The Film Crusade

Here are what I consider to be the year’s 10 best. Each film on this list has a special place. I can guarantee that anyone who reads this will inevitably be offended by the inclusion, absence, or curious ranking of various films. But the purpose of this list is not about second-guessing or apologizing. It’s about defending.

Why do we avoid certain films and favor others? Here we make the distinction between some of the biggest Oscar contenders while also projecting the finalists for the Best Picture award.

Some Hollywood trends are ending, some are changing, and new successes are threatening to become trends. If there’s anything the 2009 year in film has taught us thus far, it’s that sequels keep making money, 3-D is here to stay, and the African-American market is crucial for big box office numbers.