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Enjoy the Show 2009: The Best Movies of the Year
By an Amazon.com customer
Adam [Theatrical Release]Adam [Theatrical Release]
This indie drama's depiction of a challenging, unconventional romance with a smart script and wonderfully nuanced, sensative performances by Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne makes it the best film of the year so far. They both deserve Oscars for their perfectly understated work.
(500) Days of Summer [Blu-ray] with Digital Copy(500) Days of Summer [Blu-ray] with Digital Copy
Buy new: $27.99
500 Days of Summer is a romantic comedy for people who don't like romantic comedies (though people who do will enjoy it too.) It is refreshing in its rejection of the cliche romcom "rules" in favor of something unique, emotionally honest, and a whole lot funnier than the cliches. A must-see for everyone!
Up (4 Disc Combo Pack with Digital Copy and DVD) [Blu-ray]Up (4 Disc Combo Pack with Digital Copy and DVD) [Blu-ray]
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $17.78
Put simply, Up is the tenth instant classic from the unbeatable dream factory known as Pixar -- bright, beautiful, inventive, exciting and not to be missed. SQUIRREL!
Star Trek (Three-Disc +Digital Copy)  [Blu-ray]Star Trek (Three-Disc +Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $32.84
J.J. Abrams' supercharged new Trek movie is throughly accessible even if you're not a Trekkie (I had never seen anything in the franchise until this film.) It worked because it is an exciting story well-told with superrior action and deeper depth. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are great in the lead roles.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy & BD-Live) [Blu-ray]Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy & BD-Live) [Blu-ray]
Buy new: $15.99
Sophomore series director David Yates has delivered the strongest HP film yet. He keeps the story bounding forward while nerturing the talents of the young cast. Bonnie Wright and Tom Felton are particular standouts here with increased roles in this installment. However, it still suffers from the viewer having to connect certian dots with backstory from the novel.
Ponyo [Blu-ray]Ponyo [Blu-ray]
Despite a more cluttered narrative that lacks the focus of his other works, Hayao Miyazaki's latest effort is still a very enjoyable and wholly unique movie experience with stunning traditional animation. Let it wash over you.
Paris 36Paris 36
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $8.75
Paris 36 is a throughly delightful, excitingly old-fashioned French musical period piece about love of theatre. Goregously shot and costumed. See it to experience something totally different.
Coraline (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy w/ 3D) [Blu-ray]Coraline (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy w/ 3D) [Blu-ray]
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $12.98
Though it takes a while to get going, when it does, Coraline immerses you in a totally engaging and enjoyably creepy other world with wonderful visuals and an engaging, creative story. Highly reccomended.
Taken [Blu-ray]Taken [Blu-ray]
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $13.98
Taken takes about one third of its runtime to catch up to its title and can be dull at times getting there, but once it does, it is an impressive action fest which succeeds with its focus on great stuntwork using minimal CGI.