To start things out, let's talk about how many movies got made last year. Approximately 7,000 films (yes this including indies, most notable Tim and Katie) were produced and in some way made it to theaters. Of which I paid good hard money to see around 20.
Of that 20 here is a breakdown of my top 10 (I will do my best not spoil anything).
In no particular order...
Moon - Duncan Jones (Son of Davies Jones, or as he is known to the world...David Bowie) directed this under 10 million sci-fi flik (hard to believe they can make one so cheap). An excelent look at loneliness in space, with Sam Rockwell acting very good with himself.
Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus - Terry Gilliam goodness. In a weird way you can see Heath Ledger still has some of his Joker mannerisms. Oh and Tom Waits plays the devil perfectly.
That Evening Sun - Probably haven't heard of this one have ya? It was way under the radar, thank some deity for indie cinemas or I never would have seen the trailer. The story follows an elderly man dealing with the changing of the times.
District 9 - Great story, amazing special effects and an unknown actor. This sci-fi came in at around 30 mill (thar be a point to me mentioning budget in relation to sci-fi's, so bear with me). The movie is an excellent allegory for the apartheid in South Africa.
(500) Days of Summer - I traditionally avoid Romantic Comedies as they are rarely realistic in anyway shape or form. But damn if this one didn't nail it on the head. A unique aspect of the film is you can take the male protagonist and female antagonist and switch them. Thus making the female our hero and the story would still work.
Zombieland - Excellent use of horror and comedy. Plus Bill Murray making an amazing cameo.
The Hangover - Got to see this one in Vegas, which somehow made it even better. R-rated comedies got a shot in the arm thanks to Todd Philips.
Watchmen - Mind blowing. Zack Snyder is proving to be one of the most visual directors of our time.
Hurt Locker - Intense, anything could happen at any second. At no point do you believe your heroes are safe. Want to know how to write a script, look at this movie.
By my count that's 9 films. I know I said I wouldn't put them in order. But I half lied, as I have saved the film I felt was the best, for last.
The Road - I don't know where to begin with this one. Again most of you probably haven't heard of it. Flew right under the radar. Which is fine as this movie wasn't intended for the masses. It's a story about a father and son trying to survive a very bleak apocalyptic world. Very loyally it follows the book it is based on.
Viggo Mortensen was robbed by not even being nominated for this film. His performance is one of the best of the decade. He is authentic as a father trying to protect and feed his son. The pacing is a bit slow, but it's believable. A must see, and read.
Honorable Mentions
These films were good, but not the best
Sherlock Holmes, 9 (the animated one, not the live action), Star Trek, I Love You Man, Observe and Report
Now their were a few films that slipped through my fingers, I blame the economy. Here is a list of movies I really wanted to see, but haven't been able to
The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Public Enemies. Where the Wild Things Are. The new Harry Potter. Youth in Revolt. Anti-Christ. Drag Me to Hell. Big Fan
I hope I can get around much sooner then later to viewing all of them.
Snubbed! These films I saw but felt were moderately overrated (I enjoyed them, but alas something was missing).
Bruno, Inglorious Basterds and Avatar.
I typed a full review on Avatar in an earlier blog. I would like to take a second and point out that visually it is AMAZING. My complaints were with the story and Sam Worthingtons wooden performance. Plus the budget was insane, 300 million! Moon/District 9's budgets put together were roughly 35 million. And both had excellent/unique scripts.
So what does that leave left? The horrible films that for some reason I paid to see. The following were all hollow and over produced Hollywood shit.
Terminator Salvation, GI Joe, Wolverine and Transformers 2.
All 4 garbage with at best mild redeeming qualities. I felt especially scorned after watching Wolverine. Having been a fan of the character since I figured out what comics were, I wanted to see a Wolverine movie. And in all honesty I would rather it never been made then what we got. Don't even get me started on the Deadpool character.
Whelp that about does it for my ranting. This was all my opinion, and in most cases NOT the opinion of other Krej members. I only ask that this year you take some time and visit the Indie Cinemas in you're area.
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