With the year coming to an end, and this year marking the end of a decade (that I like to refer to as the 00s – pronounce it Ooze – way better than ‘Noughties’) I love lists. I love all of the creative lists no matter how broad or specific. There is no way that I could narrow down a top 10 of the decade though – no. WAY. I can barely think of a sole movie when anyone asks me what my favourite movie is! It depends on the day, on my mood, and if I’ve started the day off with a white chocolate mocha.

But in the spirit of sharing what movies I’ve loved, what movies have utterly surprised me, and one which I have seen twice at the cinema (its been a while since I indulged in that!) here are my favourites of 2009. Please note, there are a couple which may have come out in the U.S in 2008 – but I live in Australia. Suck it up. (In a loving and caring way)

District 9
Paranormal Activity
(500) Days of Summer
Star Trek
Balibo
The Hangover
Changeling
State of Play
Rachel Getting Married
Milk

What a surprise District 9 was. I went in not knowing what it was all about – honestly. I love anything shot ‘doco style’ and it had aliens, and was just intruiging. I honestly couldn’t expect a doco/sci-fi/drama about aliens and humans trying to co-exist and all the real world metaphors that could be so well layered within the plot. And WOW. The characterisation of an adorkable South African government agent. I couldn’t even write a review on this film – because so many of the best qualities are just better left unwritten. Just watch it.

Paranormal Activity. Yes, I’m largely a follower, and I’m one gullible enough to always believe the hype. (Except, I have standards and this does not include The Twilight Saga: New Moon) But believe the hype. If I already love Blair Witch and any film that followed in its wake – Paranormal Activity makes use of an disgustingly sweet and ‘normal’ couple in surely a reasonable explanation? Scratching on the walls? Keys on the floor? Surely, just hooligans. Each unexplainable event was just paced beautifully, whilst the audience watched the clock, eyes open wide waiting for the absolute unknown and unpredictable. Brilliant, clever cinema.

As much as it was not a ‘love story’ in the traditional sense – I’d have to say (500) Days of Summer was my romantic musical/comedy/drama of the year. The chemistry between Joseph and Zooey was electric and as magical as the sparkling light atop of my Christmas tree, but the heartbreak that we know from the start of the movie just made it all the more intriguing as we followed the relationship from end, to beginning, to middle.

The rest of the films on this list all stood out for their true stories, stories close to my heart, lessons to learn, amazing soundtracks, or a new extreme take of ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’. A strong year for film – and I can’t wait for 2010!

What were your favourites for 2009?

Merry Christmas to one and all, thankyou for your support throughout the year and sharing in my love for all things under the pop couture banner! xo

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