Al's Top Rated Films: 2009
Quentin Tarantino is back to top another year's list.
List activity
147 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
37 titles
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsBrad PittDiane KrugerEli RothIn Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders by a group of Jewish U.S. soldiers coincides with a theatre owner's vengeful plans for the same.Spectacular and unique war drama from Quentin Tarantino that's set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II in 1944. The story sets up 3 main plot points. The first introduces the ruthless German detective Colonel Hans Landa, who's nicknamed the "Jew Hunter" and has been appointed to locate, capture, or kill all the jews left hiding in France. The second introduces Lieutenant Aldo Raine and his unit of eight merciless Jews who call themselves "The Basterds", and are tasked to do one thing and one thing only—killing Nazis. The final chapter (re)introduces a Jewish woman named Shosanna who's posing as a French cinema owner. The story reaches boiling points once she is presented with an opportunity to assassinate all the top Nazi leaders and end the war, while similar plans are being set in place by the British government and "The Basterds" to do the same. Quentin Tarantino's reinterpretation of historic events makes for a unique experience through and through. Only about a 30% of the film is in English (with German and French being the dominate language), and that grounds the story in historical accuracy that very few war films have done in the past. The accuracy of language and so many other historical things really makes the film more phenomenal. As usual, the cast is incredible, and couldn't have been done better. Christoph Waltz (Oscar winner), Brad Pitt, and Mélanie Laurent all delivered fantastic lead performances. They're arguably the best of all their careers. Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, and Til Schweiger also had excellent starring roles. B.J. Novak, Eli Roth, August Diehl, Denis Ménochet, Sylvester Groth, Martin Wuttke, Mike Myers, Omar Doom, Julie Dreyfus, Gedeon Burkhard, Jacky Ido, Richard Sammel, Alexander Fehling, Rod Taylor, Anne-Sophie Franck, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorAdam ElliotStarsToni CollettePhilip Seymour HoffmanEric BanaIn 1976 Melbourne, a lonely 8-year-old girl strikes up a correspondence with an unlikely pen pal: a severely obese 44-year-old New Yorker with Asperger's syndrome.Superb comedy drama from Adam Elliot. I'd also have to say it's my favorite animated film of all time. Amazing, unique, and heart-wrenching story set in the mid-1970s, and follows two lonely pen pals that may be far apart in age, background, and environment; but also also strikingly similar in a social sense. Mary is a curious and friendless 8-year-old Australian girl with an alcoholic mother and an absent father, who lives in the suburbs of Melbourne. She picks a random name out of the Manhattan phone book, and ends up writing a letter and sending a chocolate bar to Max Horowitz—a 44-year-old recluse New York man with severe obesity, very little social skills or life experience, and a psychological disorder that leaves him confused (or confuzzled) with the outside world. And that kicks off fascinating 20-year friendship that helps one another move forward, find inspiration, and live better lives. Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman put on a couple of the best performances of their careers, even if they are just voices. The emotion they bring to the screen is fantastic. The film is truly dedicated to their performances, as very few supporting cast members are included. It's among the best film of its style and kind. You can tell a lot of time and love went into the making of this film.
- DirectorLasse HallströmStarsRichard GereJoan AllenCary-Hiroyuki TagawaProfessor Wilson discovers a lost Akita puppy on his way home. Despite objections from his wife, Hachi endears himself to the family and grows to be Parker's loyal companion. As their bond grows deeper, a beautiful relationship unfolds.Outstanding and extremely heartwarming biography/family drama from Lasse Hallström that follows the adaptation of a Japanese tale about an abandoned Akita puppy named Hachi. One day Hachi breaks out of his cage after being shipped off to Rhode Island, and locates a college music professor named Parker Wilson getting off a local train, and decides that he's going to be his new owner. It took a bit of convincing for his wife Cate to come around to the idea of having a dog. But after some time, she realizes Hachi is the best thing for Parker and their entire family. A unique and special bond develops between Parker and Hachi when Hachi decides to walk Parker to the train station every morning on his way to work, and he's always there to meet him at 5pm when the train gets home. When a devastating family tragedy strikes and Parker dies, Hachi's true devotion to Parker is honored in a lifelong story of loyalty and the locals that love him. The story is perfectly done overall, and the production design and casting was also perfect. The subject matter really sticks with you, and while it is heartbreaking, the story and emotions grow organically as opposed to needlessly pulling at your heart-strings. It's arguably the best dog film of all time. Richard Gere and Joan Allen both deliver a couple of their very best lead performances. The dogs who played Hachi were also fantastic performers. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Sarah Roemer, Jason Alexander, Erick Avari, Davenia McFadden, Robbie Sublett, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorScott CooperStarsJeff BridgesMaggie GyllenhaalColin FarrellA faded country music musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him.Fantastic music drama/romance from Scott Cooper that follows a 57-year-old chain-smoking alcoholic country music legend named Bad Blake. While Bad was once famous, he's seemingly washed up, hasn't written a new song in years, and travels around the country in a beat up truck to play concerts at small bars and bowling alleys to make ends meet. While alcohol and depression has a firm grasp on his life, he meets a beautiful young journalist named Jean Craddock who wants to interview him, and quickly falls in love with her and her young son, Buddy. As he finds inspiration to move on through Jean, he finally catches a break for a real concert. The problem is, the concert is headlining Bad's old apprentice Tommy Sweet from years back. He taught him everything he knows, they had a falling out, and Tommy became famous while Bad went the opposite direction. Now he soon must face his demons in his life to salvage the time he has left. Incredible story all around, which really stands out with exceptional acting from pretty much the entire cast. The music was also excellent, and I'm not a fan of country music. Jeff Bridges certainly earned his Oscar for best leading role. It's arguably his greatest lead performance. The same can be said for Maggie Gyllenhaal's excellent Oscar-nominated performance. Colin Farrell also had an excellent starring role. James Keane, Robert Duvall, Tom Bower, Jack Nation, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorKevin HeffernanStarsMichael Clarke DuncanJay ChandrasekharKevin HeffernanThe owner of a Miami restaurant indebted to the mob institutes a contest to see what waiter can earn the most money in one night.The Broken Lizard crew is back! Hilarious comedy that follows the former boxing heavyweight and owner of a high-end seafood restaurant, "The Slammin' Salmon". When he loses a bet, he needs to restaurant to earn $20,000 in one night to cover his bets, otherwise he'll lose the restaurant. At the same time, he promises a $10,000 bonus to the top waiter of the evening, and the loser will have their spine used as a jump rope by the champ. It's a silly premise, but the hysterical dialogue and development of all the characters makes this film a personal classic for myself. Kevin Heffernan, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske, Jay Chandrasekhar, April Bowlby, Cobie Smulders, Steve Lemme, and Michael Clarke Duncan all deliver excellent lead performances. Will Forte, Nat Faxon, Jeff Chase, Carla Gallo, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Olivia Munn, Vivica A. Fox, Morgan Fairchild, Lance Henriksen, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorPete DocterBob PetersonStarsEdward AsnerJordan NagaiJohn Ratzenberger78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.Excellent comedy adventure, and one of the best Pixar films all around. Great story about a stubborn 78-year-old widower who's being forced into a retirement home by authorities, and instead escapes by traveling in his flying house via balloon power. And that begins his journey to the mysterious Paradise Falls—which was a life-long dream he and his late wife always wanted to experience. He meets some interesting characters along the way, including his childhood adventurer idol, Charles Muntz. Funny, touching, dramatic, and thrilling. Fantastic writing and voice acting all around. Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, and Jerome Ranft all had great performances.
- DirectorRichard CurtisStarsPhilip Seymour HoffmanBill NighyNick FrostA band of rogue DJs that captivated Britain, playing the music that defined a generation and standing up to a government that wanted classical music, and nothing else, on the airwaves.Excellent music-inspired comedy drama from Richard Curtis set in 1966 Britain, when bands like The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones were the future of music; and helped start the aptly named British Invasion of rock 'n' roll. At that time, various pirate radio stations broadcasted to the United Kingdom from boats and ships in international waters since BBC Radio was not allowed to play rock and pop music. The London government minister Sir Alistair Dormandy is determined to shutdown pirate radio stations, and sets his sights on the most popular station of them all—Rock Radio. This film really excels from the great cast of lively characters that all shine throughout various parts of the picture. Great comedy, drama, music, messages, and a superbly dramatic ending. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost, Chris O'Dowd, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Ifans, Tom Sturridge, Bill Nighy, Tom Brooke, Rhys Darby, Will Adamsdale, Ralph Brown, and Katherine Parkinson has excellent starring roles. Talulah Riley, Tom Wisdom, Jack Davenport, Ike Hamilton, January Jones, Emma Thompson, and several others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsQuinton AaronSandra BullockTim McGrawThe story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.Excellent sports biopic about that follows the story of Michael Oher—a boy who grew up homeless due to an absent father and a drug-addicted mother. One day a conservative white woman (Leigh Anne Tuohy) and her family welcome Michael into their home after learning about his past, and provides him the proper education, comfort, love, home life, and the opportunity to play football. He shocks everyone with his game-play—and becomes a first-round NFL draft pick—fulfilling dreams that once seemed unattainable. Quinton Aaron delivered an excellent lead performance, and this just might be Sandra Bullock's best performance ever. Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kathy Bates, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJason ReitmanStarsGeorge ClooneyVera FarmigaAnna KendrickRyan's job is to travel around the country firing off people. When his boss hires Natalie, who proposes firing people via video conference, he tries to convince her that her method is a mistake.Excellent comedy drama/romance from Jason Reitman that follows a man named Ryan Bingham who flies around the country 320+ days per year working for a company that specializes in firing employees from large corporations. He loves his fast-paced lifestyle, and is superb at dealing with the delicacy of his job. However, his happy life is threatened when the company hires an analyst named Natalie Keener who comes up with the idea of firing people over a "Zoom" meetings rather than wasting money traveling around the country. Natalie accompanies him on his next sales trip to really get the feel for the business. Meanwhile, Ryan strikes up a relationship with a gorgeous traveling executive like himself named Alex Goran, which finds him contemplating life decisions. Great story and fantastic dialogue all around. George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick all delivered excellent lead performances. Jason Bateman, Melanie Lynskey, Amy Morton, Danny McBride, J.K. Simmons, Sam Elliott, Zach Galifianakis, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorLone ScherfigStarsCarey MulliganPeter SarsgaardAlfred MolinaA coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in 1960s suburban London, and how her life changes with the arrival of a playboy nearly twice her age.Excellent coming-of-age drama from Lone Scherfig set in 1960s London, and follows a beautiful and very intelligent 16-year-old girl named Jenny Mellor who's dream is to graduate high-school and attend Oxford to study English. Her life becomes majorly complicated after meeting a mysterious, charming, and seemingly wealthy man named David. The trouble is that he's twice her age. Nevertheless, he introduces her to great music, films, food, and culture that she's never experienced before. Before long she falls in the love with him. With her life focused on love, she forgets about the stresses of school and her dreams of attending Oxford, and focuses on her new love life. But sooner or later, reality is going to kick in, which has damaging effects to her life. Fantastic story all around with a great cast. Carey Mulligan delivers one of her very best lead performances. The same could be said for Peter Sarsgaard's starring role. Alfred Molina, Cara Seymour, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Olivia Williams, Matthew Beard, Amanda Fairbank-Hynes, Ellie Kendrick, and Emma Thompson also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsRussell CroweRachel McAdamsBen AffleckWhen a congressional aide is killed, a Washington, D.C. journalist starts investigating the case involving the Representative, his old college friend.Excellent crime drama/mystery that follows a 16-year veteran journalist (Cal) and a determined rookie blog writer (Della) who investigate a suspicious links in a murder involving the possible murder of a U.S. Representative's (Stephen) congressional aide and secret lover he was having an affair with (Sonia)—which ends up being a much larger scandal involving politics and corruption. Cal is also friends with the Stephen and his wife, which complicates matters. Excellent acting and writing, with a superb cast throughout. Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams deliver a couple of their very best lead performances. They had great chemistry together. Ben Affleck was also great among the lead cast. Helen Mirren, Robin Wright, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Barry Shabaka Henley, Josh Mostel, David Harbour, Viola Davis, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsMorgan FreemanMatt DamonTony KgorogeNelson Mandela, in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.Excellent historical political and sports biopic that follows Nelson Mandela's first term as President of South Africa, and his heavy interest and involvement with their professional Rugby team. After meeting with the captain of the team (Francois Pienaar), he's convinced the sport can unite South Africa if they can gain the motivation to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. This was the very first film I've seen about Rugby, and it was well done all around. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon both deliver excellent lead performances. Adjoa Andoh, Tony Kgoroge, Marguerite Wheatley, Robin Smith, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJim SheridanStarsJake GyllenhaalNatalie PortmanTobey MaguireWhile on tour in Afghanistan, Sam's helicopter is shot down and he is presumed dead. Back home, it is his screw-up brother who looks after the family. Sam does return, but with a lot of excess baggage.This is a remake of the Danish film (Brothers (2004)). While I haven't seen the original, this was a powerful and hard-hitting drama through and through. Great story about a Marine Captain who has to leave his wife and two daughters behind while he goes on his second tour in Afghanistan, while his irresponsible and troubled brother stays home to look after his family. Sam eventually returns home after horrific and mentally damaging events from the war, that raises several complications about returning to normal everyday life. Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman all had excellent starring roles. Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham, and the daughters Bailee Madison and Taylor Geare were all great among the supporting cast.
- DirectorThaddeus O'SullivanStarsBrendan GleesonClive MantleAdrian ScarboroughContinuing the storyline of The Gathering Storm (2002), Churchill at War is a look at the former British prime minister's life and career at the end of WWII.Fantastic historical war drama/biography from Thaddeus O'Sullivan set 1939–1945, and follows Winston Churchill's days as British Prime Minister when successfully leads Britain through World War II. He also helped shape the allied forces by creating strong relationships with United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt and leader of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin. It also touches on his marriage and personal life, which takes a heavy toll over the years. The story was excellent and extremely well done for a made-for-TV film. Brendan Gleeson's lead performance as Winston Churchill drives the film beautifully. The dialogue and speeches he delivered really speaks volumes of Churchill's legacy. I'd have to say it's easily one of the best roles I've ever seen from Gleeson, and he rightly won the Primetime Emmy for outstanding lead actor. The film also won another Emmy for best music, and was also nominated for 13 other Emmys. It was quality through and through. Janet McTeer, Len Cariou, Clive Mantle, Adrian Scarborough, Jack Shepherd, Aleksey Petrenko, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorNora EphronStarsAmy AdamsMeryl StreepChris MessinaJulia Child's story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell's 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book.Fantastic dual biopic that follows blogger Julie Powell's 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Julia Child's first book entitled "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" (1961). She only gives herself a year to complete the challenge, with the book containing 750+ pages, and 524 recipes. While she has several "meltdowns" over that time, she learns more about herself and strengthens her marriage through Julia's inspiration. It also follows the life of the bubbly and infectious Julia Child, after she arrived in France in 1948, becoming a top student at Cordon Bleu, and spending tireless years writing her book with collaborators. It also focuses on her beautiful marriage with Paul Child. Meryl Streep and Amy Adams both delivered a couple of their all-time best lead performances. Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina also great co-starring roles. Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jane Lynch, Linda Emond, Helen Carey, Joan Juliet Buck, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDuncan JonesStarsSam RockwellKevin SpaceyDominique McElligottAstronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.Fascinating sci-fi/space psychological drama about an astronaut who's coming to the end of a 3-year mission on the moon. The only indication of other life around is his computer, GERTY, who essentially attends his daily needs. After an accident occurs and renders him unconscious, mysterious and confusing things start to happen, and huge plot-twist is revealed that puts his life and memories back in focus. I've always been a big fan of Sam Rockwell, and he held the movie together beautifully, delivering about 98% of the screen time. It's likely his finest performance to date. Kevin Spacey was also great as GERTY.
- DirectorOren MovermanStarsBen FosterSamantha MortonWoody HarrelsonAn American soldier struggles with an ethical dilemma when he becomes involved with a widow of a fallen officer.Powerful drama that follows a young American soldier who was sent home after sustaining injuries to his eye and leg after seeing action in Iraq. With only 3 months left of enlistment, the army assigns him to the Casualty Notification Team where he is teamed up with an older career soldier, and are sent to inform family members that their loved ones were killed in action. The interactions are intense and both men mentally struggle with it as they become close friends in the process. Ethics come into play when the young soldier becomes involved with the widow of a solider killed in action. Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson both delivered fantastic lead performances and had great chemistry together. Both deliver a couple of their finest. Samantha Morton, Jena Malone, Steve Buscemi, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJaume Collet-SerraStarsVera FarmigaPeter SarsgaardIsabelle FuhrmanA husband and wife who recently lost their baby adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she appears.Excellent and thrilling horror mystery about a married couple who recently lost their baby, and decide to adopt an educated, sophisticated, and well-mannered 9-year-old girl. When the girl starts integrating herself into the home and manipulating their son and deaf daughter, the mother starts suspecting their is something strange and dangerous about her, and digs into the girl's past; revealing a huge plot-twist to the story. It's a horrifying and thrilling ride from there to the finish. Isabelle Fuhrman is super creepy and delivers a fantastic lead performance. At age 12, she handled the mature parts very well. Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Aryana Engineer, Jimmy Bennett, CCH Pounder, Margo Martindale, Karel Roden, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsRichard GereDon CheadleEthan HawkeThree unconnected Brooklyn cops wind up at the same deadly location after enduring vastly different career paths.Excellent crime drama from Antoine Fuqua that follows three very different cops that work in the dangerous and gritty area of Brooklyn, New York. A troubled veteran cop who's trying to work out his final 7 days before retirement, a young undercover cop who's having his life destroyed by his work, and a desperate corrupt cop who's desperate to setup drug dealers so he can steal their money and buy a new house for his kids and sick wife, who has twins on the way. All their stories cleverly converge at the end as they reach the most distressed moments of their lives. Very nice story with great acting throughout. Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, and Ethan Hawke all delivered excellent lead performances. Wesley Snipes, Michael Kenneth Williams, Shannon Kane, Brían F. O'Byrne, Will Patton, Lili Taylor, Ellen Barkin, Vincent D'Onofrio, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsMatt DamonTony HalePatton OswaltThe U.S. government decides to go after an agro-business giant with a price-fixing accusation, based on the evidence submitted by their star witness, vice president-turned-informant Mark Whitacre.Underrated biographical crime comedy from Steven Soderbergh set in 1992, and follows a skilled and ambitious business executive named Mark Whitacre who works for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) food processing and trading corporation, and is rapidly rushing up the corporate ladder. We find out quickly that Mark is a quirky daydreamer and likes to talk and divulge sensitive information too just about anyone he speaks too. On one November day, Mark confesses to an FBI agent that he and other executives had regularly met with competitors to fix the price of lysine. Mark unwittingly opens a can of worms that snowballs into a vigorous multiple-year FBI investigation of ADM’s shady business practices, while Mark becomes their secret informant by wearing wires and recording illegal conversations. Excellent true story with a great twist to close it out. The setup, dialogue, and casting were all great. Matt Damon delivers one of his finest lead performances. Scott Bakula also had a great starring role. Joel McHale, Tom Papa, Rick Overton, Melanie Lynskey, Tony Hale, Tom Wilson, Clancy Brown, Tom Smothers, Patton Oswalt, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsChristian BaleJohnny DeppChristian StolteThe Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s.Excellent biography and crime drama from Michael Mann set in 1933 and follows the last year in the life of the ruthless crime boss and bank robber, John Dillinger. With the Great Depression and Prohibition in full effect, Dillinger and other gangsters like Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd easily capitalize on the rampant current crime wave since they have more power than the law. But after John Dillinger becomes Public Enemy #1, J. Edgar Hoover convinces Congress to appoint special agent Melvin Purvis and his team of expert investigators to take Dillinger down. Great story with a great cast all around. Johnny Depp delivers one of his finest lead performances. Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, and Jason Clarke also had great starring roles. Christian Stolte, Stephen Graham, David Wenham, John Judd, Stephen Dorff, Giovanni Ribisi, Channing Tatum, Rory Cochrane, Casey Siemaszko, Peter DeFaria, Carey Mulligan, Emilie de Ravin, and others delivered very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorBob BalabanStarsJoan AllenJeremy IronsEd Begley Jr.Biopic of American artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz.Underrated biography from Bob Balaban on the life of one of the greatest artists and painters of all time—Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986). The story starts in the 1910s, when Georgia meets an idealistic photographer and art promoter named Alfred Stieglitz, who is showing her work in his gallery without her permission. After confronting Alfred, he immediately charms her (even though he’s married) and they quickly enter into a passionate love affair. They are soon married and get off to a happy start as they go into the art business together. Things start to falter when Alfred starts to see other women, and the dependence he holds over Georgia becomes unbearable. Georgia then takes large strides to take her brutally honest inspired self to new heights of independence through her art and personal life. Great story all around, with great casting and beautiful examples of O'Keeffe’s art. Every part of the film was done well, as evidenced by its 9 Primetime Emmy nominations. Joan Allen delivers one of her best lead performances (also nominated for the Emmy). Jeremy Irons also delivered an excellent starring role. Ed Begley Jr., Kathleen Chalfant, Linda Emond, Mary Evans, Tyne Daly, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRoss KatzStarsKevin BaconTom AldredgeNicholas ArtBased on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.Heart-wrenching drama based on the true 2004 events of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl—a Desert Storm veteran and military consultant who volunteers to accompany the body of a heroic 19-year-old Marine named Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois (Wyoming) after being killed while fighting in Iraq. Along the way, he's greeted with honor and appreciation from the public as well as Chance's friends and family. Very moving story about all the intricate and dignified steps taken to honor a fallen soldier. Kevin Bacon delivered an excellent lead role as expected. Tom Aldredge, Blanche Baker, and many others delivered strong supporting roles.
- DirectorJoe WrightStarsJamie FoxxRobert Downey Jr.Catherine KeenerA newspaper journalist discovers a homeless musical genius and tries to improve his situation.Great music drama/biography from Joe Wright set in 2005, and follows Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, who's eager to find the next best story for his column. One day he comes across homeless man named Nathaniel Ayers who's playing a violin in the park, and appears to be mentally ill after introducing himself to him. But after learning he once attended the extremely prestigious Juilliard Music School, he knows he has a story the public will find interesting. One small article about Nathaniel sparks a local interest campaign and a great friendship between the two, helps reunite him with his instrument of expertise, the Cello; finds him an indoor place to live, but also boasts lots of attention that dramatically affects his mental state. Since I'm not that big into Marvel movies, Robert Downey Jr. delivered one of my favorite lead performances of his to date. Jamie Foxx also delivered a dynamic lead role as Nathaniel. Catherine Keener, Justin Martin, LisaGay Hamilton, Tom Hollander, Nelsan Ellis, Jena Malone, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorNeil JordanStarsColin FarrellAlicja BachledaDervla KirwanAn Irish fisherman discovers a woman in his fishing net whom his precocious daughter believes to be a selkie.Excellent mystery/drama from Neil Jordan set in Castletownbere, Ireland, and follows a fisherman and father named Syracuse who struggles with his former life as an alcoholic, and struggles more at the hands of his irresponsible ex-wife and his sick wheelchair-bound daughter, Annie. One day when he's out trawling, he pulls his net out of the water and shockingly finds he pulled a woman out of the water. Miraculously, she is still alive, but completely distraught and confused about her whereabouts. When he tells his daughter the story, she's convinced she is a mythological shapeshifting seal-human creature known as a Selkie. She calls herself Ondine, and mysterious and magical incidents occur surrounding her as Syracuse, his daughter (and soon, the whole town) try to unlock the secret to her past. Great story all around with a great cast. Colin Farrell and Alicja Bachleda both delivered excellent lead performances. Alison Barry also had a great starring role. Dervla Kirwan, Tony Curran, and Stephen Rea also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorNeal BrennanStarsJeremy PivenVing RhamesDavid KoechnerUsed-car liquidator Don Ready is hired by a failing auto dealership to turn their Fourth of July sale into a majorly profitable event.Totally underrated comedy from Neal Brennan that follows a hotshot used-car salesman and his like-minded team of auto mercenaries, who's hired by the owner of a Temecula (California) auto dealership to sell 211 cars over the 4th of July weekend, otherwise he'll lose the business. The plot is simple, but very original and uniquely done. This is easily my favorite lead performance from Jeremy Piven. He fits the character absolutely perfectly. Ving Rhames, James Brolin, David Koechner, Kathryn Hahn, Ed Helms, Jordana Spiro, Ken Jeong, and Rob Riggle are also all excellent. Definitely an overlooked comedy in my book.
- DirectorNeill BlomkampStarsSharlto CopleyDavid JamesJason CopeViolence ensues after an extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth finds a kindred spirit in a government agent exposed to their biotechnology.Epic sci-fi/action/thriller from Neill Blomkamp uniquely shot in documentary-style fashion. Interesting story starting in 1982, when aliens land on Earth back because their planet was dying and they needed a place to live. The humans force the aliens to live in a slum-like area of South Africa called District 9m while they try to exploit their advanced technology. Visually stunning film as they create a whole new future world of chaos. Very nicely done film all around. Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, and others had very nice performances.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsRachel WeiszMark WahlbergSaoirse RonanCenters on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from purgatory. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.Excellent fantasy-filled crime drama/thriller from Peter Jackson set in the Pennsylvania suburbs in 1973, which is a time before missing kids started appearing on milk cartons or were feature stories on the daily news. The story follows a happy and ambitious 14-year-old high school freshman named Susie Salmon who's brutally murdered on her walk home from school. We end up following Susie's soul being sent to the "In-Between" which lies between heaven and hell, as she watches over her parents and sister who are consumed with sadness and vengeance over her death. She also stalks her killer, which is their eccentrically creepy next door neighbor named George Harvey, who we find has a long history of murdering young girls. Susie is urged by others in the afterlife to make her way to heaven, but she knows she must do what she can to avenge her death and give her family solace. Great story all around with gorgeous cinematography and imagery. Saoirse Ronan has become one of my favorite actresses, and she delivers anther excellent lead performance. Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Rachel Weisz also had excellent starring roles. Rose McIver, Susan Sarandon, Christian Ashdale, Michael Imperioli, Reece Ritchie, Nikki SooHoo, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.Excellent fantasy adventure from James Cameron about a paraplegic Marine who goes on a mission to the magical alien world of Pandora. The planet's environment is poisonous to humans a Na'vi hybrids, so they must link to highly evolved beings called Avatars in order move along freely. The marine quickly falls in love with a Na'vi woman, along with the culture of their land. Trouble hits when an evil Colonel infiltrates the Na'vi people, and is looking to wipe them out and control Pandora. I remember this being the most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release, and the production definitely shows. The special effects and visuals are remarkable, the story is well done, and the acting is great throughout. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Joel David Moore, Giovanni Ribisi, CCH Pounder, and many others deliver great performances.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsGerard ButlerJamie FoxxLeslie BibbA frustrated man decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family's killers free.Action-packed crime drama from F. Gary Gray that follows a vengeful man (Clyde Shelton) who's family was ruthlessly murdered. When the suspects are caught, one lies and testifies against the other, who is convicted and sentenced to death. 10 years later, his day of execution arrives, Clyde reappears, and is determined to get his revenge against the men, and the system that has failed him and his family. Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler both deliver great lead performances. Colm Meaney, Bruce McGill, Leslie Bibb, Regina Hall, Michael Irby, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn HamburgStarsPaul RuddJason SegelRashida JonesFriendless Peter Klaven goes on a series of man-dates to find a Best Man for his wedding. But, when his insta-bond with his new B.F.F. puts a strain on his relationship with his fiancée, can the trio learn to live happily ever after?Very funny comedy about a man who's life revolves around his career and his fiancée. When they start planning their wedding, she asks him who his best man is, and he realizes he has no male friends; let alone one close enough to be his best man. So he goes on a series of "man-dates" to find a someone who to fit the job, as he also realizes he needs a friend like this in his life. Once he meets that perfect guy they start spending all their time together, he and his fiancée have to learn to adjust to his new life. Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones all deliver great lead performances. Sarah Burns, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, J.K. Simmons, Jane Curtin, and others have very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorGeorge Tillman Jr.StarsJamal WoolardAnthony MackieDerek LukeThe life and death story of The Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace), who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm.Very nice music biopic on the life of The Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace)—who was brought up in a rough are of Brooklyn (New York) with a broken family, and lands himself in jail for hustling and dealing drugs early on in life. After meeting Puff Daddy and learning he has a promising and marketable talent, he emerges as one of the most skillful and top rappers in the world with his 1994 debut. It also follows the friendship-turned-feud he had with west coast rapper 2Pac and his manager Suge Knight, which is met with deadly results. Jamal Woolard delivered a great lead performance as Biggie. Derek Luke, Angela Bassett, Christopher Jordan Wallace, Naturi Naughton, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsDenzel WashingtonJohn TravoltaLuis GuzmánArmed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day's work for dispatcher Walter Garber into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime.Very nice crime thriller from Tony Scott that follows 4 armed men that hijack a subway train in Manhattan, and hold the hostages for a $10 million ransom that must be paid within an hour, and will only deal with the train dispatcher. Very nicely done and entertaining throughout. Denzel Washington and John Travolta both deliver great lead performances. John Turturro, James Gandolfini, Luis Guzmán, and many others had solid supporting roles.
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsZach GalifianakisBradley CooperJustin BarthaThree buddies wake up from a bachelor party in Las Vegas, with no memory of the previous night and the bachelor missing. They make their way around the city in order to find their friend before his wedding.Very funny comedy about a soon-to-be married man that goes to Las Vegas with his buddies for an epic bachelor party. They wake up the next morning in a completely trashed hotel room and have no memories of the night before. On top of that, the bachelor is missing. So they retrace their steps from the night before in a comical adventure in hopes of getting the man to his wedding on time. It's a nicely done comedy, but it's always been a bit overhyped in my book. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Sasha Barrese, and others had very nice performances.
- DirectorCarlos SaldanhaMichael ThurmeierStarsRay RomanoJohn LeguizamoDenis LearyWhen Sid's attempt to adopt three dinosaur eggs gets him abducted by their real mother to an underground lost world, his friends attempt to rescue him.The 3rd Ice Age film is a very well done comedy adventure like its two predecessors. The story picks up after the events of the last film, finding Manny and Ellie having a baby. Sid also wants a family, and ends up stealing some dinosaur eggs, but doesn't know they belong to a very protective Tyrannosaurus Rex mother, which puts him and the whole crew in danger. John Leguizamo, Ray Romano, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Carlos Saldanha, Seann William Scott, and others had great performances throughout.
- DirectorJeff KanewStarsKirk DouglasAnne DouglasDiana DouglasHollywood legend Kirk Douglas shares stories about his life, his family, his work, and his philosophy after living 92 years.Very nicely done documentary starring a very humble 92-year-old Kirk Douglas as he performs a live one-man-show; recounting stories of his time making movies, family life, his life philosophy, and cracking jokes throughout to keep it light and fun. We get to see some nice archive footage of his family and others who were important in his life. It's definitely unique among most documentaries of the kind.
- DirectorRob ZombieStarsScout Taylor-ComptonTyler ManeMalcolm McDowellLaurie Strode struggles to come to terms with her brother Michael's deadly return to Haddonfield, Illinois; meanwhile, Michael prepares for another reunion with his sister.Decent sequel to Rob Zombie's reimagined fan favorite take on John Carpenter's beloved "Halloween" story. The story picks up after the events of the first film, with Laurie struggling to get past Michael's horrific killings, as Doctor Loomis documents her struggles. Meanwhile, Michael is making moves to reunite with his sister. once again. Malcolm McDowell, Scout Taylor-Compton, Tyler Mane, Sheri Moon Zombie, Brad Dourif, Danielle Harris, Octavia Spencer, and others had very nice performances.