2009 Year in Review: Films

I've been compiling my "Year in Review" list for a couple of weeks now and because of business in the Holiday season followed by a week of illness I haven't been able to finish it. So I decided that it would be much easier if I spread these lists throughout the week. Better late than never I suppose, and in order to move into 2010 we have to be able to look back and reflect on the year that was 2009. So this first entry will circle around my favorite films of 2009.

Now be forewarned, I didn't watch EVERYTHING I wanted to in 2009. For instance, I didn't have the 15 bucks to witness the visually stunning work of art that everyone says Avatar is. I plan on catching up on such films, but it would be unfair of me to include them on the list not having seen them.

Star Trek
JJ Abrams is a bonafied film-making genius. I was a little hesitant to watch this film because I'm not a "Trekkie." Though I did use to watch old Star Trek reruns late at night as a kid. Abrams managed to make this film fun to watch from beginning to the end. You grow to love every character in this movie. The cast is great, they've got freakin' Eric Bana playing the villain for crying out loud! If you need another reason to watch this movie or love this movie even more I've got two words for you..... Zoe Saldana....or for the ladies, Chris Pine.


(500) Days of Summer
Hopefully you've already read my film review; if you haven't click here to read. It was definitely my favorite romantic comedy of 2009, the soundtrack was the best I've heard in a long while, and it just makes the City of Angels look beautiful! I love the Smiths...


District 9
Unlike any alien film I've ever seen. But let me start off by saying this movie was nothing like I thought it would end up being, in a good way. It definitely is an intelligent science fiction film, but it's a lot more than that. It could be looked at as a social commentary on alienation, at least that's what I saw it as. And best part about it is everyone can form their own opinion on what the true meaning of the movie is. It's smart, funny, thought provoking, and heartbreaking. You've never seen an "alien" movie quite in this light before.


Zombieland
People thought I was crazy when I said this movie would be good and it's nice to see that those who have seen this film generally like it. It's got a lot of "fucked up" things that I find to be completely awesome like zombies, blood and gore, unnecessary violence, crude language, twinkies, and off putting humor. At times it's even hilariously violent and you can't help but love the interactions and relationships the characters have in the movie. I highly recommend Zombieland to anyone even if you dislike seeing blood and gore. The best thing about Zombieland is no more Facebook status updates...


Inglorious Basterds
With this film, Quentin Tarantino solidified himself to me as my favorite director of all time. Without a doubt this movie was my most anticipated of the year and it did not let down. Tarantino once again proves he's got some of the biggest balls in Hollywood and doesn't give a fuck what anyone thinks or says, he'll re-write history of he has to. I've always admired Tarantino's sense of humor and the ultra-violence he always showcases in his films and Inglorious Basterds is no different. However it is unlike any Tarantino film I've ever seen in how much more "dialog-centered" the movie in comparison to his other work. Lastly, Brad Pitt definitely maintains his title as "most awesome sexy dude of all time" in his role as Lt. Aldo Raine.


More to come this week; so come ride with me through 2009 one last time.

Stay gold.
-Juicy Justin.