1. Up
Were YOU at the Goldsmith Cinema the night the Film Series was playing? There wasn’t a single seat, and no one left even though the sound was messed up. You can’t talk about the year’s best without talking about “Up.” (Emma Mohney)
2. Inglorious Basterds
This movie is either a gleefully violent, Hitler-punching power fantasy, or a brilliant deconstruction of filmic violence and its impact on historical memory. You be the judge (Rob Wohl)
3. (tie for 2) The Fantastic Mr. Fox
It’s such a sophisticated take on a children’s story, and it reflected Wes Anderson’s humor while being accessible to kids—it’s the perfect blend of film sophistication and accessibility (Alex Wilkinson)
4. Star Trek
It’s like they took Chekhov, Uhura, Sulu, and Scotty and made them all shiny and sexy and 21st-century (Becca Loomis)
5. (500) Days of Summer
So, ok, it’s “not a love story.” But it somehow manages to be simultaneously steely and swoon-worthy, and is ultimately more satisfying than 90% of the cookie-cutter rom-coms that hit the theaters every year (Emma)
6. District 9
One of the worst trailers of all time, one of the better movies of the year. Someone finally remembered that sci fi is supposed to be about ideas (Gabe Lezra).
7. The Hangover
An ad absurdum example of every college kid’s dream night, complete with Mike Tyson, and a Bengal tiger. (Gabe)
8. Taken
Normally, in action movies the protagonist faces a serious challenge at some point in the movie. That it not the case with “Taken.” It is an entire movie of Liam Neeson kicking ass. (Gabe)
9. Away We Go
Admittedly, the “quirk” concentration is high, but in the best, funniest, sincerest way possible. (Emma)
10. Coraline
The dude who brought you A Nightmare Before Christmas returned to create one of the richest animated environments you’ll ever see. (Rob)
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