Following are the 2009 films that worked best for me in approximate order:

1. Star Trek

I'll confess to being a Trekkie (not a Trekker), loving the original series to the point of owning all of them on Blu-ray and attending two large Star Trek conventions in Pasadena (to see Shatner in person). That did cause concern when hearing about J.J. Abrams' project since he was treading on "sacred" ground. But I was overjoyed with the result and continue to rewatch his magnificently cast film and appreciate the numerous homages to the franchise. By far, this is the most fun I've had inside a movie theater this past year (and continue to enjoy rewatching the film at home).

2. District 9

Among the most original projects of 2009, this combination of documentary style presentation of a science fiction adventure is both artful and provocative. Reminiscent of The Fly, it evokes social commentary with its unique Johannesburg setting as alien prawns demonstrate more humanity than the oppressive earthlings who strive to control them and use them to advantage.

3. A Single Man

Colin Firth delivers the goods in this acting vehicle as a "drowning man" incapable of saving himself from suicidal obsession after his longtime companion dies. Set in the early 1960s before Stonewall and gay rights battles, Firth's character seems resigned to end it all yet others in his life simultaneously offer reasons to continue.

4. Up in the Air

Smoothly crafted vehicle built with George Clooney's charismatic persona and talents in mind, director/screenwriter Jason Reitman delivers an enjoyable comedy that also touches on contemporary economic woes and "meaning of life" issues. The supporting cast is terrific as well.

5. Precious

Gritty drama often feels like documentary, graphically depicting sexual/emotional abuse without overwhelming viewers. We soon empathize with the film's grossly obsese heroine and root for her to overcome her dreadful circumstances (realizing that her character WILL silently fight for survival), but the main reason to watch this film is for some of the most potent ensemble acting of the year. Mo'Nique is so convincing that it hardly seems that she's acting--more like director Lee Daniels plucked a welfare queen mother from the projects and filmed her cinema direct style. As hateful as her character is, the film eventually exposes her motivations to let us into her painfully pitiful and unbelievably disgusting world.

6. Zombieland

The film that made me laugh the most in 2009, Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson team up to fashion a apocalyptic road movie full of comical zombies and the year's best cameo appearance by Bill Murray. Blood splattering zombies can be really funny, and this is the most entertaining zombie flick since Romero's shopping mall obsessed creatures in Dawn of the Dead.

7. The Damned United

Unlike most sports films, this character driven historical drama delves more behind the scenes than on the pitch. British actors Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall team up to fashion the year's most provocative sports related vehicle, far surpassing cliche afflicted vehicles like Invictus and The Blind Side.

8. Big Fan

Another sports related film well worth checking out, this dark comedy explores the world of the obsessed sports fan. If you've ever listened to sports talk radio or know someone who virtually "lives and dies" with his favorite sports team, you HAVE to watch this deftly constructed narrative. The screenwriter/director knows the territory well and thoughtfully takes us through previously unexplored terrain.

9. Sugar

Feeling as close to its source material as the classic Bull Durham, the first hour of this film remarkably chronicles the hopes and dreams of its Dominican protagonist, who hopes to make it in the major leagues and deliver his family from poverty. The small touches that show the prospect's adjustment to the United States alone are worth watching.

10. Food, Inc.

Given the importance of food in our lives and how food production has radically changed since WWII, Robert Kenner's documentary ranks as the most important film of the year. Based largely on Eric Schlosser's book Fast Food Nation, we can only hope that lawmakers and government regulators take note about our food supply since our health and lives are at stake.

Honorable Mention: Other worthy films that missed my top ten, listed approximately in order of my preference:

Sin Nombre — A modern immigration story along the lines of Gregory Nava's groundbreaking 1983 classic El Norte

The Hurt Locker — Certain for Oscar recognition on several fronts, worthwhile film about the brave men who implode IEDs in Iraq ranks among the most relevent films of the year.

Fantastic Mr. Fox — Essential Wes Anderson viewing, as he crafts a whimsical and clever animated film.

The Messenger — Another contemporary "war film" that refuses to follow cliche by delving into character.

Red Cliff — John Woo returns to China to produce an epic historical drama--a great cast and grand spectacle.

Bright Star — The creative process is most difficult to film, but Jane Campion delivers a refined Austenesque touch to this project.

A Serious Man — The Coen brothers wrestle with God and many of Life's most perplexing mysteries in this surprisingly serious drama.

Anvil: The Story of Anvil — Insightful rockumentary about true metal lovers/musicians who never made it commercially despite their talents

UP — The Citizen Kane style romantic montage is priceless--the highlight of Pixar's excellent 2009 offering

Where the Wild Things Are — Captures the anarchy of Maurice Siendak's book flawlessly

Broken Embraces — Even an ordinary Pedro Almodovar film is better than 90% of the films that make it to the big screen.

In the Loop — Extremely witty piece on modern politics.

Inglourious Basterds — Entertaining tale about Jewish guerillas scalping their way across occupied France during WWII, highlighted by Tarantino's signature talent for written dialogue.

The Cove — Suspenseful and chilling documentary about dolphin abuse and killing.

Humpday — Original premise that explores the nature of male friendships.

Adventureland – Using the lousy summer job milieu as setting, the best "coming of age" film of the year.

Capitalism: A Love Story — Michael Moore doing his standard schtick, but he does reveal some new terrain like the practice of corporations taking out "peasant insurance" policies.

(500) Days of Summer — Not my chosen genre, but this is the best relationship exploration film of the year.

Coraline — An excellent year for animation, this dark study would be competing for Oscar recognition if it weren't for Pixar.

That Evening Sun — See it for the sake of Hal Holbrook.

Avatar — James Cameron's formulaic derivative narrative and inept dialogue are overcome by the film's brilliant graphics

Major disappointments: Films that I looked forward to that have quickly (and thankfully) faded from memory. This list is only short because I strive to avoid sure fire bombs and films that I know won't work for me (like over 90% of romantic comedies or teen comedies)

Taking Woodstock — Taking a promising premise, Ang Lee actually makes a film without substance

Invictus — Anticipating the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, I expected to enjoy this more than I did; a mediocre effort that is only tolerable to watch (except when the smaltzy music swells to inspire regurgitation)