Avatar
A band of humans are pitted in a battle against a distant planet's indigenous population.
A visual masterpiece when viewed in its desirable 3D medium, the sheer imagination and technical genius of this film manages to impart a sensory impact never before achieved in cinema. The visuals are simply breathtaking to the point where even the narrative is at times overlooked. Gaze in awe as you're immersed amongst the stunning colours and luminescence of 'Pandora', and marvel while seamless CGI creates some of the most exhilarating and brilliant action sequences of all time. "Avatar" is truly an out of body experience.
Apocalypto
A Mayan village is overrun by a vicious tribe, imprisoning the men and sentencing them to be sacrificed.
"Apocalypto" throws you deep into the jungle, welcoming the simple life of hunting to eat, tribal dances and procreation. The editing is fast, setup brilliant and characters superb. You will be gripped and curious and always anticipating the fate of our heroes.
Casino Royale
In his first mission, James Bond must stop Le Chiffre, a banker to the world's terrorist organizations, from winning a high-stakes poker tournament at Casino Royale in Montenegro.
A more realistic Bond was definitely what the cards ordered, and our new hero was in no doubt of delivering it. All in a world we can relate to - the constant threat of terrorism and the rise of the game of poker. We all want to be James Bond... now it's even more believable we can be.
Bright Star
Based on the romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne.
There are two 'bright stars' in this exquisite film - the leading lady, with her flawless performance, and the poetry, which will have viewers searching for their high school poetry books seeking to revisit the works of the romantic poets. This beautifully filmed glimpse into lives 190 years ago succeeds due to the stunningly simple way it tells its story of an intense and yet ultimately doomed love. Shakespearian in its tragedy, "Bright Star" is exceptional movie-making... a leading light not to be missed.
Toy Story 3
Woody, Buzz, and the rest of their toy-box friends are dumped in a day-care centre after their owner, Andy, departs for college.
You might have reservations going back to play with old toys, but don't be afraid, as "Toy Story 3" is still fantastically creative and charming. A fresh assortment of characters come out of the box, each equally entertaining and unique. The film is a perfect example of pure genius story-telling and craft. The visuals invariably impress, but the 3D glasses are better served to hide away the tears of nostalgia. It's hard to let go of the story behind one of the best animated features of all-time.
Inception
In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job till date.
Boldly ambitious on a universal scale, "Inception" is awe inspiring, bringing to life the imagination of the mind in amazing visual detail. Mastering the idea of dreams within dreams may take some time, but it's this kind of challenge, rarely seen in blockbusters, that keeps you absolutely enthralled. It shoots through its running time at a whole new level, immersing you in the sub-conscious of the characters on screen without any contraptions. Unmistakably mind-blowing.
WALL-E
A small robot embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
This is a wondrously inventive and poignant film that takes us on a journey of galactic proportions. The clever and heartfelt storyline is reflected amazingly onto screen through unequivocally stunning animation. We can't help but be captivated by our rusty little robotic hero as he scoots around the universe, inadvertently teaching us lessons of life, love, humanity, and the fragile nature of our planet. With storytelling and pure visual magic at its absolute best, "WALL-E" is out of this world.
Ratatouille
Remy, a sewer rat makes an unusual alliance with a restaurant's new garbage boy Linguini.
A story about a rodent that can cook may not sound very appetising, but don't under-estimate one of the most beautiful films of the year. From the glowing Paris skyline, to the buffet of foods you wish to grab straight off the screen, "Ratatouille" is a warm animation that is fast and fun. The highlight is the affable Linguini, a lanky and dopey character, but once puppeteered by Remy, is uproariously amusing with his comical antics. It succeeds in making us sympathise with a rat and believing anyone, human or animal, can cook.
District 9
An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth suddenly find a kindred spirit in a government agent that is exposed to their biotechnology.
"District 9" is a compelling film of original and insightfully speculative science-fiction. An intelligent and inventive story not only keeps us enthralled, but also provides an allegorically fascinating social commentary. The filmmaker effectively combines interviews and archival footage to bring a gritty and immersive realism to screen. Intertwined in the 'mockumentary' style are vaporizing (at times literally) action sequences that both dazzle and entertain.
Superbad
Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.
"Superbad" is the most hysterical movie of the year so far. A simple story and adept insight into life growing up, it truly captures the awkwardness in meeting girls and the difficulty in obtaining alcohol underage. Delivered with brash dialogue that is fresh and funny, this film is Superbad-Ass.
The Hurt Locker
In a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse in the chaos of war, an Army bomb squad unit must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb.
"The Hurt Locker" is far from being just another war movie; it's a brilliantly directed human drama and intense psychological thriller. It ignores plot conventions, pompous flag waving and political commentary in favour of a gritty realism that unceremoniously hurls you onto the front line. The film doesn't glorify violence, yet somehow we're absorbed by an inescapable tension and this supremely masculine story that so vividly presents a sense of what it's like in war-torn Iraq. Simply dynamite.
The Bourne Ultimatum
Bourne dodges new, superior assassins as he searches for some finality to his unknown past.
"The Bourne Ultimatum" is a spy-thriller that magnificently meanders its way through Moscow, Madrid, London, Morocco and New York. The movie travels at a frantic pace, and the camera never stops moving either, as it compels us to identify with the urgency of every scenario Bourne is confounded with. We are forced to brace ourselves as the thrill of the chase creates a gripping tension. The intense action sequences that result are a seamless constant, and bring an uncompromising yet exquisite realism to the film that you cannot help but marvel at.
The Dark Knight
Batman and Gordon join forces with the new DA to take on a psychotic robber known as The Joker.
There is so much to admire about this film. The dark tone resonates with an audience that live in a not-so-perfect world. The grand-scale action sequences involving trucks and bikes are testament to money being better spent on explosions than computer graphics. Assortments of characters are given their due screen-time, but all are overshadowed by the Joker, who creates an unprecedented sense of dread and anarchy. "The Dark Knight" is so good that you forget about its comic origins, as it stands alone as exceptional action and crime classic.
Up in the Air
With a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him.
A movie for the times, "Up in the Air" is topical and astutely observed. Social satire doesn't get delivered more incisively than this perfectly balanced movie. Just when a character approaches caricature the comedic effect is turned back and some of life's big questions are plausibly presented. We respond with a collective sigh, not to mention the odd tear. Let "Up in the Air" bring you back to earth.
Changeling
A mother's kidnapped son is returned to her, but she realises immediately that the boy is not her own.
"Changeling" is an example of classic movie making at it's most potent. A magnificent unhurried telling of an extraordinary true story, it's also a commentary on social and moral dilemmas still faced today. The authentic visual feel, exceptional cast and old-style direction combine to create an outstanding film. A superb performance by the lead actress pays no heed to her physical beauty, focusing wholly on the anguish, despair and struggle of an ordinary woman fighting to be heard by the powers-that-be. Has anything really changed?