My Top 12 of 2009
1. Avatar - The story has been done before, but not with these types of visuals. One of the best movie experiences I've ever had. Cameron did not disappoint me.
2. The Hangover - Funniest movie since Old School. Zack Galifinakis and Ed Helms are now on the map.
3. Adventureland - Jessie Eisenberg was great in this and Kristen Stewart showed that she can do more than just follow vampires.
4. The Hurt Locker - One of the most suspenseful movies I've ever watched. It was refreshing to see a war movie with no agenda.
5. Public Enemies - Johnny Depp was an awesome John Dillinger. Was chaotic at times but found it to be Mann's best since Heat.
6. Inglourious Basterds - QT's best since Pulp Fiction. Witty and funny in a very dark way.
7. Zombieland - Sometimes you need to just take off your thinking cap and enjoy some good old fashion zombie domination.
8. District 9 - Amazing special effects and a very cool way to translate real world issues into an alien war.
9. Taken - I didn't think Liam Neeson could be more badass, but now he is.
10. Star Trek - I'm no trekkie but I loved this movie! Can really open up Star Trek to a broader audience.
11. Moon - Fantastic acting and very entertaining.
12. Paranormal Activity - Innovative and original in a lately stagnant horor genre.
Interesting list, seeing as Public Enemies & Adventureland are so high (I'm gonna have to get around to seeing that last one). Love that Zombieland is on the list, it's one of the funnest movies of the decade. I also agree that part of what made Hurt Locker so good is that it wasn't too sentimental or preachy.