In previous years, I would do an end-of-year review of fan fiction that I’d written in the preceding year. I don’t do that any more. So over the next four days, I shall opine as to what I considered to be the best (or most notable) in terms of movies, political events, technology and sport events of 2009. The list is a personal one and therefore subject to discussion, but not argument.
We’ll start with what I consider to be very, very good noteworthy movies for 2009. But to be clear, if a movie is on this list, I actually saw it in a movie theater and therefore I’m providing a comment on the movie as well as my movie going experience. These are movies that I would buy the DVD to see again with my family.
1. Up. – Ed Asner should get an award for his voice work in this film. I think it is impossible to not be emotionally invested in this movie after the first 15 minutes. To me, it was the best movie of the year – I cross my heart.
2 . Monsters vs Aliens. – I loved this movie about a young woman named Susan who fate backhands on her wedding day. We watch Susan grow (no pun intended. Okay, pun intended) to not only accept her fate, but embrace it and realize that she is much more than she thought she could ever be. This movie is full of teachable moments for parents and kids.
3. Night at the Museum (Battle of the Smithsonian). – This movie was funny and very witty in spots and that comes from someone who is far from a Ben Stiller fan. Yet, there is a great teachable moment in this film when General Custer (Bill Hader) confides in Larry (Ben Stiller) that despite his successes (and he had many during the Civil War), he will always be known for his failure. Sometimes, your legacy will be the last thing you do as opposed to a lifetime of achievement. (Are you listening, Tiger Woods?)
4. Avatar. – Ten years in the making and fantastic special effects makes this often told tale of the spy going native a delight to watch. Yes, it will beat you over the head with its environmental message (much worse than Happy Feet), but when the movie is over, you will find yourself saying, “Wow!” That’s the mark of a good movie.
5. The Blindside. – Sandra Bullock’s finest film in a decade, period. Quinton Aaron should be at least nominated for an award. He and Bullock have great chemistry in this film. Based on the real life story of Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman, Michael Oher, this is a movie worth watching more than once.
Honorable Mention (without comment) : X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.