It's Here! The Top Ten of 2008
Here it finally is folks, the top 10 movies of 2008, according to ME! As always, I present them in ascending order. Feel free to drumroll before you get to number 1!
10. Diary of the Dead
I realize this one isn’t a very popular entry on top ten lists this year, but I felt like Romero did deserve at least some props to growing a pair and returning to his roots of independently financed zombie flicks.
9. Slumdog Millionaire
Danny Boyle impresses me again. He proves to be a very versatile director by telling a story in a unique layered style with vibrant visuals and energetic music.
8. Pineapple Express
Stoner comedies generally suck bad, but Appatow once again shows us that no matter what you thought about a tired comedy sub-genre, it can still be given a new style and direction. This was absolutely the funniest movie of the year.
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
I must admit I was skeptical when I found out this interesting tale was directed by David Fincher, but the story was completely engaging and the tone and pacing fit so well.
6. Man on Wire
On initial viewing, this documentary about tight rope walking across the World Trade Center struck me as an interesting subject with satisfactory presentation, but the more I ruminated about this one, the more the complete insanity of the situation struck me. I still cannot fathom this feat.
5. Burn After Reading
Not since Fargo have the Coen brothers made something so simultaneously dark and hilarious. Brad Pitt’s bit about making sure your “shit” is secure still makes me laugh.
4. Let the Right One In
My only foreign film on the list. An eerie vampire tale from Sweden. Its smart with a wonderful balance of suspense, atmosphere, and horror.
3. Vicky Christina Barcelona
My Woody Allen bias may have elevated this one a bit, but I thought it had top notch dialogue and some very multi-dimensional characters.
2. Wall-e
I don’t have a Disney/Pixar film at number 1 again this year, but Wall-e did come close. Although it came off as a bit preachy at times, it delivered humor, beauty, style, and a very specific positive message.
1. Dark Knight
You might not agree, but I felt this was one of those rare movies that not only lived up to it’s hype, but surpassed it. Sure, Eckhart’s performance was a little meh, but Ledger’s Joker made Nicholson’s Joker look like a freaking….umm….joke. It had it all. Actions, explosions, a good plot, dynamic character struggles, suspense, and style. Not only was it great in theaters, but make sure you check out all the amazing features on the Blu-ray release. Why so serious!?
I’m with you on Wall-e, although the animation and sound was simply stunning, the ‘preachy’ element just got tiring. I enjoyed Kung Fu Panda more simply because it didn’t try to get a point across as much as Wall-e did.