It is the end of the year and everybody is doing the same top 10 lists as everybody else… And while mine does have many movies that made other lists as well, I think I might be mentioning some great movies that a) got forgotten because if inglorious release dates or b) didn’t fare well with the general audience or the “general critics” or c) I won’t include movies I haven’t seen yet, like logical candidates like Up in the Air.
Keep in mind that I usually don’t compile lists such as these. I’ve been trying to order my favorite films of all time since I was 17 (without any success) and have finally decided that movies should neither be summarized with a grade, nor ordered in sequential best of lists. Aside from District 9, which was by far the best film this year for me, every other movie on this list is neither better nor worse than the next, and the order is purely accidental.
1. District 9
If it were only dependent on visual effects, innovation and flair, “District 9” would already be a winner, but the profound narrative and Sharlto Copley’s incredibly sentimental acting make this one of the best, most brilliantly refreshing takes on Sci-Fi to grace the screen (ever). It’s not only good, it’s something that we haven’t seen in a long time: it’s new!
2. Avatar
James Cameron spits in the face of whoever established that adventure movies aren’t any good if they lack highly philosophical and thought-provoking plots, by using every single resource available in moviemaking to give us the ultimate (and most expensive) entertainment spectacle in history. Laugh, cry, hold on to your seats and leave the movie theatre wanting more. The 80s are back.
3. Moon
It’s not the fact that it was shot with little money, not even the fact that it is directed by David Bowie’s son. Everything fits into place when you have a thought-provoking plot with smartly inserted plot-twists and possibly this years best acting gig by Sam Rockwell. It is yet another fresh take on Sci-Fi that will make you question everything that makes us human.
4. Star Trek
It’s just all perfect. The prologue will hook you in, wether you’re a Trekker or not, and from then on you’re in for a hell of a thrill ride that reaches its peak by revealing that Leonard Nimoy doesn’t have a cameo, but a rather important (and familiar) role in the new Star Trek universe. It manages to find that fine line where it isn’t nostalgic, does bring new blood to the saga (and the audience, since I’m not a Trekkie) but never fails to be ultimately respectful to the old Star Trek.
5. Pandorum
While it does take many of its ideas and all its visual style from Event Horizon, Pandorum’s brilliant script is a fresh take on the Horror-Sci-Fi mix, giving it a more positive, constructive feeling, and nice revelations for even those of us who have a hard time being surprised by plot development.
6. The Hangover
The first 45 minutes of absurd situation development are a thing of genius, and thankfully the payoff is right on the money. Acting is brilliant, and when you’re on the floor thinking that the next joke might just give you a stroke, Mike Tyson shows up to literally punch one of the main characters in the face, and you finally pee yourself in joy overdose. Comedies like this are a rare thing, and hopefully Hollywood screenwriters can learn from it.
7. Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood is the most active director in the world right now, and probably one of the oldest. He wrote, shot, cut and finish Gran Torino after wrapping Changeling, you know, just for fun. This feeling of love for the art of moviemaking transcends from the silver screen to the audience, who applauded the film many times during the premiere we were in. It comes from a man who needs neither money nor fame, who just happens to love what he does for a living… And Gran Torino reminds us why we’re in this business after all.
8. Inglourious Basterds
If you’re a skeptic like me, you start noticing the smaller brilliant elements of Inglourious Basterds, which failed for me as a movie, but as it always happens with Quentin Tarantino, has moments of genius spread all throughout the film. Christoph Waltz’s acting will be remembered for a long time, as will Tarantino’s decision to just change history in the third act. Other elements in the camera department shine as well, but Inglourious Basterds is rather a great mixup of cool moments than a great film with cool moments worth mentioning.
9. Up
I think I’m getting tired of saying this, but it is the best Pixar movie yet. Carl Frederickson is not just the most exotic character in animation history, he is also one of the best. The jokes are Pixar level, but what makes this movie shine is our hero’s complex motives for going on his adventure and helping people out along the way. The brief introduction gives us perspective on who Carl Frederickson is and as a result we’re laughing our asses of or wiping our tears every time he gets angry at a giant bird or apologizes to his late wife.
10. Knowing
Probably this year’s most misunderstood movie. It is 100% my personal choice for it to be among the top ten, because as a cinematographic product, Knowing fails on many levels. It is a movie that requires repeated viewings and an extensive analysis of all its references, as well as some insight on how Alex Proyas’ mind works, to get an idea why it is a brilliant movie. And that, my friends, might be great cinema, but it is not something that you should require your audience to suffer. Profound or not, movies should be much more transparent than this.
Popularity: 1%
Where is this world going to if having fun in a movie theater has become something that’s frowned upon?