Friday, December 11, 2009

The Hoppers 2009

The end of the year is near, and with it comes list after list, counting down everything from music, to the top news stories to the best celebrity scandals; but there is only one award that counts, the Kevin's Movie Blog Awards, also known as The Hoppers. The Hoppers are kinda like the Oscars, except real people actually consider movies, not politics, and there will be no Clint Eastwood worshiping. So, with that said, I present the top movies of 2009.

10) The Cove
A Documentary about dolphins being slaughtered in Japan, the movie decided it would be so much more. The movie had interesting characters, some amazingly beautiful and tragic cinematography and elements of true drama and suspense. The movie entertained the audience and still made them stand up and ask what could be done; a sign of a good documentary.

9) G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
This adaptation of the 1980's animated childrens movie saw cheesy over the top effects, crazy fight scenes and women in tight leather beating the crap out of each other, which naturally earned it a spot on the list. This movie was pure popcorn entertainment and made no apologies for it. Will you be smarter after this movie? No, but you will have a good time. And, isn't that half the battle?

8) Night at the Museum 2: Battle at the Smithsonian
This one could be the most debated on the list, but I had a great time at a fun, action packed movie that has Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Einstein and Amelia Aerhardt, along with a hilarious General Custard and some egyptian pharoah guy. The movie had great one liners and was completely entertaining all the way through.

7) Watchmen
The movie based off a graphic novel was faithfully adapted. The problem is, once the fan boys got what they wanted, they didn't know what to do with it, and apparently no one else did. This movie was harsh, brutal, and filled with anti-heroes all around, and that is what made it truly unique among super hero movies.

6) District 9
Neil Blomkamps inexpensive sci-fi blockbuster blew everyone away with the amazing special effects, heartfelt story, and lets not forget, one of the breakout stars of the year, Sharlto Copley, this movie was everything so many sci-fi films that came before it were; good. I loved this movie, and look forward to what such a talented director has in store next.

5) Taken
The movie exploded onto screens early this year and showed the once Jedi Liam Neeson was still able to kick some serious ass. This movie was a nonstop action movie that kept audiences on the edge of the seat from beginning to end. The best part of this movie was possibly the trailer, featuring an amazingly bad ass speech from Liam Neeson, followed by the words "good luck," which sent chills down the spine of the audience. This is what an action movie should be. It's good to see Hollywood can still blow shit up without Michael Bay.

4) Hangover
The top R-Rated comedy of all time, this little movie came out of nowhere (a trend in 2009) and became a huge phenomenon. The movie deserved all the success it got, as it was completely hilarious from beginning to end, ushering in a new group of actors to take the reigns of comedy in Hollywood, including Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifinakis and Mike Friggin' Tyson.

3) Paranormal Activity
Anyone who knows me, or has followed my movie blog knows this movie scared the crap outta me. The interesting first person camera style made for an incredibly real feeling movie that, coupled with an incredibly ending made for the scariest movie of the year, and in my opinion, of all time. The movie also shattered the previous record, held by The Blair Witch Project for making the most money, mainly due to the fact the movie was only shot for $15,000.

2) Zombieland
I loved this movie. There, I said it. I completely marked out over the zombie movie that made me laugh throughout the movie, and made me cheer for Woodey Harrelson all over again. I think this movie was meant just for me, and entertained me like few have. While Shaun of the Dead maybe the reigning king of zomedies, this movie challenged that idea, and made you think twice about that distinction, which is really saying something.

1) Star Trek
This may not be a surprise to you, but I love sci-fi, I love action, and I love a good movie. The 2009 reboot-ish of Star Trek was all those things and more. This movie made Star Trek relevant and cool all over again, while bringing the die hard trekkies along for the ride. I thought this movie did everything right, and almost nothing wrong and showed that no role, no matter how iconic is completely irreplaceable. I look forward to J.J. Abrams followup, and in the mean time, look forward to anything that stars this young, talented cast. 

So, there you have it, the best movies of 2009. However, stay tuned, there are still a few more awards to give out, so don't nobody go nowhere.

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