The 8 best films of 2009 (in no particular order), according to Steph...

Milk

Based on the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in America, this film belongs to Sean Penn. He is fantastic as Harvey, from his quiet beginnings, through activism, election and ultimate death. Surrounded by a solid supporting cast, Sean Penn draws you in to the story, breaking your heart even though you know what’s coming. It’s also horrifying to discover that issues that he was battling at the time are still related to those being fought today (Proposition 8 for example). Not exactly a light film, but one that is definitely worth seeing.

Watchmen

I loved it. I didn’t mind that the ending was changed. The rest of it was so astoundingly true to the novel, and the finale retained the feel of the original, whilst removing the oddness that might cause the mainstream audience to struggle. A dark and complex tale of superheroes like no other, set in an alternate reality where nuclear holocaust is imminent. It benefits from almost perfect casting, stunning visuals and the best opening titles I’ve ever seen. My only quibble was the added violence – what was suggested in the novel was shown in the film, bordering on gratuity in my opinion. See it if you’ve read the book, see it if you haven’t (but read the book after).

Synecdoche, New York

Allowing Charlie Kaufman to direct a film as well as write it was always going to be risky (given the wonderful but confusing back catalogue of films such as Eternal Sunshine, Adaptation and Being John Malkovich). He pulls it off though, producing a film that is puzzling, beautiful, at times incomprehensible, but genuinely moving. Philip Seymour Hoffman carries the film, his character the centrepiece to a deconstruction of life, love and death, told through a man putting on a theatre show. A remarkable achievement and one I look forward to rewatching and unravelling. See it if you like to be beautifully confused.

In The Loop

I have to confess to never having seen The Thick of It before seeing this film (a fact I have since rectified). I wasn’t sure what to expect, but In The Loop exceeded it all. A political satire that places a hapless politician in the middle of a government power struggle. Funny, sharp, frightening accurate in parts, and full of some of the most innovative swearing I’ve ever come across. It’ll make you laugh, cringe, and probably teach you a thing or two about politics along the way.

Moon

It’s hard to say much without giving things away, and this is one of those films that the less you know, the better. It focuses on Sam Rockwell’s character, serving out his last few days of a three year posting aboard an isolated moon base. Beautifully paced, the story just flows effortlessly. Science Fiction at its finest, it’s stunning, riveting, puzzling and surprising. This was the completely unexpected find of the year for me.

500 days of Summer

The tagline sums it up “Boy falls in love, girl doesn’t”. A quirky and charming film about a relationship, this film is elevated by the acting (Joseph Gordon Levitt and Zooey Deschanel), some witty writing and great music. Gordon Levitt nails the everyman role, and Deschanel is all wide eyed and unpredictable. Fitting into the same indie rom com genre of Garden State, it steers clear of the obvious cheesiness. (until the last minute of the film, but I can ignore that). Funny, endearing and you’ll never look at ikea the same again…

The Brothers Bloom

The follow up from the director of Brick, Rian Johnson again shows his flair for revitalising forgotten genres in a new way. This tells the story of two con artist brothers (Mark Ruffalo and Adrian Brody) and their latest mark, a reclusive millionaire (Rachel Weisz). Oh, and not forgetting their weapons specialist, Bang Bang. Great casting, and a storyline so full of twists and turns you don’t know where it’s going next. The beauty lies in the details – there’s as much to watch in the background as there is at the front (the camel!). A funny crime caper with a heart…

Where the Wild Things Are

I waited until I’d seen this before I wrote this list because I was convinced I would love it. And love it I did. A magical tale of Max, a young boy who runs away from home and retreats into his imagination - a world habituated by strange creatures who crown him as their king. This is one of those films where things really fit together – the magical story, beautiful visuals and the music. Oh the music. Karen O weaves a wonderful soundtrack that carries Max on the ups and downs his journey and draws you deep into its world. Beautiful, captivating and one I’ll definitely see again. And again.

Honerable mentions must also go to An Education and The Hurt Locker, both of which were good, but not quite good enough...