Year in Movies: 2008

I did it last year, so why not again this year? Plus, who doesn't like making a best/worst list? So here are my favorites from the past year.

Note: Obviously, these are only the movies that I've seen, and only the films that were released in 2008. And, since it's only 2008 films, I plan on updating this list if a 2008-released movie impresses me (or disgusts me).

Best of 2008

Slumdog Millionaire

Being a huge Batman fan, I didn't think there was any way I'd like a film this year more than The Dark Knight. I was wrong. Danny Boyle directs this wonderful movie that greatly deserves all the accolades it's receiving. There was never a moment when I wasn't completely enthralled in the story. The movie essentially takes place over three time periods (flashbacks, in a way) and the execution of the time shifting was perfect. The Indian cast was terrific and even the young actors were amazingly good. There are simply not enough words to express how good this film is. Make sure you don't miss seeing this movie.

The Dark Knight

No doubt about this one. Christopher Nolan has created a near-masterpiece of a film. This isn't a standard "comic book movie"; it's more of a crime drama set in Batman's Gotham City. Heath Ledger picked up a well-deserved Oscar win for his amazing portrayal of the Joker, Christian Bale provides depth never before seen to Bruce Wayne/Batman, Aaron Eckhart is outstanding as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, and the rest of the characters are excellent and perfectly cast. Easily one of the best films of 2008, and a film that redefines what a "comic book movie" can be.

Iron Man

A great performance by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Ironman puts this film on the same level as Spiderman 2 in terms of excellent comic book adaptions. Even as a typical superhero origin story, it goes above and beyond many similar movies due to a strong script and some excellent acting. The action scenes are well done and overall the movie is highly entertaining and re-watchable, which is one of the greatest compliments a film like this can have.

Let the Right One In

This is one of those movies that I heard so many good things about that I was afraid it would be disappointing when I watched it. It wasn't. At it's heart, it's a beautiful tale about the friendship that forms between a lonely boy and a lonely girl; the girl just happens to be a vampire. This is a foreign film, so it won't be everyone's cup of tea; you'll be missing one of 2008's truly terrific films though.

Transsiberian

One of the best true thrillers that I've seen, Transsiberian is an excellent, well-crafted film. Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer star as an American couple travelling on the titular railroad after leaving Beijing. After meeting another couple on the train, they become embroilled in a tense game of seduction, suspense, and violence. Mortimer is truly amazing - her performance is Oscar-worthy (even if few realized it). Ben Kingsley is also terrific as the detective who is at the center of all the trouble. Well-written and well-directed, this is a damn good thriller with an excellent mix of suspense and drama.

The Bank Job

Jason Stratham leads the cast of this "based on a true story" British bank heist film; one of the more memorable heist films that I've seen in a while. Outside of his usual action-hero oriented zone, Stratham is solid as Terry, the leader of a ragged crew put together to steal a safety deposit box from London's Lloyd Bank. The robbery itself is brilliantly exectued and fun to watch. It loses a bit of steam in the end, but overall this movie is a fun and tense drama; definitely worth a look for anyone who's missed it.

In Bruges

Colin Farrell (who won a Golden Globe for his performance) and Brenden Gleeson are outstanding in this comedy about two hitmen hiding out in Bruges after Farrell's character accidentally kills a young boy on a job. This film got a lot more exposure after its Golden Globe nominations, and deservedly so; it's a fun film that is powered by its location and actors (including Ralph Fienes in a supporting role).

Speed Racer

Stylish and visually stunning, Speed Racer is also one heck of a fun ride. A lot was made of the special effects, and they deliver - it's unlike anything you've seen before. But they wouldn't matter if the movie wasn't any good, and thankfully it is - if you go in realizing that this is a kid's movie made for adults. Expect some corny dialogue and some cute, family-oriented scenes, but the story is designed for adults. That's probably why the film failed to connect with a lot of people, but I enjoyed it immensely.

Quantum of Solace

While not the best Bond film (Casino Royale, among others, was superior), it is a highly entertaining action flick. Daniel Craig is again excellent as 007, and Olga Kurylenko is very good as the Bond girl; in this case, a Russian looking for revenge on the same people Bond is chasing. I love how it picks up right after Royale ended - the ongoing storyline is a first for the Bond series, and I think it really provided an interesting approach. I do think it was missing too many of the classic Bond elements, but it was still a fun ride.

Gran Torino

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this drama about a cranky, Korean War veteran, retired auto worker who is forced to accept the people in his old neighborhood, including his Hmong neighbors. Eastwood growls and snarls, and is generally perfect for the role. The movie is funny and touching, and entertaining. It's also somewhat predictable and some of the acting isn't great - Bee Vang, who plays the Hmong boy that Eastwood takes under his wing, is sometimes painful to watch - but the movie's strengths greatly make up for those. I wouldn't call it one of Eastwood's best films, but it's one of his more memorable characters in recent years.

Worst of 2008

The Promotion

When I first heard of this film, I thought it had potential: a small-scale comedy about two men competing for the same grocery store manager job. That potential did not translate to a good movie. It was about as bland and unfunny as a "comedy" can get - something I never expected with Seann William Scott and John C. Reily as the two lead characters. But the biggest problem was that the "competition" for the promotion was never interesting; and when that's the premise of the movie you know it's in trouble.

Hancock

You can't go wrong with a summer action movie starring Will Smith, right? Wrong. The creators of this flick took an interesting concept (a superhero who doesn't care) and turned it into a mess of a movie. The first half of the film isn't bad - the comedic aspects are quite good, and Smith is solid when he's got something to work with. But the second half completely misses the mark - the film becomes more serious and loses all resemblance of plausibility and believability. It also forgets to actually be fun.

X-Files: I Want to Believe

This wasn't necessarily a bad movie, but it definitely didn't live up to its name. It came across as a standard crime drama - there wasn't anything to make it feel like you were watching an X-Files movie (besides Mulder and Scully) and it didn't have any kind of scope - it'd be a decent plot line for a weekly television show, but nothing more. Only rabid X-Files fans need apply to this one.

Step Brothers

I never thought I'd put two John C. Reily movies in a "worst" list, but this year stood out for him. This film actually had its moments and the rivalry/friendship between Reily and Will Ferrell was usually entertaining, but a movie this ridiculous and stupid can't be saved by actors alone. It's not the worst Ferrell film (Blades of Glory gets that honor), but there's no way I can recommend this either.

Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls

Once again, the fifth spot on the list goes to a film that was disappointing rather than truly bad. I was definitely anticipating the return of Harrison Ford as Indy; and while Ford didn't disappoint, the rest of the people involved did. A weak script, implausible action sequences, and bland characters paved the way for a forgettable Indiana Jones movie, something I never thought I'd have to say.