Now that I've caught up on my favorites from 2010, I remembered that I never posted my top list for 2009—not here on my blog, anyway. And since I posted a list on Facebook, I've seen several more that have seriously adjusted the order.
2010 was a pretty dim year for film, given the Renaissance that we're in right now. A couple really strong ones, but not much else. 2009, on the other hand, is a year that's seeming stronger with every film I see from it. It was tough for me to narrow down to 20 the first go around. It's even harder now. So, with the normal caveats, here goes:
20. Avatar (directed by James Cameron). Despite its love-it or hate-it status, this one has significant value—without being the best film of the year. Yes, its plot is mythic, so if it sounds familiar, it's because it's been told for thousands of years. Yes, its dialogue is awkward, and its acting is wooden, because it was written and directed by James Cameron. The film's real contribution is that it doesn't just initiate film back into the genre of 3D, but does it wholeheartedly, embracing the concept of what kind of story could unfold within that space . . . as opposed to adding frills on afterward.
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