Series: Top 100 (2009 List)

During the summer of 2009, when I was about to start my senior year of college, I made a list of my top 100 favorite films.

See the 2009 Top 100 rewatch overview for more context

As of my review of The Prestige, my rewatch of my 2009 Top 100 films is complete!

One of Brad Bird’s and Pixar’s best films — and that’s saying something in both cases. The story of an unlikely chef with a great gift being the literal symbol of filth is mined for all its potent power, and the payoff of Anton Ego embracing the titular dish is one of my favorite moments […]

Invented a new genre, and also perfected it. A brilliant concept and exploration of humanity’s boundaries. Groundhog Day is a conceptual and screenwriting masterpiece that entertains and inspires (even if I’m not crazy about Andie MacDowell or some of the creepy romcom undercurrents)

A bizarre documentary about pet cemeteries that manages to be both hilarious and perhaps the most probing look at the human condition that I’ve ever seen.

Note: I’ve published a full review of this film. Charming beyond reason. Amy Adams is absolutely phenomenal as a Disney princess come to life. The romance and idealism are palpable. Too many flaws to be truly great, but damn close.

A delightful one-hit-wonder pseudo-biopic filled with an amazing false pop universe and uncountable period touches. A true passion project for Tom Hanks, and a true favorite of mine. I promise I will write a full review of this someday.

The alternate ending really elevates the material into a story about alienation and belief in God and facing a point of no return. The CGI monsters are ugly AF. Why is there a weird Shrek scene?

A gangster film like no other. Bizarre blend of tones. Filled with bitter ironies and great acting. Also a seminal moment in cinema history.