Hits of 2009...

It's January again and here's wishing everyone a very happy 2010. 2009 seems to have zoomed by within no time. With this in mind, I thought it would be interesting if I could list down some of the better films that I caught in 2009. Note that these are entirely based on my liking and they aren't listed in any particular order. Also, since I haven't seen all of the films released in 2009 yet, I might add some more to this list as and when I see them. So here they are: my favourite films of 2009 -

• Inglourious Basterds - Tarantino at his best yet again! I find it odd that I am one of the very few people who actually find this movie better than Pulp Fiction. Probably because I watched IB on the big screen while I watched Pulp Fiction on my (not-so-big) LCD screen. Nevertheless, this movie reminds us that fact & fiction can be mixed together to create some awesome entertainment. Director - Quentin Tarantino. Highlight - Christoph Waltz as SS Colnel Hans Landa; Brad Pitt's amazing accent & expressions. IMDb Rating - 8.5/10 (as of this posting)
  

• Star Trek - I haven't been a Trekkie all along; I just vaguely remember watching the original series on DD. However, I was blown away by this installment of the 'oh-so-many' Star Trek Films. I suspect a major part of this film's success is thanks to the reasonably young and not so famous ensemble cast who perform brilliantly. Director - JJ Abrams. Highlight - Zachary Quinto as Dr. Spock; visual effects. IMDb Rating - 8.2/10 (as of this posting).
  

• 500 Days Of Summer - If you ever want to see a rom-com without most of the cliches that one normally finds in such films, 500 Days Of Summer is highly recommended. This movie comes uncomfortably close to reality. Agreed, there may be a few predictable moments but that is easily excusable. Director - Marc Webb. Highlight - The scene which juxtaposes Tom's imagination & reality when he attends Summer's party - it is simply brilliant! IMDb Rating - 8.1/10 (as of this posting).
  

• District 9 - No other film involving aliens has been so much thought provoking and packed with intellect than District 9. It would be hard for anyone to ignore the subtle comparisons to many socio-political issues that are present in today's world. Director - Neill Blokamp. Highlight - Documentary style of story telling; the way Wilkus says 'fuuuuk' ;) IMDb Rating- 8.4/10 (as of this writing).
  

• Avatar - The prerequisite to appreciate this film is to watch it in 3D. Because once you don those cheap 3D glasses, you are literally transported into Pandora with all its wilderness either at your feet or in your face. True, the story is as predictable as any other, but the visuals are simply out of this world! Director - James Cameron. Highlight - The breathtaking visuals rendered using state-of-the-art CGI; the entire movie experience. IMDb Rating - 8.8/10 (as of this writing).