The Pre-Sherlock Holmes Favorite Film List of 2009

Hello all,

I've seen 15 films this year in theatres. I have yet to see Sherlock Holmes (hence, the title) or Nine (Kristen's influence). 15 is about an average year quantity wise.

Quality? There were a handful of films which I really liked, but none I loved. Two are what I consider "great" (because the standard is so low), but none I'd give a 9/10. The maximum is 8. Please note that these are only ones I've seen in the theaters. I've seen more on video and in class.

So, from worst to best...

15. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.
Kristen loves Kristin Kreuk and Chun-Li, and that's why I saw it. From the poo-poo acting to the camera winks, it's a pile of shit. In fact, Kristin K. was the only redeemable thing about the movie.

14. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
I don't need to go into detail. It's really that bad.

13. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.
While the first film was creative and new, the sequel got old fast.

12. New Moon.
As long as you put it in its proper context, it's watchable. Please remember it's not a horror movie. The films are much better than the books, which make me want to hurt myself.

11. Paranormal Activity.
Bad ending. Descent premise. A big upgrade from Blair Witch, though neither are really scary.

10. X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
A little underrated. Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds are what makes the movie tick.

9. Watchmen.
Overrated and a little long. Though everyone loves Rorschach, Jeffrey Dean Morgan made this movie for me.

8. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.
Much better on a second viewing. Ties up the Underworld mythology nicely.

7. Bruno.
Not as good as Borat, but close. Inappropriate and hilarious, right up my alley.

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Not as good as Order of the Phoenix, but enjoyable. Alan Rickman needed much more screen time.

5. Public Enemies.
Michael Mann gangster film. No need to explain.

4. A Christmas Carol.
An unexpected pleasure. Beautiful and a little creepy.

3. Earth.
Breathtaking and gut-wrenching.

2. The Princess and the Frog.
I laughed more in this movie than I have at any other this year. It's about time they had an African-American princess. Please, Disney... do this style of animation over Pixar.

1. Terminator Salvation.
Great story and even better special effects. Highly underrated and deserving of a sequel.