This was a fun post to write.

Among my friends, it was a pretty good debate as to who the champion might be.

Would Billy Madison still be fun once he graduated from teacher’s college?

Could it be Frodo? Or is Sam a better friend overall.

Chewbacca?  A co-worker of mine summed up the Star Wars alum well:

“He’s got your back.”

How bad ass would it be if your best friend was Optimus Prime?  Can you imagine piling into a vehicle on your way to the bars and he yells

“Roll out!”

Hmmmmm…

Perhaps, the winner is Frank the Tank.

“I can see Blue…  He looks glorious!”

At the same time, arguments can be made for Vince Vaughn’s Bernard as well.

While we’re on the topic…  How about Wedding Crashers?

What about Stifler?  Would he get annoying over time? Is E.L from Road Trip a better pick or is that just Stifler again?

On an obscure note, I’ve always been a fan of Jesse from Garden State.  Who wouldn’t want a friend who’s filthy rich thanks to silent velcrow and bombs around mansions in golf carts.

Would you rather be friends with Marty Mcfly or Doc Brown?  Marty would stay up later but what if the flux capacitor breaks down?

“Where we’re going we don’t need roads.”

Terminator? Dutch?

Slater from Dazed and Confused?

Anyone from The Hangover?  Mike Tyson as Mike Tyson from The Hangover?

What about Red from The Shawshank Redemption?

In the end, arguments can be made for all of these characters and thousands of others I probably overlooked.

Still, I’m pretty happy about my pick.

It’s hard to argue that a fantastic friend to have would be:

Van Wilder

Van Wilder (who also drives a golf cart… ) would have been a blast to hang out with in college.

True, having Chewy around would be a fantastic conversation starter but I’m basing my opinion on someone from earth for the purposes of this post.

Wait!!!

I think I’ve changed my mind…

Just looking at that Chewy pic of him pitching makes him the real winner here.  How could you not want him as a friend?

Here it is again:

Nice.

What’s your pick?

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.

The Hangover was one the funniest movies I saw in 2009 by far.  Finally, I get to own the DVD and put it on the shelf next to my other favorite comedies.  It’s a very special section of my DVD collection.  A section with a select group of movies that people watch before heading out for a night on the town.  The Pre-Drinking Movies.

Pre-Drinking, or Pre-Game for some, is a skill you learn in college when you have little to no cash and a need to go out.  You learn early on that it’s a financially responsible decision to start drinking early at home and save on drinks at the bar.  It’s just smart thinking.

What do you do while you and your friends are gearing up for a massive evening?  You watch comedies.

To celebrate The Hangover’s release on DVD I thought I would make a list of comedies that have become traditions on epic Saturday nights.

Honorable Mention: Role Models, Forgeting Sarah Marshall, Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express, Talladega Nights and 10 others I’m probably forgetting.

Old School

I’m still hoping they’ll make the long rumored sequel someday…

“Blue you’re my boy!”

Road Trip

I’ve seen this movie hundreds of times and I still laugh every time I see it.

The 40 Year Old Virgin

Here is the movie that inspired many of the new ‘R’ Rated comedies out there.  Apatow changed the game forever and I’m extremely happy about that.

Superbad

This flick came out of no where and instantly became one of my favorites.

Van Wilder

I have a confession to make…  I was finished making this list and then I remembered Van Wilder.  It has to be on this list.  It’s one of the classic Pre-Drinking movies for so many reasons.

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle

This movie could have been a complete disaster.  Thankfully, it wasn’t.  It’s hilarious.

Anchorman

I love Will Farrell.  He’s kind of a big deal. Out of all of his movies, this is by far my favorite.

Waiting

Here is a movie that not many have heard of but it continually makes me laugh.  An extremely underated comedy.

Knocked Up

Apatow followed up 40 Year Old Virgin with an extremely funny movie.  The man’s a comedic genius as far as I’m concerned.

The Hangover

Kind of redundant to make a list inspired by this movie and then include it in the list.  It just didn’t feel right without it.