2009 Movies: The Year that went by

Though this year had many a big release, somehow, I was able to write reviews for only 13 of them. Here is my take on the best and worst of the year!

The one that takes the cake for being the most worthwhile movie-going experience is James Cameron’s “Avatar” that simply redefined the boundaries of imagination. 2009 in a way belonged to Hollywood releases as “2012” romped home with pots of moolah. With these now being released in Hindi, Telugu & Tamil simultaneously, domestic audience seems to have become more welcoming towards Hollywood releases.

For Bollywood, it’s actually a close call between “Dev.D” and “3 Idiots”. Though I loved the latter for its exceptionally intelligent script and a captivating performance by Aamir plus its comic timing, I would still stick my neck out and give my prize for the best 2009 Bollywood movie to “Dev.D”. One can’t deny its sheer creativity. No matter what the politically correct critics may say, I feel Anurag Kashyap’s in-your-face style stands out!

Following them, two other movies make it to my list of decent entertainers. “X-Men Origins” story of the Wolverine stood out for exceptional special effects and action. The “Curious case of Benjamin Button” had its own curious way of telling a story as Brad Pitt aged backwards. The movie’s title also helped journos when a Button won the Formula 1 title this year, the scribes were quick to call it “The curious case of Jenson Button”.

Continuing with Hollywood success stories, “Twilight” and its sequel “New Moon” drew flak from critics but created a sensation among teens. “Terminator Salvation” was average for me but adrenalin junkies loved it. Thriller “Jennifer’s Body” that sounds sleazy for a title was average too. Critically acclaimed and poverty obsessed “Slumdog Millionaire”, technically a 2009 release in India brought long due laurels to AR Rahman.

Where my views and the Bollywood BO contradict, there’s a yawny “All the Best” and south-style action “Wanted” that raked in good money. “De Dana Dan” that I was glad to miss also did well. A pointless “Wake up Sid” and a poor thriller “Raaz 2” also worked out well. If ever there was a Razzie for Indian movies, Himesh and his flop “Radio” would surely grab it up. Akshay-Deepika starrer “Chandni Chowk to China” also bombed badly.

While Ranbir starrer “Rocket Singh’s” quiet success and his commercial hit “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” that I missed watching catapulted him to the star of the year status, his estranged girl Deepika fared poorly with an average “Love Aaj Kal” and a hopeless “Chandni Chowk to China”. Those bagging credit include the Senior Bachchan for his kiddie “Paa” and Aamir Khan for his student genius in “3 idiots”. For the lead ladies, yet again, it’s Katrina who’s ruling the box office followed by performer Kareena.

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