My Favorite Films of 2009

More than any other year, I'm embarrassed to reveal my list of favorite films from this past movie season. I swear I'm not an immature fan boy. Despite what one might think by looking at this list. I kept waiting to find those great dramas to push some of these films off, but they simply never came. As a result, I kept postponing my selections. But I thought that since the Academy is revealing their nominations for Best Picture tomorrow, I thought it was finally time for me to reveal my favorite films of 2009.




Honorable mentions:
Drag Me to Hell
Observe and Report
Up
The Lovely Bones
Tyson



10. Up in the Air



To be honest, I went back and forth with this film. On one hand it's an entertaining character study of a man who happily lives a life of simple goals. On the other hand it is a naive look at the troubles of our economy and the devastation that it has left in its wake. I think what finally convinced me to place it on my list, is that I feel that the movie MAY perhaps serve as a representative of this turbulent time period in years to come. Much like Wall Street did in the 80's. I also felt the film hit close to home, since in 2009, I like many others, was laid off from my full-time job.



9. Fantastic Mr. Fox



I enjoy Wes Anderson films. But he's not necessarily one of my favorite directors. I feel that his films suffer from being over stylized and too witty for their own good. But his latest film Fantastic Mr. Fox seems to capitalize on his unique style and brand of humor, more than any of his other films. The animation, timing and humor all just seems to come together in a perfect storm of entertainment.



8. Watchmen



So much for being un-film-able. The Watchmen is an excellent AND accurate adaption of the award winning graphic novel. Excellent performances and action. I'm aware that there are significant changes and omissions. But I feel the film really captures the themes and feel of the original novel. Which in itself is an amazing feat, nevermind that it actually is also a really good film.



7. Zombieland



I'm not a fan of horror films in general. I just find that the suspense and humor are typically over-the-top and very poor in most of the horror genre. That's why I'm pleasantly surprised when I run across a good genre film. Granted Zombieland is more of a comedy than horror. But it's still, technically, a Zombie film and a fun one at that, which stands up to repeat viewing.



6. Whatever Works



It's well documented that I'm an avid fan of Woody Allen films. I find satisfying humor and drama in even his less accomplished movies. Whatever Works however, is one of his better, dare I say great films. It is a hilarious and ultimately poignant look at the ups and downs of this journey we call life. Excellent and surprising heartfelt performances from Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood.



5. The Hurt Locker



At one point during my viewing, I felt that this film may actually be the best movie of the year. But somewhere in the third act, I could feel myself start to disconnect. After watching the bomb squad go on mission after mission, the film sorely starts to feel like it needs more character development and less action. Nevertheless, a fascinating, suspenseful movie and well deserving as one of the best of the year.



4. Avatar



There's not much more than can be said about this ground breaking film. Amazing special effects and breathtaking 3D. My only complaint is that the plot and dialogue don't measure up to the visuals. Not even close. But one can argue that audiences don't go to movies like this for plot and dialogue. They go for the exciting ride, which this film genuinely is.




3. Inglourious Basterds



I wasn't expecting THIS film. I was actually expecting a men-on-a-mission movie in the vein of The Dirty Dozen or even Saving Private Ryan. Inglourious Basterds isn't even really about the so-called Basterds. What it is, is a fascinating homage and testament to the power of film and entertainment. The movie demonstrates that the medium is so powerful...that it can even re-write history, and brutally and gloriously assassinate the most evil man in the history of the world. Not only will audiences not complain about the historical inaccuracies, they'll love every minute of it.




2. Public Enemies



Easily the best drama of the year. Unfortunately, in all the Avatar hoopla, it has been overlooked during this awards season. Yes, this story has been told before and yes, the cops and robbers dynamic has been well explored by Michael Mann in the past. But it still doesn't take away from the breathtaking action, heartbreaking resolution and excellent performances by the entire cast, especially Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Stephen Lang.




1. Star Trek



I grew up a huge Star Trek fan. HUGE. For years, I literally fell asleep every night to a vhs cassette tape of my favorite old school and next generation episodes. I collected reference books, videos, and memorized names of episodes. But I never attended a convention. It just seemed too excessive. That's why this reboot version resonates with me. It respects the original series, but moves away from the fan boy fanaticism. Excellent action, drama, suspense, and special effects. So a combination of nostalgia and new blood excitement makes this easily, my favorite film of 2009.

Kick Ass Trailer

I used to read comic books in my youth, which has resulted in me becoming a big fan of those type of films, but in all honesty I've never heard of Kick Ass.

I'm sure that it's probably a very good read and judging from this trailer it looks to be a lot of fun and definitely unique and interesting.

Not to mention the buzz for the film has been outstanding.

Clash of the Titans 2010 - Trailer

Here's the new trailer for The Clash of the Titans remake due out in 2010.

Unfortunately, I'm not too impressed.

It's just a teaser trailer however, so there is a chance that it might still be a good movie. I have fond memories of the first film.

Even though it wasn't a particularly good film.

Even in my youth I knew it wasn't very good. I also remembered that the studio which distributed the film was hoping for a Star Wars like reception at the box office.

That didn't happen.

It did however, have the super cool special effects of Ray Harryhausen. I actually have a signed copy of the dvd from Harryhausen from a signing we had at Laser Blazer.



This new film is directed by Louis Leterrier from The Incredible Hulk fame. It also stars Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes.

Clash of the Titans is scheduled for release on the 26th of March, 2010.

Avatar Full Length Trailer

Here's the first full length trailer for the James Cameron film Avatar, courtesy of Yahoo! Movies. This full length trailer gives us some of the fascinating back story and plot of this ambitious 3D film project.

But what has me most excited about this movie is that it marks the theatrical return of arguably the greatest action director of our lifetime.

That opinionated statement is supported here, as we get a glimpse of the incredible action sequences and special effects that Avatar promises to deliver. Even in it's present state it looks incredible. But people who have actually seen the so-called "immersive 3D technology" in the film have called it ground breaking and revolutionary.

Avatar is scheduled for worldwide release on December 18, 2009.

If the reader is craving more, here is the original teaser trailer for the film that debuted back in August of 2009.

ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown Commercials

I don't know what it is but I literally grab my stomach laughing and tear up when these commercials for ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown air.

Every time.

It's well documented that I am a sports freak, but I think these videos are hilarious even for non-football fans. These broadcasters aren't even actors, but they really have great comic timing. I also appreciate the production value and originality of the pieces.

I mean, in general ESPN has the BEST commercials. But these two promos REALLY bust me up.




Love that delivery and last line by Chris Berman.

This next promo really plays to the media savvy of former National Football League star Keyshawn Johnson.



Again, watching Chris Berman's moment at the end of this commercial KILLS me!


ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown airs on Sundays on ESPN and ESPNHD at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time.

The A-Team 2010 - First Look

Making the rounds on the web is the first publicity picture for the upcoming 2010 A-Team film. The motion picture is based on the classic 80's television show starring Mr. T and George Peppard.

My first thought looking at this picture is the interesting decision by director Joe Carnahan to have these actors actually faithfully resemble the characters from the original show.

Almost to a fault.

Other movie adaptions of popular television shows such as S.W.A.T, Mission Impossible and even Miami Vice re-booted the franchise completely with only slight references to the original shows.

Which I think was a good thing.

My hope is that this is just a fun publicity shot and the plot and characters stray significantly from the original series. As much as I liked the show growing up, a lot of it was really campy.

I mean SERIOUSLY over the top.

Even back then, at my young, naive, non-critical age, I knew the show was silly fun. If one ever gets the chance to watch the old episodes, they'll notice that the characters use bombs, guns and explosives...but nobody ever got hurt or seriously injured. The room would blow up with the bad guys in it and the next scene they'd be dragged away unharmed in handcuffs.

The A-Team would also escape government authorities with some of the must absurd scenarios and methods possible. It was like they'd be surrounded by the cops and they'd each put on Groucho Marx glasses and they'd escape through the front door unnoticed.

The fact is despite the cool characters and premise, the show was similar in tone to The Dukes of Hazzard and MacGyver. It was THAT light and silly.

I dig this cast though.

Love Liam Neeson as Col. John 'Hannibal' Smith, Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton 'Faceman' Peck and UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Sgt. Bosco 'B.A.' Baracus. If one hasn't had the chance to watch Jackson on the reality televison show The Ultimate Fighter let me assure the reader that Jackson has the wit, personality and star power to pull off the iconic televion character.

The A-Team is scheduled for release June 11, 2010.

The Expendables - Trailer

Here's the trailer to a movie that I've been looking forward to for awhile now.

The Expendables is a "men on a mission" film directed by Sylvester Stallone and stars Jason Statham, Jet Li and Mickey Rourke. If that wasn't enough the film also features Steve Austin, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture and Terry Crews. There are even substantial rumors that Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger make appearances in the film.

The film promises to be a lot of fun. This trailer unfortunately doesn't have me super excited yet. It's a good start...just not a great trailer. But I'm thinking this film is easily going to be a hard R and the best footage is probably not general audience trailer friendly. Looking forward to the red band trailer to show the really fun stuff.

Enjoy! (The trailer has been pulled several times. I'll try to stay on top of finding it. Sorry for the inconvenience.)

Juan Manuel Marquez drinks urine

I guess Juan Manuel Marquez will do anything to win a fight, including drink his own urine. That's right. According to Juan Manuel Marquez it makes sense to drink your own urine because vitamins are lost when we pee, so why not put them back in for a second time?



Yeah.

I almost threw up when I saw that during HBO's Mayweather Marquez 24/7.

For the record drinking his own urine or not, I think Juan Manuel Marquez is going to lose to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd is just too big and too strong at this point in his career. But to tell the truth I don't expect much action. They will probably be a lot of running on both their parts in a hope to win by decision.

Boring.

Anyways, a win by Mayweather Jr. should set up a potential mega-fight against Manny Pacquiao. Assuming Pacquiao gets past Miguel Cotto, which should happen.

Rambo V Synopsis

I have really enjoyed the recent rebirth of Sylvester Stallone. I thought Rocky Balboa was some of his finest work and even made my top ten list in 2006. I was less impressed with the latest Rambo film, but there were some impressive action packed sequences in the film. I'm really looking forward to The Expendables which looks to be the men on a mission movie that Inglourious Basterds teased audiences that it would be, but ultimately wasn't. (Still very good though.)

I grew up in the 80's and 90's going to Stallone's movies. Say what you will, but the guy has adapted, reinvented and molded his career brilliantly in order to stay popular and relevant. When he saw people were sick of his over-the-top action movies, he did silly comedies. He then also started doing family films in order to appeal to younger audiences. He also adapted his action films when people were looking for more reality based and socially conscious topics and story lines.

But after all these years, I have to admit I'm surprised by the path that Stallone is taking with this next Rambo film. Judging by the synopsis, which I found on Ain't It Cool News, it seems like there is a little supernatural and fantastical element involved in the film. In all honesty, the Rambo films were not renown for their reality based storylines. But even on those less then realistic terms, it seems like this next film featuring the character of John Rambo is a drastic departure for the famed franchise.



Well, we'll just have to wait and see. Still plenty of time till the film comes out. I suspect there might be some changes till then.