Movies I saw in theaters in 2009

Best movie that I saw in 2009:
Adventureland
The characters ring true in this warm-hearted look at young folks whose lives are not quite meeting their expectations.


2009 Reviews, in reverse chronological order:

Up in the Air 3/4
Interesting mix of comedy juxtaposed against a backdrop of a very depressing corporate downsizing environment. Clooney, with his Cary Grant ease, is fine as a man facing up to the emptiness of his life.

Sherlock Holmes 3/4
I was pleasantly surprised by this film's Holmes-iness, compared to the mayhem emphasized in the trailers. Downey works as a bi-polar Holmes, Law is terrific as a competent Watson, McAdams is a lovely femme fatale (or is she?); the rest of the cast works as well.

The 400 Blows 3.5/4
Truffaut's breakout film. Semi-autobiographical story of a troubled adolescent with uncaring parents and hateful teachers. First time in 30 years that I saw it, I was slightly less moved this time as it seemed a bit dated to me.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox 3/4
Fun, clever and quirky bit of animation. I'm not quite getting the 4 star love from the critics but a joy regardless.

Men Who Stare at Goats 2.5/4
Amusing, wacky with a couple of LOL moments but ultimately a mildly unsatisfying redemption movie.

Moon 3.5/4
Unusual and unsettling sci-fi about a man working alone on the moon. Is he really alone and how much of his existence is real?

A Day at the Races 3.0/4
Top of the second tier of the Marx Bros. movies, good anarchy but a very dated extended song and dance number that is very racist by today's standards.

Girls Town 1.5/4
But 4/4 for sheer fun 1959 style. Wanna see Paul Anka punch out Mel Torme? Elinor Donahue as Mamie Van Doren's sister?

Star Trek 3/4
A few too many impossible mini-cliff hangers -- like most current adventure movies -- but well presented with nice tie-ins to the original TV series.

Sugar 3.5/4
One of the best movies ever dealing with a baseball theme. Ultimately it's the story of a stranger in a strange land finding a second home.

Adventureland 4/4
The characters ring true in this warm-hearted look at young folks whose lives are not quite meeting their expectations.

Sunshine Cleaning 3/4
No capsule.

Frost/Nixon 3/4
No capsule.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 3/4
No capsule.

Milk 3.5/4 (Can you say Best Actor Oscar?)
No capsule.