MOVIE REVIEW … BEST AND WORST OF 2009

MOVIE REVIEW … BEST AND WORST OF 2009

Throughout the year, Patrick Moore has provided an alternative view to movie reviews. In this, his last post for 2010, he identifies the best and worst movies of 2009. Thanks to Patrick for his input this year and looking forward to a great 2010 with your unique perspective in movies.

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2009 proved a varied year in film. With the Australian industry producing a wide variety of excellent movies and Hollywood indulging in its block-buster fascination more than ever, it seemed commercial and independent film-making became further mixed together. So in the list taking all year to compile, discover the films worthy of glittering awards and those deserving of a booby prize..........

THE BEST 10. Love The Beast 9. Watchmen 8. Let the Right One In 7. Star Trek 6. Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince 5. Is Anybody There? 4. Changeling 3. The Boys Are Back 2. The Wrestler 1. Gran Torino

What I said then: Eastwood's latest is one willing to play with conventions without any forced mawkishness. Observing the mature growth of its main characters, the viewer is left in no doubt that Gran Torino continues Clint's esteemed career in fine style. What I say now: A great film full of the passion and genuine drama for which Eastwood is renowned made this the year's most pleasurable viewing experience. Honourable Mentions: Doubt, Revolutionary Road, Milk, State of Play, Disgrace, Mary & Max, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, Drag Me To Hell, Red Cliff, The Young Victoria, Up, (500) Days of Summer, Julie & Julia, Moon, Samson & Delilah, Where The Wild Things Are.

THE WORST 10. Push 9. Knowing

8. The Spirit

7. The Final Destination

6. Land of the Lost

5. Year One

4. Bride Wars

3. The Pink Panther 2

2. My Life In Ruins

1. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

What I said then: Sadly it seems the days of sophisticated romances laced with intelligent witticisms are long gone with inane triteness replacing it. Its heavy borrowing from Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ would surely be enough reason for the great writer to haunt the creators for using his work on this travesty. What I say now: This ghastly ghostly piffle added another nail in Matthew McConaughey's career coffin with its romantic tribulations as welcome as another of his cinematic duds. Dishonourable mentions: Seven Pounds, Rachel Getting Married, He's Just Not That Into You, Beautiful, The Boat That Rocked, Amelia, Public Enemies, The Taking of Pelham 123 That's it for another year - thanks for reading and I hope everyone has a great Xmas/New Year's break. As always when another year begins I shall return....... Patrick