The Best and Worst Films of 2009 - so far [and is Angels and Demons worth watching?]

I watched Angels & Demons this week. It's dull. 6/10. There's probably a good 20 minutes in the film, towards the end. The film lacks tension. I watched it because I've never been to Rome and wanted something of a guided tour. And I loved the book. The journey through the Vatican - to some extent this wish was fulfilled. It occured to me that Langdon is like a Harry Potter for grownups, minus the magic plus churches and waffle. I may be more conflicted than the average viewer, because I read the book, but frankly, the book (and your imagination) is better. So should you see it? We'll get to that.

But first, here's a quick list of my favorite blockbusters so far - halfway - through the year:

Hits
1. Star Trek
2. Watchmen
3. Wolverine
4. Monsters vs Aliens
5. The Reader
6. Gran Torino

Duds (movies and DVDs)
1. Angels and Demons
2. Mr. Bones II
3. Synecdoche New York

Angels and Demons [aka "When will this be over?"] is probably better watched on DVD. There are a few doldrum patches since the majority of the flick happens at night. There's no chemistry between Hanks [playing a walking Google Search] and Zurer. Ewan McGregor puts on an intense performance. Vittoria Vetra[Zurer] is watchable, but not very. It's quite a conservative performance overall. The value of the flick lies in the deception - that good and evil are more subjective than we think, and to a large extent a matter of circumstantial evidence. And opinion.

Robert Langdon: It scares the hell out of me.

Regarding my lists, Star Trek is by far the leader of the pack, but the top 4 are all very good. Not yet in cinemas, but due soon, are Terminator and Harry Potter, which could well break into the list. Terminator is looking strong from the previews, and if Dark Knight is anything to go by, the dystopian theme may eclipse everthing else at the box office.

Regarding the duds...watch them at your peril. Mr. Bones is the highest grossing South African movie ever. It's terrible. It has its moments but frankly, it's all over the place. It is a chaotic mess. Unusual Synecdoche is similar, but intentionally. Synecdoche may not make you feel happy, but it ought to provide a few interesting mind experiements, and in that sense is well worthwhile.

More superhero movies please!