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So I would like to start this Top 10 list off with something I call the 5.. oh who am I kidding. Here are five films that, had I seen them, might have been in my Top 10 List for 2009.

1. Up in the Air – Had the chance to interview Reitman and due to family reasons was unable to do it. Also had a chance to see the film weeks in advance and couldn’t make it.

2. Fantastic Mr. Fox – this is a movie that I am sad I missed. Something special about this world that they have built, and something special about this all-star cast of actors. A truly special (-looking) film.

3. The Hurt Locker – I don’t know how many folks have said, “Watch this movie — it’s amazing!” Well, so far, I haven’t touched it. I have nothing against it, just matters of time and priority.

4. UP – I know, I know, it was amazing. Well, it doesn’t interest me in the least but it may have made it into my Top 10 List if I had given it a chance? I don’t know!

5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – looks great, won some awards but eh, not my thing. Long movie that is uh… well, that is why it didn’t make it into my Top 10.

Honorable Mention: This goes to a little move that could. A great heartfelt movie that really was something special. Anvil: The Story of Anvil was a fantastic look at dreams that wouldn’t die, and the men who refused to give up on them. A number 11 for the ages!

And now for the Top 10 List of all Top 10 Lists — well, for 2009 anyway!

10.  In the 10 spot of Atomic Popcorn’s Top 10 List with is a film that should be up there with the big boys but, due to the small nature of the film, won’t be. Moon comes in rounding out my Top 10. A great film, with great acting and awesome FX done on a very limited budget. Keep an eye on the up-and-coming Duncan Jones.

9.  Next in my favorites of ’09 would be Inglorious Basterds. Such a great look at what Tarantino does best. The story, the acting, the direction, all something to watch. Granted, it runs long and has less action that one would think, but this deserves a spot on the Top 10 for sure.

8.  Number eight is a film that surprised me in lots of ways and I anxiously await the Blu-Ray drop of this very witty and well-done movie. Number eight brings up Zombieland, the surprise hit of the second half of 09. Such a refreshing look at the zombie genre with some scares, tons of laughs and a cameo by one of the industries greats. Woody Harrelson puts in yet another great performance in this great nod to all things undead.

7.  Seven brings us a truly special character movie along with a great visual experience, that is Coraline. Coraline is one of my favorite movies in a long time. The spooky story with the underlying message, along with awesome animation that brings it full circle. The visuals in this movie are great and the story equals it. Such a hard thing to do these days. Pick this one up NOW if you haven’t!

6.  Six is something that I had very high hopes for and though it fell short, still came through as a great film and well worth watching: Where the Wild Things Are. This movie, although based solely upon nine sentences of a very old children’s book, came through with a great underlying message and story. The storytelling by Jonez was solid and the costume design was magnificent. Something was just missing; to this day I have no idea what that would be.

5.  Half way there (and who else could bring you a number five better than none other than himself?) — J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek cuts in halfway through the list and could be higher in many others’ lists. Star Trek was something I was looking forward to in a J.J. Abrams way. An Alias fan from day one, I have come to love J.J. and all he does. As a NON Star Trek fan (never seen an episode or movie, nor do I care to) this is a special movie that I am sure made lots of folks happy. Great action and a great story to leave us open for another installment.

4.  Fourth, and fourth only because I had some (very small) issues with it was Harry and his gang in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. What can I say about this film? Can you lose with anything Harry Potter? They just keep getting better. This film really shone with good acting, good effects, and much more. A film that is basically a bridge between the fifth and seventh books really did the best it could. This is a Blu-Ray that I have seen over and over.

3.  Okay so now comes the point of disagreement with many, which I couldn’t care less about. My top 3 are exactly that — mine! Number three is what I thought was the second-best movie of the year, BUT it came in third because of a surprise hit (stay tuned for two!). For three we have District 9. This runaway sci-fi hit was something special. Not only for its 50-million-dollar box office take, but for the story and all that it encompassed. District 9 is something I will praise for years to come. My wife hated it but, hey, you can’t please everyone.

2.  Now on to the second best film of the year, one that broke so many records that there was sequel talk after the opening weekend. The Hangover was a brilliant comedy in so many aspects. Of course, it was way over the top in each of those aspects too. This movie has made me laugh beyond what I thought was I was capable of and I appreciate that. The Hangover has broken comedy into two categories for me, “hysterical” and “just funny”. The only movie in the “Hysterical” category is The Hangover for the time being. No other movie has made me belly laugh this hard.

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE !!!!!

1.  And now for all you naysayers out there – AVATAR is my top movie of 2009. For many reasons, some of which folks will disagree with. I honestly don’t care. This is my list and I will back it as I see fit. Avatar is a movie that we waited for for a long, long time. Something special told in a special way. Some of you say the story was stolen, well I say, who cares? It’s not a copy of any movie, it does take from other stories but molding it and making it your own is what story telling is all about.

That is it for now, folks. I will see you in 2010. God Bless, have a great Christmas and New Years!

Previously seen on Atomic Popcorn