5. Up
The first 15 minutes of this film are so achingly, brutally beautiful I missed half the rest of the movie just reflecting on it. The last 4/5ths isn’t as good, but I didn’t care. If this movie didn’t gut-punch you, then you should go to the doctor and call the cops, because your guts are missing, and someone somewhere has double guts now. Because, they have yours, see? Right.
4. Zombieland
Great opening credits, fun take on the genre, the “special guest” segment was great. It was just all around fun. Gore, giggles, and the girl. And zombies. This was the popcorn movie of the year, to share an audience expereince with, people laughing and just generally enjoying life in one room for a couple hours.
3. District 9
Neill Blomkamp is going to do amazing things if this is any indication. If this guy had his hands on Halo, we might have finally had not only a good video-game/movie adaptation, but a superb one. The story goes where you don’t expect, and in a fresh style, and I loved the ending. Can’t say enough good about it.
2. Adventureland
Best coming-of-age in a long, long time. How can you not feel for the girl, and root for the guy in this one? It’s fucked up and imperfect and while it’s obviously a movie, there is a weight to the proceedings, not just some flighty burst of imagination. Just a wonderfully done film, and well acted among other things.
1. The Brothers Bloom
Hands down my favorite of the year, and buying a spot into my favorites of all time. Just a really nice caper that keeps you guessing, not knowing who to trust. I expect big things from the writer/director of one of my other all time favorites, Brick, and Rian Johnson delivers. Also, I dare you not to fall in love with Rachel Weisz’ character. Protip: you can’t not.
Top 3 to come
Where the Wild Things Are
Yeah, it’s out, but I haven’t seen it yet. Surely someone else gets choked up just from that original trailer with the Arcade Fire song, right?
The Road
The book was wonderful, and I love me some Viggo.
2012
A chance to re-live the experience of seeing Independence Day for the first time (don’t even lie, it blew your mind)? Yes please.
Man, you LLOOOVVEEE yourself Jesse Eisenberg movies that end with "-land". I wasn't that big of a fan of "Adventureland" and Eisenberg comes off to me as the K-Mart Michael Cera. And I'm still punching myself for not seeing "Up" theatrically :(
I really liked 'Adventureland'…A little change of pace from the typical summer comedy, but in all the right ways.