Considering I only saw 16 movies that were released in 2009, my pool of top movies is smaller than I wish – especially concerning foreign language films (which are often released later locally). Anyway, here is my list:
7. Fantastic Mr. Fox : both classic Roald Dahl and Wes Anderson
6. 500 Days of Summer : great comedy and hip pathos
5. The Informant! : superb inner dialogue with a sensational plot twist
4. District 9 : witty, gritty and original alien movie
3. The Road : one of the best book adaptations I’ve seen
2. Up in the Air : a grounding picture for our culture
1. Where the Wild Things Are : visually stunning and emotionally draining
Some that I am still looking forward to seeing: A Single Man, A Serious Man, The Lovely Bones, The Hurt Locker, Nine, Crazy Heart, Brothers, An Education, Invictus, Taking Woodstock, Coco Avant Chanel, and Amreeka.
Dan the Man
What about Star Trek on your to-see list? I'm kinda waiting to see Star Trek. You go rent it, and I'll bring the popcorn.
Zaak
I saw Star Trek, it just didn't make the cut. Good movie, just not great.