I see a lot of movies.  But it is actually surprising to me how many movies I don’t see; it has to be a really high number.  The simple fact is that I just don’t have the money to see all the films I want to see and the rest, well, the rest are just awful.  Most people don’t know this but if you see a bad movie and you don’t like it you are entitled to a refund by the movie theater.  It’s true, if you make a big enough stink they will give you your money back.  I wish more people would do this but the few who do eventually get banned from those theaters.  Just imagine how many millions and millions of dollars get put into the pockets of people who trick you into wasting precious minutes of your life.  It should be a crime.

#10. District 9 and Avatar

This was a toss up, sorry for breaking the rules right off the bat.  This was a really good year for science fiction films.  And these are two really different takes on a similar theme.  Both these films are amazing.  The best science fiction is relevant and metaphorical.  “District 9” is gritty and dark and extremely realistic, while also engaging themes like apartheid and the refugee experience.  “Avatar” on the other hand is a grand spectacle that deals with the realities of war and corporate imperialism.  Both are excellent films worthy of viewing.

#9.  Drag Me to Hell

This is hands down the best horror film of the year.  It marks Sam Raimi’s return to filmmaking excellence.  This film is inventive and disturbing, and incredibly funny when it should be.  I dare say it is one of the best horror movies I’ve ever seen.  This may not be a popular choice but there is just something about this film that makes it stand out.  It really captures something about our time while reinventing an old horror stereotype.  It may not be extremely terrifying or anything, but definitely a well crafted film.

#8.  The Hangover

This film was the best comedy of the year.  This was a year that a few good comedies came out, such as “I Love You, Man,” the controversial “Observe and Report,” and the slightly serious “Funny People.”  But hands down the funniest film was “The Hangover.”  In terms of most laughs per minute, this film just won’t let you come up for air.  Zach Galifianakis was always hilarious but has now crossed over into the mainstream.  He couldn’t have picked a funnier way to do it.

#7.  A Serious Man

If the Coen brothers make a film you can bet it’s going to be in my top something every year.  Each film they make is a mini masterpiece.  This film is incredibly odd and quirky and often dark and disturbing in a similar way as “Barton Fink.”  And while some moments are played for laughs, others are incredibly dark.  As usual they are master storytellers at work, even if the story isn’t grand or heavy on plot.  But this portrait of a man losing everything in is life will help you understand the artistry of a well written movie.

#6. Where the Wild Things Are

Spike Jonze is one of the greats of his generation.  His films are often surreal and wonderful.  In this film he takes aim at the perils of childhood.  Based on the children’s book of the same name, Jonze and the screenwriter were able to extrapolate so much from the book and create a new world for this story inhabited by fully formed characters who are as complicated as real children are.  I don’t think kids will even understand this film, but I might be totally wrong and they might get it in ways I no longer can.  This film gets into the psyche of a kid growing up and the heartbreak of leaving that world behind.

#5.  Away We Go

In my initial review I did not score this as a perfect film per se, but the more I think about it the more I really love it.  And though I can’t say that it was the best film of the year it might my favorite.  This film is the bittersweet story of a couple trying to connect with their families only to find that they are all the family they need.  This is one of the most original romantic comedies I have certainly ever seen.  It’s refreshing to have a story in which the characters are already in love, and falling in love is not at the center of the storyline.  It is such a touching and beautiful film while still remaining funny and entertaining.

#4.  Moon

Another crowning achievement for science fiction, this film takes us back to one of the most pioneering science fiction films “2001: A Space Odyssey.”  There are a lot of similarities between the two films, but “Moon” manages to unearth themes and moral dilemmas that had yet to be considered in such a well crafted story.  Sam Rockwell is the only actor on screen for the majority of the film, and acting opposite himself at times proves that he is one of the best actors working today.  This film offers beautiful lunar vistas while telling a simple yet remarkable story.  This is one of those perfect films that achieves everything it intends to.

#3.  Up in the Air

This is a great Hollywood film like I didn’t think they made anymore.  Jason Reitman shows his talent as both a writer and a director.  This story perfectly expresses what it is like to be living in these tough times.  Everything about the story is well structured with memorable characters that are portrayed perfectly.  The story offers many surprises that make it stand out.  And while it is rather sad in the end, it really says a lot about the reality that we all live in.

#2.  The Hurt Locker

Most of the films about the war in Iraq have been utter failures.  This is really the first film to break through and it is because of the simple story of one man’s complex personal journey that makes it so fascinating.  The directing in the film is just incredible.  Everything about this film is done perfectly.  This is one of the films that people will study when they want to understand the effect of the war on American culture.  It is remarkable and unlike any war film I have ever seen.  The best thing about the film is its intensity.  So much tension is built up that you can feel it in your bones.  This film deserves more attention than it got because it is amazing to watch.

#1. Up

Pixar did it again this year.  This might just be the best film they have ever made.  It is sad and touching and beautiful to watch.  The pure poetry of cinema in this film is breathtaking.  It is also funny and full of adventure.  This film has everything you could want in a simple well told story.  Visually it is stunning, filled with artfully composed shots.  I can’t think of a single film I enjoyed more this year.  It is also the first film I had ever seen where the 3D didn’t make me sick to my stomach.  This film is a real triumph for animation and it will be very hard for Pixar to top.

Honorable Mention: the following are films that I did not see but really wanted to, and although I could not put them on my list I’m sure they are all noteworthy.  As soon as I have the means and the opportunity I will see them as I’m sure you should but you probably already have. 

-Big Fan
-Inglorious Basterds
-Sin Nombre
-The Messenger
-It Might Get Loud