Best movies of 2009


  1. kpac
  2. ZACHO

This is of course my favorites of 2009 so far and there not in any particular order except for being with other films with the same star rating.

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  kpac's Rating My Rating
1
The Hurt Locker 2008,  R)
The Hurt Locker
Check out my Vancouver Movie Examiner review at http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-32324-Vancouver-Movie-Examiner~y2010m2d18-The-Hurt-Locker--Movie-Review and SUBSCRIBE!
2
Drag Me to Hell 2009,  PG-13)
Drag Me to Hell
EARLY REVIEW! WOW. It lives up to the hype! Not as classic as his ground breaking "Evil Dead" trilogy, but defently close. Not only was it unique, it also used the same great comedic style that "Evil Dead II" was made of, which overall made the movie funnier and more comical than scary and terrifying. However, this does dismiss the fact that it wasn't scary, it was, but it was way more focused on how it could be funny which of course worked even better for the film because that's how Sam Raimi is and how in my opinion is the best director ever. Then we have the story which is great as well. Also really different from anything he has done, yet the same great style he uses in all of his films. The cinematography was just like it is in a Raimi film: quirky, weird, unique, strange, dark, and overall different but great. Acting was good as well and you liked the characters, not as much as Ash in the "Evil Dead" movies, but good. Art direction was great as well and reflected that dark witch type style with a spice of Raimi. You also jump at many parts throughout the film, and there is some blood, but only enough within a 14A rating(pg-13 if your American). The only thing I was completely happy with was the ending. The ending is good, but unfortantly being in Film School and since I've been emursed in film for years, I knew the ending well before. However, you don't expect it to end the way it does because it's very non-Hollywood style and "abrupt" as my friend put it. It's still a good ending, but I almost feel that it didn't end and it should have continued for another twenty minutes or so to make it an even two hours and have it continue. It's hard for me to explain it because I don't want to give the ending away, but you'll probably think I'm nuts for thinking it should continue, but it would be awesome if there was one final showdown. However, if you don't see the ending coming well before, I can easily see people being blown away and shocked by the ending. Overall this is again another film that proves that Raimi is the master of film and if you don't agree with that then you can suck on it. "Drag me to Hell" is basically like jacking off and then your house catches on fire when your almost finished. It's very exhilarating, pleasureful, and overall great, but not quite a blast. Still 2009's best film so far and one not to miss!
3
Inglourious Basterds 2009,  R)
Inglourious Basterds
One hell of a movie. It's probably Tarantino worst in my opinion and is the second film of his to get under 5 stars, butb that doesn't mean it wasn't great. Not to mention that Brad Pitt's character Aldo Raine is probably Tarantino's best character to date. The movie is his funniest to date as well whichcam as quite a surprise. Also, another thing I really like about this film was how unexpected a lot of things were. You would think it would go one way and then it would take the left turn. I also love how film related the movie is. Film plays a big part in this film. Of course, this isn't accurate to the actual World War II at all, but who cares, we don't want another recap of what happened, we need some invention and creativity on the subject and that's what Tarantino has done on this subject. Eli Roth was also great as well as everyone else in their roles. Christoph Waltz needed to be at least nominated for his role at the next oscar ceremony. This is also Tarantino's most conversational film and longest film yet. Again, like Death Proof, a lot of people complained about how much talking tere was, but again I say, you walk into a Tarantino flick and you expect little talking. Exactlywhat I thought. Now I know I said in the beginning that this was probably my least favorite film of his, it is, but it#s only due to personal preference. I#m not a big fan of German cinema which Inglourious Basterds salutes a lot in this movie. However, I do respect the tribute at the same time and you get to see some different styles and camera movements that are existant in many German films which was nice to see, but again, its jut not my slice of pie. However, I still really liked it and its still in my top five for the year so far, but this is defently a unique, unpredictible, violent, halarious, and a smart film that contains some great characters and great story telling. Again, you have to see this and its espcially a must see if you like German cinema. This has probably Brad Pitts best performance because his character is so awesome. Also listen for Samuel L Jacksons naration and Harvey Keitels voice cameo. Dont miss this!
4
District 9 2009,  R)
District 9
One of the best sci-fi movies ever and I don't even like sci-fi that much. Currently being enrolled at VFS and having several grads from VFS involved in making this film which include the director, makes me happy and gives another grad to look up to besides Kevin Smith. This film also combines a heavy documentary style with a some what Hollywood style that really works together. Not to mention all the small things that I loved about it, but tat list would be way too long to mention. Overall, you have to see this film. It's defenly one of the best films of the year and one of the best sci-fi movies of all time. This is about as good as sci-fi movies can get and it's such a privilege that I got to see this. The only film for me that this is battling is "Drag Me To Hell" which was also great, but I'd say they are probably at a dead lock tie for first place in 2009 so far. YOU CAN'T MISS THIS!
5
Up in the Air 2009,  R)
Up in the Air
Check out my review here: http://www.examiner.com/x-32324-Vancouver-Movie-Examiner
6
Up 2009,  PG)
Up
One of the best of the 2009. A great tale that teaches us about life, relationships, and dogs playing poker. This is the funniest/most brilliant cartoon that's come out for some time. You cry, laugh, and are overall up and away with this grand tale and the adventures it entails. And yes folks, it is better than Wall-E.
7
Paranormal Activity 2007,  R)
Paranormal Activity
Fucking awesome! A new and creative film to add to the horror genre. This one will be watched by many for years to come. The only thing I really didn't like was the demon face in the end which seemed pretty silly and pointless. Otherwise, this film is very good and is a must see in theatres in a packed in audience because seeing this film with only a couple people would probably be less fun, although, I imagine watching this on DVD by yourself which or with another person would be awesome as well. Don't miss this! It's honestly one of the best movie's of the year and considering that it was made for only $11,000, I'd say that's quite something. Go see this now!
8
An Education 2009,  PG-13)
9
Black Dynamite 2009,  R)
Black Dynamite
Freggin halarious!"HAHA, I threw that before I even walked into the room!" LOL
10
Watchmen 2009,  R)
Watchmen
Great style, good direction, good vision, and 95% faithful to a great comic which is much more than most movies based on a graphic novel. The action scenes were well designed and made the movie more intense while pertaining to the story of the Watchmen. Its certainly well worth seeing, however, it's no Sin City, but certainly better tha 300 andmay comic based movies. I'm a big fan of the comic and with that note, really enjoyed this film, but its as good as it was going to get because the couple things Zach Snyder took out(Notibly the giant squid) made since to take out because it would have costed so much for one scene, but also the fact that people today can relate to a detenation killing millions apposed to a giant squid killing millions of people. However,the squid would have been fucking cool. I also liked how they added the JFK assassination scene in there and showed that the Comedian had actually shot him, it really setup the film. This film isn't perfect, but its not far off. Best of 09 I've seen so far. Curious to see reviews fom people who haven't read the comic to see if they liked it better or worse than did, but I'm going to guess worse because the story line is really complicated and intellectual in many aspects and by not reading the comic, your probably not expecting this and you'll probably get los at dfferen points. But aside from that, a great movie!
11
Crank 2: High Voltage 2009,  R)
Crank 2: High Voltage
This movie is a blast and one of the funnest/redicious/unique/ action packed films that your going to get and is the best film of the year so far. Period.
12
[Rec] 2 2009,  R)
13
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day 2009,  R)
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW HERE: http://www.examiner.com/x-32324-Vancouver-Movie-Examiner
14
Tokyo Sonata (Tokyo Sonata) 2008,  PG-13)
Tokyo Sonata (Tokyo Sonata)
Great film
15
The House of the Devil 2009,  R)
The House of the Devil
CHECK OUT THE BETTER VERSION OF THE REVIEW HERE:
http://www.examiner.com/x-32324-Vancouver-Movie-Examiner


I thought Hitchcock was dead? This is pretty much what you would get if Hitchcock made a horror film in the 80's. Such a good movie on so many multitudes. First off, this film isn't just set in the 1980's, but it actually feels like the movie is from the 1980's, but not in a bad way, in a very very good way. From the opening titles to the distinctive camera angles to the 80's pop music to the use of the babysitting as a tool to set up the story. All these aspects helped capture the look of the 80's and we're a big contribution to the film as well as a big nod to the whole babysitting horror movie scene of the late seventies and eighties. However, what I liked most about it wasn't just the 80's aspect, but the fact that within this 80's story, there is a great horror spirit of the 50's and early 60's lurking around with in it that seems like it would fit in a Hitchcock movie. This is done through the film's pacing, which utilizes suspense to scare you keep you on the edge of your seat until the big horror climax unleashes on the screen. Also, besides the 80's pop music that the girls listen to and the intro music, the music almost transends from a 80's horror score to more of that Hitchcock 50's and 60's horror score which is extremely effective with the suspense in the house and the film's climax. The only thing I have to complain about is that along with it's unpredictible moments came some big predictible moments, the most predictible being the climax. However, I can't give it too much shit either because the climax is very much another tribute to the style of other 80's horror climaxes in the past, but it would have been some what unpredictible if they hadn't given a huge clue earlier on in the movie that pretty much gives you a great idea of what's going to happen in the climax. Still though, the climax was great with some great camera work capturing the moment. Also, I felt the climax was a little quick as well and wished that it had gone on longer. Besides that, tis flm is pretty ace. You should defently check this one out.

Now what I'm going to do for every review for horror flicks from now on is reveal what I believe is the big SHOCKING MOMENT in the film. I'm offically starting this tradition with "The House of The Devil", but be warned, revealing the SHOCKING MOMENT is generally a big SPOILER, so if you want to see the movie, then look no further AND GO WATCH IT!

SHOCKING MOMENT: When the man with the tuque finds out that the blonde girl isn't the babysitter and without any warning, shoots her right in the face, splattering her brains all over the car and the front windshield.
16
Adventureland 2009,  R)
Adventureland
This was really good, and got somewhat of what I expected, but by them advertising that it was from the director of Superbad:Greg Mottola and withSuperbad being one of my favorite movies of all time, I was expecting this to be a laugh riot, which it wasn't. However, don't get me wrong, this movie wa pretty funny, it was just more of a 80's romantic college drama with a good amount of funny moments. Not to mention that many of the characters and the situations that they go through in this movie, people can relate to them and Greg Mottola is really good at doing this with his films. This film is an overall enjoyment that you will really like. One person I went to the movie with said "It was better tha Superbad". I flat out disagree, but I still really like this film a lot an is defetly worth a watch. Tell me if you agree or think or not. Rock Me Amadeus!
17
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 2009,  PG-13)
18
Ponyo 2008,  G)
Ponyo
A cute film by Miyazaki. Not as great as most of his films, but still a good movie.
19
Mystery Team 2008,  R)
Mystery Team
Pretty funny stuff. Derrick Comedy prove they can still pull it off, even in a feature film format. It does require you to like a different style of humor that only certain people will like, but if you enjoy their online videos, then you must see this! Its a film with lots of laughs with a big heart behind it. I recommend it!.
20
Blood: The Last Vampire 2009,  R)
Blood: The Last Vampire
I'm truly confused as to why most people are hating on this film. It's freggin good and honestly, it's better than the original anime film. I've never seen a film come out better than the original anime. Why is it better? Like I said in my review for the original, it was way too short and if they had expanded on things and given more of a backstory, they would have something special nd that's what this live action feature of "Blood: The Last Vampire" is. The action sequences are pretty wicked(Although some won't enjoy it because of it's slow mo and stylized violence, but I think it was awesome so fuck you). Also something you don't see everyday, a pretty well casted flick. The only person's acting that seemed somewhat flat was Allison Miller's, but it didn't hurt the film that much because she's somewhat of a side character. Everyone else was perfect. Also, the additions and differences from the anime and this film all worked really well and made it well worth while. Don't listen to what people are saying, there fuckers. It's a great film that's accomplishes something unique: Being better than the original anime film and it something that everyone should check out. It's a shame that this probably won't do very well, SO DO YOUR PART AND SEE THIS!
21
Mr. Nobody 2009,  Unrated)
Mr. Nobody
A complex and unique film with a great cast and a interesting perspective on life. Check this out.
22
Laid to Rest 2009,  R)
Laid to Rest
I enjoyed the hell out of this for multiple reasons. First off and most obvious point: If you have seen the trailer, you know the serial killer in the movie looks awesome and might even be the beginning of another great icon in horror. Secondly: the acting was much better than you average horror flick. Third: there were some gory yet awesome kills demonstrated. Fourth: the cinematography and editing was really well done and better than most horror films. Theres kind of a good twist at the end and the ending is pretty weak, but you don't mind a whole lot due to everything else before. Overall, this is a good horror flick thats a must see for horror fans. It' s been a while since we've seen an iconic villian and the only icons in the genre are Jason, Freddy, Pinhead, and Michael Myers, but if this icon starts to grow and sequals spawn, I welcome this new horror icon with open arms.
23
Gran Torino 2008,  R)
Gran Torino
The best part of Gran Torino was defently Clint Eastwood's awesome performance which was completely disrespected and unappreciated by the Oscars and he at least should have recieved the nomination. Also, the script is flawless as well and many memberable one liners are heard here and they all add to the aspect of Clint Eastwood's character Walt and the story. Another good job on the directional point of view as well as the cinematography. How this tale ends is also unique and yet really intelligent in how it suits the film and delivers a message to the audience. It defently isn't what you would expect. A great performance that shouldn't be missed.
24
A Serious Man 2009,  R)
25
Anvil! The Story of Anvil 2007,  Unrated)
Anvil! The Story of Anvil
A great story about a great band that were a great influence on the metal scene, but then fell off and were never given a second chance. It's funny, sad, well shot,and well structured. This documentary leaves you with a great band to listen to, a great film, and it leaves a lesson to never give up what you love and I think Anvil has learned that lesson more than most people.
26
Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) 2009,  R)
Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked)
A good movie with a unique story and great characters to carry us through it. Just a really fun movie to enjoy.
27
Revanche 2008,  Unrated)
28
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire 2008,  R)
29
Friday the 13th 2009,  R)
Friday the 13th
Caught this one opening day because even if this was atrocious, I could now offically say that I saw Friday the 13th on Friday the 13th! The added benefit was that the movie was actually a fun watch, not amazing,bit a fun watch. This film is a mix of different pros and cons, but theres just a little more pros in cons simply. First off, WHAT AN INTRO! THATS A WAY TO START A FRIDAY THE 13TH FILM RIGHT! This had to be one of the best intro's ive seen into a movie in a really long time, while also breaking another Friday the 13th convention which is all the people who are trying to find the camp and that we are introduced and learn a lot about, all get killed in about 25 minutes! Yes thats right, the intro to the film is about 25 minutes long before the main title comes up which was fantastic! Now i know your thinking, why does the length make it awesome. Its really because of what happens in the 25 minutes and the fact that you don't expect that they all are gunna get killed and its all really an intro, what your thinking is that these are the characters that you are going to get to know, which you do get to know, but are soon shown that these are not the main haracters carrying the film. The June 13th 1980 date also made this seem like these were the characters in present day since something happens before we are introduced to the characters. Not to mention the kills that take place in this intro are pretty good and somewhat smarter, showing us a somewhat smarter Jason. Particularly, this is shown when Jason raps up the girl, ties her in the sleeping bag on a tree over the campfire, so she starts to roast, therefore starts to scream. The boyfriend finds the dead friend in the woods and hears her scream and runs back in panic. When he shes that shes stuck in a sleeping over the fire, he runs towards hr, only to be caught in a bear trap, carefully placed by Jason, knowing that he would come to his girlfriend's aid. This alone was better than most of the normal kills in the original Friday the 13th movies. Then at the end of the intro you see Jason running towards the girl as shes is on the ground trying to move away. Jason brings down the machete down towards her and the screen goes black before it hits her and the Friday the 13th titles are presented. The movie does die down a bit from the intro and the worst of the movie is defently in the middle, not to say the middle was bad because dispite the the middle of the movie is in the day time, there is about as many people who die in the middle day time portion of the film, than the night time end portion, again, convention #2 is broken because almost all thekills in the originals happen at night and if there are kills in the day, its only 1 to two at the most, where in the remake, 4 die. Not to mention that there were some kills in this film which you actually didn't expect someone to die at that time, again, very unlike the originals because you usually know when someone is going to die in the originals because of the music and the regular conventions that usually lead to deaths in the series. Now I wont go one because if I do, this will be the longest review in history. Basically the only I have to say there was way too many boobs and not a lot of blood. There still is blood, but not much compaired to the originals, with a couple exceptions, but overall, theres no slicing bodies in half or anything to make a huge mess. Still though, the film is fairly acted, good on techical side, breaks many conventions while continuing to stick with many others, good story, good atmosphere good ending, good direction, great intro!, and a twist! Worth seeing, not amazing in my views, however, the guy I went with said it was fucking awesome and he loved it, so it depends who you are, but bottom line is, youll enjoy this one at least a little bit. I don't know if many people will piece this together, but the film was pretty funny due to when the people find the weed in the beginning and then start to get killed off, it looks like Jason is killing all of them off because their messin with his crop, which I thought was halarious, however, the intro was still awesome! Ohh and by the way, did I mention Jason runs?
30
Taken 2008,  PG-13)
Taken
This movie is a type of action movie that I've been waiting a long time for. Besides the "Bourne" movies, there really hasn't been good action movies reciently and many actually arn't the best. However, "Taken" succeeds where the others fail. First off: Liam Neeson is like adding Jason Bourne with James Bond and adding a bucket load of anger and the ,'I'm going to destroy everything in my path to reach my goal', mentality. That basically makes up for a movie like Bourne Ultimatium but instead of Bourne being confused and trying to find out whats going on, Lian Neeson is tearing up Paris to find his daughter with little breaks. This is what I've been lookng for. A great story with good performances that you can connect with and really feel what they are going through, which only amps up the movie, plain awesome action scenes, great dialogue, and an overall action packed, realistic movie with a touch subject matter of the sex slave trade that is more real in the world today than you think, which I think is great that they incorperated that aspect instead of have his daughter captured by spies which is done in way too many movies. This one keeps you intrigued throughout the film, on the edge of your seat, and is ultimatly one of the best thrillers in years. I mean seriously, who doesn't love a mix of Bourne times Bond plus anger, intensity, and a I'm gunna anniliate everything in my path mentality save my daughter. Taken succeeds where Bourne and Bond fail and that is that Bourne and Bond have intense action scenes, then the movie slows down, repeat until the end of the film. After the daughter is taken, this film is a non-stop, intense, interesting, emotional journey. You might not like this better than the Bourne Ultimatium, but you can't deny that this is an awesome movie that doesn't let go and is something that you should esperience right away!

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