Bryan’s top 5 movies of 2009 (so far)

5. Moon
I had been greatly anticipating this film and it did not disappoint. It’s the feature film debut of director Duncan Jones. This space-thriller-thinker features an amazing performance from Sam Rockwell (my Oscar-sense is tingling), and some nice editing and CG to boot (for an indie).

4. Inglorious Basterds
I’m no Tarantino fan boy by any means, but I found this movie incredibly entertaining. Had discussions with a lot of folks who felt “meh” about it for a variety of reasons (didn’t live up to the hype, didn’t have enough of this or that). But I was enthralled by every minute of it; the performances, the cinematography, yes, even the pacing. Well done, QT. Now please don’t make Kill Bill 3.

3. District 9
This flick came outta left field for me, I heard about it around a month before it was released. Really dug the teaser trailer and the film lived up to it. Great performances, incredible CG meshed with documentary-style cinematography, and a unique story.

2. The Hurt Locker
The only movie about the Iraq war that’s been any good. And boy is it DAMN good. Follows the exploits of an explosive ordinance disposal team stationed in Baghdad. Very intense and thought provoking. And from a talented female director, Kathryn Bigelow, as well. Find it, see it.

1. Star Trek
My most anticipated movie of the summer, and it was everything I was expecting and more! I’m no trekkie, but I enjoyed this action-packaged “re-imagining” of the Star Trek universe more than any other film so far this year. Sequel. Now. Please.

TOP 3 TO COME: The Lovely Bones, Up in the Air, The Road