It was sort of a tradition over at the old site (gearcritech.com) and now here at Big Media Daily we continue the tradition, that at the end of the year/beginning of the following year that I go through my favorite film releases of the year, and this year is no different. 2009 turned out to be a very good year when it came to smaller movies, though there were a couple of pretty good tent pole releases but for the most part they failed to deliver the goods, and as usual the movies at the tail end of the season came in to save what would probably be an average year. So without further ado I bring you my top 10 movies of 2009!

10. Funny People

With only 3 films under his directing belt Judd Apatow has already solidified himself as a comedy genius. Funny People is a bit of a departure for Apatow however, focusing more on the dramatic elements of the story rather than the comedic (though there still are some VERY funny moments in this film. Funny People tells the story of George Simmons (Adam Sandler) who is a very famous Comedian/Movie Star who takes on a young up-in-coming comedian named Ira (Seth Rogen) as his writing partner after he is diagnosed with a terminal disease. Funny People is backed with solid direction and a fantastic performance by Sandler is well worth anyone’s time.

09. Star Trek

I think I’ve mentioned before that I am not a huge Star Trek fan, that’s why I was really taken back that the upcoming reboot was one of my most anticipated films of 2009, and it did not disappoint. J.J. Abrams has successfully done the impossible; he made a Star Trek movie accessible to non-fans. Without giving much of the story away, Star Trek retells the story of the original crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise in their early years going through Starfleet Academy, to their first mission aboard the ship. With a breakthrough performance by Chris Pine, and a pitch perfect Spock (played by Heroes Zachary Quinto), J.J. Abrams has made not only the film Trek fans have long wanted but the film non Trek fans wanted to see!

08. The Hangover

There isn’t much to say about The Hangover that wasn’t already in the trailers, 4 guys go to Vegas and end up losing their buddy. But The Hangover was one of the biggest movies of the year (and the biggest comedy of the year), and it managed to make Bradley Cooper, and Zach Galifianakis household names (Ed Helms already was thanks to The Daily Show, and The Office). Also be on the lookout for The Dan Band in another hilarious musical cameo.

07. Up

It seems Pixar can do no wrong, and their latest offering Up is no different. This is by far the most emotional story Pixar has ever tackled, dealing with love and loss, Up is the story of an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen and an overeager wilderness explorer named Russell who fly to South America in a floating house suspended from helium balloons. Up is a pleasure to look at, the scenery is what you come to expect from the studio and needs to be seen on Blu-ray.

06. The Hurt Locker

For the most part movies about the War in Iraq have been forgettable, because they tend to get too heavy on the politics of why we are there and the harsh reality of what goes on over there. The Hurt Locker sets aside the politics and focuses on a group of Bomb disposal experts in Iraq; Kathryn Bigelow has made the best movie yet about the war in Iraq, and is supported by a fantastic performance by Jeremy Renner.

05. Avatar

James Cameron’s magnum opus is one of the best movies of 2009. We’ve all heard about the revolutionary 3-D effects and film-making techniques created to make Avatar, and that is what makes Avatar worth seeing. Sure the story isn’t the most original, but these days there aren’t many original ideas around anymore. Avatar tells the story of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) a paralyzed former Marine, becomes whole again through one such Avatar, and falls in love with a Na’vi woman. As his bond with her grows, he is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world.

04. (500) Days of Summer

When your movie starts out saying that “This is not a love story” and you’re watching a romantic comedy you know you’re in for a unsuspecting treat, and that is just what (500) Days of Summer was. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel star in a comedy-drama about dashed dreams, cruel lessons and hope.

03. Brothers

Brothers is a remake of a Danish film of the same name, this version is directed by Irish filmmaker Jim Sheridan (In The Name of the Father, In America). Tobey Maguire puts out a great performance and will more than likely get all accolades but a lot should be said about Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance as well, it is definitely the best BOTH actors have been in a while. Natalie Portman is in top form too!

02. Up in the Air

Jason Reitman is another director with only 3 films under his belt that have already proven that they have what it takes to stay in this business for a long time. George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham whose job is to fire people from theirs. The anguish, hostility, and despair of his “clients” has left him falsely compassionate, living out of a suitcase, and loving every second of it. When his boss hires arrogant young Natalie, she develops a method of video conferencing that will allow termination without ever leaving the office – essentially threatening the existence Ryan so cherishes. Up in the Air is one of those movies that needs to been seen!

01. Inglourious Basterds

“You know somethin’, Utivich? I think this might just be my masterpiece.” This quote spoken by Brad Pitt’s character Aldo Raine not only closes the film Inglourious Basterds, but also says a lot about the career of the film’s director Quentin Tarantino. Inglourious Basterds is the 6th film from Tarantino and it is his finest hour. While the commercials were very misleading selling this movie as an action packed W.W.II film, it is rather a very measured character piece with 3 major set pieces. Do yourself a favor and check this one out!