Top 5 Movies of the First Half of '09

In honor of my friend the filmmaker, I present my first ever critical film list. Like most years, 2009 is starting off pretty slow; and I think the biggest disappointment has been some of these hugely over-hyped summer sequels (read: Angels and Demons, Star Trek, Terminator: Salvation - none of which surpassed its predecessors). But there are always a few diamonds in the rough:

5. The Soloist - As lauded as Robert Downey and Jamie Foxx are, I never really got it. Until now. An undoubtedly Oscar-worthy turn for Foxx, but will the Academy remember such a small film from so early in the year?
4. Earth - Some critics already slammed this as a rehash of The Discovery Channel's Planet Earth series. I didn't watch the series, but I can assure you that those critics have no appreciation for the magic of cinema. Any documentary that can make the chase between an arctic wolf and a young caribou riveting viewing is something special. Not least when you add to that a sweeping score, and stellar narration from the greatest voice of our generation, James Earl Jones.
3. State of Play - A good old-fashioned detective story wrapped in an American political thriller. How cynical have we become when the characters in our thrillers can barely make it through to the conclusion - if at all - and rarely of their own volition (read: The Game)? Leave it to the Brits to create a protagonist in Cal McAffery that we can root for, a person who uses his intellect and determination to find truth.
2. Taken - Liam Neeson can do anything. An hour and a half of sheer action enjoyment, you can never say Luc Besson wastes words. He uses only what he needs to push the slick, streamlined plot along. And you remain in a heart-pounding trance until the very last second.
1. I Love You, Man - Truly a product of our time, this film makes us come to terms with the relationship-side of every friendship. And not a moment too soon, in my opinion. Paul Rudd might be the best - and certainly most underappreciated - comic actor today, and Jason Segal turns a character that could easily have degenerated into Farrelly bros.-style stupidity, into a man of great sympathy. The Hangover has already started to overshadow it, but this one will stand the test of time.

Honorable mentions:
The International - A gorgeously shot thriller from a true artist, Tom Tykwer.
Up - As a friend pointed out, it's a totally uncredited tribute to Miyazaki, but the two leads make it Pixar-fun.