Best and Worst Movies of 2009
I never would have expected that the best movie of last year would be rated “G.” Who knew that a sincere story would hold its own against a Tarantino movie that joins the ranks of Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction? Here are my thoughts about the best and worst movies of 2009:
#1: Up
The best movie of the year can be recommended to absolutely anyone without reservation. Within only a few minutes of watching, we are teary-eyed in sympathy and charmed by old Carl Fredrickson, young Russell, a talking dog (“Squirrel!”), and a mother bird named Kevin. The movie provokes us to think about malice, selfishness, indifference and our responsibility for each other. Corporate representatives are portrayed as faceless (literally), but must be challenged for the sake of true living. What is the debilitating price of nostalgia? What happens when look passed generational differences? Through humor, adventure, and a great story to an imaginary South America, this movie challenges us to overcome our wounds, take risks, and love in a spirit of adventure.
#2: Inglorious Bastards
Tarantino’s violent story earns its critical acclaim. The story is loosely “inspired” by WWII, but exposes ways that we are still creating “the meaning of the war” in our movies. Christoph Waltz gave a superb performance as Col. Hans Landa, a baddie we love to hate. There is more to this movie, however, than the laughter triggered by blood and gore. Contrast how the movie makes us feel about the German war hero and Brad Pitt’s character for some interesting reflections on “good guys” and “bad guys.” This movie uses violence to connect with an audience that loves action, but gives us plenty of food for thought about the limitations of categories like “good vs. bad” and “innocent vs. guilty.”
#3: Avatar
Avatar was fascinating as it explored the way scientific, religious, military, and commercial institutions interact. It has its weaknesses. My inability to name any of the main characters after watching the movie tells me they could have used a little more depth. The basics of the plot are also very familiar. Despite these weaknesses, the film moved beyond its breath-taking visual effects to prompt some interesting religious questions. What are the possibilities if scientists and people of faith united in a shared agenda to save the earth from military and commercial conquest? How would the relationship between science and religion be different if faith were measurable? If religious groups are primitive and tiny compared to commercial and military might, will uniting in the face of the colossal task of protecting the environment be effective? What will be lost in the struggle? What would be lost if we continue to do almost nothing? It’s exciting to see a movie these days that inspires wonder and hope for the future.
#4 Up in the Air
This movie explores the moments of crisis and transition from the perspective of a consultant who fires people for a living. The consultant (George Clooney) has given up on engaging with mundane details of life and long-term relationships. Instead he finds meaning in frequent flier miles and hotel upgrades. The story provokes us to think about relationships as “baggage” that we gladly carry, and how to move on when our hopes and dreams must be changed because of disappointing circumstances. This movie offers an uplifting challenge to take advantage of times of crisis to create meaning in our lives.
#5 Star Trek
Don’t get a feminist started on my problems with miniskirts as a uniform in space. At least I can count on the Star Trek franchise, however, to reject using the word “man” as a sexist substitute for “one” or “humanity.” The movie does “boldly go where no one has gone before” when they reset the Star Trek universe. The reset is less simplistically optimistic than the original series, which is a great improvement. Rewriting our history in way that acknowledges the flaws in the past but offers hope anyway is an important step for us all to take. We can let mourning over the loss of what might have been immobilize us, or we can acknowledge the dreams of the past are irrelevant, identify what needs to be done now, and do it. Another great message that comes through loudly and clearly in this latest installment in the series: Enjoying each moment that we work side-by-side with friends is a crucial ingredient to saving the universe.
P.S. Kudos to guest lecturer Dr. Ian Richie in Dr. Gordon Matties’ Religion Film and Popular Culture class for first showing me the correlations between Star Trek and cultural commentary. I’ve since enjoyed countless discussions of the meaning of Star Trek: Voyager for today. Thanks also for the students in my Christianity and Film class at Bethany College who encouraged me to check out the Stargate franchise. I’m already in season 8 of Stargate: SG-1 on Hulu and look forward to checking out Stargate: Atlantis.
The three worst movies of 2009 include:
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” – too long for a one gimmick plot and shallow characters.
“The Burning Plain” – wallowed in the depravity of its characters that were too sad to be pathetic (no pathos from me!) and the “twist” was far too obvious. Maybe weird “artsy fartsy” would like it, but I wish I could get the time I spent watching this movie back.
How I envied Matthew who slept through “Public Enemies.” I should have woken him up so that we could have left the theatre.
That’s my take the best and the worst of 2009. I want to see Coraline yet. I love great hero stories of powerful girls. Will it join the ranks of Beauty and the Beast and Pan’s Labyrinth among my favorite hero stories? I’m also still waiting for the right inspirational mood to strike in order to watch Invictus, Moon, and District 9.