Better late than never.
Here's counting down to 37 of the most yakked-about movies of 2009. Thankfully, there were many films that were memorable (although some were remembered for all the wrong reasons).
Fortunately, I didn't torture myself by sitting through
Before we begin, a sneak-peek at past years' TOP THREE:
>> Click for 2008's TOP 61 Movies
#3 Wall-E
#2 The Mist
#1
>> Click for 2007's TOP 40 Movies
#3 Hot Fuzz
#2 Hairspray
#1 The Pursuit of Happyness
Let the countdown begin!!
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#37 Final Destination 4 (2.0/5)
"It's raining! I forgot to bring in my laundry! NOO!!"
No suspense, no thrills, no acting skills. I hope this means R.I.P for this franchise, and they keep to their promise that this is THE Final Destination.
#36 Land of the Lost (2.0/5)
"What are we doing in this movie?!"
With this lame movie, Will Farrell is officially the highest-paid actor in Hollywood whose movie generated the lowest returns. Crude and largely unfunny, its biggest fault is that it is packaged as a family-friendly film, where it is nothing but.
#35 Inkheart (2.0/5)
"Watch-out. The audience is coming after us for their money back."
A misguided adaptation of a fantasy novel, its notable cast which includes Brendan Fraser and Academy Award winner Helen Mirren seems utterly lost amidst the uninspiring screenplay.
#34 风云 2 - The Storm Warriors (2.5/5)
"There goes my conscience."
A bloated effects extravaganza that shortchanged on coherent characterization and storyline. Poor fans of the original Storm Riders - who are in their thirties and forties - must've been baffled by the one-dimensional acting and ridiculous dialogues.
#33 Bride Wars (2.5/5)
"You took my Vera Wang, didn't you?"
The star power of the two leads (Kate Hudson and Anne Hatthaway) could not mask the cheesiness of childish bickering when two best friends realise that they have chosen to wed on the same day.
#32 Terminator Salvation (2.5/5)
"Why didn't you come with spare batteries!?"
A needless addition in the already-classic series - Christian Bale seemed to have sleepwalked through his role. Probably he knew he had the other franchise to fall back on.
#31 Watchmen (2.5/5)
"Lady Gaga didn't want this suit so I took it."
There really isn't any point in remaking one of the best graphic novels of all time. Seeing the flawed superheroes fleshed out on screen in another medium is unnecessary - there is a reason why fans were crazy-in-love with the comic illustrations in the first place.
#30 He's Just Not That Into You (2.5/5)
"I just realised I'm looking at two Jennifers."
A-list comedic-actresses Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore couldn't save this cliche-filled rom-com that is adapted from a chick-lit best-seller. The funniest parts are in the trailer.
#29 X-Men Origins: Wolverine (3.0/5)
"Grr...This shirt is too tight."
Arguably the most popular character to come out of the X-Men movie series, this spin-off suffers from uninteresting visual effects to make this an average actioner. We probably had enough of seeing Wolverine tormented and angsty.
#28 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (3.0/5)
"I wasn't the one that broke the nose."
Stunning robot transformations and big-scale explosions - behold the biggest fan-boy movie ever made. Widely-panned by critics but still breaking box-offices worldwide, credit must be given to this movie for looking like the perfect summer blockbuster. Just work on a better script next time.
#27 Angels & Demons (3.0/5)
"Run! It's a Miley Cyrus concert!"
#26 窃听风云 - Overheard (3.0/5)
"I know it's ugly but I endorse the watch, so I'm wearing it."
A standard by-the-numbers action-thriller about lies and greed. But the film is marred by a rather depressing ending.
#25 The Reader (3.0/5)
"First, check the water temperature before putting in the bath salts..."
This movie helped Kate Winslet nab her long-overdue Academy Award for Best Actress - and it was a well-deserved win. Together with an affecting Ralph Fiennes, the leads breath life into an otherwise plodding screenplay of bleakness, regrets and tragedy.
#24 Duplicity (3.5/5)
"Don't judge me. I deserved that Oscar for Erin Brockovich."
A nearly-forgotten vehicle by Julia Roberts, this smart conman-flick is exciting and delightful enough to sit through. Just don't get lost among the heady plot-twists.
#23 My Sister's Keeper (3.5/5)
"Happy in the arms of Cameron Diaz."
Based on the tear-jerker and controversial bestseller, the film adaptation obviously retains the emotional core of the book. The cast - including Oscar-nominated Abigail Breslin - ups their game to deliver a touching take on a cancer patient's final journey.
#22 Revolutionary Road (3.5/5)
"Thank goodness there're no sinking ships this time."
The Titanic stars reunite to play a 1950's American sub-urban couple who crumbles internally when they conflict over personal dreams. A performance masterpiece by the leads but for those who dislike depressing dramas, give this one a miss.
#21 Fame (2009) (3.5/5)
"We're sexier than High School Musical, that's for sure."
An uninspiring screenplay is saved by boisterous, passionate vocal and dance performances by the talented young cast. Watch it for the songs and be entertained.
#20 The Hangover (3.5/5)
"The sun hurts his eyes."
A road trip with a purpose - this hilarious film about a fraternity of misfits trying to locate their missing friend who is also a groom-to-be succeeds in bringing out the funny from outrageous situations.
#19 17 Again (3.5/5)
"I'm sitting with Zac Efron; watcha lookin' at?"
A surprisingly heartfelt and often-funny movie about life's regrets lost-then-found, given a teenage twist. Adults will also find something interesting in here. It is also known as the movie where Zac Efron attempts to canoodle with a 40-year-old 'cougar'.
#18 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (3.5/5)
"Do you have to wear that hat to the table?"
With a good balance of thrills, humour and effects, this 6th offering of the phenomenal series serves as a good bridge to the final concluding book Deathly Hallows, which will be split into two movies.
#17 赤壁 2 - Red Cliff 2 (3.5/5)
"Doing my trademark brood."
The badly-written subplots involving Vicky Zhao and Lin Chi-Ling distract the otherwise smart and exciting war tactics to bring down the ego-driven Cao Cao.
#16 Paranormal Activity (3.5/5)
"I'm so going to move house."
Easily the creepiest flick of 2009, this sleeper-hit movie filmed on hand-held camera is the Blair Witch Project of this generation. Several scenes from this movie will probably haunt you mentally for a very long time.
#15 2012 (4.0/5)
"Don't worry, dear, it's just a blue screen."
Literally Earth-shattering effects make this "mother of all disaster movies" a worthwhile watch. Although it features a decidedly far-fetched plot, there is no denying this scary spectacle from shaking up audiences worldwide.
#14 I Love You, Man (4.0/5)
"Rock n roll makes me wild."
The buddy movie to end all buddy movies. This laugh-out-loud comedy about a groom-to-be searching for his best man is a wonderful romp which showcase the comedic talents of its leads Paul Rudd and Jason Segel.
#13 Zombieland (4.0/5)
"Rarr! You didn't pay for your parking ticket!"
Killing zombies never looked so fun. A tongue-in-cheek rampage through zombie-infested America - this story has a lot of heart, too. Also, featuring one of the funniest and most appropriate cameos of the year.
#12 Slumdog Millionaire (4.0/5)
"In 5 seconds, the back-up dancers are going to appear out of nowhere."
Released in the beginning of 2009 in Singapore, this Oscar winner for Best Picture is a rousing success, featuring a giddy mix of rich cinematography and an underdog story no one has trouble rooting for.
#11 Suspect X (4.0/5)
"Na-ni?! Korean dramas are getting more popular than Japanese ones?"
Based on the popular Japanese detective TV series Galileo, this great film reveals the murderer right at the start, but it is the psychological journey through to the end that proves to be the most riveting.
HERE'S PRESENTING TO YOU THE TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2009!
#10 Drag Me To Hell (4.0/5)
"Your breath stinks. YOUR BREATH STINKS!"
With Sam Raimi (Spiderman) returning to helm his classic horror flicks, the result is a delightfully frightening piece of demonic film about an old woman's revenge for a failed mortgage loan.
#9 Sherlock Holmes (4.0/5)
"Mission: find Holmes a top hat."
Stylish, exciting and funny - this reinvention of the 19th Century fictional detective by director Guy Ritchie lives up to its solid expectation. The easy chemistry between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law makes this a must-watch.
#8 Star Trek (2009) (4.0/5)
"What? Do you have a problem with our uniforms?"
With the Oscar Best Picture race this year extending to a 10-nominees list, there are buzz that this JJ Abrams revamp of the beloved Sci-Fi series just might squeeze in with the big guys. A strong plot with great visual effects anchor this movie as one of the best of the year.
#7 Up (4.0/5)
"Sir, please let me in. I can't feel my legs anymore."
Heartwarming and funny - Pixar has done it again with this colourful film, featuring an unorthodox friendship. With heady competition this year from Fantastic Mr Fox, can Up take home the prize for Oscar's Best Animated Film? We'll just have to wait and see.
#6 (500) Days of Summer (4.5/5)
"Don't look at me like that - we're renting Mean Girls."
This special movie appreciates love in all its forms: infatuation, passion and even the heartache of breaking up. A zipping back and forth of the ups and downs of a relationship - it raises the one question that many have yet to grapple with the answer - what is love?
#5 District 9 (4.5/5)
"Damn spaceship is blocking my sunset."
A haunting tale of aliens stranded on Earth and being forced to evict because of human hostility. But when one of our kind threatens to mutate into one of them, what happens? A science fiction thriller as much as a story about segregation, this Peter Jackson-produced movie is destined to be a cult favourite.
#4 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (5.0/5)
"That's the way, ol' boy!"
The Forrest Gump of our generation: this is a masterful and touching film about life. No matter how it goes - backwards or forwards - it is good to know that where nothing physical ever lasts, love will always prevail. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett deliver stellar performances.
#3 おくりびと (Okuribito) - Departures (5.0/5)
"For her sake and ours, I hope you're doing this right."
A surprise Best Foreign Film win at the Oscars, Departures is a profoundly moving story of an unemployed man who stumbled onto a job which requires him to do 'encoffinment'. Despite a morbid subject, the excellent film succeeds with a blend of humourous and tender moments. A truly special movie.
#2 Avatar (5.0/5)
"The dragons win."
James Cameron's groundbreaking masterpiece lived up to its hype in every sense. The alien world of Pandora is singularly one of the most breathtaking wonder to be created in cinema history. A grand and fantastic movie nobody should miss.
#1 Inglourious Basterds (5.0/5)
"We're #1. We can afford to look smug."
Brad Pitt is obviously not the star of the show. Crazy-inspired director Quentin Tarantino is. No film-maker in history has ever had the madness to create such an outrageous movie and get away with it. Critics love it. Audiences dig it. These Basterds get my official pick as my personal recommendation of 2009. Watch it.
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Finally, it's done! Although I was too busy to release this list before 2010, later is better than never right?
Here's to another great year of movies!
=D
Take care, people!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
My TOP 37 MOVIES of 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
In Comic: KL 2009
Let's do something different. Instead of a normal travelogue, let's try to showcase the best pictures in comic form! (Save me time from typing comments also :X)
Enjoy~
Yep, I photoshop-ed Eve's "flower-pose" onto the pic where Ron was grinning happily!
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OKAY!
If I got time I'll do some more photos. But hope all of you enjoyed it! =D
(Next post will be Avatar and Sherlock Holmes' reviews)
Take care, people!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Mad. Crazy. Busy.
December holidays are too short! So, I'm back from KL; I know it's cliche, but I'm still gonna say it - good food, good shopping, great company =D
Schedule packed till end of the year and beyond. So many outings coming up! Really sorry if I can't attend some of them. Blame the short holidays.
Pay is coming in tomorrow on X'mas Day! Will always welcome that.
Just received an sms from the army - I have to pass my IPPT before my next birthday. I don't mind skipping my birthday next year. Must start exercising!!!
Anyway, 'tis the season to be jolly~ Take a look at my compilation of the Year in Music 2009 (Below)!
Taylor vs Gaga: Year in Music 2009
One is a pretty girl-next-door who has the knack for penning sweet melodies, and the other is a sexy and wildly-unpredictable performer who churns out monster hits.
But only one will reign on Life, Curious' look-back on The Year in Music 2009.
Why the Both of them?
One can say that they are two of the most talked-about (living) artistes this year, whose vocal prowess dominated the music industry. Although both are decidedly different in the elements that make them successful, their combined star-power is blinding to say the least.
It would be an understatement to say that they are talented (both write their own chart-topping songs), as talent alone wouldn't be enough to survive in the current cut-throat climate of the industry. One would have to score well in the looks department (either sweet-prettiness or sexiness bothering on insanity), and have song-hooks that will keep the consumers buying.
These two females have excelled in every way possible, and it would be almost impossible to find another solo artiste half as successful as each of them in the year of 2009.
The Country Lass With The Radio-Friendly Songs
If you thought that sing-and-strum records are no longer economically-viable, think again. Bursting onto the scene with the country-pop hit Teardrops On My Guitar, there is definitely no looking for this earnest female singer ever since.
2009 saw her 'swiftly' sweeping major awards at her genre's definitive accolade: The Country Music Awards, and even beating out the late Michael Jackson to clinch the Artiste of the Year at the American Music Awards.
And who can forget the 'heartless' embarrassment by Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards? Heck, even the President of the United States was on her side, calling him a "jack-a**".
Notable Discography:
- Love Story
- You Belong With Me
- Crazier
- Two Is Better Than One (duet with Boys Like Girls)
- Fifteen
- Untouchable
Plus the fact that she's dating one of the hottest 'werewolf' in town, Taylor Lautner, can the female Taylor be Life, Curious' top artiste of the year?
We'll weigh the odds against her strongest competitor:
The Next MadonnaThe headliner I chose for this 'lady' sums it all up: arguably an even more outrageous chameleon than Madonna, I've always thought that this shape-shifter - with her club-banging tunes - is poised to be this generation's definitive artiste.
Just Dance, like all her hard-hitting dance anthems, helped this multi-talented woman to explode onto the music scene.
From fake-stabbing herself and bleeding on-stage to setting a grand piano on fire during a performance at the American Music Awards, she got us all going 'Gaga' with her antics, but never-forgetting to entertain us with those sickeningly-catchy songs.
Her out-of-this-world music videos are becoming a must-watch, after Paparazzi and Bad Romance proved that high-fashion plus a dose of insanity can make highly-addictive videos.
Notable Discography:
- Just Dance
- Pokerface
- Lovegame
- Paparazzi
- Bad Romance
- Telephone (feat. Beyonce)
- Speechless
Although there are all the seemingly-ridiculous rumours of her being a she-male still swimming around, there is no stopping this famed 'workaholic' from becoming music royalty. Speaking of which, Lady Gaga recently performed for Her Majesty, The Queen of England, at a gala-concert. So few have had that privilege.
So.. now for the inevitable question:
Who's the pick for Life, Curious' Artiste of the Year?
*cue drum-roll*
*APPLAUSE!*The result becomes rather indisputable when you're going to be taking over Madonna's reign. Well, it is only this humble blogger's opinion, so please don't get upset whatsoever. But if you've been rooting for her all along, cheers! =D
In any case, Taylor Swift is also one of my favourite artiste so far. She's talented, beautiful and spunky. With her legions of fans all over the world, she's definitely here to stay =)
~
And here's a look-back at the rest of 2009's music greats!
The Tunes:I Gotta Feeling, Boom Boom Pow
What's Up:
Spending a record-breaking 20 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, these two massive hits from The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies) album are the definitive anthems of 2009.
The Tunes:If U Seek Amy, 3
What's Up:
Very clever use of wordplay there, Brit. Besides, the suggestive use of the number ups the risque factor by a notch. Remember her singing 'I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman'? She's a woman now, for sure.
The Tune:Fireflies
What's Up:
A happy-sounding and catchy pop song with a bit of delightful electronic thrown in the mix, this Billboard #1 song is definitely a different tune among the pack.
Worth A Look:
Watch the psychedelic video here.
The Tunes:Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Halo
What's Up:
After the spectacular performance at the VMAs of her now-famous dance moves from the Single Ladies video, it is certified that she's one of our generation's best 'live' performer. Sasha Fierce's crystal clear vocals are distinct, and she's got a bootylicious body to boot.
The Tunes:Take A Bow, Russian Roulette
What's Up:
After the tumultuous saga of Chris Brown's abuse, Rihanna bounced back hard and stronger than before. Her latest album, Rated R, is a gritty and effective serving of what this tough R&B singer has to offer.
The Tunes:My Life Would Suck Without You, Already Gone
What's Up:
After a dismal experimental third album, the original American Idol stuck to her sure-win formula for her fourth record, All I Ever Wanted, and delivered splendidly. Although netizens were lambasting that her third single, Already Gone, sounds very much like Beyonce's Halo, the hit song is still performing very well on the charts.
Worth A Look:
The Tunes:Mad World, For Your Entertainment
What's Up:
It looks like this dude just keeps pushing the envelope further. While it still remained uncertain whether coming out of the closet during the Idol competition hurt his chances of claiming the title, Adam Lambert is following a tradition where the runner-up is enjoying bigger success than the champion. I still think that he needs to tone-down his antics a little (man-kissing and crotch-trusting on 'live' TV have to stop), but besides that, there is no denying that he is one spectacular performer.
The Tunes:I Told You So (feat. Randy Travis), Temporary Home
What's Up:
This country darling is the kind of girl that guys want to bring home to their parents. The most successful Idol yet, Carrie Underwood is sweet and gorgeous. Combined with her saccharine vocals, we know God must've spent a little more time on her.
The Tunes:Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West), Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)
What's Up:
Besides being known as Mr Beyonce, this A-list rapper and producer is a well-respected guru in the industry. Performing the grand closing act for this year's MTV Video Music Awards, Jay-Z sure knows how to bring the house down.
The Tunes:Thinking of You, Waking Up In Vegas
What's Up:
A slew of hosting gigs - including the massive MTV Europe Music Awards - helped this hot 'lass to achieve increasing heights of fame, even though she's only released one album so far. Her husky voice is memorable, as of her sexy tastes in clothes.
The Tune:Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh)
What's Up:
It's toe-tappin', hand-clappin' fun. One of the more recognisable songs of 2009, this young British singer's debut hit single will surely get everybody singing along.
The Tunes:Know Your Enemy, 21 Guns
What's Up:
After their Grammy-winning American Idiot, this solid punk-
The Tunes:Obsessed, I Want To Know What Love Is
What's Up:
Although Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel didn't do as well as E=MC2 and The Emancipation of Mimi on the charts, her 12th studio album heralded the return of Mariah's ballad-belting old days. The remake of the Foreigner hit is an old-school rendition and a great reminder of the seven-octave singer's vocal power.
Worth A Look:
Check out her 'live' performance at UK's X-Factor here - simply breath-taking.
The Tunes:I Run To You, Need You Now
What's Up:
Probably less emo than Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum is country's next big band. As of the genre, their tracks are extremely listenable. Perfect for a contemplative Sunday afternoon.
The Tunes:Not Fair, F*** You
What's Up:
Her songs are always the catchy ones - but with those oh-so-cheeky lyrics. F*** You is the awesome one where everybody knows but only a few dare to sing along. Radio shouldn't have touched that record (they unceremoniously censored the words, which basically were the best parts). Let's see what this playful lass will come up with next.
The Tunes:Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny), Hush Hush
What's Up:
It's tough when you're more or less the only popular girl group left around. But the unstoppable Nicole Scherzinger has led this pop group to dizzy heights with their groovy tracks and sexy dance moves. Doing the English version of the Oscar-winning song from Slumdog Millionaire catapulted them to a higher status.
The Tunes:Fame (2009), Out Here On My Own
What's Up:
It's a pity it isn't a spectacular remake, but this 2009 version of the famed musical does pack wonderful songs. Naturi Naughton delivers a heartfelt performance on the soundtrack's best recordings. Thumbs-up for a great effort.
Worth A Look:
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And SO.
That is just my little list on what I think is the BEST of 2009.
Watch out for the Countdown of Movies of 2009 coming out before the end of the year!
Meanwhile, Happy Christmas everyone!
Take care, people.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Finding Neverland
I'm sitting here, whiling time away while I wait for my 2pm shuttle bus so I can go out and change Sing dollars to Malaysian ringgit. (Yes, I have yet to change it, even though the trip is tomorrow)
THE TRIP IS TOMORROW!
I have yet to pack. But it's alright. Used to packing. Always same old, same old.
Twenty minutes ago, an uninvited guest attempted to enter my house. The 'intruder', although small in size, tried to sneak in through my door, but unfortunately (or rather, fortunately), it's head got 'kiap-ed' by the door, and it laid there, motionless.
Yup, it was a snake.
Don't get all-too-terrified yet. It was merely a grass snake. But seriously, the sight of it was :S enough. We called the security guards and they prodded it with a stick. They said it was almost-dead; barely alive. Finally got rid of it.
Imagine it had got in. And anyone of us sat down on the sofa to find this slim and slithery thing... STOP. For everyone's sanity, shall stop.
*Shudders*
~
On to something better. Finally watched one out of three of the DVDs I bought awhile ago at the Sembawang Music Centre closing down sales.
Here's my review of Finding Neverland.
I give the movie:
SYNOPSIS
A critics' darling when it was first released back in 2004, the heartwarming film tells the story of how J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) befriended a family who eventually inspired him to pen his beloved classic, Peter Pan.
Based on true events, the movie focuses on Barrie's evolving friendship with the widowed mother (Kate Winslet) and her sons. While his growing closeness with the family invited his townsmen's gossiping and alienated his own wife, he felt he was happiest and most imaginative when with them. Barrie also took it upon himself to nurture Peter (Freddie Highmore), the emotional child, and to let him realise that sometimes, life can be more magical when you believe in your own imaginations.
PRAISES
Depp's performance here solely anchored the entire movie. Not as crazy or OTT as his other roles (Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka and the upcoming Mad Hatter), he utilized the very humanistic nature of this non-fictional character and created a role that strikes a balance with instances of wild-creativity and a sturdiness befitting of a fatherly-figure.
This was also the movie where the young Freddie Highmore showcased his charm and acting talent to the world - he later moved on with Depp to Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the actor's recommendation after working with him on this film.
The moments of wonder in the film come when the characters immerse themselves into their imaginative worlds. Filmed in fantasy sequences, the audience find themselves in amazement, especially when Peter and the Darlings float off out of the window, providing a beautiful reminder of this well-loved tale.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
The film garnered an impressive 7 nominations at the 2004 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. Winslet and Depp both scored nominations in the acting category. However, it only took home the Oscar for Original Music Score, which was really a pity.
FINAL SAY: Movies like this are a rare find. A truly magical and touching film that made us wish we can be The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.
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Okay! Time to go out.
Take care, people!
