There are some genres of film I never see; horror for example. Next to war movies, I like a good drama best. Of course every film has drama so it’s hard to single out one as strictly drama. Nevertheless, here’s my pick for the best dramas in 2009.
2012 The end of the world never looked so bad. Perhaps the Mayans were right. John Cusack races against nature and time in order to save his family from destruction as the world falls apart around them. It’s a special effects extravaganza (we still use that word don’t we?)
A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol is the best version I’ve ever seen (I’ve not seen them all-there’ve been more than 50) of the Charles Dickens classic novella. The 3D animation allowed the book to come alive more than any I’ve seen. Jim Carrey (at least his voice) is the perfect Scrooge.
Amelia In July 1937 Amelia Earhart disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean. The news spread around the world. Hillary Swank as Amelia brings the heroine to life in what movies are suppose to do; entertain not educate.
Angels and Demons Tom Hanks returns as symbologist Robert Langston who again is caught in a religious conspiracy and murder when a secret-society, the Illuminati, threaten to kill four Cardinals. As usual, it ends with a twist.
Knowing When John Kessler played by Nicholas Cage realizes that a 50 year old letter holds clues to worldwide events, he races against time to unlock the final clue in the letter. It’s a clever movie, it’s entertaining and yes, it’s dumb.
New Moon Talk about dumb. The new breed of Vampires is on the big screen again in a worldwide blockbuster. It’s number two in continuing Twilight Saga of inter-racial love. Seriously, it’s a good flick. You know the story line right? Good vampires against bad vampires with human in between.
Public Enemies It’s the pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) vs. Batman (Christian Bale) in the
1930s era bad guy-good guy flick based on the true story of Public Enemy #1 John Dillinger and his FBI nemesis Melvin Purvis. I like both actors, most of the time.
State of Play Investigative reporter Russell Crowe works with a detective to solve the murder of a Congressman’s mistress. The congressman is one of Crowe’s old friends. It’s not exceptional but it’s entertaining.
The Blind Side Sandra Bullock stars in the true story film about a well-to-do family who adopts a troubled African-American teen. Today, in 2009, their adopted son is an NFL player. This is truly a family film that is probably the best drama of the year if not the best movie of 2009.
Sherlock Holmes Robert Downey Jr. as the brilliant Sherlock Holmes is due in theaters Christmas Day 2009. Of course I haven’t seen it but I’m taking a chance it’ll be in the top 10 of 2009.
That’s it. In my humble opinion 2009 was another mediocre year for movies. There was good entertainment but with few exceptions not much exceptional. I hope 2010 is better.
