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The Film Section of the Columbus Underground Messageboard is always abuzz with the latest theatrical releases, and 2009 was no exception. The one movie that stood out in this past year’s reader’s poll was Quentin Tarantino’s long awaited World War II Spaghetti Western, Inglourious Basterds. Released on August 21st, the film featured standout performances by Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz. Currently, the film has received quite a bit of critical praise, scoring an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes as well as several awards and nominations.
The Top 10 Films of 2009:
that’s a bingo!
+1
this was the only DVD I purchased this year. great movie.
B+
Oscar for Christoph Waltz
I’m astounded that Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Hurt Locker are not on that list. And I suppose the fact that Zombieland is the Woody Harrelson film that made the top ten and not The Messenger is a sure-fire clue that a nationally respected Columbus Film Festival is not to be expected anytime soon. Oh well, at least we have . . . Blindside? District 9?
Jeepers.
Actually, we do have a nationally respected Columbus Film Festival.
http://www.chrisawards.org/
The absence of The Hurt Locker notwithstanding and the presence of the abysmal Blind Side, this is a great list.
I didn’t mean to impugn CIFVF. They do a fine job for what they are able to attract, but it’s been passed up in recent years by other festivals in cities our size–Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, for one example. For being the first of its kind, it’s too bad that CIFVF has not stayed on the forefront. I had a surprisingly frank discussion about this a few months ago with someone who used to be very much involved with it, and she was lamenting the fact that a city like Nashville and, in her opinion, Ann Arbor of all places were supporting more noteworthy festivals (I’ve never been to the Ann Arbor festival, but if she’s right then that’s a shame). I suppose, though, that with the terrific job that the Wexner Center does throughout the year bringing in excellent films, we don’t necessarily need a top-flight festival; but in this case I’d say that you can’t have too much of a good thing.
I was also surprised that Mr. Fox & Hurt Locker didn’t make the cut, but at the same time I think a voting system where we ask for people’s top 5 results and give out weighted scores might yield better results. For example, I voted for Basterds, but Mr. Fox may have been my #2. The result is me casting my +1 for Basterds and assigning Mr. Fox the same score for everything else… a zero. Perhaps these needs to be changed for next year.
As for Zombieland, it was certainly no award winner, but it was certainly a fun ride. And come on… the main character’s name was Columbus. It’s bound to get some local love because of that. ;)
For being the first of its kind, it really should be a little more respectable by now.
I think I might be the only person I know who did not think The Hangover was all that funny.
You’re not the only one. Funny parts, but overall a waste of time for me.
+1 for the Basterds. I enjoy this movie more every time I see it. Mega suspense.
Ok, here’s the deal about the CIF+VF. For many many years it was an insider industry only event with a large international profile, but almost no local branding or promotion. That’s changing, but with very little monies and a small staff it will take some time. Over 2000 people attending in 2009, and over 5000 viewed our kid’s cartoons (the Saturday Morning Cartoons From Around the World) program that is rescreened on First Night at COSI. Disclosure: I’m the Executive Director for the CIF+VF. BTW we show absolutely great films, often world premiers, and filmmakers from around the world attend our festival. Many of our films go on to win Academy Awards, and we also throw one of the best parties in town ;)
I was at the animated shorts event and I can testify that it was a good time. Free Mead + Free Stella + Great Animation = Excellent time. (and the goodies from Pattycake were pretty sweet as well.)
This movie was SICK! I love Quinton’s style. A true masterpiece of dark comedy. :)