Top 10 DVDs of 2009
It took me a little longer than I had hopes, but here are my picks for to 10 Movies of 2009. This list is based solely on my opinion (not sales numbers, or feedback). To qualify, a movie had to be released onto DVD in 2009, so films that are released in theaters in 2009 but not to DVD in 09 did not qualify (such as Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, etc). This also explains why movies with a 2008 release date appear on the list (they did not appear on DVD until 09).
If you haven’t seen any of these, make sure you check them out!
10. Star Trek - Remaking a classic is never easy, especially a film considered one of the greatest Sci-Fi shows ever made, but this one was surprisingly good. This time around, they decided to chronicle the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members. My fear was that the iconic characters could not be redone by younger actors, but I am happy to say they proved me wrong! The young cast did an outstanding job of capturing the classic characters mannerisms and chemistry. The story was also pretty faithful to the original storyline and did a great job of showing the crews early days as members of the Star Fleet. The action was fast-paced, the effects were well done and the story progressed along at a logical pace. Whether you are a die-hard Trekky or are not at all familiar with the show, the film appeals to both audiences.
9. Four Christmases – Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon show they have great chemistry together in this Holiday Comedy about a young, carefree couple who must spend Christmas with their dysfunctional families after their vacation plans get canceled at the last minute. In addition to Vince and Reese, there are lot’s of big name stars in this film, including Legends Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Mary Steenburgen and more. Lot’s of improve stuff between Vince and Reese, shows she can hold her own with the comedic star and helped keep the story fresh and lively. It’s a wild and zany comedy that had the audience rolling in the aisles when I saw it at the theatre.
8 . Boat That Rocked – Sometimes you just want a movie that entertains you, and this is it! There is nothing that really stands out, although it’s a good story, solid acting, quirky characters but there is something about it that makes you smile and feel like a carefree teen again. It’s about a rag-tag gang of odd-balls and misfits who operate a Pirate Radio off England, much to the chagrin of the British Government. Its wacky, fun and really brings you back to a time when things were much less complicated.
7. Taken – Its funny how Liam Neeson, the star of the movie, is usually thought of as a dramatic actor, but in Taken, he shows he can do action films with the best of them, even in his mid 50’s. It’s a good suspense story with a lot of action and a wonderful performance from Neeson as an ex-secret agent who must rescue his daughter from a gang of kidnappers in France.
6. I Love You, Man – This was a pretty basic premise (as most comedies do), its about a happily engaged guy who realizes he doesn’t have any male friends, so he sets out to find some. The chemistry between Paul Rudd, as shy, friendless Peter and Jason Segal, carefree slacker Sydney, is great, they are very funny together. There are lot’s of memorable characters splashed in to provide lot’s of funny moments, especially Lou Ferigno putting Sydney in a sleeper hold. The story flows nicely and relies more on the buddy relationship then a romance relationship as well as providing an interesting look at how society has changed and friendship is much less common.
5. Up – Wonderful Disney story that runs the gamut from incredibly sad to laugh-out-loud funny. The animation is just amazing and adds a little extra to a film that really doesn’t need anything else, but takes the movie to the next level. The dog in the story, Dug, is one of the best characters Disney has done in a long time.
4. Hangover – This movie wasn’t your everyday comedy, it was a comedy/suspense story that was very fresh and original. Lot’s of big laughs with some great performances, especially Bradley Cooper, it’s a movie you can watch over and over.
3. The Wrestler – Mickey Rourke plays a fading wrestling Superstar who must deal with fact that his wrestling stardom has faded and he must try to start a new life. As he deals with his demons, tries to reconcile with his daughter and find a new way to pay the bills, we see a real human side to stardom, and what kind of toll it can take on a person. One of the defining and most moving scenes is where he gives his “Thank-you” speech before his last match. I had to wonder if that was Rourke’s character speaking as a wrestler, or him speaking personally as an actor. A lot of people will look at this as a movie about wrestling, but its not. It’s a very touching story about life and how we identify who we are by what we do for a living.
2. Gran Torino – In what may have been Clint Eastwoods last acting role (according to him), he shows once again why he is a Titan in the industry. His portrayal of a hard-as-nails, racist ex-soldier who must deal with a changing society as his neighborhood becomes riddled with immigrants and gangs as well as the realization that he may not have much time left. Its a touching and inspiring story of courage and friendship, while showing that even an old dog can learn a new trick.
1. Watchmen – Not only considered one of the greatest graphic Novels of all time, but also ranked as one of the top 100 Novels of all-time in Time Magazine. This project took YEARS to finally be developed, but the finished product was remarkable. It is an intricate debate on morality, as a band of “Adventures” (or Super-Heroes) must decided whether an act of unspeakable evil to hundreds of thousands of people is worth committing in order to save millions. The story has everything, from action, to suspense and even romance in a visually stunning setting.