All Time Top 5 (Best and Worst Movies of the Year)

It's the end of the year (well it was a few days ago). Blogs everywhere are releasing best/worst lists at a torrid pace. In fact, bip-bip. has already released our list of the ten best albums of the year. And, as you'd expect, we're bringing you our favorite movies of the year as well. You'll have to forgive the fact that we're not posting it until 2010, but I wanted to wait until I saw Up In The Air because I had a feeling it might make the list (and sure enough it did). We're also bringing you our most hated movies of the year. Now, to be fair to the movies on that list, there were probably worse movies made, but these were the movies that actually had a chance to be good (as opposed to films that were doomed from the start -- think Old Dogs).

Here's the All Time Top 5 (Best Movies of the Year)

5

Zombieland/Adventureland (tie) -- I decided to put both of these at number 5 for two reasons. First, they are both great movies that deserve to be on this list (even though most readers probably never saw either of these). Second, they both star Jesse Eisenberg, an actor who had an absolute breakout 2009.

4

Avatar -- At this point, I feel like there's not much left to say about Avatar. The movie was an absolute smash hit (it's tally is now up to over $1B worldwide) and belongs on a pedestal along with some of James Cameron's other hits.

3

The Hangover -- The highest-grossing R-rated comedy in American history was this year's best comedy by far. I couldn't be more excited for the sequel (scheduled to come out around October 2010). I'd join Alan's wolfpack any day.

2

Up In The Air -- As I said earlier, I specifically waited to make this list because I thought Up In The Air would have a shot to make it. That being said, I still didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Even though this was Clooney's best film ever, the real story to me was a new star being born in Anna Kendrick.

1

Inglourious Basterds -- Perhaps the most polarizing movie on my list, Tarantino's WWII gorefest was an absolutely brilliant piece of filmmaking in this blogger's opinion. Christoph Waltz is almost a guarantee to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. And I really hope Tarantino wins Best Director.

All Time Top 5 (Worst Movies of the Year)

5

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen -- Sure, the special effects were what we expected. Sure, I'll go see the next one. But the storyline was one of the dumbest things ever. Don't believe me? Read this FAQ on the film (warning: some foul language).

4

Observe and Report -- Seth Rogen had been in a series of really funny movies, but this mall cop comedy was just plain stupid. I expected bad things from Paul Blart: Mall Cop (I never saw it, but apparently a lot of you did) but had higher hopes for this one.

3

I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell -- As a fellow Duke Law alum, I was hoping for a movie that would at least do some justice to Tucker Max's hilarious stories. Unfortunately, the movie was just plain garbage.

2

The Informant -- How the combination of Matt Damon and Steven Soderbergh resulted in this terribly boring (yet surprisingly well received by most critics) film is beyond me.

1

My Sister's Keeper -- Honestly the worst book adaptation I've ever seen. It's essentially a collection of scenes with sad songs playing that are intended to make women cry but never really develops any characters or a plot that would give them a reason to.

All Time Top 5 (Christmas Movies)

First and foremost, we at bip-bip. would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas (or the more politically correct, "happy holidays"). We hope everyone gets at least a couple days away from the daily grind and can spend some quality time with your family and friends. If you're like my family, Christmas Eve usually involves dinner, everyone getting to open one present (yes it's cheating, but I know we're far from being the only ones who do this), and a Christmas movie (thanks to my Grandma, it's usually It's A Wonderful Life).

Christmas, more so than any other holiday, has a plethora of great movies devoted to it. Think about it. Try and name your favorite Thanksgiving movie (for the record, I'd have to go Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and it's not even close). It's hard to even think of any. The same cannot be said for Christmas. The list just goes on an on. And it made narrowing down that list to just five incredibly difficult.

So, without further ado, here's the All Time Top 5 Christmas Movies:

5

Love Actually -- From Billy Mack's (Bill Nighy) "Christmas is All Around Us" to Joanna's (a.k.a. "the one," played by Olivia Olson) rendition of "All I Want for Christmas," this movie is loaded with Christmas spirit. I find it quite odd that it has somehow managed to be the first film to make its way to two top 5 lists (see the other here). And I even thought about leaving it off for just that reason. But, as the movie constantly reminds us, "at Christmas, you tell the truth" and any list of great Christmas movies without this gem on it would just seem like a lie.

4

It's A Wonderful Life -- As I mentioned above, this is a Christmas Eve favorite with my family, and for good reason. This 1946 classic is probably watched by more families during Christmas than any other out there, and it's been that way for a very long time. Watching goodhearted George Bailey learn just how good his life has been is a wonderful tale for the whole family. And the title is a message I find myself telling others quite often (just ask my fellow bip-bip. contributor). Let's all be glad it didn't end like this.

3

Home Alone -- Maybe it's just because I was part of the key demographic for this movie when it came out, but it always makes me think of sitting around with my brothers and cousins (when we were much younger) at my grandparents house watching Kevin outsmart the Wet Bandits while my mom and the rest of the "grown-ups" got Christmas dinner ready. Some might argue that this movie doesn't belong on the list, but when it comes to Christmas movies, this one belongs purely for nostalgia's sake.

2

Christmas Vacation -- Probably my favorite Chevy Chase (by the way, if you aren't watching it yet, his new show Community is actually pretty decent) movie of all time, Christmas Vacation is likely the first movie that most people think of when it comes to funny Christmas movies. Watching Uncle Eddie (Randy Quaid) and the gang invade the Griswold family Christmas is always a treat. And Clark taught us all what the standard in home decor for the holidays should be.

1

Elf -- I assume that this selection for the top spot will receive a good deal of criticism. No, it's not a timeless classic that families have been enjoying forever. But outside of that, what more could you want from a Christmas movie? Will Ferrell and company really outdid themselves with this brilliant Christmas comedy that I believe will eventually become a classic that gets the same respect as some of the other names on this list. Anyone who disagrees is just a cotton-headed ninny-muggins.

All Time Top 5 (Movies Where Things Aren't Always What They Appear)

After watching Oldboy recently, I began to think about movies that have great surprise endings. There really isn't anything like a shocking twist to end a movie. One minute you think you know what's going on. The next, some clever writer pulls the rug out right from under you with a killer twist to the plot (even though -- if you're like this blogger anyway -- you usually think to yourself that you should've seen it coming all along). The ability to come up with unpredictable surprise endings isn't easy. And some people (see Shyamalan, M. Night) can make a lot of money off the ability to write good twist endings even if their movies aren't very good (sorry to any M. Night fans, but nothing he's done after The Sixth Sense was really anything special). It truly is an art form. And, when used effectively, a great twist can really turn a good movie into great one.

Here are the All Time Top 5 Movies Where Things Aren't Always What They Appear:

SPOILER ALERT: All readers should note that I've discussed the surprise endings in this post. Feel free to scroll over these spoilers if you haven't seen these movies and don't want to ruin it for yourself.

5

Primal Fear -- I'm guessing not everyone has seen this one, but Richard Gere is actually pretty good as a defense attorney trying to defend a schizophrenic altar boy (who is played pretty brilliantly by Ed Norton) accused of murder. This movie really got Ed Norton's career going.

SPOILER:

Ed Norton was actually lying the entire time about his schizophrenia to trick everyone (including Gere).

4

The Sixth Sense -- I imagine that pretty much everyone knows the plot twist to this one. I have to give M. Night credit. I definitely didn't see it coming.

SPOILER:

As Haley Joel Osmet told us from the start, he could see dead people -- including Bruce Willis's character.

3

Fight Club -- I know soap salesman Tyler Durden would probably kick my ass because I'm breaking the first rule of Fight Club by talking about the movie, but this one is awesome. Sidenote: As I make this list, I realize Ed Norton has been in some movies with pretty good twists (check out The Illusionist and The Score for other examples).

SPOILER:

Tyler Durden (Pitt) and Norton's unnamed character are one in the same. So, Norton shoots himself to get rid of Durden (makes sense, right?).

2

Fallen -- I'm guessing this is the least watched movie on the list. For those who haven't seen it, check it out. Denzel Washington plays detective John Hobbes, who discovers that a serial killer he devoted much of his career to tracking down was actually possessed by a demon named Azazel. Hobbes then turns his attention to taking down the demon in this really underrated sci-fi thriller.

SPOILER:

The movie's narrator (voiced by Denzel) turns out to be Azazel the entire time. And, as he reminds us, this is the story of the time he almost died...

1

The Usual Suspects -- A lot of people probably guessed that this one would be at the top the list. It's one of my favorite movies of all time and has such a great ending. How could it not be number 1?

SPOILER:

Cripple Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey, who actually won an Oscar for his performance) is actually the notorious Keyzer Soze. His greatest trick? Convincing the world he didn't exist...

All Time Top 5 (Movies for Real Men...and Their Women)

There's an old adage that real men aren't afraid to cry. I'm not sure I can totally back that theory. But I do completely back another -- real men aren't afraid of "chick flicks." Now I'm not saying that the average chick flick is as good as your average drama or comedy. But I will say that we men should try and be a little more objective when we watch them. There's nothing unmanly about watching (and enjoying) a love story. After all, tons of movies that men like are love stories -- isn't Braveheart, a very manly movie by any measure, really a love story when you think about it? And your significant other will definitely appreciate it if you're willing to sit through a chick flick without complaining. She might even be willing to sit through the next ridiculous Jason Statham movie you want to see. Better yet, you might just find that you actually liked the movie (if you aren't afraid to admit it). So be a man and watch a chick flick. Because real men aren't afraid of chick flicks. Nay, real men actually enjoy chick flicks (some of them anyway).

Here are the All Time Top 5 Movies for Real Mean... and Their Women:

5

Pride and Prejudice -- The least manly movie on the list. Get over the fact that you're watching the adaptation of a Jane Austen novel and enjoy it.

4

When Harry Met Sally -- One of the most famous chick flicks of all time is also one of the best. Aside from the movie's main story, you'll think the clips of older couples telling how they met and fell in love are pretty entertaining.

3

Jerry Maguire -- Make fun of it all you want for "you had me at hello." But it's a good movie (and any man will appreciate the large role that football plays in the film).

2

Love Actually -- One of bip-bip.'s good friends, Wyatt, actually watches this movie at least once a week. I'm not saying you should follow his lead, but give it a shot -- could easily have been number 1 on this list if it wasn't for...

1

Serendipity -- One of the most underrated movies (and that includes all movies, not just chick flicks) of all time. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale (Underworld, Nothing but the Truth -- and recently anointed "Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire) are phenomenal. Jeremy Piven (Ari from Entourage) is great in a supporting role. But writer Marc Klein's story (which is all about the interaction between love and fate) is where the real genius of the movie lies. You can't watch it without actually hoping John and Kate's characters end up together. Give it a shot. You won't regret it.

All Time Top 5 (Movies for a Sunday Morning/Afternoon)

In honor of one of our favorite movies (that actually revolves around a music store), High Fidelity, we'll occasionally be bringing you what we like to call "All Time Top 5's." For those who haven't seen the movie, here's a sample. But you should really see the whole thing. And start making your own lists. Anyway, here's the first one of the bunch...

It's Sunday. You're struggling to wake up. Last night was a blast. But now you're paying for it. We've all been there. While a hangover is never a great time, having a good movie on to distract you can certainly make it easier to bear. What makes a movie great for such an occasion? First, it can't be too complicated. You want something straight forward that doesn't require you to pay constant attention out of fear of missing important plot twists (you don't want to try and keep up with Memento or something like it). After all, you might be tempted to shut your eyes for a minute or two. Second, you don't want something with any scenes that could make your stomach turn (think Ray Liota eating his own brain in Hannibal or the Ed Norton curb stomp in American History X). Third, you want something that'll make you feel a little better about any bad decisions you made the night before (for example, at least you didn't go streaking through the quad and then to the gymnasium). Fourth, you want something that is a flat-out good movie. Why waste your precious Sunday watching anything less?

Here are the All Time Top 5 Movies for a Sunday Morning/Afternoon:

5

The Princess Bride -- That's right. Make fun all you want. But I'm guessing you wish you were watching it right now. And you can't pretend that you can't finish the following sentence: "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya..."

4

Office Space -- Even better if you're hungover on a Monday (your own personal "case of the Mondays").

3

Forrest Gump -- Try watching the whole movie and not feeling better by the time it's over. You can't do it.

2

Old School -- Think you partied hard last night? "Frank the Tank" begs to differ.

(Sidenote: I'd probably put more of the Will Farrell, Vince Vaughn, etc. comedies on my list if I didn't think it was poor form.)

1

The Big Lebowski -- The Dude abides. And so should you.