1. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE.
In a year with great music showcased in movies like HAIRSPRAY, SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, ONCE, AUGUST RUSH, LA VIE EN ROSE, CONTROL and I’M NOT THERE, 32 songs by the fab four are fashioned into an eye popping journey that totally encapsulates the turbulent 60’s.
2. JUNO.
This was a brilliant year for edgy comedies from Judd Apitow like KNOCKED UP, SUPERBAD, WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY as well as BLADES OF GLORY, EAGLE VS SHARK, LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, WEIRDSVILLE and last but nowhere least HOT FUZZ (with editing and wit so rapid fire it had me howling) but none had this kind of heart.
3. CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR.
We got to see some pretty stylized stories based on real people this year like THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, THE HOAX, THE ASSASINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD and AMERICAN GANGSTER but to get this dramatic a message in a comedic format is a new kind of genius.
4. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN.
Tommy Lee Jones was terrific in the thought provoking IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH where he also starred with Josh Brolin. Here the two team up with the outstanding Javier Bardem (whose persona is a terrifying as his mullet) and the mix makes for a riveting blood spattered money chase.
5. RATATOUILLE.
Although the animation of BEOWULF was stylish and engaging and SURF’S UP was charming, anything so entertaining that it can make me love rats is a stand out.
6. EASTERN PROMISES.
I really enjoyed the gritty drama presented well this year in RENDITION and MICHAEL CLAYTON (With the added benefit of outstanding acting) but this Russian Mafia thriller stuck with me.
7. THE ITALIAN.
While some international gems had me dabbing a vagrant tear like
THE KITE RUNNER, AWAY FROM HER, ATONEMENT and VITUS this one got to me the most.
8. THE GOLDENCOMPASS.
Although we got to see some pretty spectacular CGI in other movies that I found appealing like 300, TRANSFORMERS, I AM LEGEND and STARDUST this one got me the most excited.
9. SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL.
There were some fantastic biopics offered this year like THE GREAT DEBATERS, A MIGHTY HEART, and INTO THE WILD but none of them made me as proud to be from Canada.
10. GOD GREW TIRED OF US.
Again this year there were a lot of great documentaries. Some like JIMMY CARTER MAN FROM PLAINS and SHARKWATER made you think, others like THE KING OF KONG and AIR GUITAR NATION made you laugh. Some like SICKO made you think and laugh but this one left me whimpering.