10 Things I Hate About You - 10th Anniversary Edition

Time is a funny thing. It can give perspective, it can change your view, it can allow new ideas to filter in that you had not considered before. This is exactly what has happened to me as I watch 10 Things I Hate About You ten years after its original release. It is definitely a different experience, when you consider the cast and and what they did here and where many of them have gone since then. I cannot help but let it color my views of the film.

Before we get to my changing views, let's take a look at the film first, shall we?

10 Things I Hate About You is loosely based on William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" (you can even see the similarity in the flow of the respective titles). Take the play, modernize the language, set it in the modern day, make the characters high school students, pepper the film with Shakespeare references and you are good to go.

On the surface, the movie would seem to be littered with cliches. You would be right to notice that. However, if you dig beneath the surface just a little bit, you will find that while the cliches are alive and well working to create a film that is as predictable as they come (seriously, is there anyone who could not predict what was going to happen even without knowing the play?), there is a little something more to discover. What helps this movie stand out is the characters. Sure, there actions are taking them through the motions, but the way they are written and performed gives them a more substance and humanity than you would expect.

The film centers on Kat (Julia Stiles), she is the titular shrew. She is a strong, independent woman who does not cave in to the desires of others. She is the crux of the issue as her father (Larry Miller) will not let her younger sister, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), date until she does. It just so happens that Bianca has a pair of potential suitors. This pair is made of the school newcomer Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and the big man on campus Joey (Andrew Keegan). Now, if these are not enough players for you, enter Cameron's friend Michael (David Krumholtz) as the brains that thinks up the plan to get the pieces together and Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) as the man pegged to pair up with Kat.

Phew. Now, with all the pieces in place he fun can begin. I am sure you don't need me telling you what happens, what with the predictability. If you haven't seen the movie, give it a shot. If you have seen it, you know if you like it or not.

As for the time issue, just take a look at the cast. The obvious first face to catch your gaze has to be the late Heath Ledger. When he passed away, he was on the verge of breaking out as a huge star with the release of The Dark Knight. It is interesting that I never really saw him as a big star prior to his Joker performance. That combined with Brokeback Mountain saw him emerging as an amazingly talented actor with a bright future. Now, looking back at this, one of his earliest performances I cannot help but see it differently. Hindsight is 20/20 and he has the presence of a future star. He holds the screen well and has a good deal of charisma. He is very good here and it makes me sad we will not get to see him achieve his full potential.

Also in the cast is Joseph Gordon-Levitt in an early big screen role. This came during his run on 3rd Rock from the Sun, where he got his start. He has developed into one of my favorite actors with his roles in films like Brick, Mysterious Skin, The Lookout, and (500) Days of Summer. Here he plays a typical teen, but he does it well, and according to other cast and crew was very serious about his work. It is definitely paying off now.

Beyond those "big two" there are a few other notables in this cast. There is the film's main star, Julia Stiles. I am not her biggest fan, but she has made a nice career for herself and this film is probably a big reason for it. David Krumholtz is currently seeing success on the TV show Numb3rs and appeared in a favorite film of mine, Serenity. Also hidden inside the cast list is Gabrielle Union, a 26-year old playing a high school sophomore and pulling it off.

In short, it is interesting to see the familiar faces all in one film at a very early part of their career. Their collective success makes viewing this film a different experience as the filter of time has definitely changed the way we see it.

Audio/Video. The video is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and it looks pretty good. The film is bright and colorful and the video has good color definition, plenty of detail in there. I cannot say the film is great looking, but this transfer is certainly worthy. The audio is centered on the front with surrounds kicking in for a few sequences like the party scene. The same can be said for the sub activity, with most of its action coming during the frequent pop songs.

Extras. There a pair of extras included on this anniversary edition.

• Commentary. The track features the writers Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and cast members David Krumholtz Larisa Oleynik, and Andrew Keegan. It is a fun track, if not the most informative. They have a good time reminiscing on the shoot and the friends they made.
• 10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You. This featurette runs for 35-minutes and contains new and old interview footage along with some behind the scenes footage from the set. It is fun watching them reminisce on the film as well as seeing what they were like back during the filming.
• Digital Copy. There is a second disk with a digital copy of the film that can be transferred and used on iPods and other portable devices.

Bottomline. No, this is not the greatest film ever. It travels in many of the standard teen/high school cliches but stands out in making the characters feel more natural and real even in the standard sequences. The movie is most notable for some of the performers and their early performances. It is a solid teen flick and worth checking out.

Recommended.


Here is a behind the scenes clip of what may be the film's most iconic moment:

Super 8-Bit Brothers - Brawl

Many of the younger years of my youth were spent in the 1980's. This being true, I remember when the Nintendo Entertainment System arrived, signaling the end of the Atari/Colecovision dominance of the home gaming market. I also remember begging my parents for the gaming system. They kept saying no, I kept insisting until one Christmas (I forget the year). It was the end of the day, all of the gifts had seemingly already been consumed until I found a note sticking out of the tree's branches telling me to o downstairs. There it was! I remember playing Super Mario Brothers until the wee hours of the morning, that theme song burned into my mind. Those were the days, playing Mario and other classics with there immediately identifiable bleepy music.

What does that memory have to do with Super 8-Bit Brothers, you ask? Well, think about the name and imagine what their music may sound like. That's right! The tunes of Brawl evoke memories of those 8-bit game soundtracks of the past. The distinctive sounds greet you and draw you in right from the start with the opening tune "Cyberspace Sirens/Computer Casanovas." The song comes complete with catchy 8-bit beats and gaming/computer inspired lyrics.

I never imagined there would be such a group as this. I guess I should not be surprised, the sound is rather distinctive and apparently has plenty of uses outside of old school games. Now, this is not the first act I have listened to to use 8-bit synth as a major part of their around, although they do make the most extensive use of it. In my order of experience they come on the heels of HORSE the Band. The difference is that HORSE is a much harder edged act that make strong use of the synth but surround it with experimental metal. Super 8-Bit Brothers are much more dancehall in their sound with even more focus on the synth sound.



Super 8-Bit Brothers are a little outside of my normal fare, but I have to admit there is a definite charm in their sound, a catchiness in their beats, and do not sound like a gimmick. You have to admit, the idea of a group focusing on 8-bit synth sounds like it would be a gimmick, right? Yes, I guess there is an element of gimmick to these guys, what with the gamer-inspired lyrics and some game-like beats, but overall they stand up to the naysayers and prove themselves a worthy addition to the musical landscape. Of course, I may just not know what I am talking about, this is, after all, a different style for me. At least give me some credit for taking a shot at it!

The sound is like a cross of NES console games blended with the likes of Kraftwerk, Nine Inch Nails, and Devo. Definitely an odd mix, but cool nonetheless. It is a sound that once you start playing it, others will appear, get groovy and then ask you what exactly it is they are hearing. By then they will be hooked.

While the entire album is pretty darn good, there are tracks that you will want to pay attention to. "Shadow of Me" strikes me as a little like Daft Punk with NIN and is very catchy. "2600 Refugee" opens strong with a mid-tempo groove and has a nice sleepy quality to it. "8 Bit Lullaby" may be my favorite song, it has a child-like attraction with its even rhythmic pattern. You cannot go wrong with the likes of "Goodbye Cruel World (or Warcraft)" and the synthetic island rhythms of "Don't Sell the Barrels to the Monkey." Finally don't forget the mash that is the title track "Brawl."

Bottomline. Not my normal speed, but I love the style, the strong execution, and the likability of the album as a whole. If you are into dance/electronic music, check this out. If you are a gamer with a taste for the old school, this is for you.

Recommended.

(500) Days of Summer - Shines on Blu

"Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn't."

That is the tagline for (500) Days of Summer, the love story that isn't a love story. Perhaps it would be best described as a love story for the dumped. It is the sort of romance that helps reinvigorate the genre. It gives something from a different perspective and injects a strong sense of reality. This movie may not exactly be real, but it does have a reality to it. It is very easy to believe that these are real people in a real relationship and everything that goes with it.

Now, I saw this when it was on the big screen and absolutely loved it. I was drawn into their relationship and truly felt for them. Going into watching this Blu-ray I have to admit that I was a little worried about how it would hold up upon multiple viewings. I was especially worried considering that it placed number third on my "Favorite of 2009" list. My worries subsided a little bit as I looked at the case in my hands. As I looked at the cover and prepared to fire it up, memories of seeing it on the big screen came back.



Watching the movie a second (and third) time proved to be just as good as the first. It draws you in and holds you as Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) recounts the story of his doomed relationship with Summer (Zooy Deschanel). It is a great story of the search for love, and the uncertainty related to whether or not it even exists. The movie is not about giving you the answers. It is about giving you reason to think about your beliefs and how there are no answers; that what happens will happen regardless of what you may believe or think to be true.

Early scenes show Tom and Summer slowly feeling each other out. You know, the tentative dance as you try to gauge the interest of the other party. In this case, the dance begins with an acknowledgement of the others desires in a relationship. Tom believes in love and is looking for a long term relationship. Summer does not believe in love, is not looking for a relationship, and finds Tom intriguing. They come to a common ground and the relationship begins to take shape.

It is fascinating to watch it develop, as their feelings change, grow, and adapt to knew situations. The only thing is that Summer's original thoughts still form the basis of what she wants. Tom cannot quite handle it and things begin to fall apart. However, they do not just disintegrate, the relationship's decline becomes a learning experience as they both come to find their initial statements need to be adjusted. There is no one right answer.

One of the things I loved is how the film portrays the guy as being the emotional one. All too often it seems that the guy isn't allowed to express himself the way Tom does here. He is a believer in love, how often does that happen? Seriously?



The screenplay by the team of Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber is fantastic. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that approximately 70% of what happens in the movie actually happened. They actually had to send to a couple of exes for approval, to make sure they wouldn't get sued! On top of that they fashioned it in a non-linear fashion which helps shake things up. The tale is told by Tom based on his memories, and memories can be fallible. This non-linear fashion changes the perspective of a number of scenes and gives everything an interesting flavor.

As good as the writing is, as fine as the directing is, I cannot help but feel that Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deshcanel make the movie. They have fantastic chemistry and are a joy to watch. Gordon-Levitt is not what you would call traditional leading man material, but he carries himself with great confidence, has definite charisma, and proves to be more than up to the task. He portrays a sympathetic character who is easy to like, and is easy to identify with. On the other hand is Zooey Deschanel who just lights up the screen with her smile and those blue eyes. It does not hurt that she is also a fine actress who carries herself well here as the independent woman. She is often characterized as the film's villain, but she is up front with what she wants and if you listen to her during the last scene, she reveals herself as being anything but. These characters are real, real life is filled with gray area, which is where these two live.

Audio/Video. The video is presented in 2.4:1 widescreen, with a couple of intentional shifts throughout. The image is clear with plenty of detail. It is a touch to the soft side, likely due to the subdued pastel color palette. While it is not a look that is going to knock your socks off in high definition, it is definitely noticeably better than your standard DVD. Besides, it works for the tone of the film. It is a very nice looking disk.

Audio is DTS-HD 5.1. It is not a standout track, but would you really expect that from a film like this? It delivers a nice balanced soundstage that i clearly centered in the middle for the dialogue driven film. The surrounds are rarely engaged except for a little ambiance now and then, while the sub is relegated to soundtrack use only. Again, it is a fine track that serves the film well.



Extras. The Bluy-ray comes with a selection of bonus features

• Commentary. The track features director Marc Webb, actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and writers Michael Weber and Scott Neustadter. It is a fun track as they talk about the shooting, the writing, the approach to the roles, and is fun and informative with no dead air.
  
• Lost Days of Summer: Extended and Deleted Scenes. A selection of scenes that did not quite make the cut. These usually do not make much of an impact, but these are pretty good and worth checking out. They also have optional commentary.
  
• Not a Love Story: Making of (500) Days of Summer. This featurette takes a look at the making of the film (duh), looking at the importance of set and costume design, plus the cinematography. It includes interviews with the director, writers, and stars along with some comments on love.


• Summer of Sundance. Follow Marc Webb around the Sundance festival where the film premiered to a standing ovation. This is neat. You can tell he is excited about his first trip to Park City with a film to show.


• Audition Tapes. Complete with optional commentary. We get to see Geoffrey Arend and Matthew Gray Gubler. We do not get enough of these.


• Summer Storyboards. Two sequences (Summer Effect and Reality/Expectations) are given the storyboard treatment, complete with commentary from Marc Webb. I always like seeing these.


• Bank Dance Directed by Marc Webb. This is a video for a song written by Zooey Deschanel set in a bank. I like her and the look of the video is pretty cool, but I cannot say I care much for her singing.


• Mean's Cinemash: "Sid and Nancy/500 Days of Summer." This is fantastic! It takes the reference from the film and puts Joseph in a bad wig as Nancy and Zooey as Sid.


• Music Video: "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap. I am not familiar with the band, but this is a pretty cool tune from the film, just not a great video.


• Conversations with Zooey and Joseph. This is a series of interview clips: Acting vs. Reality, Creative Process, Favorite Parts of LA, Karaoke, Los Angeles, Music. These are pretty cool. I like both of them and this features them discussing these topics across a diner table. They feel a little like webisodes.


• Filmmaking Specials: Director Marc Webb on Casting Zooey and Joe, French Film Influences, two Fox Movie Channel clips: In Character with Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This is a series of brief interview clips. Worth a watch but you will unlikely revisit.


• Trailers. Included are Amelia, Fame, and Adam.

Bottomline. I love this movie. It is one of those romantic films that hits all the right notes and really connected with me. It is genuine, heartfelt and just works. I am not sure how else to put it. I have watched it a few times now and the charm and effect has not been lessened in the least. On top of that, this Blu-ray is a pretty nice release.

Highly Recommended.

Box Office Update 1/1-1/3: Avatar, What Else Do You Need to Know?

Welcome to this week's top ten box office list. It looks a lot like last week's list. With no new movies arriving to herald in the new year, there was very little movement among the films from last week to this. As a matter of fact, you have to go all the way down to eighth place to see a change. The last three films switch around a little bit, but it is nothing to be all that concerned with. This week may not have much to talk about in the movement of films, but it makes up for it with the a couple of big success stories.

If you start at the top of the chart you will find a little movie called Avatar. Perhaps you have heard of it? The James Cameron created science fiction adventure is a marvel of technology and design. It is hands down the best 3D film I have seen yet. Beyond that, the world that Cameron has created is a beautiful and unique creation. It is the sort of word you can spend days talking about and thinking about how it works and how everything fits together. Not only is it interesting like that, but the technology involved and the way Cameron integrates reality and effects signals a turn in effects technology. It will be interesting to see other filmmakers make use of these new techniques.

Now, as great as the film it, there is something a little more relevant to talk about. Have you seen the money it has been making? Three weekends in and it is already the second biggest film of 2009, has talks of potentially being able to unseat Titanic (ironically, another Cameron film) as the biggest domestic hit, and at the very least surpass The Dark Knight. It has also become the first film ever to have three straight weeks top $65 million. Seriously, the previous third weekend record was The Dark Knight's $45 million. Can you believe that? The legs that Avatar has shown surpasses anything that I expected. Of course, it has had a little help from holidays, but this still transcends any help the holiday could have provided. It will be interesting to see just how it will go. It has already passed the $350 million mark.

As big as Avatar is, there is another film making box office records. The Blind Side is a movie that came out of nowhere. I still have not seen it and do not really feel the drive to see it, but there is no denying how much success it has had. The inspirational drama has crossed the $200 million mark, which has to be a surprise to just about anyone involved. I would have guessed a final tally in the $60 million range and I would have been wrong. Besides crossing the double century mark, it has become the first film to reach that mark on the strength of a female lead. In other words, the film is billed on the strength of Sandra Bullock's name alone as the big star of the cast, no other film with a female as the sole lead has ever made so much money. My congratulations to Sandra Bullock and all involved.

So far as the rest of the list goes, there is really nothing particularly special happening. All of the films had pretty good holds from last week. Again, there was no new competition. Next week will be more interesting as everyone is heading back to work and school from the holidays and 2010 offers its first new releases of the campaign.

Next week brings three new films to theaters nationwide. Daybreakers brings another take on vampires to the screen (from the directors of Undead) and hopefully wash out the bad taste of Twilight vampires. Leap Year sees Amy Adams flying across the pond to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day only to discover adventure and perhaps someone else? Finally, we have Youth in Revolt, the new Michael Cera vehicle where a quiet teen creates an adventurous alter ego to impress a girl.

No movies dropped off the list this week.

This Week	Last Week	Title	Wknd Gross	Overall	Week in release
1	1	Avatar	$68,490,688	$352,114,898	3
2	2	Sherlock Holmes	$36,612,481	$138,715,437	2
3	3	Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel	$35,189,653	$155,916,935	2
4	4	It's Complicated	$18,802,965	$59,178,840	2
5	5	The Blind Side	$11,912,749	$208,476,067	7
6	6	Up in the Air	$10,720,052	$44,374,918	5
7	7	The Princess and the Frog	$9,824,311	$85,859,339	6
8	9	Did You Hear About the Morgans?	$4,932,338	$25,312,384	3
9	10	Invictus	$3,909,312	$30,586,445	4
10	8	Nine	$3,901,203	$13,745,956	3

Sherlock Holmes - Elementary My Dear

Sherlock aficionados and hardcore canonistas beware. This take on the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle creation is considerably different than what you have seen in the past. Director Guy Ritchie, who cut his teeth on Brit-gangster films, has gotten his hands on the sleuth and has updated him, tweaked the character, and reinvented him for a modern audience who may not be terribly in tune with the character in his classic form. The end result is a film that should satisfy the masses, annoy the nitpickers, and ultimately be embraced for being a flat-out entertaining film regardless of some individual grievances. At least I hope that is how it will go.

I am not familiar with Sherlock Holmes at all. I have never read any of the stories nor have I watched any of the films. Although, I think I may have seen clips here and there over the years and I am pretty sure that I even own one or two of the films on DVD. My closest ties to Holmes would probably be those episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation where Captain Picard would assume the mantle with Data as Watson on the holodeck. In other words, I am nowhere near an authority on the character, I am content with my impressions of him that have that have seeped into pop-culture and consciousness.



This new take on Holmes plays partly as a redressed 80's buddy film (ala Lethal Weapon) and part superhero adventure (think Batman and Robin, but not the Schumacher debacle), while still remaining true to the characters roots, albeit with a touch of modern bro-mance sensibilities.

The first half of the film sees the famous sleuth prevent the murder of a woman in a black magic ritual being performed by Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). Following the arrest of Blackwood, Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) retreats to his home and a room that is strewn with all manner of gadgets by the restless detective. It seems this is the way he usually acts between cases, although this time it is compounded by Dr. John Watson's (Jude Law) impending exit from their shared home for a new home in married life.

While their bickering continues, their lives become more complicated following the execution of Blackwood. Shortly after he is laid in the family tomb, he is seen alive and well exiting the tomb. This brings Holmes back into the action as he is determined to learn the secrets of Blackwood's resurrection, not to mention what the dead man may be up to. This leads to a second half which steps up the action as we get a rapid series of revelations regarding Blackwood's return and the secrets behind his devious plans.



In the midst of all this, introduce Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams). She is a former (future?) lover of Holmes, not to mention an intellectual equal and a master thief. She comes to town with work for Holmes that relates to Blackwood. However, there is definitely something more to her presence and who she is working for.

It is an intriguing story, if not a terribly deep one. While the story is engrossing, this film is less about the plot as it is about the execution. The goal is to entertain, not necessarily stimulate. Fortunately, the film delivers based on a combination of the actors talents and chemistry and director Guy Ritchie's style, even if it is toned down a bit for a more mainstream audience.

The weight of the movie is carried by the dynamic duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Much of the films success can be measured by the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The two get along marvelously, trading barbs and working together to the benefit of both their abilities. The two have a natural rapport that makes their deep rooted friendship all the more believable. Downey brings a relaxed, yet intense, charisma to the role, successfully combining the characters flaws and talents in one package. As for Law, he does a fine job as the straight man who cares deeply for his friend, and while reluctantly goes along with Holmes' plans, he is not above getting a shot in himself.



On the other side of the coin is Rachel McAdams, who I feel is a good actress, she just does not work all that well here. She has the presence and the right look, but she seems out of her element. I did not really notice it until I sat down to write this, but she did not really seem right for the part. Who should have played it, I do not know. She just seemed rather blank and lacking in charisma.

Guy Ritchie, directing a script that was not his own for the first time, reigns himself in. In doing so, he is showing some growth as a director. Instead of trying to be flashy and "cool" he allows the energy and flash grow organically out of the story. Sure, it may be embellished a bit here and there, but it did not stand out as flash for the sake of flash. This is decidedly a step up from his other recent films and I like what he brought to the table.

As for the writing, it is quite good and better than I expected. I liked how the action was amped up, but the intelligence factor was not ignored. In particular, I loved the fight sequences that demonstrate how fast and far ahead Holmes is thinking. If he is doing that in a fight, think about what he is doing when he doesn't have that time limitation.

Bottomline. This is a fun movie, no doubt about it. It is fast paced, looks great, has a decent story, good humor, and generally good performances. This is a movie that will send you home with a smile on your face and wondering what they might do in a sequel.

Recommended.

DVD Pick of the Week: Battlestar Galactica

Welcome back! Well, to some of you, anyway. To the rest of you, glad you decided to stop by and I hope this humble column helps you navigate the stacks of new releases each week. My goal is to point you toward titles of interest and warn you away from those films that seek to do nothing but leech away your time and give you nothing in return.

Full disclosure: I have not seen many of these titles, and what follows are not necessarily reviews, but opinions based upon what I know of the titles I pluck from the new release lists I peruse. The opinions I give based on the new releases are my own, and my recommendations are based on my personal interest. In any case, I hope you enjoy and perhaps find something you like or a title to point me towards.

Battlestar Galactica: Season One (Blu-ray). One of the greatest series to grace the television screen is making its way to Blu-ray. Previously only available in a complete series box (which I still want), it now looks like the season sets are making their way to store shelves. I remember when I first saw the mini-series on the Sci Fi (now SyFy) channel I was not so sure it was all that good. Then the first season hit and everything changed. This is not your daddy's Battlestar Galactica, this reinvention strips away the camp, the bad effects, and the cheesy acting. This new series is dark, gritty, yet still with a strong human element. It grew increasingly complex over its run, and always more interesting.

Chuck: The Complete Second Season (also Blu-ray). This show is a lot of fun. I was so glad when it was picked up for a third season (coming soon!). The series deftly blends comedy and action, thrills and romance, all in the name of fun. It is far from a serious series and it embraces that. Just sit back and enjoy. One of the great things about it is the chemistry between the cast members. Just watch the relationship between Zachary Levi's Chuck and Yvonne Strahovski's Sarah, it works beautifully and anchors the series. If you aren't watching it, why not? Give it a shot, you may be surprised that you like it.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (also Blu-ray). This movie turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I initially wanted to write this off, but when I did see it, it revealed itself to be quite good. The story is carried by the relationships and the fun gags with food. This is definitely one worth gathering the family for.

The Final Destination (also Blu-ray). Initially I said this was better than the third film in the series. However, I think I may have overstated it. This is a bad movie with uninteresting characters, no story, and gimmicky 3D effects. Considering it was a financial success, I doubt it will be the last of the series. Still, the only ones really worth watching are the first two, after that, forget it.

10 Things I Hate About You (also Blu-ray). I have not seen this movie in years. It is hard to believe that it is ten years old. It has a good cast including early film roles for Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, all successful actors. I need to revisit this one.

My Favorite Movies of 2009 Part 2: The Top 11 and Notable Near Misses

Welcome to the final part of my favorite movies of 2009. This will cover the top eleven films as well as a few highly regarded films that failed to make the list. Now, it is key to point out this is not so much a "best-of" list as it is a "favorites" list. I have not seen all the potential films, and there are a few that I have not seen. Still, I think I have seen a pretty good sample of the the year's offerings. Now, below are my favorite films of the year past.

There is one other thing to note as you look at this list and the prior one (any list of this sort for that matter). The order of this list can change at any time without notice. Since these movies do not always equate with each other, ranking them can often be a fruitless exercise. Still, I do enjoy putting them together.

To quote Roger Ebert: "No lists have deep significance, but even less lists composed to satisfy an imaginary jury of fellow critics. My jury resides within. I know how I feel."

1. District 9. It was everything I had hoped for and nothing like what I expected. This is a movie that delivers on every level — from fantastic writing, to seamless special effects, to good acting performances, it is one of those rare movies that fails to disappoint. It reminds me of Children of Men, another film that combined great visual style with effects and story. It is rare to find a movie that hits so perfectly on so many levels. It is a story of aliens unlike any I have seen before. The story has weight, making it a believable alternate world. The story digs into what makes us human and examines our ability to commit atrocities on others which is equalled by our ability to ultimately understand and respect. It is all told within a world where not all of the questions are answered. You are given just enough information for the main story to be told, but the background holds so many details and hints that speak to a larger world condition, just waiting to be pieced together, interpreted, and expanded upon by the viewer.

2. The Road. It was a struggle choosing between this and District 9 for the top film. Another day may have brought about a different result. The Road is a powerful and moving film. It speaks to our humanity and how we must struggle to retain it. This is the most realistic vision of a post-apocalyptic world. The film does not rely on any gimmicks to get its point across, rather it focuses on the travels and relationship of father and son as they attempt to survive on the road. The outlook is bleak, I will not sugarcoat it, this is a depressing film. Still, it is a fascinating one that has the barest glimmer of hope while also portraying a complete vision that allows the viewer to interpret what he sees and to fill in the blanks of the surrounding world. I was completely engrossed with this tale.

3. (500) Days of Summer. This is an alluring movie. It effortlessly draws you into the tale as it unfolds in non-linear fashion, pieced together from Tom's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) memories as he relates them. It is fascinating to watch our couple dance around each other. Both are lost and vulnerable in different ways as they are attempt to find their way in the world together.I am in love with this movie. It works so well in telling its story of delivering the ideas it wants to impart on the viewer, the thought process behind the relationships, the chemistry of the couple, there is so much to like (love?).

4. Up. The first fifteen minutes had me near tears. In the couple of times I have seen it since the big screen it has never failed to have a similar reaction on me. Up is tremendously affecting, it treats its characters as real people, allowing the story to develop in a secondary state to the characters. These people have likes and dislikes, they have their routines, and their arguments. It is a genuine joy to watch, a glimpse inside these people's lives. It is a journey where our heroes think they know what they are looking for, yet slowly realize there is a bigger picture. It is a fantastic film, no doubt.

5. Moon. This is the sort of film that sneaks up on you, draws you in, makes you interested, and then is over. It is not an action film, it is not a fast-paced film, it is one that allows the story to slowly unfold over the course of its run time, seeping into your brain, all the while making you curious as to where it is going or what the meaning of it all is. Sam Rockwell gives an incredible performance as a man who may be cracking up during a long term mission on the moon. He is forced to confront the idea of his own identity and piece together the mystery that is himself. It is a fantastic film that too few people have been able to see. This is also Duncan Jones feature debut and he has fast established himself as a director with vision. If you are a fan of intelligent science fiction, this will fit the bill.

6. Inglourious Basterds. There are not many men who can make a WWII film and turn it into a lovesong for cinema and a revenge fantasy and make it work. There are even fewer who can get Brad Pitt to be in it for less than half the film when more than half the film is subtitled. There are few film makers like Quentin Tarantino. He is a unique voice in the cinematic landscape, borrowing from whatever he can get his hands on and remaking it, molding, combining it, boiling it down to its essence, rebuilding it, and expanding it into something fresh. This may be his most cinematic and straightforward films yet, but it still retains that unique Tarantino flavor. It also needs to be mentioned that Christoph Waltz, as the film's villain, delivers an incredible performance. He is articulate, cold, calm, calculated, and oh so evil.

7. Watchmen. The unfilmable graphic novel has been turned into a film. Zack Snyder has crafted an amazing adaptation of a fascinating world where heroes exist, but with moral complexities, corruption, and a desire to fight evil no matter the cost. This is not an easy movie to watch, it requires the viewer be an active participant to put all he pieces together. The alternate world created is a dangerous one. Spotlighted by a series of good performances highlighted by Jackie Earle Haley's masked vigilante Rorshach. Not for everyone, this visually impressive, narratively ambitious film should be given a hot.

8. Coraline. Wow, what else is there to say? This is a film that is firing on all artistic cylinders. It is a movie that tells a great story, is executed in grand fashion, and pulls no punches. Family and kids' movies need not always be comedic fare with talking animals; they can be something more. Director Henry Selick goes a long way to proving just what a family movie can be. This is a film that transcends what might traditionally be called a kids' film. It is a movie that offers up a dark fantasy nightmare for children that tempers its threat with an empowering heroine. It is a story that anyone who was ever a child can identify with, and is dealt with using an intelligence that does not pander to children nor does it talk down to them. It deals with the material with a maturity that belies the mainstream view of it as a kids' film.

9. Star Trek. This is an action-filled romp that is filled with comedy and adventure, not to mention all manner of nods to the original series (including prior Trek films). There is a little something for everybody. Technically, the movie is a marvel. It is filled with great effects and a visual style that evokes memories of the original series while looking to the future. The cinematography takes dynamic form, the camera is always moving, swooping, and shaking. I enjoyed the look, it was dynamic, visual, and completely opposite what we usually see in a Trek film. What it comes down to is that I loved his film. I hesitate to call it perfect, but it got as close to the term as any Trek film can. It is a satisfying adventure that is also a creative triumph. Best of all, it is just as entertaining upon multiple viewings. I saw it three times on the big screen plus a few more on Blu-ray.

10. The Brothers Bloom. At its basest, The Brothers Bloom is a con-man movie. It is about playing the con and taking it all the way, selling it on your way to the "perfect" con. What makes this con-man movie stand out is the unique vision that Rian Johnson brings to the tale. It has a very realistic feel to it, although it also exists in a distinctly fantasy-flavored world. The movie is bubbling with a bouncy kinetic energy that is hard not to get into. It transcends the con-man tale to tell a story about the people involved. It really is a lot of fun.

11. The Hurt Locker. This film does not so much have a plot as it does a group of characters that we follow. Do not look at this film as a narrative; it is more like an audience being embedded with a squad as they go about their work, sort of like a reporter going out in the field. It is exciting, thrilling, frightening, and strips everything down to the essence. This is not about the dialogue, it is about people, their hopes, desires, fears, and their ability to act in the face of great stress. The characters are written in a very internalized fashion. You need to pay attention to really get the full effect of these characters as they do not verbalize everything. They are written as people, not plot points, and it works out beautifully.

Here are a few films that did not make my 2009 favorites list, but are still films that I greatly enjoyed

Up in the Air. This is a fascinating character piece that has a nice steady pace and brings up a number interesting questions about the way we choose to live our lives.

Crank: High Voltage. This here, this here is a movie that survives on sheer insanity. Nothing is taboo, nothing too far over the top. It is not for everyones taste, but you have to give them credit for putting something like this out.

Where the Wild Things Are. I really wanted to love this. It just falters through the middle as it slows down a bit. Still, the imagination is in full effect, the effects are strong, and the entire project is unlike anything I have seen.

Avatar. This movie is rather fascinating. It is hampered by a story that is a bit on the lackluster side. On the other side of the coin, the effects integration and world creation are absolutely phenomenal. This may not be the best of the year, but it is not one to be missed.

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans. Werner Herzog and Nicolas Cage in a post-Katrina New Orleans. Sounds like trouble. This is a bizarre film that rest on the shoulders of an insane performance by Cage.

Fantastic Mr. Fox. Wes Anderson's best since Bottle Rocket. This Roald Dahl adaptation is a surreal journey into a different world. It really is something special. I love the look of the stop motion animation.

A Christmas Carol. I expected this to be bad. I was so surprised to find that not to be the case. It has visual flair and follows the source rather closely in tone and in dialogue.

That wraps up another year! Here's hoping for a great 2010!

My Favorite Movies of 2009 Part 1: The Back 11 and Cinematic Disappointments.

I have decided to do my top movie list a little differently this year. In the past I have done a straight up top ten, I have done a top ten with a secondary top ten of alternate films, and I have done a top ten and a second top ten of my favorites (as opposed to the best). This year my list is comprised of all the 4 and 5 star rated films in my log. It just so happens there are 22 of them. Now, my top ten is still my top ten, regardless of how the supporting players are chosen. Now, since that is a rather unwieldy number, the list has been broken in two. What follows is 12-22 on the my list, followed by a couple the years disappointments. I figure they belong here more than on a worst of list.

Well, enough stalling, let's get to the movies!

12. Knowing. This movie seemed to create a big division in audiences. There do not seem to be many Nicolas Cage fans left (considering some of his recent work, can you blame them?). Now, this is not exactly great Cage acting, but it is here because of the film and not one man. There is a delicious slow burn quality permeating each frame. You are only given what you need to know, and even then it is barely enough. Knowing forces you to engage, to become involved, but it does so in such a way that you may not even be aware of it at first. The film asks a lot of question and requires you to think about what is going on, and then the end happens. I would like to tell you more, but it is probably best to just watch it.

13. Drag Me to Hell. Sam Raimi made a triumphant return to his roots, following three Spider-Man films he came back to the style that got him attention in the first place. This movie is a downright blast. It will give you chills, make you jump, make you laugh, and just deliver a good time. You will bear witness to a knock-down, drag out fight taking place entirely in a car, as well as another appearance of Raimi's famous 1973 Buick. This is an energetic jolt to the horror genre and I hope to see Raimi continue to employ this style of filmmaking. The story is fun, you may see where it is going to go, but it still holds some surprises. What it comes down to is the style and reckless abandon with which Raimi throws himself into the film. If you like horror and comedy, this is for you.

14. Precious - Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire. You know, I figured this would have been a bit higher on the list. Funny how things work out when stop and look at your choices. It also shows how star ratings do not equate directly with one another. There is no denying this is a great film with some great performances. In any case, this is a movie you will want to see as it is powerfully written and performed, however it is also emotionally draining and you are not likely going to want to watch it over and over. Gabourey Sidibe gives an incredible performance as the title character, matched by a nearly unrecognizable Mo'nique as her abusive mother. All around powerful film. It is a formula we have seen before, but it is imbued with an amazingly gritty reality that feels very true to life.

15. Orphan. Here is a movie that truly caught me off-guard. I went in expecting another evil kid movie and was treated to something else. Orphan takes us inside a family on the brink of implosion. All it needs is a little push from the outside to send the house of cards tumbling. We are given a fresh take on familiar material. It draws you in and makes you wonder just what is going to happen and when it does it completely knocks you for a loop. On top of all that young Isabelle Fuhrman turns in an amazing performance that drips with evil. This is a keeper.

16. The Hangover. Did anyone see this coming? After the Apatow-style of comedy has all but taken over the R-rated comedy I thought it would be awhile before another style had a positive impact on the genre. Well, this past summer brought a mash of the buddy comedy and the mystery genre and completely knocked it out of the park. The cast is funny, the pace never lets up, and it is actually involving. It is also laugh out loud hilarious.

17. Public Enemies. This movie is a cross between a mainstream picture and an arthouse film, John Dillinger - The Man Behind the Myth, if you were. It has the big name stars, it has the big name performances, but it also refuses to follow mainstream movie conventions. Michael Mann tells the story is told on its own terms. The film is meticulously crafted, showing only what needs to be seen. There are no overtones of niceties: John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) is never made out to be a nice guy, or a good guy, and the same goes for Agent Purvis (Christian Bale). It is rather refreshing to see a movie portray characters in a way that seems real rather "movie real."

18. Zombieland. The film comes out firing on all cylinders and does not let up until its all-too-soon conclusion. There is a scant 80 minutes in this movie from opening frame to final credit, a fact that had me a little worried. It's not that a short movie can't be good, but may not have enough time to develop properly. This film is not held back by its run time; it still manages to cram in a ton of laughs and zombie action and still have room for genuine heart and character. Sure, they may be a little ridiculous, but they are real for this world, which is not meant to be ours. Zombieland is a simple movie. It takes over the top personalities, puts them in an over the top situation, and lets the fun ensue. It is not a serious movie, it is not intended to be, but it is not a joke. The movie sets up its universe, makes its rules, and then it plays by them. It is a great union of blood, buddy comedy, and heart. What's not to love?

19. Paranormal Activity. The little movie that could. The movie that shows that the less you show, the more frightening it can be. Yes, it is a love/hate sort of film, but if you love it, you know why. There is a delicious slow burn quality that got me on the edge of my seat. Not much happens, but the things that do will forever change the way you listen to your home settle. It left me shaken and silent. It is that good.

20. Ponyo. Anytime a Hayao Miyazaki film is released, it should be treated like an event. His films are beautiful, original, and always engaging in some manner. When I initially left theaters, I was unsure how I felt, but as I reflected on it, it revealed itself to me for the excellence that it is. It is squarely targeted at the younger set and is told from that perspective. On that level it is an enjoyable magical romp. There are also hints of a larger story around the edges which is also interesting. It is an original film that is very simple, and yet not so at the same time. Beyond the story, the animation is very beautiful. Watch it and be surprised.

21. The Last House on the Left. The new take on The Last House on the Left contains a few changes to help update it while leaving what makes the story so disturbing intact. I fact, I was rather shocked throughout the film seeing that no punches seem to have been pulled. Yes, this is a studio-backed picture with a wide release, but it is also one filled with grit and grime, and is every bit as disturbing as I had hoped it would be. It asks what you would do if you were in a similar situation. Would you be able to go to these lengths? It is successful in execution, and is a strong answer to what constitutes much of mainstream horror over the last few years. It brings genuine disturbance to the screen rather than gratuitous blood and guts. It is a film that will bring disgust to the pit of your stomach and produces protagonists you truly want to cheer for as they exact their revenge.

22. Halloween II. I can all but guarantee this will be one of the few, if not only, "best-of" sort of list you'll find this film. As soon as I saw it and new that I loved it, I also knew I would be in the minority. This a brutal, visceral film, but it is deeper than that. Rob Zombie digs into the characters' psychology, smashing their perceived reality to bits with a healthy dose of gritty, bloody brutality. It is a marriage that works. It may well be an abusive relationship, but this is what helps build a challenging horror film. This movie gets down and dirty and is at direct odds with this era of PG-13 dominated horror. I love how he has crafted this world and the way he plunges us right into the darkness. It is a world from which there is no escape — you can try, but you will not survive.

Movies that proved to be cinematic disappointments. These are films that I had hopes for but failed to live up to the expectations. They are not necessarily bad films, but they are definitely disappointing.

Couples Retreat. Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau story? Cast alongside Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman, Kristen Davis, and Faizon Love? Yes please. It is a shame the movie turned out to be more sitcom than anything else. The promise was there, it even had some decent laughs, but it failed to live up to anything worthwhile.

Surrogates. Here is a film that has plenty of promise. The idea of robot bodies is intriguing. Unfortunately, instead of exploring this society in a realistic fashion, it is content to narrow vision and action scenes.

9. A triumph of design wrapped up in an interesting concept let down by weak writing and poor execution. The thought of intelligent sack puppets fighting in an apocalyptic future is a good one. Unfortunately, the movie moves like a video game.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. The first film was a lighthearted surprise. It was funny, silly, and had a genuine sense of magic to it. The sequel throws all that out the window in favor or more effects. Amy Adams is the one bright spot as Amelia Earhart.

Terminator: Salvation. On some levels, I do like this movie. I think the effects, action, and some story elements are quite good. Unfortunately, Christian Bale is terrible, it feels like entire sections are missing, and the story execution falls to the illogical side of the coin.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This should have been a fun movie, the potential was there. Sadly, the film looks cheap, is rather dull, and does not make a whole lot of sense. If I were to review it now, I doubt I'd be as kind as I was.

Worst Movies of 2009

If you see enough movies, this list is much easier to compile than the best of list. Bad movies stand out like a sore thumb. I am not talking about the so bad their good sort of bad movies, but the so bad they scar your brain type of bad movies. Movies that you would rather stick hot pokers in your eyes than watch again. Still, I feel compelled to share some of these movies with you.

The one thing I do not want to do is convince you not to see any of these films if you are interested in seeing them or stop you if you already had plans on seeing them. I do not regret any of the films I have seen, good or bad. You see, every film will add to your experience, give you more to think about, more to write about, and an added dimension that will inform your tastes. It is much more than just a bad movie.

Now, if you have seen these films, you probably already know what I am talking about.

1. The Informers. This is a shallow film about shallow characters with a proposed purpose of indicting the shallow culture excess of Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Instead it falls victim to that which it seeks to attack, becoming a shallow exercise with nothing to offer. Somewhere along the way it lost its way: a film in search of a purpose. This disturbing lack of content leaves the audience adrift in a sea of emptiness,desperately looking for a life preserver and finding nothing. It is rare that I will openly despise a film, but this one did. Still, if you think you are up to it, give it a shot. Perhaps you will see something I do not.

2. The Collector. This film from the team behind the last few Saw films comes this exercise in tedium. It has a decent gore level, but it does not make up for the nonsense wrapped around it. It plays out as if it were compiled from traps that did not make the cut or Saw. Some masked guy with wacky eyes goes to a home, tortures whoever happens to be there and for some unknown reason sets up traps around the rest of the house. Our "hero" stumbles in and proceeds to trip everyone of them. None of the motivations make sense, the characters are bad, and it is a waste of gore.

3. Land of the Lost. I wanted to like this movie. The property is a good one for adapting to the big screen. It also seemed like a good one to reinvent, update, and make fresh for a new era. The problem is that there are some things that it needed to be and it failed to do that. You have to remember that the show was for the young. Yes, it needed to be updated somewhat for an older crowd, but it still needs that childlike wonder. The minds behind this reinvention decided to bring in a lot of sexual innuendo and fluid humor. I understand this was to play to star Will Ferrell's strengths, but this is a bit much. It is not funny, it is not adventurous, and it does not work.

4. The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard. They start with a bad title and then proceed to put all the funniest bits in the trailer. The cast is fantastic but that is as far as it goes. By all accounts, this movie should have been hilarious. The trailer was pretty funny, the red-band trailer was really funny, and despite the fact that I had no idea what the story was about, I thought this was a could-not-lose situation. That isn't to say I was expecting a classic film, but there was a lot to be hopeful for. The cast is peppered with familiar faces, and Jeremy Piven seems like the perfect guy to head it up. So, the question has to be asked: what went wrong? I went in looking for laughs and walked out bored and underwhelmed.

5. The Unborn. I wanted to like this movie. The trailer suggests a film that would have genuine scares and a plot that offers actual menace. The final film looks fine, but the tale is not all that interesting, and borderline nonsensical. The Unborn is a ghost story that feels like a remake of a Japanese horror film with a little bit of The Exorcist thrown in. Doesn't sound like a bad idea, does it? Sadly, once you get into it you realize there is nothing below the surface. It gets increasingly senseless and then brings in a character to explain everything. Gee, thanks.

6. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. Who thought it was a good idea to revive the franchise on the big screen behind Chun Li? Come on. We want the game's big guns! As you can see, I gave it a shot and barely survived the ordeal. All right, I give in. This just may be so bad it's good. It makes so little sense and seems to be so gleefully goofy about that you will not be able to tear yourself away. Just try and make sense of it all, be careful not to get a headache!

7. Armored. This movie gives the potential audience an easy decision on whether or not to see it. Watch the trailer, skip the movie. You get the same story and don't waste your time. It really is a shame. I feel that director Nimrod Antal is very talented, he just needs to find better material as Armored does not offer anything of interest. I guess everyone needs a paycheck.

8. The Stepfather. This is an utter bore. There is no reason to see this film. Yes, I knew going in, but what can I say? I am not sure I could defend seeing this movie. My best recommendation is to avoid it, but if you must see it, pay attention to Amber Heard and Dylan Walsh, the film's best assets. The movie is simply a cash in with no attempt made to be interesting on any level.

9. Fighting. When I walk into a movie called "Fighting," I expect, well, fighting. It has to do with truth in advertising. When you buy a Coke, you don't want to crack it open and taste ginger ale, nor do you go to a Pixar film and expect to see a horror movie. When I go to a movie centering on a fighter, I want fights. I want to see a flurry of flying fists, I want to see someone beaten to a pulp, I didn't get that here. Yes, there are a couple of fights, but nothing terribly impressive, and they're mostly cut to cover up lack of fighting skills (ironic, no?) on the actors' parts. Everything about the film is just really mediocre. This mediocrity extends to the performances, including those from leads Tatum and Howard. The best things about the film are the semi-realistic approach to the romantic subplot and the philosophical bent given to Howard's character. Neither can save it.

10. Amelia. This could have been fascinating. It barely raises itself to the pedestrian. Dull performances, slow pacing, and lack of an in-depth story all add up to a movie that is destined to go nowhere and ultimately suffer a fate similar to that of its central characters. Kind of sad, isn't it? There must be a fascinating story that could have been told. I wonder where it went off the rails?

Near Misses, films that are just the slightest step above the worst:

12 Rounds. Can you say Die Hard with a Vengeance? I knew you could. To top it off it comes from the director of Die Harder. I admit it has some moments of fun that throwback to the 80's, but still this is a pretty poor film.

Fast & Furious. While I was left cold, bored, and uninterested by the story, I did enjoy the racing action. You would have expected the reunion of the originals stars to be a touch more exciting.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian. I liked the first film and had hopes for this one. However the magic is gone, Stiller seems bored, and Amy Adams can only do so much.

Post Grad. Carol Burnett, Jane Lynch, Michael Keaton.... sounds good, right? Unfortunately they are wasted on a story centering on a couple of lame post-grads. This is sitcom fodder.

The Final Destination. I initially said this was better than the third entry. I may have been wrong. This is the most gimmicky of the 3D films and it is just cartoonishly bad.

All About Steve. The idea here could have been very interesting, but it is played so broadly that it fails to hit anything. The only thing worth watching here is Sandra Bullock and her antics.

Brothers. Not a bad movie but it is overly melodramatic and fails to make any emotional connection. On top of that, Tobey Maguire gives a pretty bad performance.

St. Trinian's. This movie just did not work for me. Sure, the zaniness had its moments of fun, but for the most part it felt aimless, long, and boring. The characters have no depth, the story never gains focus, and I just looked forward to it being over.

Next year I will try and be more selective in my viewing, thereby making this list a little tougher to make since the seen films will hopefully be of a higher overall quality.