Mind of Migg

To qualify for this list I had to either

a)    See the movie in theaters

b)   See the movie on DVD, but it was released in theaters in 2009

A disclaimer first.  There are a lot of great movies from this year that I haven’t seen yet that weren’t factored into this list.  I’m going to try to get to most of them before the Oscars, but some of the popular ones I haven’t seen yet include: Avatar, A Single Man, Crazy Heart, A Serious Man, Nine, The Messenger, Brothers, and many more I’m sure.  It’s hard to get to that many movies in a year without press or industry access.  Anyway, on to my list.

I’m not going to list them in any particular order.  It’s hard enough to choose just ten.

Precious – One of the most powerful, heart-wrenching films I’ve watched.  Amazing performances, great movie.  The final scene is a stand-out, and should singlehandedly win Mo’Nique an Oscar.

An Education – Classically well executed British film.  Alfred Molina is an overbearing father with depth, Peter Sarsgaard romances a teen yet somehow isn’t creepy, and Sally Sparrow was brilliant.

Up – If this movie doesn’t make you tear up at least a little, I don’t know what to say.  Great, honest story that deserves to be nominated along with the live action films this year.

Up in the Air – Understated movie.  It says exactly what it’s thinking, but you don’t even realize it because you’re enjoying the ride.  Also, I love Anna Kendrick.

Sin Nombre – Brutally realistic portrayal of the plight of immigrants.  I heard the actor spent years traveling on trains through Mexico like the characters in the movie.  It shows in the authenticity.

Food Inc. – This, combined with reading Michael Pollan, has convinced me to be more mindful of my diet and the food I choose to purchase.  This is a documentary done right – different perspective, clear message, more content than propaganda.

The Hurt Locker – Most intense film of the year.  My heart was pounding through most of it and I couldn’t relax at all.  I imagine it’s actually like that on a whole other level in Iraq in reality, but this film does a great job of conveying that feeling to the audience.

District 9 – Best sci-fi film of the year (until I see Avatar, at least).  Awesome explosions, cool special effects, and strong story.  You can’t ask for much more from a sci-fi and this one delivered.

(500) Days of Summer – Feel good movie of the year for me.  Zoey Deschanel is the latest manic pixie dream girl and it’s a tough character to pull off successfully, but she does here.  I think every nice guy could feel Joseph Gordon Levitt’s pain and roller coaster emotional ride.

Goodbye Solo – I’ve become a huge fan of Ramin Bahrani.  I loved Man Push Cart and Chop Shop and this latest effort was just as strong.  His movies are so quiet and tell so much with so little.