Wait a minute, don't most critics do a top 10? Yes, maybe they do. Heck, even the Academy decided to roll out the red carpet and extend invitations to 10 nominees to their exclusive club. But we here at The Movie Press have always adhered to a top 5 because we don't want to just mention movies for the sake of mentioning; we want to let you know what is worth your 10 hard earned dollars and your precious two hours of time. These are my top 5 of the year, and since I haven't seen everything that has come out this year, your favorite might not be mine. I'm sad I didn't have any space for the outstanding Duncan Jones directed Moon, the Cormac McCarthy adaptation The Road, or Where the Wild Things Are but I think the list ended up alright. If you think not feel free to let me know.
Read the list after the jump!
--Greg MacLennan
Read the list after the jump!
--Greg MacLennan
5) District 9
Not many movies can make you laugh, gasp, and think all in one tightly-wound, entertaining bundle, but Neill Blomkamp did just that with this summer's micro-budgeted out-of-nowhere surprise, District 9.
Not many movies can make you laugh, gasp, and think all in one tightly-wound, entertaining bundle, but Neill Blomkamp did just that with this summer's micro-budgeted out-of-nowhere surprise, District 9.
4) Star Trek
District 9 may be the technically better film, but I couldn't find a reason to get Star Trek off this list. J.J. Abrams dazzled me with what he did with Mission Impossible III, but when I watched the first 15 minutes of Star Trek--and he and Michael Giacchino already almost had me in tears--that was it, he had done it.
District 9 may be the technically better film, but I couldn't find a reason to get Star Trek off this list. J.J. Abrams dazzled me with what he did with Mission Impossible III, but when I watched the first 15 minutes of Star Trek--and he and Michael Giacchino already almost had me in tears--that was it, he had done it.
3) Inglourious Basterds
I hate to give Quentin Tarantino the satisfaction of my No. 3, but man his indulgent, self referential, history derivative, WWII action-drama really blew me away. Those long dialogue scenes should be taught in college courses on how to pace and play with an audience. Everything was spectacular and I couldn't have dreamed of a better film-going experience.
I hate to give Quentin Tarantino the satisfaction of my No. 3, but man his indulgent, self referential, history derivative, WWII action-drama really blew me away. Those long dialogue scenes should be taught in college courses on how to pace and play with an audience. Everything was spectacular and I couldn't have dreamed of a better film-going experience.
2) (500) Days of Summer
They finally did it. Some dude finally got so jaded and hurt that he actually managed to jot down his feelings every step of the way. Many have tried; few have succeeded. Watching this out of order rom-com masterpiece made me realize just how alike we all are in relationships. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was pitch perfect, and Zooey Deschanel got to use her too good to be true charm to good use. Watch it, own it, love it!
They finally did it. Some dude finally got so jaded and hurt that he actually managed to jot down his feelings every step of the way. Many have tried; few have succeeded. Watching this out of order rom-com masterpiece made me realize just how alike we all are in relationships. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was pitch perfect, and Zooey Deschanel got to use her too good to be true charm to good use. Watch it, own it, love it!
1) The Fantastic Mr. Fox
First trailer left me skeptical but the second one entranced me. Once it finally came out and I saw it I wasn't expecting to be nearly as blown away, but Wes Anderson just made the film too cussin' good. George Clooney deserves an award for this performance, as does Meryl Streep. I can't even describe the feeling it is to have a 90 minute smile plastered on your face, all I can say is thank you for doing it, Wes Anderson.
First trailer left me skeptical but the second one entranced me. Once it finally came out and I saw it I wasn't expecting to be nearly as blown away, but Wes Anderson just made the film too cussin' good. George Clooney deserves an award for this performance, as does Meryl Streep. I can't even describe the feeling it is to have a 90 minute smile plastered on your face, all I can say is thank you for doing it, Wes Anderson.
Guilty Pleasure
Crank 2: High Voltage
Was it a good movie? I have absolutely no idea, but I do know while sitting in the theater for the adrenaline packed 96 minutes, I was constantly in awe of what I was watching. Where the first Crank had to keep Chev and the audience going with a non-stop dose of adrenaline, Crank 2 uses shocks to propel you from point to point, and this film never ceased to amaze me with where it could go or what it could do.
Crank 2: High Voltage
Was it a good movie? I have absolutely no idea, but I do know while sitting in the theater for the adrenaline packed 96 minutes, I was constantly in awe of what I was watching. Where the first Crank had to keep Chev and the audience going with a non-stop dose of adrenaline, Crank 2 uses shocks to propel you from point to point, and this film never ceased to amaze me with where it could go or what it could do.
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