Jackson Free Press

This is my first "official" blog for the Jackson Free Press, and what better way to take this virgin voyage through JFP blogland than discussing my favorite films of 2009. I compiled the list based on movies that have made their way into Mississippi multiplexes. Thanks to the efforts of Malco, Regal Entertainment and Cinemark, we were able to get a good portion of the year's critically successful films, and I hope that you continue to support their efforts and the smaller films that are not aimed at the adolescent male crowd.

Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire tops my list. I first saw Precious at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival with a packed audience, including Director Lee Daniel, Gaby Sidibe and other members of the exceptional cast. The film, which is about an overweight, illiterate and pregnant 16 year old girl from the rough side of New York City, punched the breath out of the audience. It's a walloping dose of extremely depressing circumstances, and for some it may be over-the-top and a turn off. But there's hope for Precious as she builds her self-worth through the film's journey.

Another incredible film combining imagination, creativity and a heart-felt story about an old-codger getting swept into a lifetime adventure is Up, the Pixar masterpiece with Ed Asner voicing the 78-year old Carl Frederickson.

Other favorites include: Steven Soderbergh's whistle blower drama, The Informant; the hysterical historically-revised and shamelessly inaccurate Inglorious Basterds; the button-eyed madness in Coraline; the inspirational The Blind Side; Zack Snyder's Watchmen;the bigger-than-anything-hereto-for-known-on-the-big-screen Avatar; Drew Barrymore's directorial debut with Whip It; and the wise-cracking Up In The Air.

Previous Comments

ID

154546

Comment

What? "The Hangover" isn't in your top 10?

Author

herman

Date

2009-12-30T10:17:00-06:00

ID

154548

Comment

I'm surprised Whip it made anyone's list. I didn't read a good review for it. As it happens, the only thing I saw this year was Up, which was indeed spectacular.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-12-30T10:38:50-06:00