Films of 2009: Ché Part 2

Another foreign-language, two-part biopic - but unlike Mesrine, the second part of Ché is clearly the superior piece - rid of the distracting voice-overs and flash forwards, the tale of the eventual demise of Ché in Bolivia is an incredibly immersion and intimate experience.

Films of 2009: Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Whilst Up garnered the usual plaudits for Pixar, Cloudy... arguably succeeds more as an out and out kids film. Plus who can complain about a film that features Neil Patrick Harris as a monkey called Steve.

Films of 2009: Gran Torino

Forget Bruno, Gran Torino was the most offensive comedy of the year

Films of 2009: The Hangover

I find myself in two minds over The Hangover's place on the list - one one hand I feel I should give this some recognition as I went in with zero expectations, only going to see it because of getting my hands on some free tickets from Seefilmfirst and then having a great time as it was far better than it had any right to be. But on the other hand, I get the feeling the novelty will wear off quickly, especially as there will no doubt be hoards of copycats following it in 2010 that will make me curse the name of Zach Galifianakis.

But in the end I decided to stay true to how I felt leaving the cinema, so The Hangover makes the list as the surprise hit of 2009.

Films of 2009: Inglourious Basterds

It certainly has it flaws, its far too long and I still have no idea what Mike Myers is doing in it - but there is still plenty to love about the film, in particular Christopher Waltz's performance.

Films of 2009: Mesrine - Killer Instinct

Vincent Cassell can even make a perfume ad interesting, so give him the French equivalent of Scarface and you've got guaranteed greatness. Part One has the bigger bangs, Part Two has the bigger beards - which is best is simply down to your personal preference.

Films of 2009: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Jesse Eisenberg had seemingly had Michael Cera's number this year with Zombieland and Adventureland, but Cera fought back in the geeky indie-boy stakes with this effort that almost matched Juno for sweetness but with more out and out funny moments.