Column; Best Films of 2009
Will Stewart
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Expressions
10. "Funny People"- Everyone expected Judd Apatow to continue his streak of side-splitting raunchy comedy, which is why the film struggled critically when it wasn't the next "Knocked Up." For those that went in with an open mind, however, it was one of the better dramedies of the year. Adam Sandler gave a critically acclaimed performance as an isolated, narcissistic comedian, and Seth Rogen is hilarious as ever.
9. "Zombieland"- Not only did director Ruben Fleischer make the highest-grossing zombie movie of all time, he made it a comedy and a great one at that. Woody Harrelson stole the show playing a mildly crazy, gun-slinging Floridian searching for Twinkies, and Bill Murray's turn as himself earns my "best cameo of the year" nod.
8. "The Hangover"- Best comedy of the year, hands down. Not since "Anchorman" has a film been so endlessly quotable. Zach Galifianakis, an entirely underrated stand-up comic, plays the funniest character of the year as the slightly slow, but superbly bearded Alan. The rest of the cast is excellent, and I laughed non-stop.
7. "Away We Go"- Once again, Sam Mendes tackles suburban life and settling down, in his follow-up to "Revolutionary Road." The film weaves itself seamlessly through scenes of absolute hilarity and heart-wrenching sadness. The film's leads, John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph, have great chemistry together, and both demonstrate an incredible range as they follow the transitions in tone effortlessly.
6. "(500) Days of Summer"- One of the most inventive and imaginative films of the year, "Summer" is a non-linear spin on the classic "boy meets girl" tale. Including omniscient narrations, a musical number and a fantastic scene that features two variations of the same event, the film is not a romantic comedy, but a poignant comedy about a romance. And Zooey Deschanel is literally the cutest girl ever.
5. "Where the Wild Things Are" - This was one of the most polarizing films of the year. Critics seemed either to absolutely love it or absolutely hate it. I absolutely love it. The film eschews the typical narrative style, instead creating a world that reflects the conflicting emotions that are constantly battling for supremacy in a child's head. Rarely does a movie about children capture the essence of what life is like to be a child.
9. "Zombieland"- Not only did director Ruben Fleischer make the highest-grossing zombie movie of all time, he made it a comedy and a great one at that. Woody Harrelson stole the show playing a mildly crazy, gun-slinging Floridian searching for Twinkies, and Bill Murray's turn as himself earns my "best cameo of the year" nod.
8. "The Hangover"- Best comedy of the year, hands down. Not since "Anchorman" has a film been so endlessly quotable. Zach Galifianakis, an entirely underrated stand-up comic, plays the funniest character of the year as the slightly slow, but superbly bearded Alan. The rest of the cast is excellent, and I laughed non-stop.
7. "Away We Go"- Once again, Sam Mendes tackles suburban life and settling down, in his follow-up to "Revolutionary Road." The film weaves itself seamlessly through scenes of absolute hilarity and heart-wrenching sadness. The film's leads, John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph, have great chemistry together, and both demonstrate an incredible range as they follow the transitions in tone effortlessly.
6. "(500) Days of Summer"- One of the most inventive and imaginative films of the year, "Summer" is a non-linear spin on the classic "boy meets girl" tale. Including omniscient narrations, a musical number and a fantastic scene that features two variations of the same event, the film is not a romantic comedy, but a poignant comedy about a romance. And Zooey Deschanel is literally the cutest girl ever.
5. "Where the Wild Things Are" - This was one of the most polarizing films of the year. Critics seemed either to absolutely love it or absolutely hate it. I absolutely love it. The film eschews the typical narrative style, instead creating a world that reflects the conflicting emotions that are constantly battling for supremacy in a child's head. Rarely does a movie about children capture the essence of what life is like to be a child.
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