I know that 21 doesn't seem like a lot to you, Jay, but it was such a spotty year, it made sense to be selective. Beyond the 13 titles that I mention, there were probably only about 10 more about which I was enthusiastic. That's 23. See what I mean? -J
Good list. Nick Cage got robbed by the Golden Globes. His is the best male performance of the year - for me, at least. I was also surprised that the GGs ignored "Away We Go." What did you think of that one? Was it included in your other ten films?
Let's see, Karen. Off the top of my head, I have a fond spot for "The Men Who Stare at Goats," "Taking Woodstock," "Observe and Report," "World's Greatest Dad," "Phoebe in Wonderland," three small comedies "Management," "The Invention of Lying" and "Extract," two Renée Zellweger vehicles, "New in Town" and "My One and Only," two with Clive Owen, "The International" and "Duplicity," and the animations "Up," "Coraline" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox."
Good question. FYI. I did a separate post on "Tetro," called "forgotten Coppola." Check it out.
P.S. Two well-done genre films that are being overlooked during this wrap-up season: David Twohy's "A Perfect Getaway" and Ken Kwapis' "He's Just Not That into You."
Finally saw "The Hangover". Don't understand the popularity of it. Knew where Doug was the whole time. Knew that the Alan slipped something into the drinks when he gave them to the guys. Also, found it hard to laugh at and enjoy a character ( Alan ) that is obviously a pedophile.
a fan's notes by joe baltake devoted to movies neglected and mostly misunderstood
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about this site, a collection of movie-fed daydreams...
Life is simply one grand excuse to watch movies and then sit around and think about them. While my education was honed by reviewing films for Gannett, Tribune, McClatchy, The News Corporation and Knight-Ridder, my personality - or rather my taste - was shaped largely in my old neighborhood movie theater and on my parents' living room floor. Watching movies. And falling in love with the unacclaimed. Passionately. (the passionate moviegoer ® is a registered trademark)
"There is no better evidence of Joe's passion than his subject matter, defending and remembering the more obscure titles from cinematic history. No matter how much you think you might know about movies, odds are you will learn of new ones if you check out Joe's site."
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~ joe baltake accommodation: first place for commentary / Society of Professional Journalists / 1995
“For his strength as a storyteller, pulling powerful imagery with smooth transitions into a tapestry of opinion, observation and dialogue, his voice resonating throughout his reviews."
8 comments:
Inglourious Basterds is my #1 for the year, too. So far anyway. To date, I've seen a whopping 21 releases from 2009. Sigh.
I know that 21 doesn't seem like a lot to you, Jay, but it was such a spotty year, it made sense to be selective. Beyond the 13 titles that I mention, there were probably only about 10 more about which I was enthusiastic. That's 23. See what I mean? -J
Good list. Nick Cage got robbed by the Golden Globes. His is the best male performance of the year - for me, at least. I was also surprised that the GGs ignored "Away We Go." What did you think of that one? Was it included in your other ten films?
Let's see, Karen. Off the top of my head, I have a fond spot for "The Men Who Stare at Goats," "Taking Woodstock," "Observe and Report," "World's Greatest Dad," "Phoebe in Wonderland," three small comedies "Management," "The Invention of Lying" and "Extract," two Renée Zellweger vehicles, "New in Town" and "My One and Only," two with Clive Owen, "The International" and "Duplicity," and the animations "Up," "Coraline" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox."
"Inglourious Basterds" and "Hurt Locker" are my top two. Movies that stay with you.
Did you miss Coppola's "Tetro?"
Jeff-
Good question. FYI. I did a separate post on "Tetro," called "forgotten Coppola." Check it out.
P.S. Two well-done genre films that are being overlooked during this wrap-up season: David Twohy's "A Perfect Getaway" and Ken Kwapis' "He's Just Not That into You."
Finally saw "The Hangover". Don't understand the popularity of it. Knew where Doug was the whole time. Knew that the Alan slipped something into the drinks when he gave them to the guys. Also, found it hard to laugh at and enjoy a character ( Alan ) that is obviously a pedophile.
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