I’m an aspiring filmmaker.  Like every filmmaker out there, I have a lengthy list of films that have inspired me along the way.  This series will examine twelve of the films that changed the way I looked at movies forever.  Films that have greatly influenced the filmmaker I hope to become someday…

Once

I didn’t know what to expect when I saw Once for the first time.  I had heard all of the positive buzz but I’ve never really been a fan of musicals.  Still, I was curious to see it so I gave it a shot.

Once blew me away.  It literally changed the way I’ll look at musicals forever.  I think my issue with music filled movies is how jarring it is when they jump out of the story to sing and dance.  It’s a style that definitely works as there are hundreds of fantastic musicals out there but it just wasn’t my type of entertainment.

Then Once came along. It integrated the stellar music seamlessly into the story and the results was an incredibly original and wonderful movie.

If anything, Once taught me never to write off a genre.  Every movie deserves a shot.  I could have easily dismissed Once because I didn’t like musicals and I’d be missing out on one the best movies I’ve seen over the last 10 years.  It simply stuck with me.

So much so that we are currently co-producing a musical called Strings that I wrote.

It’s funny how a random independent film can affect the way you look at an entire category of movies.  That’s what good storytelling does.

• For every Friday The 13th there is a Paranormal Activity.
• For every Independence Day there is a District 9.

There is always room to be creative within a genre and change the game.  What I loved about Once was how deep and detailed the characters were.  Both are talented artists and becoming friends through music is endearing regardless of any romantic tension they share.

It’s not about the romance.  It’s about being passionate about music.  About anything.

That in itself is inspiring. 

Especially for people who live to be creative in whatever medium they love.

Yet another reason why Once was a movie that influenced the filmmaker I wish to become.

It’s a fantastic independent film that deserves every single positive word it receives.

IGN posted a trailer for a pretty awesome alien movie called:

Monsters

I love movies like this.  From District 9 to Cloverfield there seems to be an exciting trend of inventive science fiction films being released.  I’m completely okay with that. 

Monsters looks awesome! I’m officially excited to see this movie.

Check out the official site here!

I was reading an article on GeekTyrant today about Neill Blomkamp, the director of District 9 and his views on hollywood and films in general.

I’m a big fan of directors like Blomkamp and Oren Peli. (Paranormal Activity)  They’re among an exciting group of young directors injecting originality back into theaters.

Check out the interview here.

I have a very different system of reviewing movies than most.  It’s based on a number of factors but I’ve come up with a list that sums things up nicely.

The Filmmaker’s Intentions – What did they set out to make?  It’s not fair to bash an action movie if you don’t like action movies is it?  If they set out to make a fun action movie then that’s how I base my opinion.

The Entertainment Factor – Shocking twists, action sequences, tears, drama, laughs.

The Story – I’m all about story.  Love good stories.

The Overall Experience – Going to the movies is supposed to be fun.  Disappointing movies feel like a waste of time but some movies leave you with a satisfied smile on your face.

The Lasting Appeal – Movies we love stay with us forever.  If I’m still thinking about a movie the next day, it scores high in this category.

No Scores – I don’t give ratings or stars.  I make my recommendations based on who I’m talking to and what type of movies they like.

With that in mind, here are my favorite movies of 2009 or as I like to call them:

Honorable Mention: Inglourious Bastards

5 – The Hurt Locker

I was sold 100% on this movie after seeing the trailer.  Then the positive reviews came along and finally the release date arrived.  The Hurt Locker is an intense movie and I loved it.  The premise alone pins you to the edge of your seat.  At any moment the bomb could go off.  Fantastic movie.

4 – District 9

Viral Marketing at it’s finest.  District 9 was one of the most unique experiences of 2009.  An ‘indy’ sci-fi action movie with an incredible story.  I put District 9 in the category of “Why didn’t they think of this years ago?”.  I was pretty disappointed with most of the big summer blockbuster movies but District 9 reminded me that you don’t need a massive budget to entertain.  You just need a good story.

3 – Up

My sister and I have seen pretty much all of the Pixar films together and Up was no different.  I knew it was going to be good but I didn’t expect it to nearly knock Toy Story off the top spot.  While Toy Story remains my favorite Pixar movie, Up is a very close second.  It was everything we’ve come to expect from a Pixar film.  It was funny, it had heart, it looked gorgeous and it entertained.  Bring on Toy Story 3.

2 – The Hangover

One of the funniest movies I’ve seen in theaters in years.  Ironically, I saw this the day after seeing Up so it was a pretty great movie filled weekend.  There is a tradition among people who enjoy a night out at the bars that is absolutely vital to a successful night. Pre-Drinking.  A tradition among pre-drinkers is watching movies together while you drink.  (Old School.  Dumb & Dumber. Superbad.) The Hangover is a worthy edition to an already stellar lineup of classics.  Welcome to the team!

1 – Paranormal Activity

The most FUN I’ve had in a theater in years and hands down my favorite movie of 2009.  I saw this movie in a packed house full of terrified people and I was one of them.  Every time the scene changed to their bedroom at night, the entire audience began shifting in their seats.  It was an amazing experience.  I feel bad for those who either waited to long to see it or are waiting for video.  You missed out.

Check out my other posts on Paranormal Activity HERE, HERE, and HERE.

So long 2009

2008 was a slow year for me.  I couldn’t seem to get to the theater enough but 2009 was a return to form.  More movies, more fun, more entertainment and most importantly, more inspiration.

Going to the movies is an addiction.  It’s an obsession I can’t live without.  I can’t to see what’s in store for 2010.