brodiemash’s top 5 films of 2009 (so far)

5. Observe & Report
This was one of the darkest films I’ve ever seen and it brought me nothing but joy to be in the theater and see the faces of people around me react as it seemed that they were expecting a traditional Seth Rogen comedy. This wasn’t it. Not even close. Instead we took a trip down the most putrid road of the character’s psyche and what a ride it was. And the ending made me scream in joyful glee, literally. Man, this film was HELLA slept on!

4. (500) Days Of Summer
It kinda seems like I’m always on the lookout for that quirky romantic film that uplifts, as with last year’s The Wackness and this year I got Marc Webb’s film. The soundtrack, the non-linear storytelling and even the acting was pretty much on point. Also, this was the film that introduced mt to the awesome Regina Spektor so that’s gotta count for something, right?

3. Drag Me To Hell
It’s so rare for me to get moved by films like Sam Raimi’s Drag Me To Hell but there I was in the theater at the edge of my seat and with a heavy sense anxiety. Or maybe that was caused by the people behind us who would not shut the fuck up. Either way, the film rocked as it masterfully mixed comedy and scares throughout the entire run time. If you’re looking for a film to watch this Halloween season, I HIGHLY suggest you check this out.

2. District 9
Honestly, I was really hoping this movie was going to be good but I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it turned out. Neil Bloomkampt really knocked it out of the park with this film and he truly has earned all the accolades he’s been receiving for Distrcit 9. I’m not sure when the film will be released for home video consumption but I highly suggest you pick this up and at the very least, put it on your Netflix queue. A great sci-fi movie that just might cause you to get a little choked up inside.

1. Watchmen
Man, this movie was really well done. From the opening credit sequence, to the music selection and the special effects… I have to give Zack Synder props for taking on this monster of a task and come off with a mark in the win column. Unfortunately, this film was almost destined to fail. Fanboys wouldn’t be satisfied as it swayed from the source material a little too much and the film was way to complicated for most mainstream audiences to enjoy, as they were expecting a superhero movie in the lines of the X-Men franchise. I was right in the middle ground and I found the film to be extremely enjoyable and the best movie I’ve seen so far this year.

TOP 3 TO COME

The Lovely Bones
Peter Jackson’s next film hasn’t been getting too much hype but the trailer that was released earlier this year really looked amazing. It’ll be interesting to see what the director’s version of heaven looks like, at the very least.

Art & Copy
Being in the business of graphic design, devising ways to sell a product are always interesting to me. I guess that’s why I find Mad Men so intriguing as well. Well this little documentary film dives right into the creative side of advertising and breaks down the way we consume & purchase products. As a reminder, Fresno Filmworks will be screening this film on Friday, Nov. 13th at Tower Theater.

Avatar
The hype for this film kinda died down after the lackluster trailer was released a while back and I can honestly say that the whole 3D aspect of the film means nothing to me. What does get my excited is the director James Cameron. I mean, just look at his track record. Either it’s gonna suck (which I gotta be there to see) or it’s gonna be amazing (which I gotta be there to see) so either way, this will be an event to check out. Plus Michelle Rodriguez is in it ;)