2008: Top 10 Movies

Sticking to my motto “My Blog, My Rules” this list is comprised of movies I actually saw in 2008, not necessarily released in 2008. I didn’t see too many movies in the theaters; I think only 3 or 4. But I watched about 55 movies through Netflix. Since I'm rating films I saw 11 or 12 months ago, they really had to be memorable. Here’s my Top 10:

1 – The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

This movie has everything: great story, clever writing, good acting, terrific special effects, and the Loch Ness Monster. The only 2 things missing are nudity and beer.



2 – Into the Wild

Initially I thought this film was just a glorified road trip of a misguided kid trying to find himself. But through the film, I was reminded when I was 18 and the world had endless opportunity. Only I wouldn’t have gone to Alaska.



3 – Miss Potter

I never read these children’s books, but Renee Zellwegger in the title role and Ewan McGregor simply radiate on screen. I couldn’t help but smile each time they appeared.

4 – The Dark Knight

I’m actually surprised at myself that a comic book movie appears so high in my list. Heath Ledger was quite good in this and the twists at turns were quite fun. Looking forward to the next film. Wonder who will be the Penguin?



5 – Across the Universe

Ah Julie Taymor! You are the angel that gave us the films “Titus” and “Freda” and Broadway’s “Lion King” and “The Green Bird” and the nifty staging of the opera “The Magic Flute”… I’d follow you anywhere in the universe.



6 – Sex and the City

The girls were at it again and it was fun to see a year in their life. Hats off to Kim Cattrall for being naked with sushi on her body at age 52! And to think, she got her break on Star Trek.



7 – The Orphanage

Truthfully, I can’t remember the details of this film, only remembering it scared the crap out of me.



8 – Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noel)

Not exactly a holiday film, but I really liked this. Takes place in WWI when a bunch of soldiers on opposing sides of the warh ave a cease fire and drink together. Sounds like a porn setup, I know, but it was truly heartwarming.

(couldn't find the trailer except in Chinese, but this scene is cool)



9 – The Golden Compass

I love fantasy movies like this and think Nicole Kidman was terrific. Not sure why this didn’t do as well as it should have at the box office. Oh right, I saw this on rental.



10 – Family Guy: Blue Harvest

Technically not a feature, but Family Guy spoofing Star Wars? Fucking brilliant. I’m sure if I were an über Star Wars geek I would have gotten more of the jokes, but it was still satisfying.



Ok, ok, there were just too many good movies to limit myself to 10. Here’s a few more:

11 – In Bruges

Colin Farrell? Brendan Gleesan? (two great Irish actors) Martin McDonagh? (great Irish writer and director) All set in Bruges… perfect!

12 – Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Yea, it’s kind of “Lord of the Rings” lite, but I still liked it.

13– Juno

Another film I saw early in 2008. I don’t remember much, only that it was clever, charming and made me wish I was pregnant.

14 – The Band’s Visit

This movie about an Egyptian band ending up in the wrong town was in a unique slice of life. I would have loved to have been lost with them too.

15 – Paul Taylor: Dance Maker

Not too many documentaries on my list (not sure why), but this one made me want to get up and dance. Paul Taylor (aka Miss Thing) is brilliant and his creative mind is unparalleled.

16 – Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Why can’t Frances McDormand be in every movie?

17 – Angel-A

This 2005 film wants to be a better movie than it really is. But I don’t care. The hairy, messy Jamel Debbouze can wallow in my movies any time.

18 – Shut Up and Sing

Dixie Chicks take on the world, it seems. Seeing this years after “the incident” makes it all the more ludicrous. Our current president (can’t even say his name) just needs to go away forever.

19 – The Woodsman

I think this is the most difficult film to watch on my list. About a sex offender being released from prison and going back into society. I got this because of Kevin Bacon - tour de force performance - he acts his ass off!

20 – Paprika

I won’t try to say I completely understood this movie. Anime, in general, confuses me. But it was an aural mental mind fuck – a great Saturday night!

Honorable Mention (in no particular order):

Iron Man
Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Once
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
The Invasion
The Incredible Hulk
Then She Found Me
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
The X-files: I Want to Believe
Ghost Town