Top 10 of 2008

Now that 2008 has come and gone, I can reflect on the ten films I consider represent the best in filmmaking. I'm not sure if I find these films the "best" of the year, or if they are my favorites... the list is probably a weird marriage of both. Keep in mind that I probably haven't come close to seeing every single movie released last year, but these are the ones that stuck with me...

10) Gran Torino: If this is Clint Eastwood's swan song (as an actor), he went out with a bang. The movie isn't perfect, with some iffy dialogue and one-dimensional antagonists. But Eastwood's simple yet confident direction and lead performance makes this film feel more important than it might be.

9) Revolutionary Road: Yes, it's Kate and Leo reuniting after 11 years... but the brutally honest and tragic portrayal of their characters and relationship makes being on the Titanic seem like a more pleasant experience. Not an easy film to sit through, but the two lead performances are absolutely spectacular.

8) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Stunning visuals and aging effects, but more importantly, a film about people who seem real. David Fincher may have seemed an odd choice for the subject matter, but he's crafted the most humanizing and touching film of his career. The film does run long with no real plot, but the examination of life and death is something everyone can relate to.

7) Forgetting Sarah Marshall: Consistently hysterical but with a heart. The whole film is perfectly cast and well-written. One of the best of the Apatow-produced flicks so far.

6) Iron Man: Who would have guessed that a movie based on a C-level comic book hero starring an unbankable/troubled star and directed by "Pete" from Friends would end up being so good. Robert Downey Jr. is perfectly cast as Tony Stark, with his supporting cast providing solid performances. From start to finish, it's popcorn entertainment at its best.

5) Frost/Nixon: I don't usually care for Ron Howard's pictures, but this one seemed different from the others. The subject matter was compelling, and the two leads did a phenomenal job inhabiting their characters. For a film whose bulk is composed of two men talking, you'd be surprised how engaged and on the edge of your seat you'll find yourself.

4) The Wrestler: This film holds a special place with me because of it's frank and honest portrayal of professional wrestling, which I am an avid fan of. Simple, yet stunningly effect, thanks in majority to Mickey Rourke's oscar-caliber performance. He seriously owns this film and gives it his all.

3) Wall-E: Pixar are among the best in the world when it comes to telling stories with images, and Wall-E may be their crowning achievement thus far. A simple story that somehow manages to draw you in and keep you stuck in its world. Add in compelling characters, commentary on the state of the world, and huge entertainment value, you have one of the best pictures of the year.

2) Slumdog Millionaire: A film that has everything. You'll find yourself laughing, scared, sad, elated, and just about every other emotion during this two hour ride. Danny Boyle's directing style doesn't seem like it would mesh well with this story, but it surprisingly does, creating a visually arresting film with a hero that you can't help but root for.

1) The Dark Knight: What else can be said about Christopher Nolan's crime masterpiece? A truly epic film that will question your own values and continually haunt you. The film transcends the "comic book" genre and establishes itself as a mature, thought-provoking piece of art that only gets better with subsequent viewings.