Midyear Review
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Time flies when you are watching movies-a lot of movies, and 2009 has already reached its halfway point. Here at Killer Film, we try to catch as much of the films being released as possible, and we would like to present our 2009 Mid Year Report. Keep it mind, this is only what we have seen, and we can safely say we wish we’ve seen more, but we do still have the second half of the year to catch up. Without further ado, here’s our take of 2009 so far.
Quick Thoughts on the Year so far…
Donny: While I love horror, drama, documentary, and every other genre of film out there, my favorite by far is comedy. In my opinion there is nothing better than watching good joke unfold on screen, but on the other hand if said joke doesn’t work (Year One) then my beloved genre falls flat on its face. Luckily, this year we’ve had some amazing comedies grace us with their undeniable funny. So far my favorites include; The Hangover, Adventureland, I Love You, Man, and the awesome direct to DVD 18 Year Old Virgin. I’m also looking forward to Funny People and I want to see mega-hottie Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body. Lets hope the rest of the year offers up the good to make this year more than mediocre. Â
Jon: I think so far, it’s been a decent year as of July 1st. A few select films are really worth seeing, others are okay. I suspect the rest of the year will have great documentaries, as I haven’t seen much so far released this year. I have enjoyed seeing studios taking chances on unique films like Watchmen, Observe and Report, and The Hangover, and that’s refreshing. 3-D films have been big and constantly pushed, a trend we will see more of. For the most part, 2009 started off slow, for me, and is just now picking up. See you all at the end of the year!
Serena: Being a huge horror aficionada, I was disappointed by the initial lackluster horror films slashing their way to the big screen, but I was quite surprised by how exceptionally well done the mainstream horror fare was this year. I also was blown away by some hidden gems like Pontypool, Dead Snow and The Children (my fave film of 2009 so far) that all reminded us why foreign films are owning the horror genre these days. However, most of the big budget anticipated action films of 2009 have all left a bad taste in this reviewer’s mouth. So far 2009’s films are a far cry from last year’s jam-packed list, but I’m looking forward to being entertained by Jake West’s Doghouse, Diablo Cody’s anticipated horror follow-up, Jennifer’s Body and to see how Juno is going to react to being left for dead in a cave in The Descent 2.Â
Now, to the good stuff….
Best Films
Donny: The Hangover, I Love You, Man, Adventureland , Che
Jon: Pixar’s Up, Goodbye Solo, and Che
Serena: The Children, Pontypool, The Last House on the Left, Drag me to Hell
Worst Films
Donny: Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Bride Wars, Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li
Jon: Pink Panther 2, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li
Serena: Bride Wars, Obsessed and Transformers 2 (sorry Donny! 
)
One Honorable Mention Pick
Donny: Downloading Nancy
Jon: The Girlfriend ExperienceÂ
Serena:Â Downloading Nancy
Best Comedy
Donny: I Love You, Man
Jon: I Love You, Man
Serena: I Love You, Man
Best Horror:
Donny: Drag Me to Hell
Jon: Drag Me to Hell
Serena: The Children
Best Limited Release/Direct-to-DVD
Donny:Â 18 Year Old Virgin
Jon: Medicine for Melancholy
Serena: Pontypool
Best Direct-to-DVD Horror Film
Donny:Â Laid to Rest
Jon: Laid to Rest
Serena: Acolytes
Best 2008 Film Seen in 2009
Donny: How to Alienate People and Lose Friends
Jon: Waltz with Bashir
Serena: How to Alienate People and Lose Friends
One Film We Regrettably MissedÂ
Donny: Pontypool
Jon: Hunger
Serena: Adventureland
One Film We are Glad We Missed
Donny: Dance Flick
Jon: Dance FlickÂ
Serena: The Unborn
Well, we said ours, so what are yours? Tell us in the forums, comment below, or email us at donny@killerfilm.com and jon@killerfilm.com . Keep it here at Killer Film for more reviews, features, interviews, and news, and see you at the movies!
I could not agree with Serena more in her love for Pontypool. I need to to see that horror flick again. easily my fav of the year. yes even more so than Drag Me to Hell.
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Probably the biggest dissappointment this year….so far…would be “Terminator: Salvation”.
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What-? I enjoyed “Terminator: Salvation”. In my opinion the biggest disappointed was “X-Men: Origins-Wolverine”. Could have, should have been so much better, but failed on every level.
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Matt Keith Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Well only films I cared to see….so far, were Transformers and Terminator….both were enjoyable, but I had higher expectations for Terminator, and was initially let down.
I didn’t even bother to see Wolverine, b/c I don’t have any excitement for an X-men film right now…not after X3.
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