1. Paranormal Activity
You may not have liked the movie but you can't ignore it's influence and impact. Made on a $15,000 budget and going on to gross over $107 million. Numbers don't lie. This movie had me spooked and I'm not easily shaken by films. After the movie ended, every time I heard a noise in my house I got up to investigate. No shit. A movie hasn't effected me like that in a looooong time. So it must be something special.
2. Martyrs
I know it was made in 2008, but the movie wasn't released in the states until '09. Martyrs is one of those movies that stick with you well after you've seen it. It hits you in the gut and makes you squirm in your seat. It's a movie that's definitely hard to watch but absolutely brilliant. I let all my friends borrow my dvd of it and they all had the same reaction...WTF? But they all loved it. I wish I could watch it again for the first time.
3. Let the Right One In
Again, another movie made in 2008 but released domestically in 2009. I had zero expectations going into this film and it blew my mind. This is how a REAL vampire move should be made, folks. The characters were totally believable and the acting was top notch. I never would've thought a Norwegian movie about a child vampire could be so good.....and bloody.
4. Taken
I'll be the first to admit I'm not a big Liam Neeson fan, but he proved me wrong with this one. He left behind his one dimensional, sappy acting and put on a performance that made his role in Schindler's List look pale in comparison. I'm a sucker for revenge flicks and Liam pulls no punches in trying to find his kidnapped daughter. For being pg-13, the movie is violent. The dinner scene alone is one of the most memorable I've seen in years. Kudos to Liam, keep up the good work.
5. The Hurt Locker
I lost one of my best friends in Iraq this year and this movie was hard to watch for me. The main character reminded me a lot of him. This movie is very realistic and Jeremy Renner might be the most slept on actor of recent years. The tension the film creates is remarkable. When a character is defusing a bomb, you sweat on the edge of your seat feeling every second tick by. What's crazy is that this movie is directed by a woman named Kathryn Bigelow. What was even more shocking is that she created Point Break. This chick has balls!!
6. District 9
All though I felt the movie didn't live up to expectations, I still thought it was great. The CGI in this film is amazing and the documentary style of the film works well. Peter Jackson always has an eye for talent and he made a great decision in putting this film in theaters. In it's core, this movie is deep. It's full of social commentary and you don't have to be too bright to follow it. The movie takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Figure out the rest for yourself. I can't wait to see what Neil Blomkamp comes up with for 2010.
7. Inglorious Basterds
Tarantino + war = success. It's a simple formula. The movie that has been in Tarnatino's mind for years finally pays off. It's an excellent movie any full of Quentin's great attention to detailed dialogue. I know some people felt it was too much. Others hated the fact that much of it was subtitled. Get a grip people. I don't mind reading subtitles to make the film feel more authentic. The only flaw the movie has is not seeing and missing some Tarantinoisms...Big Kahuna Burger, A Vega Brother, Red Apple Cigarettes, "inside of car trunk" shot. But it does have mexican standoffs and a narrating Samuel L. Jackson.
8. Zombieland
Surprised me. I had no idea this movie was going to be so good. Woody Harrelson still has his assholish comedy timing to a perfect tee. The comedy is dark but hilarious. The slow-mo shots are some of the best I've ever seen. And the surprise cameo in the movie was freakin awesome. Can we get a sequel???
9. 2012
I know....the plot was thin, the characters cookie-cutter, and the movie completely unrealistic. Doesn't matter...this move should be seen for it's eye candy. The end of the world never looked so glorious. The effects might be some of the best ever put to film (have yet to see Avatar). It's a unrelenting, non-stop action thrill ride. Other than John Cusack, nobody else really matters in this movie. People thought it was too long, but I thought it was paced perfectly. Can't wait for the blu-ray.
10. The Hangover
The movie lived up to the hype of the hilarious trailer. An extremely funny movie that everyone (minus children) can enjoy. The characters were all side-splitting laugh inducing and the cameo Mike Tyson was Hollywood genius. I didn't want to see it end. With all the co-ed bachelor/bachelorette parties being popular lately...ladies and gentleman, this is how a bachelor party should be. Oh yeah...don't be a rah-tard.
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