Although 2009 hasn’t been a bumper year for great movies, it still offered viewers some wonderful cinematic moments. And, as the world's most avid movie musical fan, I was happy to see three excellent musicals -- Fame, Every Little Step, and Nine -- released this year! 

My favorite ten films of 2009 (in order of preference) are listed below. Click on the title for more information about each movie.  

1. THE SOLOIST

2. FAME

3. THE YOUNG VICTORIA

4. ME AND ORSON WELLES

5. FANTASTIC MR. FOX

6. CAPTAIN ABU RAED

7. EVERY LITTLE STEP

8. X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE

9. INVICTUS

10. WATCHMEN

Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order):

(500) DAYS OF SUMMER

BIG FAN

BROTHERS

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

INKHEART

NINE

THE PROPOSAL

PONYO

ZOMBIELAND

Dishonorable Mention: My picks for the worst ten movies of 2009 (in order of dishonor) are:

1. CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

2. OLD DOGS

3. ALL ABOUT STEVE

4. THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE

5. THE BOX

6. NEW IN TOWN

7. G-FORCE

8. THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE

9. KNOWING

10. POLICE, ADJECTIVE

Listen to a discussion concerning the Top Ten Films of 2009 by clicking here on or after Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

(Poster: The Soloist. © 2009 DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.)