The Best Action Films of 2009

This year has proven to be a good one for action films. Now, I haven’t seen all of these movies, so a couple are honorary inductees to this list.

1. G. I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: The old cartoon is made into a live action movie with most of the characters you know and love. This movie does not disappoint with non-stop action, fun, and a campiness that keeps it from becoming too serious. Cobra, of course, is also there to wreak havoc upon the world. With such messages as “Knowing is half the battle”, it’s hard not to enjoy this movie. Starring Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller and directed by Stephen Sommers.

2. Taken: Bryan Mills is the average dad who’s trying to make up for the time he’s missed with his daughter. His previous work as a preventer kept him away from this family while his daughter was young. Now she wants to go to Europe, he has reservations but agrees. However, things don’t go according to plan. She is taken, but Bryan follows leaving a trail of bodies in effort to save his daughter. Starring Liam Neeson and directed by Pierre Morel.

3. Ninja Assassin: From the director of V for Vendetta, this film offers a fun, bloody time. Rain plays a ninja assassin who exacts his revenge on the clan to which he used to belong while avoiding a Europol agent. The movie is a little more complex than you’d probably expect which adds to its greatness. Directed by James McTeigue.

4. Star Trek: The upgrade from director J. J. Abrams is an action packed thrill ride which entertains from start to finish. Kirk and Spock are back, but Kirk isn’t Captain yet. Spock actually outranks him at the beginning of the film. With an excellent storyline that isn’t sparse on action, you’ll like this movie even if Science Fiction isn’t your favorite genre. Starring Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto.

5. District 9: This is a film that doesn’t contain the usual action. With exploding people and alien technology, action is brought to another level. The narrative focuses on Wikus, a South African, who isn’t very sympathetic to the aliens, known as prawns, until he’s in their shoes. It may not be for everyone, but it’s worth seeing. Directed by Neil Blomkamp.

6. X-Men Origins: Wolverine: The X-Man gets his very own prequel. I figured that it was about time, but I was hoping for something better. The difference from the comic books was enough to annoy many fans, but it is still an excellent action flick even if it lacks the quality of previous X-Men films. It’s definitely worth a view or two, but the lack of an R rating leaves out much of the bloody goodness that I expected. Starring Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber and directed by Gavin Hood.

7. Inglorious Basterds: Quentin Taratino finally released this long awaited film to rave reviews. It’s standard Taratino with long conversations and witty banter. A group of Jewish soldiers led by Brad Pitt make a point of terrorizing the Nazis in World War II France. And, terrorize, they do. Personally, I wasn’t a big fan of this film, but I have to recognize that many were. For those who don’t like an adaptation of history, this film may not be for you.

8. Surrogates: In a future where everyone has a robotic surrogate, people are resigned to their homes permanently. After the creator of these robots is murdered, Tom Greer, played by Bruce Willis, has to leave his home to solve the murder. This is another fun, interesting movie from Jonathon Mastow who directed Terminator 3.

9. Avatar: The new film by James Cameron will supposedly revolutionize film again. While we’ve heard this type of tale before, it’s never been quite like this. An army from Earth fights a local tribe of humanoid creatures. However, no conflict is black and white as some people dissent. Personally, I think Cameron is going to wow again with this flick. Starring Sam Worthington.

10. Sherlock Holmes: Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes. Enough said. You know this is going to be a great film. Jude Law plays Watson and Guy Richie directs leading to an almost sure fire win.

All information was retrieved from imdb.com.