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Movies of 2009 and My Thoughts
By an Amazon.com customer
Taken (Single-Disc Extended Edition)Taken (Single-Disc Extended Edition)
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $3.52
Not a great film, but a good action film with a dynamite performance by Liam Neeson.
Watchmen (Theatrical Cut) (Widescreen Single-Disc Edition)Watchmen (Theatrical Cut) (Widescreen Single-Disc Edition)
Buy new: $8.49 / Used from: $2.05
Some loved it, I hated it. A big, overblown, tedious adaptation of a graphic novel I've never read. Stand-out special effects, but riddled with a convoluted storyline and horrible dialogue.
I Love You, ManI Love You, Man
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $5.43
Another hilarious, laugh-a-minute film in the vein of Judd Apatow movies. The pairing of Paul Rudd and Jason Segel is terrific, each bringing a different brand of humor to their roles.
Observe and ReportObserve and Report
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $2.34
A dark comedy from writer/director Jody Hill. Won't appeal to the masses, but as far as grim, creepy humor goes...It's a must-see.
Crank 2: High VoltageCrank 2: High Voltage
Buy new: $18.49 / Used from: $3.03
While completely ridiculous, "Crank: High Voltage" was better than it's predecessor in my opinion. It's hard to deny that this film provides leave-your-brain-at-the-door-entertainment.
Terminator: Salvation [Theatrical Release]Terminator: Salvation [Theatrical Release]
A disappointing entry in the ongoing Terminator series. Good effects and tone can't salvage the weak plot and Christian Bale's deep-voiced performance.
Angels and Demons [Theatrical Release]Angels and Demons [Theatrical Release]
I wasn't a fan of "The Da Vinci Code" and I thought "Angels and Demons" was even worse. Tedious and meandering, with not a single actor looking like they're enjoying what they're doing.
The Hangover [Theatrical Release]The Hangover [Theatrical Release]
Absolutely hilarious movie that lives up to it's hype. It's not unique, but it's definitely funny...And a star-making performance by Zach Galifianakis.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Two-Disc Special Edition)Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Buy new: $20.99 / Used from: $17.00
I haven't seen the original, but this one was dreadful for me. All mindless action and no plot and no decent performances. Yes, it's an action movie but I didn't find it terribly entertaining either.
Friday the 13th (Extended Killer Cut)Friday the 13th (Extended Killer Cut)
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $2.39
Good for a horror film/remake but brings nothing new to the series. The actor playing Jason does a great job being creepy without saying anything.
Public Enemies [Theatrical Release]Public Enemies [Theatrical Release]
A very disappointing big-budget period movie. While there's decent performances throughout, Michael Mann's direction, overuse of digital cinematography, and poor characterization weigh the movie down.
Bruno [Theatrical Release]Bruno [Theatrical Release]
Overrated and barely funny, "Bruno" is entertaining but leaves it's audience wanting. Sasha Baron Cohen would be better off writing an actual comedy rather than continuing the mockumentary route.
The Great Buck HowardThe Great Buck Howard
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $1.49
Nothing special, really...But it's worth watching for John Malkovich's performance as Buck Howard.
KnowingKnowing
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $3.24
An underrated science-fiction film with incredible special effects. "Knowing" isn't terrific, but it's much better than it's been given credit for.
Moon [Theatrical Release]Moon [Theatrical Release]
Essentially a one-man show by Sam Rockwell, Duncan Jones' directorial debut is a terrific science-fiction film in the vein of "2001." It'll entertain you and make you think.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince [Theatrical Release]Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince [Theatrical Release]
I'm not a Harry Potter junkie (books or movies), but I found this entry disappointing. I just didn't find much to enjoy about it, except the performances which get better with every entry. The fantasy elements are lacking.
Orphan [Theatrical Release]Orphan [Theatrical Release]
A ludicrous "evil child" horror film that takes itself too seriously. It's slightly long at 2 hours (it could've been 90) and the "twist" is predictable and idiotic.
AdventurelandAdventureland
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $6.88
Highly underrated teen-comedy. It's more methodical than one would guess from the previews. It's funny, but it also tugs on your heartstrings a bit.
(500) Days of Summer(500) Days of Summer
Buy new: $18.99
Finally, a unique romantic-comedy that avoids Hollywood cliches (besides the ending). Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are terrific in this charming little film.
Inglourious Basterds [Theatrical Release]Inglourious Basterds [Theatrical Release]
Quentin Tarantino's WWII epic is even better on a second viewing. While some will be disappointed due to the misleading trailers, this is a terrific film that defies genre categorization. Great performances by Waltz, Pitt, and others.
Last House on the Left (2009)Last House on the Left (2009)
Buy new: $16.49 / Used from: $3.98
A terrific remake. While far from perfect, "The Last House on the Left" succeeds as both a remake and a horror film. More could've been done with it, but as it is it's suspenseful and atmospheric with strong performances, especially by Garret Dillahunt and Tony Goldwyn.
The Informant [Theatrical Release]The Informant [Theatrical Release]
Steven Soderbergh's wonderfully zany bio-pic featuring a great performance by Matt Damon. Not a perfect film, but definitely an interesting portrait of a complicated man.
Life Is Hot In CracktownLife Is Hot In Cracktown
Buy new: $24.49 / Used from: $3.54
A low-budget, almost universally unknown film...Similar in structure to "Crash," it has strong performances and some powerful scenes.
Away We GoAway We Go
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $8.95
A break from the mainstream by director Sam Mendes. Indie-film fans will love it and I found it a quietly amusing film with two low-key performances by Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski.
World's Greatest DadWorld's Greatest Dad
Buy new: $19.99
While not a great comedy, "World's Greatest Dad" is probably the best comedy Robin Williams has made in a while. A dark comedy by Bobcat Goldthwait ("Shakes the Clown") you're in for a treat with this.
ManagementManagement
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $2.69
A romantic-comedy that breaks away from the mainstream mold. Jennifer Aniston and Steve Zahn have great chemistry and Woody Harrelson plays an amusing role; "Management" is a very cute romantic-comedy.
State of PlayState of Play
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $4.02
A surprisingly well-done political thriller. I've never seen the BBC miniseries, but this American-ized remake has some surprising performances from Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck(!). It's hardly profound, but definitely entertaining.
Zombieland [Theatrical Release]Zombieland [Theatrical Release]
"Zombieland" has one purpose; to entertain. And it does just that. It does not require one to think, just to watch and react. It's a movie with a brief running time that flies by.
AntichristAntichrist
Lars von Trier's hugely controversial film is actually one of the best films of 2009. It's vulgar and slow-moving, but it has the most beautiful cinematography of this year and is a truly original vision.
The InformersThe Informers
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $4.54
A weak film that could've benefitted from a re-write. However it features a dynamite final performance by the late Brad Renfro and a number of interesting characters (along with some uninteresting ones unfortunately).
Drag Me to HellDrag Me to Hell
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $5.68
Sam Raimi's return to the horror genre. It's a campy, gross horror film in the vein of '80s horror that works somehow.
Land of the LostLand of the Lost
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $4.59
Will Ferrell and Danny McBride make this an amusing time-passer...Based on an obscure TV show, "Land of the Lost" could eventually develop a cult following as it's much more enjoyable than I would've imagined.
Whatever WorksWhatever Works
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $9.85
One of Woody Allen's best comedies and one of my favorite films of this year. Critics and audiences have given this a lukewarm reception, but this film has renewed my faith in Woody Allen.
The Proposal (Single Disc Widescreen)The Proposal (Single Disc Widescreen)
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $8.90
Great chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock, but beyond that it's a by the numbers romantic-comedy. Worth watching if on a date or just wanting to kill time.