Six films of 2009

District 9

Now-school sci-fi thriller abundant with interesting themes including body transformation horror, refugee life, slavery, alien social structures, international politics, the arms trade, conspiracy, third-world aid and the duelling threads of interwoven personal motivations all backed up with awesome special effects and fashionable camera technique.

In The Loop

Hilarious and insightful film about the bumbled politics of war-making from the stables of hilarious and insightful TV series The Thick of It, both essential viewing.

A Serious Man

Personal, layered and exquisitely peculiar Coen-brand cinema among their finest. Both deeply sad and life-affirming in a triumphant alchemical mix.

Zombieland

Inventive, galvanising zombie fun to remind us of life's priorities. Rom-zom-com of the year.

Harry Brown

Exciting and snappy contemporary re-take of the vigilante thriller taking full advantage of Michael Caine's advanced years and boasting fine cinematography, soundtrack and sound design.

Moon

Polished, bleak yet cosy British sci-fi that rewards careful inspection and reeks of a fine knowledge of great sci-fi film-making that has come before.