It's been an epic year for movies.

From James Cameron's return to the big screen with "Avatar," to "Star Trek" re-imagined to the star-studded cast of Rob Marshall's "Nine," Hollywood has been going big guns this year.

Meanwhile over in independent film a new star was born - Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe - the abused, overweight teen who grabs your heart and won't let go in "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire."

And a few foreign language films - "The White Ribbon" and "A Prophet," in particular - simply blew critics' socks off.

We canvassed a diverse group of movie experts to find out what films they thought were the best of 2009.

To read more click here.

LONDON, England - I think we must be reaching the end of time. Frankly, I'm thinking about going to church again just to beg God to miracle up Hollywood some execs or screenwriters with a fresh idea or two.

Five habits of highly profitable movie-making(L-R): Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson.

I've already had a rant here about the moves afoot to remake the "Karate Kid" with Jackie Chan in the lead, but now there are even more ominous threats to the good movie-going public on the horizon.

The U.S. success of "He's Just Not That Into You" is a frightening omen.

That a film based on a 2004 self-help book, which was in turn blasted into prominence by a remark on TV show "Sex and the City," was even made is vaguely insulting.

That it is now a riproaring success beggars belief (correct me if you think I'm wrong).

The story line, what there is of one, is lame: Career-driven thirtysomethings in search of love; Original, I know.

It's jam-packed full of stars but that just serves to remind you how dull and patronizing the whole thing is. It's brain curdling stuff.

Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, Kris Kristofferson and Scarlett Johansson, I have but one question: Why did you do it? Surely the money wasn't enough.

However, worse is that the movie's success will probably mean Hollywood turns even more to the self-help industry.

So, in the future, prepare yourself for films based on "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus," "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" and "Feel the Fear and do it Anyway."

Really help yourself and avoid seeing anything based on a self-help tome. A short walk in the park will be a lot better for you.

Tell us what you thought of the movie. Do you think Glen has a point?

LONDON, England - "The Screening Room" is taking a close look at the role critics play in the film industry this month.

Kevin Spacey says the Internet has changed the role of the film critic. Where do you get your reviews?

Reviewers have the power to influence audiences around the world, especially in this intensely competitive market.

At the same time, there are those films that have achieved box office success, despite being panned by critics. Remember "The Da Vinci Code," or more recently, "Mamma Mia?"  

In this month's show, we get the lowdown from actors, directors and meet the critics themselves.

We also want to hear from you. Do reviews influence the films you see? Do you think critics have too much power? Not enough?

How important do you think critics are? Leave your comments below.