CheekyChicago

The early 2000s (is that what they’re called?) were just an awful decade for film. Hollywood went on a rampage of re-makes and “re-imaginings” of movies that had already proven successful in the past. Creativity took a back seat to money this past decade. However, 2009 gave me hope that good movies are still made (and some aren’t).

BEST:

The Hurt Locker

A fantastic movie that went unnoticed this year. It’s about an elite Army bomb squad unit that must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. Really tense and really good.

Up In The Air

A wonderfully crafted film that is perfectly acted and directed…a masterpiece, if you will.

The Hangover

Absolutely hilarious. Still holds up after the third, fourth, even fifth time.

District 9

I thought this movie was brilliant. It was a perfect allegory to apartheid that still continues in South Africa (and all other sorts of gentrification). The special effects are outstanding and the acting was phenomenal…you actually feel like the CGI aliens are living, breathing characters.

Inglourious Basterds

Favorite movie in years…possibly the decade. I love the idea of: “what if all the central characters of the Nazi party were under one roof?”. This movie proves why Tarantino is a (/the) master.

WORST:

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Here is how I imagine the script:

EXT. China – Night.

A giant garbage truck turns into a robot.

CUT TO:

INT. Garage – Day.

Megan Fox is damp from sweat as she leans over a car to reveal the bottom of her butt.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop

This was released in early January. Recap: banks were closing left and right, companies were folding, Bernie Madoff was arrested. However, Americans still flocked to a movie about a fat mall cop that saves the day from “terrorists” invading a mall….made nearly 200 million worldwide. Madoff would’ve been proud.

Obsessed

Here’s an idea: let’s get Beyonce, who can’t act…pair her up with Ali Larter, who can’t act…add Idris Elba, who can’t act…and have them star in a film that demands acting.

(500) Days of Summer

Could not stand this movie. It’s a typical cliché love story about a guy who wants a girl. The only thing that separated this from any other love story was that it was told out of order…ohhhhh.

Terminator Salvation

Probably more famous for the leaked audio of Christan Bale chewing the DP out on set…but lest not forget, Terminator Salvation made no sense. I am fully aware of the Terminator mythology, the storyline, etc., but I still had a hard time following the story from the same director who did the Charlie’s Angels movies (which made even less sense).

So, there ya have it, the best and worst films of 2009. According to me.