Another year has come and gone, and with it another crop of fine Hollywood flicks sail into the sunset. Before they do, here's a final salute to the best films of 2009. These movies may not be your cup of tea. But, they made me laugh, cry and played on in my memory long after the final credits rolled.
1. Star Trek
I am not a "Star Trek" fan. But, J.J. Abrams' masterful remake of this classic sci-fi series made me a convert. From Chris Pine's piercing baby blues to Zachary Quinto's sexy rendition of a young Mr. Spock, this plucky band of Star Fleet newbies kicked alien scum to the curb and had me rooting for them all they way. "Star Trek" also blended a fab story and fantastic special effects to perfection. J.J. Abrams, may you live long and prosper!
2. Up
This Pixar gem soared high above "Astro Boy" and other animated features in 2009. It also featured one of the most touching remembrances of married life that I have ever seen. Thanks to scads of helium balloons and a stout-hearted kid, a crotchety old widower is whisked off to South America for the adventure of a lifetime. From start to finish "Up" made me and these unlikely travelling companions believe that life is beautiful.
3. A Single Man
Colin Firth found "the" role of his acting career in this moving drama directed by fashion designer Tom Ford. Based on Christopher Isherwood's 1964 novel, Firth owned George, a lonely, gay, middle-aged professor who loses the love of his life. The acclaimed British actor brought George's aching, grieving heart to life. Firth's brilliant performance also made Hollywood see that big, powerful movie moments don't always have to be dressed in car chases, intergalactic battles and CGI noise.
4. Fantastic Mr. Fox
This puckish comedy from director Wes Anderson accomplished two great things in my books in 2009. It brought Roald Dahl's classic children tale to a whole new audience around the world. It also gave George Clooney, the voice of this dapper, larcenous fox, one of the best movie roles of his career. A feast for the eyes and a worthy contender for an Oscar nod in 2010.
5. The Road
I cannot recall too many films in 2009 that left a room full of seasoned journalists crying in their hankies. This one did the trick, however. Featuring the finest performance of Viggo Mortensen's career, this unflinching love story about a father and son struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic America is tough to watch. But, the huge emotional payoff was - and is -- worth the price of admission.
6. The Hurt Locker
American movies took a long, long while to deal with the war in Iraq. When they did it somehow felt like American filmmakers were slamming the enemy rather than taking a thoughtful look at all the issues. Director Kathryn Bigelow broke free of that pattern in 2009 with "The Hurt Locker." She delivered a thrilling, gritty account of real life in the streets of Baghdad and the soldiers who keep the city safe. A transcendent war film on so many levels.
7. Avatar
"Avatar's" futuristic story line of human greed and looming ecological disaster never bowled me over. But, its ground-breaking special effects certainly did. In what can only be described as "the" new benchmark movie in Hollywood, James Cameron's fantastic-looking tale played out on the ravishing planet of Pandora. There in its lush jungles "Avatar" treated moviegoers to countless marvels new to Hollywood. For that alone, plus those cool, blue Na'vi natives, "Avatar" was -- and is -- a 2009 champ.
8. I Love You, Man
Hollywood pumped plenty of comedies into theatres in 2009. None, however, made the grade like this hilarious "bromance" starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. My sides still hurt from laughing at Rudd's outlandish attempts to find the first male friend of his life before he walks down the aisle. A clever script and a strong ensemble cast made this modern tale of "man love" a real winner.
9. Drag Me to Hell
Horror master Sam Raimi spooked me senseless with this devilish little bag of tricks. Written before Raimi worked on "Spider-Man," this gory tale of gypsy curses, soured love and a beautiful girl who stirred up all kinds of hell was the perfect thrill ride of 2009. Definitely one of Raimi's best, tongue-in-cheek screech-fests in years.
10. Bright Star
Jane Campion's fantastic ode to a secret love affair between 23-year-old English poet John Keats and the girl next door, Fanny Brawne, was 2009's period-piece masterpiece. Filled with visual riches from start to finish, "Bright Star" proved yet again that no one can match Campion's gorgeous eye for detail. It also transformed B-list actor Abbie Cornish into a serious Oscar contender for 2010.
