Top 5 underrated films from 2009

This past year turned out some fantastic films, with spectacles such as "Star Trek" and "Avatar" and Oscar nominees like "The Hurt Locker" and "Precious" making many reviewers' top five lists.

However, I thought that many of these films have already seen enough attention from the press.

Instead, I thought I would share the top five films released in 2009 that I feel audiences should check out (or give a second chance):

5. ‘Alien Trespass'

This mid-budget throwback to classic '50s science fiction movies managed to go pretty much unnoticed during its brief theatrical run. The film even featured one of the year's neatest marketing gimmicks, where the film was presented as a recently rediscovered, never-before-seen movie.

Things look even worse for this possible cult classic now that it has been released on DVD with cover artwork that resembles a SyFy made-for-TV movie.

4. ‘Observe and Report'

If there is one writer/director who grabbed my attention last year, it's Jody Hill.

After his feature-length debut, "The Foot Fist Way," caught the attention of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, Hill managed to get this "Taxi Driver" – inspired mall-cop comedy green-lit by a major studio.

Hill's trademark dark humor proved to be a bit too much for most audiences, who found jokes about mental disorders, prescription drug abuse and date rape too much to handle.

I was on the opposite end of the spectrum and felt "Observe and Report" was one of the year's best comedies.

Anyone who hated the film might consider giving it a second look, especially now that it's available on DVD.

3. ‘Extract'

It seems every time Mike Judge (creator of "Beavis and Butt-head" and "King of the Hill") gets the chance to direct a live-action feature film, it never goes well.

For example, "Office Space" bombed in theaters before it found the rabid cult following it has today, and "Idiocracy" was treated like a red-headed stepchild by the studio – playing in only eight theaters and receiving virtually no promotion.

It happened again in 2009 with "Extract," which featured Judge's trademark slice of life comedy and a great cast, but didn't manage to last very long in theaters.

This leads me to believe that maybe Judge's work might be best suited for the small screen.

2. ‘Deadgirl'

Veteran low-budget horror screenwriter Trent Haaga ("Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV") scored a big success with this twisted coming-of-age tale that divided audiences and critics alike upon release, thanks to its downright disturbing subject material.

I've been watching horror movies all of my life and was surprised at how unnerved "Deadgirl" left me, with many scenes causing severe anxiety.

At the same time, the film also has a dark sense of humor that makes it work even better. It's the best independent horror film I've seen in years.

1. ‘Life is Hot in Cracktown'

Writer/director Buddy Giovinazzo ("Combat Shock") finally got the chance to adapt his 1993 novel of the same name and make a film that should've been regarded as one of the year's best.

Boasting an impressive and diverse cast that includes Kerry Washington (who deserves an Oscar nomination for her performance), Shannyn Sossamon, Brandon Routh and The RZA, "Cracktown" seems like it would have been a film festival favorite.

Unfortunately, Giovinazzo's overtly nihilistic style was too much for many, which caused "Life is Hot in Cracktown" to be virtually ignored by festivals.

This caused a bevy of problems getting the film released, though small distributor Lightning Media stepped up to release the film over the summer.

But all is still not well in "Cracktown:" the theatrical run never left Los Angeles and the film is still struggling to find its audience.

Honorable Mention: ‘Bad Biology'

After more than a decade hiatus from film, cult horror director Frank Henenlotter ("Basket Case") came back with a sick horror-comedy about an insanely unorthodox love story that has to be seen to be believed.

Henenlotter co-wrote "Bad Biology" with infamous underground rapper R.A. "The Rugged Man" Thorburn and their offbeat collaboration proved to be a match made in horror heaven.

Though the film saw overseas releases and played in many festivals in 2009, difficulties with the MPAA prevented the film from being released in the U.S. in time to be included on this list.

But all is well with this guaranteed cult classic: Media Blasters will release "Bad Biology" on DVD Jan. 26.