Top Ten Films of 2009

By Jeff Webb

Okay: we're now 25 days into 2010, and, with the exception of a few stragglers here and there, I feel confident that I've seen the majority of critically-acclaimed film releases from 2009. With that in mind, acting as the Pharos' resident critic, I give you my top ten films of 2009, as listed below. Feel free to leave a comment if you disagree or if you would like to express your own top 10.

1. Inglourious Basterds: It's not Pulp Fiction, but it's Tarantino's second best film. Completely complex in both technique and theme. Nothing short of a masterpiece.

2. A Serious Man: One of the best movie endings ever. Leaves one speechless.

3. The Hurt Locker: Speaking of endings....Jeremy Renner gives what was, to this critic, the best male performance of the year (note: I have yet to see Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart, so that opinion might change).

4. Up in the Air: Possibly Clooney's best acting. A heartfelt, tragicomedy about love and the meaning of home.

5. The Road: It's not the book, but, then again, it's not really right to compare. Director Hillcoat creates the perfect atmosphere, anchored by Nick Cave's score and Viggo Mortensen's egoless performance.

6. Public Enemies: An old-school gangster movie produced with today's technology and tenacity. The car chase sequence is, perhaps, the best action sequence of the year.

7. Drag Me to Hell: Fun. That is all.

8. Funny People: Just as Mickey Rourke was perfectly matched for Randy "The Ram," so is Sandler perfectly matched for George Simmons. Great, great role, full of melancholy and regret. And a mature, grown-up directing/writing effort by Apatow.

9. Avatar: It lacked in the story department, but the visuals and acting more than made up for it. A great time at the cinema.

10. Precious: Completely engaging. Not one false note; everything felt so real.

So, there it is. That's my top 10 of 2009. Do you agree? Disagree? What would you add? Let us know by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.