Best Films of 2009

This list is based on films with thought provoking, fresh, and/or original ideas. The ones that have made it to my top of five are films I see to be well rounded. In other words: Strong scripts, stellar performances, and compelling direction... with ideas being expressed that are out of the ordinary in one way or another.

1.) Fish Tank (Drama. Dir. Andrea Arnold, UK)

2.) Brothers (Drama. Dir. Jim Sheridan, USA)

3.) A Prophet (Drama. Dir. Jacques Audiard, FR)

4.) The Hangover (Comedy. Dir. Todd Phillips, USA)

5.) UP (Family. Dir. Pete Docter, USA)

6.) The Road (Drama. Dir. John Hillcoat, USA)

7.) Up In The Air (Comedy/Drama. Dir. Jason Reitman, USA)

8.) Broken Embraces (Neo Noir. Dir. Pedro Almodóvar, ESP)

9.) District 9 (SciFi. Dir. Neill Blomkamp, SA)

10.) Avatar (SciFi/Fantasy. Dir. James Cameron, USA)