IT was a tough year to be a movie fan in the south-west. In the past, many have lamented the lack of choice available at Warrnambool's Capitol Cinema, but when it burnt down midway through the year and the subsequent Brauer experiment was deemed unfeasible, everyone learnt that one limited selection of films was better than no selection. Cinephiles were forced to travel to see the latest blockbusters or wait until they came out on DVD, and even if you were within travelling distance of the movie houses in Portland, Colac or Hamilton, you weren't exactly spoilt for choice. So there are some obvious holes on this year's list of the best and worst films, but like everyone else, I'll just have to sit tight and wait for the DVD.
Pineapple Express
AN hilarious stoner-actioner with a touching bromance at its heart as James Franco's dealer and Seth Rogen's dealee bond over buds and explosions while outrunning the bad guys.
Role Models
PAUL Rudd and Seann William Scott overcome a so-so premise with perfect comic timing in this tale of badly behaving men learning to grow up and set an example for a couple of scene-stealing youngsters.
Gran Torino
CLINT Eastwood steps in front of the camera one last time for "Dirty Harry: The Retirement Years", as he squints and growls through neighbourhood troubles on his way to becoming a reluctant but entertaining hero.
He's Just Not That Into You
AN excellent rom-com that juggles a tangle of relationship troubles from a variety of angles. The top-notch cast (including Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore) helps a lot.
Slumdog Millionaire
DESERVING of its Oscar glory, Danny Boyle's raw and energetic tale of undying love follows its hero through the lowest of lows to a million-dollar ending. Almost every scene is unforgettable.
Valkyri e
THE accents (or lack thereof) are annoying but Bryan Singer's WWII thriller builds a surprising amount of tension through its 'kill Hitler' plot, given that we know they're not going to kill Hitler.
Watchmen
NOT a perfect film, but the perfect adaptation possible of the Citizen Kane of graphic novels. Has a cult following already and demands repeat viewings to take in all its glorious anti-comic-book-movie detail.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
WOODY Allen at his most misogynistic, but this remains a fascinating look at the many faces and facets of love. Fuelled by fiery turns from Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, it's another fine addition to Allen's ouevre.
The Square
CRIMINALLY ignored Aussie crime-thriller about bad people doing increasingly evil things in the name of love and money. Intensely atmospheric and brooding, with surprises at every turn.
The Wrestler
MICKEY Rourke gives the performance of his career in this heartbreaking character study about a man who has outgrown his place in the world. Between his wrestler and Marisa Tomei's ageing stripper, the march of time has rarely seemed sadder.
The Boat That Rocked
FROM back in a time when rock 'n' roll could still raise a middle finger to the man and mean it, Richard Curtis' love letter to the pirate radio stations of the '60s is self-indulgent but great fun, with a soundtrack worth drowning for.
Milk
SE AN Penn's stunning portrayal of gay politician Harvey Milk helps make this an important film about an important man. Great supporting cast and a well-delivered story that simply tells it like it is.
Star Trek
THE USS Enterprise is revamped and reinvigorated as we re-meet Captain Kirk and Mr Spock for the first time. This is the blockbuster the Star Trek franchise has always demanded.
Frost/Nixon
CAPTIVATING look at what happened after All The President's Men, as a game-show host and a former US president square off in the interview of the century. Frank Langella and Michael Sheen are utterly compelling.
The Hangover
FUNNIEST film of the year. An hilarious mystery in which three buddies search for their lost buck in the wake of the buck's party to end them all. Mike Tyson makes the cameo of the year.
The Great Buck Howard
WHY hasn't this had an Australian release? John Malkovich is both pitiful and pityable as the stage magician whose star has fallen but ego remains rampant, with Colin Hanks as his put-upon assistant, in this appealing comedy.
Up
PIXAR strikes again with the most unlikely of kids movies. Up reduces us to tears in its opening 15 minutes before getting us barracking for a grumpy old fart and an annoying boy scout as they undertake a truly excellent adventure.
Sunshine Cleaning
QUIRKY and charming look at two sisters rebuilding their lives through a crime-scene clean-up business. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt shine while Alan Arkin pulls out another winning grand-dad performance.
Mary & Max
A WONDERFULLY unique claymation piece with a heart of gold, despite incredibly edgy subject matter such as alcoholism, suicide and mental illness. A bold and stunningly original film that's also laugh-out-loud funny.
Is Anybody There?
MICHAEL Caine gives another stellar turn in this lovely rumination on death, set in a small old folks home. Caine's relationship with the young boy who lives there is well-handled and touching.
AND THE WORST...
Marley & Me
YOUR dog sucks and then it dies. Who cares?
How To Lose Friends & Alienate People
AN total waste of talent that somehow made Simon Pegg unlikeable and unwatchable.
The International
BANKS are big and evil but somehow this 'thriller' is dull and boring.
Land Of The Lost
AN utterly stupid piece of crap with Will Ferrell doing the same tiresome schtick he always does.
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen
REMEMBER how awesome the original was? That's how much the sequel sucked.
Revolver
GUY Ritchie disappears up his own arse in a blaze of psycho-babble.
Email a friend