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The Best Movies of 2008
Many people have said that 2008 was a lousy year for movies.
Quite frankly, I don’t know what the hell they’re talking about.
There is simply no way that any year that produces films as good as the ones that made this list can qualify as a bad year - not by any stretch of my imagination. Call me an optimist, but when I get to see more films as good as these, I will consider myself all the more enlightened and entertained.
Per my policy, I have included only films that played in the Dayton area in 2008. That means you’ll see a few 2007 copyrights in this list, and you won’t see films that won’t get here until next year, like Revolutionary Road or The Wrestler. (I haven’t screened them yet myself.) Perhaps you’ll see them in this space next year. For now, here are 20 films that provided the brightest lights in a darkened theater. All films are on DVD, except as noted.
First, the runners-up, in alphabetical order: If a title has a link, it goes to the full review.
Atonement: A fascinating and ultimately wrenching look at the elusive nature of truth, with events seen from multiple vantage points. Director Joe Wright, who also made Pride and Prejudice with this movie’s star, Keira Knightley, has a way of making period pieces seem kinetic.
Australia: Baz Luhrmann’s much-maligned epic is messy and unwieldy. but filled with a unique, vibrant kind of love for movies you simply don’t find anywhere else. (In theaters)
The Bank Job: Hey, look - a Jason Statham movie that isn’t just empty calories, but a crackling retelling of an incredible-but-true British heist!
Bolt: An encouraging, often hilarious sign that Disney is on its way back to greatness. (In theaters)
Burn After Reading: Many people thought the Coen Brothers were making just another oddball lark. Look again - it cuts a little deeper.
Kung Fu Panda: DreamWorks’ best animated film since Over the Hedge.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day: OK, predictable choice since it stars a favorite of mine, Amy Adams. Sue me.
Pineapple Express: Wow. The first cinematic stoner comedy. And it’s hilarious to boot! (On DVD Jan. 6)
The Visitor: Attention Academy members: Not all great performances are loud and showy. Exhibit A: Richard Jenkins’ sterling work in this movie.
Young @ Heart: Sometimes this documentary about a senior citizens chorus gets self-consciously cute, but when they sang their version of Coldplay’s “Fix You,” my heart melted.
The 10 best, after the jump:
10. Rachel Getting Married: For years I have been saying that Anne Hathaway is a great actress. This year, a lot of people caught up with me after her searing turn as the hard luck member of a heartbroken family. (On DVD March 17)
9.Doubt: Meryl Streep. Philip Seymour Hoffman. Amy Adams. Viola Davis. Taken purely as an acting showcase, this is the best movie in theaters right now.
8. Happy Go Lucky: As the film started, I wondered, can someone really be as indomitably happy as Sally Hawkins’ character? By the end I was convinced that at the very least, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try to be more like her. Another gem from director Mike Leigh. (On DVD March 10)
7. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days: One incredible film that is shattering, no matter how one feels about abortion.
6. Man on Wire: For 94 exhilarating minutes, the Twin Towers stand tall again, thanks to the story of the man who walked a tightrope between them.
5. The Dark Knight: How to make a superhero movie that truly excels? Simple. Make a gripping crime thriller first that just happens to have people with costumes and scary makeup.
4. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: Through incredible point-of-view shots, this film brought me inside the mind of a man who could only communicate by blinking one eye. Extraordinary.
3. There Will Be Blood: Milkshake, anyone?
2. Slumdog Millionaire: This tale of a poor young man who wins big on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, only to be accused of cheating, goes on the short list of films I will turn to whenever I need a burst of energy, along with Singin’ in the Rain. Joyous. Don’t miss it. (In theaters)
1. WALL-E: After calling three friends the first night I saw it, going on to see it four more times, getting my own WALL-E robot for my birthday and declaring this one of the best animated films of all time, I couldn’t very well keep this transcendent masterpiece out of the top spot, could I?
For a compare/contrast, check out the list by fellow Cox blogger Zack McGhee.
Now you tell me: what were the best films of 2008 for you?
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Comments
By Gerald Wood
January 2, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
When I first heard of Wall-E I thought iT was a childrens film. When I watched it, I was amazed at a robot love story. IT WAS AWESOMEBy SRCputt
January 1, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
I’ve seen the top 6, and I’d probably put Wall-E at the top as well, but I can’t forget There Will Be Blood. That was great filmmaking at a level most directors wouldn’t even try today.By ron
January 1, 2009 1:14 AM | Link to this
cant wait to see wall-e… thot there will be blood was disappointing… looking forward to anything by the coens and expect that every other of their movies will be disliked by most credits and then reappraised… LOVED 4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days… one of the strongest, most watchable movies i’ve seen in a few years… thx for a good list!!