Calling 2009 a stellar year for films would be like saying you saw New Moon for the acting talents of Taylor Lautner. There were some winners, but it took some digging to come up with a Top 10 list of great films for the year. But even if some are just “really good,” there’s no hesitation behind lauding any of these films:

BEST

A Single Man – Without a doubt, A Single Man is a wonderful film. The last film that inspired such awe in me was Slumdog Millionaire, but it seems unlikely that A Single Man is bound for the same recognition. Former designer Tom Ford directs Colin Firth and Julianne Moore in performances that are simply mesmerizing. Each shot is beautifully crafted, and together they combine to make a cinematic masterpiece.

Up in the Air – When a film gets as much buzz as Jason Reitman’s latest, it’s hard to live up to expectations. Starring George Clooney as, well, a facsimile of himself, Up in the Air is a fine study of a man whose life seems to be on permanent lay-over. Co-stars Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga give Clooney a run for his money for best performance in the film. Up in the Air may not be the best, but it’s damn good.

The Hangover – Like a good cocktail, The Hangover sneaks up on you. The surprise hit deserves its cult-like following, and it’s best to live this binge-recovery flick vicariously. Chock full of shocking twists, hysterical scenarios, and one very scary naked guy, The Hangover might give you a headache from laughing, but it’s totally worth it.

Avatar – If based solely on plot and dialogue, Avatar might be on the Worst Films of the Year list, but visually and technically, it’s a revolutionary feat that deserves greater admiration. Once you get past the plastic glasses you have to wear, Avatar should be experienced in 3-D, and a theatrical screening is almost a requirement. And did I mention that Sam Worthington is really hot?

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire – The way-too-long titled movie is one of those films you only want to experience once. Called poverty-porn by detractors, Precious is a wrenching tale of one young woman’s attempts to break the cycle of familial abuse. Mo’Nique and Gabourey Sidibe give Oscar-worthy performances, and even Mariah Carey is good in this one. If that’s not worth seeing, than nothing is.

(500) Days of Summer – Far smarter than your usual rom-com, (500) Days of Summer is a slightly jaded yet still hopeful look at one man’s quest for love. While Zooey Deschanel might not be the girl that everyone longs for, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so lovable as the smitten guy who becomes a forlorn puppy dog in her wake. Quirky and fun, (500) Days just isn’t enough days.

Up – Can Pixar make a bad film? Touching, visually captivating, and filled with laughs, Up is about devotion and finding new reasons to live. Co-directors Pete Docter and Bob Peterson capture love from start to finish in only minutes using no words. So who cares that it’s a cartoon? If it doesn’t lift your spirits, than you’re even more dead inside than Kevin. (Popscorn’s other author…not the bird in the film).

Watchmen – Devotees of the original graphic novel source material may think including Zack Snyder’s film is a sign that the Doomsday clock just moved closer to midnight, but get over it. Watchmen is a great, macabre film. Not every performance was perfect, but Patrick Wilson and Jackie Earle Haley more than made up for Malin Akerman. And Billy Crudup made blue people fashionable long before Avatar came out.

Zombieland – Fun. That’s all you need to know about Zombieland. It’s a fun, fun film. Original enough to avoid comparisons to Shaun of the Dead, Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson are in the zombie killing business – and business is booming. Add in an inspired cameo, and you have an apocalypse for all times.

The Blind Side – Being a sucker for cheesy films, one had to make the list. Just edging out Invictus, The Blind Side is manipulative movie-making at its finest. Call it altruism or white guilt, a family’s adoption of the local teen in need of a helping hand allows you to wallow in good feelings. Sandra Bullock works the southern accent and blond hair within an inch of her life, but makes it work.

Biggest Regret: The Hurt Locker. Just didn’t make it to a screening, so don’t get on my case for leaving it off the list.

WORST

These films are so bad that it’s not even worth the time to truly bash them:

New Moon – I’m sticking with my initial assessment: Better than the first. Still sucks.
Fame – Completely forgettable.
The Unborn – Should never have been conceived.
The Box – The Box is a complete bomb. Does that make director Richard Kelly the Unibomber?
He’s Just Not That Into You – I just wasn’t into this film.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine – When Hugh Jackman flexing his muscles gets boring, you know there’s a real problem.
Angels & Demons – Dear Tom Hanks, You don’t make a good action star.
Funny People – Not funny. Or endearing. Or watchable.
Friday the 13th – Can I be the next victim, please?
Year One – Michael Cera and Jack Black should really try to branch out.