONE – Mix primitive hunter/gathers with the Old Testament and Roman dominance and what have you got? A feeble attempt at outrageous humor. Star Jack Black and Michael Cera and what do you get? Two funny guys struggling vainly to elicit a smile. Throw in cameos by the experienced Paul Rudd, David Cross, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Hank Azaria, and Oliver Platt and the result is? Not so much as a chuckle. Proving, contrary to Dickens, that Year One was actually the worst of times.

DISHONORABLE MENTTION (alphabetical order):

GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST
THE GOODS
NEW IN TOWN
SHORTS
THE UGLY TRUTH

These are our, admittedly, subjective lists. On balance, there were more misses than hits, but there are still many gems among the fool's gold. Let's go 2010!