My top 5 films of 2009

I'll be getting to my top 5 games a little later on, after I've written a couple of reviews. In the meantime, here's what I consider to be the best 5 films of 2009 (don't expect to see any Transformers or GI Joe here!).

5. Slumdog Millionaire
It seems like a long time ago now that Danny Boyle released his latest project to the world and blew everyone away. It was billed by some as "the feel good film of the year" but it actually contained some rather harrowing scenes. Yes it got an awful lot of hype and awards but they are largely justified. Definitely his best film since Trainspotting.

4. Up
For me, Wall E lacked a certain something. The silent opening sans humans was brilliant, but as soon as they arrived at the spaceship the film was missing that Pixar magic. This was not a problem with Up however, from the bitter sweet opening to the comedy talking dogs, the company was firing on all cylinders.

3. Avatar
James Cameron ably demonstrates that he is still able to deliver a true, high quality event movie. Yes everyone is making a big deal of the 3D and it does indeed impress, but more impressive still is the level that they have taken motion capture to, and the amount of detail put into the world of Pandora. The action is never less than entertaining too, and while some might baulk at the close to 3 hour running time, I'm of the opinion that more is better as long as it's done well.

2. (500) Days of Summer
The kid from 3rd Rock from the Sun and Zooey Deschanel star in this, funny, sad, charming and captivating romantic comedy, which is full of quirky twists. The Blu Ray is out soon and I can't wait to get hold of it and watch it again. Yes, yes, poke fun of me for liking a "girly" film if you must, and then go back to watching whatever bullshit Michael Bay happens to serve up next.

1. Inglourious Basterds
While I loved the two Kill Bill films, this is Tarantino at his best right here. Yes, even better than Pulp Fiction in my opinion. Those expecting wall to wall action may be disappointed by the long dialogue heavy scenes, but to me they were amazing. The opening scene in particular, and one that takes place in a bar about half way through the film, are so loaded with tension. The actors do an amazing job, in particular Christoph Waltz as the creepy Jew Hunter Hans Landa, who switches from English to French, German and Italian with ease. Melanie Laurent and Diane Kruger were also brilliant, but I wasn't so keen on Brad Pitt. Luckily the film isn't centred around his character anywhere near as much as the trailers would have you believe. A stunning piece of work and my film of the year.

5 films to watch out for in 2010

Ponyo
Studio Ghibli's latest is sure to be just as captivating as their previous output. English voice overs delivered by Cate Blanchett, Noah Lindsey (sister of Miley) Cyrus and Matt Damon among others.

Alice in Wonderland
A combination of a classic Lewis Carroll tale, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp surely can't fail?

Clash of the Titans
Remake of the classic Ray Harryhausen stop motion laden film. Could yet turn out to be shite, but the trailer looks promising.

Iron Man 2
I thought the final act of the first Iron Man fell into comic book film cliche but other than that I really enjoyed it, so if John Favreau manages to up the ante and Don Cheadle avoids dodgy cockney accents this could be one the key films of 2010.

Scott Pilgrim vs the World
Another comic book/graphic novel adaptation - not one I've read, mind you. The involvement of Edgar Wright suggests that this could be something special though.