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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Ten Best Films Of 2009
By Omar P.L. Moore/PopcornReel.com
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Warner Brothers
tenTHE HANGOVER
2009
A wild ride that doesn't always fit together but manages to entertain and have
audiences in stitches? Todd Phillips' film was not only one of 2009's best
rides during a recession that gripped the globe, it provided laughs and paid big
money dividends at the box office, becoming the third-highest-grossing R-rated
comedy ever. Whether you enjoyed the random nuttiness and incomprehensible
situations, the suddenness of Mike Tyson's entrance -- which packed a punch --
or the unforgettable and ridiculously nutty talents of Ken Jeong -- "The
Hangover" was the film that had you drunk with laughter. Just
remember: what happens in Vegas doesn't necessarily stay there.
U.S. Distributor: Warner Brothers. Initial release date: June 5.
Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha.
Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Original Popcorn Reel review
nineA SINGLE MAN
2009
The Weinstein Company
Fashion designer Tom Ford's film directing debut was remarkable, bursting out of
the gate the way painter Julian Schnabel did several years back. Based on
Charles Isherwood's novel about a gay British college professor in 1962 L.A. who
grapples with the loss of his partner of 16 years, "A Single Man", even with its
stylizations, was a consistently strong effort, with sumptuous cinematography.
Colin Firth (above) gave the year's best male lead performance as the
grief-stricken George Falconer who dances at the altar with death.
Julianne Moore is impressive as one of the professor's loyal friends.
Nicholas Hoult is also good as a student.
U.S. Distributor: The Weinstein Company. Initial release date:
December 11 (N.Y., L.A., S.F.) Starring Colin Firth, Julianne Moore,
Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult.
Original Popcorn Reel review
eightCORALINE
2009
Focus Features
A classic for years to come, "Coraline" marked Henry Selick's greatest
cinematic triumph. A visual marvel in Stereoscopic 3D, this film years in
the making, dazzled, amazed and astounded us. A fable that sparkles, "Coraline"
is a film you can't take your eyeballs off. An animated "Pan's Labyrinth"
if ever there was one, "Coraline" tracks the adventures of a 'tween-age girl
(voiced by Dakota Fanning) who slips between the world of reality and the world
of the alternative. Filled with imagination, wonderment and some scares, "Coraline"
will be more thoroughly appreciated in a decade or two. Still by a country
mile the best animated film of this early 21st century if not the last 40 years,
Mr. Selick's work reflected a boldness and confidence you couldn't help but
admire.
U.S. Distributor: Focus Features. Initial release date: February 6.
Starring the voices of: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Peter Stormare, Keith
David.
Original Popcorn Reel review
Next: Films seven through five