The Blue Hoodie

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Best of 2009 (Part 2: Film)

Note: I still haven't seen A Single Man, Nine, Bright Star, Crazy Heart, An Education, Broken Embraces and The White Ribbon. I imagine maybe one or two one of those films would've made this list. With that said...

1. A Serious Man

Its usually hit or miss for me in regards to the films made by The Coen Brothers. This however is an exception. This may be my favorite Coen Brothers film. With a superb cast and an ending that is totally uncomprising, A Serious Man is my favorite film of the year.

2. Inglorious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino's best film since Pulp Fiction and quite possibly the best script he's ever written. I remember two years ago I was walking back to my car from an prior job in the valley and saw Tarantino work on something at some English pub. He had a dozen books on the table as he was writing something down. He may have been working on Inglorious Basterds, who knows. Anyways job well done QT. Oh yeah: Christoph Waltz had better win a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

3. 500 Days of Summer

Out of all the films I've seen in 2009, 500 Days of Summer is the film that I had to argue the most about. So what if the film had way too many gimmicks or that it was pandering to some sort of "hipser audience," 500 Days of Summer spoke to me in a way that no other film did in 2009. NUFF SAID. HOLLER.

4. The Hurt Locker

I tend to like films that have characters who are completely obsessed with a certain thing (i.e. their job). Even though the film veers in a completely different direction in its third act, the Hurt Locker is tense as heck and features two breakthrough performances, one from Jeremy Renner and the other from the always great Anthony Mackie (dude needs to be in some major staring roles ASAP). The film is directed with such expertise by Kathyrn Bigelow and probably has the best movie ending of 2009.

5. Up In The Air

Probably my favorite Cloon Dog performance. This film really surprised me. I wasn't expecting a lot but it really hit me emotionally. Sure it was topical and it was a "NOW" type film but the theme that struck me the most was the whole "sure you're successful but are you really even though you dont have someone in your life." yeah im a total softie.

6. Up

If you didnt cry at least once during Up then frankly you dont like movies.

7. Star Trek

J.J. Abrams has never failed in my eyes. Star Trek is no exception. My favorite popcorn film of 2009.

8. Anvil! The Story of Anvil

My favorite documentary of the year.

9. Avatar

If you know me then you know that i'm a big fan of James Cameron. While this film isn't as great as Aliens or Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Avatar is still a worthwhile cinematic experience based solely on its visuals (motion capture) which I believe are a landmark achievement in cinema. The king of the world is officially back. Now I hope he'll make True Lies 2.

10. Fantastic Mr. Fox

I'm usually up in arms with the film aesthetic of Wes Anderson. Sometimes it works to perfection (Rushmore) other times it becomes this bloated style over substance exercise (A Life Aquatic). Fantastic Mr. Fox is a return to glory for Anderson.

Honorable Mention:

Charlotte Gainsbourg in Antichrist

Charlotte Gainsbourg's performance in Antichrist is completely fearless that it deserves a mention on this list. I still have that image of genital mutiliation in my head. OUCH.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Best of 2009 (Part 1: Music)

Music (albums, songs, concerts):

1. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavillion.

My album of the year. I think I had to listen to "My Girls" on a constant loop when I first heard it.

2. Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest

My second favorite album of this year. I still don't know how to pronounce the title though.

3. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I've always like Phoenix but I had no idea that they would be as BIG as they are now. God bless the French.

3. Girls: Album

Pizza and a bottle of wine. Nuff said.

4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

I get a lot of shit for liking this band but listening to them makes me want to fly a kite with my imaginary girlfriend on the beach or chase after my cat (if i owned one) in the living room. And if that's wrong well then I dont know whats right. P.s. Peggy I <3 you.

5. Cass McCombs: Catacombs

Beautiful record. Also this record has produced three of my favorite videos of the year. Our generation will probably use You Saved My Life as the new song to play during their wedding.

6. The Jesus Lizard reunion.

Best reunion show I've ever seen. The show smelled like weed and male body odor. It was uh-may-zing.

7. My Bloody Valentine at Coachella.

Second best reunion show I've ever seen. Next time I ask you "can you repeat that but say it much louder," know that I asked you that because my ears essploded during this massive MBV set.

8. The Dream - Rockin That Shit

The Dream is a genius. Plain and simple. This song will change your life.

9. Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

Lady Gaga is probably our country's best musical entertainer since Elvis Presley. Ok maybe not but this video is pretty great with a song that has a chorus that will never get out of your head. This time its a good thing.