This time it’s going to be Movies of 2008…now, I guess I should’ve prefaced the last post by saying I don’t listen to every album that comes out. In fact, I don’t even come close, so there are probably a lot of albums out there that could make a best-of list for 2008.
The same goes for my best-of list for movies, but I feel I have a pretty good grasp on movies since there are less of them. Another disclaimer: I don’t claim to be a movie critic, I just like what I like and don’t like what I don’t like. So, here they are, my top 10 movies of 2008:
10. Tropic Thunder
Funny parody of Hollywood here and a stellar cast. Robert Downey steals the show in my opinion. And don’t get fooled by those commercials before the feature presentation if you happen to watch it in theaters.
9. Wanted
Just a badass movie. Great special effects. Angelina Jolie just happens to be attractive and fun to watch in this one, and you can never go wrong with Morgan Freeman. Great action sequences that will just make you go “What??!!”
8. Pineapple Express
This movie combines comedy and action and boasts some of the most ridiculous fight scenes in the history of cinema. It’s more than just a stoner movie, adding comedic depth to a seemingly overdone theme. And Danny Mcbride who plays “Red” in the movie is freakin hilarious…you’ll also find him playing an over-zealous pyrotechnics expert in Tropic Thunder…he has a future ahead of him…
7. The Visitor
This movie totally snuck up on me this year…it was playing down the street from my house at the dollar theater . Usually the dollar theater will sneak a decent indie flick in its lineup and it looked interesting so I checked it out. It’s heartwarming yet totally depressing and reminds us that no matter what kind of people we happen to be or where we’re from, we typically have more in common than we think we do.
6. Burn After Reading
This Coen Brothers movie is completely ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time. Similar to most other Coen Brothers’ movies, characters are what drives the story. Each character is completely clueless to the world around them. Even the character that seems to have it together is inevitably ousted as a complete doofus. This movie is a smart comedy that won’t inspire much at all but is good for a great laugh.
5. Vicky Christina Barcelona
It seems most people either hate Woody Allen or really like him. I happen to fall in the really like him category. ”Vicky” is typical Woody Allen with controversial behavior from his characters infused with romantic dilemmas. It’s a recipe for a great movie. Factor in the incredible cinematography showcasing the beautiful Spanish landscape and you’ve got yourself a winner.
4. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Another success from the Apatow crew. I really don’t think these guys make bad movies. This particular story is unique because romantic comedies don’t typically center around the perspective of the guy in the breakup. Usually it’s the girl who’s completely devastated. The tables are turned in this one and Jason Segel pulls it off and then some. A great supporting cast including my future wife, Kristin Bell, really provide the backbone to this great comedy.
3. In Bruges
Colin Farrell hasn’t had that great of a track record lately. But this “mob” movie is a breath of fresh air from his usual crap. Not only is this movie funny as hell, it has the quirky storytelling reminiscent of movies like “Snatch” and “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”. One of the great surprises of 2008.
2. Iron Man
It was a great year for Robert Downey Jr. He makes the list twice and rightfully so. He dominated this movie and really portrayed Tony Stark better than I think anyone else could. The special effects were great in this one and jeff bridges played a fantastic villain. Jon Favreau has always impressed me and I’ll blindly see anything he puts out. (I totally did not know he directed “Elf” by the way) I can’t wait to get this one on DVD.
1. The Dark Night
This wouldn’t have been a tough guess. I’ve had a tough time admitting this was better than the original motion picture version. But, this is without a doubt the best Batman EVER! This one had high expectations with everyone, and when I say high, I mean Everest-like. Dark Night lived up to every one of them and then some. I’m already looking forward to the next installment. And if you haven’t seen this yet, well, there’s not much else I can say than I feel sorry for you. (But don’t worry, they’re re-releasing it in theaters in January…I’ll probably see you there for repeated viewing)
So that was it…if you think I missed something, leave it in the comments.
Also, I’ve posted a list below of movies that have been or will be released in 2008 that I heard were awesome and expect to like:
Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Synecdoche, New York
Man on Wire
