Before we all rush to the theatres to see The Rock’s latest dally into Disneyland as The Toothfairy in 2010, allow me to recap the best to hit the box office in ought-nine. Some of you may notice my neglect of such gems as Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Fired Up, but you should also note that I am no film snob. When questioned, I will not deny that those films are on my Netflix queue (again) and that though I can hardly call it one of the “best movies,” I enjoyed New Moon far more than any 26 year old should (Team Jacob!). And all things considered, I will even forgive Hollywood’s effort to poison our minds with another Fast and Furious sequel and The Jonas Brothers’ concert movie because the movies that follow will live on, if only as they are drunkenly quoted. There may not be an Oscar pick in my bunch, but for quality entertainment, look no further.

Taken – This may or may not have made the list solely for my enjoyment of Liam Neeson as a badass. However, it had other redeeming qualities, too. It was tense and thrilling, and didn’t get bogged down in misleading side stories. In this film, you got just what you came for… Liam Neeson.

Sunshine Cleaning – Though it appeared in Sundance in 2008, “Sunshine Cleaning” did not make it to theatres until March of 2009 – but it was worth the wait. Who doesn’t want to see Amy Adams cleaning up putrid human remains? Despite the sometimes macabre subject matter, it was an optimistic indie that gained some mainstream notice.

District 9 – This movie worked on a couple of different levels. It’s an easy piece of escapism, because really, prawn aliens and mutating DNA? Who does that? But you also get the point that you are supposed to be taking away some kind of message from this special-effects orgy. Xenophobia? Forced evacuations? All slipped into our subconscious through the use of CGI? Brilliant!

Inglorious Basterds – I am an unabashed fan of all things Tarantino; I quote “Pulp Fiction” in completely inappropriate situations and I think that “Reservoir Dogs” should be required viewing in the United States. I don’t know anyone else who could have woven Brad Pitt so believably into the Holocaust and still have me laughing.

The Blind Side – I kind of want to kick my own ass for including this film, but it just couldn’t be ignored. It was a tear-jerker for the ladies and had some manly-man football action for the guys. It was relatively close to box-office perfection. I know that Sandra Bullock had to stretch to fill the role of rich southern woman, but she made the leap… I didn’t want to see it. I saw it. And I’m glad.

Avatar – I’m aware that I’ll get some flack for putting this ‘masterpiece’ so far down on the list, but it is my list, and so here it shall stay. But it was a great movie. I mean, if James Cameron has to invent new technology just to make a movie, it has to be good. And having your movie advertised on Bones and on my Coke Zero cans was a brilliant marketing plan – way to reach a new demographic! This only added to my level of admiration for the Cameron brand.

Up – Pixar’s latest gift to kids and parents alike delivered in spectacular fashion. Children laughed, adults cried; there was something for everyone. I truly believe this was their best effort to date, and showing it in 3D? Even better! Thanks for giving me a movie I don’t mind taking my 7-year-old to see (you listening, Alvin and the Chipmunks??).

Up in the Air – You had me at George Clooney. But in this movie, he was George Clooney again – he was serious and sexy and gave me little tingles… That’s what we’ve been missing in all of the Ocean’s movies. His leading ladies weren’t bad, either, but who wants to waste line space on them when there’s George Freaking Clooney? Ok, I’ll stop.

(500) Days of Summer – This is going to be one of my picks for “Best of the Decade.” Another indie film that proved to be a commercial success, this Sundance explosion broke past the limited openings to reach even the not-so-cool-kids like me. And let’s not forget the kick-ass soundtrack: You put Hall & Oats and Regina Spektor together with Simon & Garfunkel and Feist and you’ve got something.

The Hangover – Yep, the highest grossing rated-R comedy ever made the cut. Come on, try to disagree. I dare you. This movie had everything: Mike Tyson, a tiger, roofies, and lines that will be drunkenly quoted by frat-boys for years to come. I will admit, I was a little embarassed by how hard I laughed at Zach Galifianakis simulating a baby masturbating, but then I decided to run with it – and laughed my ass off. Tip: Spring for the unrated version. Totally worth it.

Honorable Mentions:

The Proposal – The best romantic comedy of the year; much better than we had any right to believe.

I Love You Man – Granted, this only gets a nod because of my love of all things Paul Rudd, but it brought the bromantic comedy into existence.

The Hurt Locker – Definitely the best movie you’ve probably never heard of, and a shoe-in for best movie about the conflict in Iraq.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – These are basically only mentioned for their furtherance of the franchise. And, you know, for not completely screwing up the good thing they’ve had going.

Michael Jackson: This is It – This was 2009. Love him or hate him, he was a legend, and if you watch the movie, you’re going to be impressed. Not something I’d sit through twice, but a good show nonetheless.

What are your picks for the year’s best flicks? Sound off in the comments.

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