The Top Ten Best Films of 2009 (Pt. 1 of 2)

6. “Funny People”
Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” is a seriously misunderstood film. Many have complained that the film is not all that funny. Those people, to put it bluntly, have missed the point. “Funny People,” which follows the lives of a group of stand up comedians, is not a comedy. Rather, it is a comedic drama about funny people. The film’s main character, George Simmons (Adam Sandler), is a lonely, self-centered, Hollywood comedian. When George is diagnosed with cancer, he tries to make changes in his life. Unfortunately, these changes are still rooted in George’s inherent selfish attitude. In fact, George does not make one selfless decision until the film’s final scene, and, even then, it’s baby steps. Through George’s predicament, director-writer Judd Apatow expertly filters his dark critique of Hollywood’s superficiality, as well as its viciously competitive nature. Thus, the film makes you look at your favorite comic superstars a little differently. Sure, on the surface, these people always appear light and funny, but, on the inside, they’re just as screwed up as the rest of us.

7. “500 Days of Summer”
“500 Days of Summer” is a true rarity – an original romantic comedy. In a genre plagued with tired storylines, cliché characters, and unfunny jokes, “500 Days of Summer” made me laugh, and that, in of itself, is a blessing. However, the movie also made me think – a feat very few films of this genre come anywhere close to doing. The story is simple, a romance gone wrong. Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls in love with Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel). The couple starts dating, but, as it turns out, Summer doesn’t like Tom all that much. Sure, it’s a simple premise, but the film digs much deeper than one might expect. Is Tom really in love with Summer, or is he in love with the idea of Summer, the cute girl who has good taste in music? The film answers this question with brutal honesty. Thankfully, this romantic comedy prefers ideas and emotion over sugar-coated frills.

8. “Precious”
Gutsy and ambitious, “Precious” tells the tale of Claireece “Precious” Jones (newcomer Gabby Sidibe), an overweight, African-American, impoverished teenage girl, pregnant for the second time by her father. While it may sound like misery overload, “Precious” is not all gloom and doom. Director Lee Daniels sprinkles the film with a few light moments that not only break the tension, but also make the film’s lengthy sequences of gritty realism more effective. Also adding to the film’s realism is Mo’Nique’s performance as Precious’ abusive mother, Mary Jones. The well-known comedienne manages to elicit both repulsion and sympathy through her characterization of a monstrous, although clearly damaged, individual. Her performance, as well as Sidibe’s, gives an added boost to an already passionate cinematic achievement.

9. “Away We Go”
A refreshingly light tale of self-discovery, Sam Mendes’ “Away We Go” follows parents-to-be, Burt and Verona, as they search for the ideal place to raise their child. Peppered with equal amounts of humor and drama, the film beautifully captures the couple’s anxiety as they seek the advice of others on their journey. Confronted by several different styles of parenting, Burt and Verona realize their own self-worth as a couple, and as parents. Thus, what they were searching for, both literally and figuratively, they found in themselves. Tinged with moments of zany humor and heartbreaking melancholy, “Away We Go” makes for a delightfully human comedy.

10. “Star Trek”
Fast-paced, frenzied fun, J.J. Abram’s reimagining of the classic sci-fi television series zips by with punchy action sequences and lovely character moments. Headlined by a cast of young faces, the film’s ensemble nails the classic charm of their respective characters, whether it be Zachary Quinto as the emotionally calculated Spock or Chris Pine as the cocky, Harrison Ford-esque, Captain Kirk. However, most importantly, after a few years of dumb, charmless summer entertainment, “Star Trek” made blockbusters fun again.

Honorable Mentions: “Up in the Air,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
A George Clooney twofer! Both are wonderfully original films with great characters and quick wits.

"Precious" Review

“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” an emotionally charged drama from director-producer Lee Daniels (“Monster’s Ball”) oozes with passion. The film tackles several (perhaps, too many) social issues with courage and unflinching detail.

In 1987 Harlem, Claireece “Precious” Jones (newcomer Gabby Sidibe), a black, overweight, illiterate, sixteen-year old girl, struggles with her abusive mother, Mary (played brilliantly by comedian Mo’Nique), attempts to salvage her education at an alternative school, and gives birth to her second child by her sexually abusive father.

Just reading the plot synopsis, one can tell that “Precious” is a heavy, even depressing, film. However, the film does not wallow in its pain and suffering. Director Daniels adds several comic moments to prevent the film from devolving into complete misery. He also includes a few fantasy sequences in which Precious escapes into a world of fashion shows, movie premieres, and gospel concerts. In many ways, these fantasy sequences provide an “escape” for the audience as well.

But the meat of the film takes place in a cold, harsh reality. Precious’ mother Mary, living off welfare checks, crucifies her child’s self-esteem with verbal and physical abuse. When Mary does not like the food Precious prepares for her, she forces Precious to eat it. When Precious attempts to talk back to her vicious mother, Mary smacks her with a frying pan. Several critics have described her as a “monster,” and while this description seems apt, it completely ignores Mary’s psychological problems, which actress Mo’nique magnificently highlights in the film’s climactic scenes.

The acting ensemble in “Precious” is universally solid. Daniels coaxes wonderful performances out of entertainers like Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, and the aforementioned Mo’Nique – a comedian never known for her dramatic acting chops. Paula Patton is also quite good as Precious’ sympathetic teacher at the alternative school. But the real stand-out is Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as Precious. Sidibe’s Precious keeps a hardened face for the majority of the film, but the audience can see the hurt hidden beneath her stoic expressions. And when Precious finally break down, Sidibe handles it deftly, without devolving into over-the-top theatrics. By the film’s uplifting closing scene, the audience sees the strength in Precious as she hoists her child over her shoulder and walks bravely, head lifted proudly, through the streets of Harlem. The emotional impact of these scenes is a testament to Sidibe’s fine acting skills.

While the acting in “Precious” is top-notch, the film’s editing is convoluted and confusing. Many times, the film jumps from scene to scene without much rhythm or coherence, and at other times, scenes just “end” abruptly. Part of the problem may be the film’s unfocused narrative. Daniels and company do not seem to have a clear vision. The film shifts its focus too often, and, at times, it feels like Daniels is trying to accomplish too much by tackling several social issues at one time. Daniels even adds several stylistic flourishes. While some of these stylistic choices work (his music choices are superb), others feel obnoxious and mar the film’s emotional content.

But something about the film’s lack of restraint is good. The film may have lost some of its impact if Daniels had not incorporated so many personal touches. Even if some of his artistic choices are garish, they come from the heart. Daniels shows great passion and personal voice in his direction. While his direction makes “Precious” flawed, it also makes the film a genuinely moving experience.

B+

Have you seen "Precious?" If so, leave your thoughts in the comments.