2009's Movies to remember

Yes, it is another year end list. This one capturing the movies that touched or inspired me during the last 12 months. Of course, I didn't see every film that came out in 2009, so I am not claiming these as the "best" but they are pretty darn good in my opinion.

The Hurt Locker "War is a drug," the opening title informs us, and in one of the best war movies ever, Jeremy Renner plays an expert member of an elite bomb disposal unit in Iraq. Somewhat guarded by a protective suit, he handles delicate mechanisms designed to outwit him. It's like chess. He's very good at his job, but is that what drives him to put his life on the line hundreds of times? Not pro-war, not anti-war, not about the war in Iraq, but about the minds of dedicated combat soldiers.

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire The heart-rending story of an overweight, abused young teenager and the support she finds from a teacher and a social worker, who both glimpse her potential. What a sure and brave lead performance by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, and what a powerful one by Mo'Nique, as her heartless mother. She, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Sherri Shepherd are all but unrecognizable as they disappear into key supporting roles.

(500) Days of Summer An offbeat romantic comedy about a woman who doesn't believe true love exists, and the young man who falls for her. The story is presented in a non-chronological format, each scene being introduced by which of the 500 days it is.

Funny People Judd Apatow's third film could have simply been a fascinating folly-a naval-gazing exploration of the neuroses specific to middle-aged comedians. Instead it's one of the richest and most ambitious Hollywood films of the year. A human comedy that takes its characters seriously and follows an unpredictable narrative path, the movie was criticized for its excesses-but that's exactly what makes it special.

Up The animated tale of a cantankerous old man who sets out on an incredible adventure in the twilight of his life to fulfill a lifelong promise to his deceased wife. The movie, like all Pixar films, has plenty of humor, but also has moments that will have you blinking back tears.

The Hangover Two buddies (and one soon to be brother-in-law) take their friend Doug to Las Vegas for his bachelor party. As often happens in Vegas (even in real life) things get quickly out of hand and after a night of debauchery the sorry crew wakes up and discovers they've lost their friend. Unable to recall what happened they must try and retrace their steps from the previous night to try and find Doug and get him home in time for his wedding.

Star Trek The series has been completely reinvented. It is darker, more violent and grittier than any of the previous installments. This film is actually a prequel to the others, and follows the adventures of a young James Kirk, detailing how he came to the academy, met Spock, Bones, Scotty and the rest of the crew, and eventually came to captain the Starship Enterprise.

Julie and Julia Julia Child and Julie Powell - both of whom wrote memoirs - find their lives intertwined. Though separated by time and space, both women are at loose ends... until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.

posted by The Mindless Man