Movies of 2008: A Look Back// Part One: My Top 16

Evening, children. 2008 is over and what a year that was. Well, for movies anyway. Studios started doing comic book movies right, 3D was continuing on its comeback, and the slew of remakes. 2008 was a year for geeks to drool in delight as their favorite franchises hit the big screen, often with success. Not only did the supernerds like myself walk out of movies with big dopey smiles on our faces, but the film snobs (a category I also fall under) were given some great films just in time for Oscar season. Actors made comebacks onto the silver-screen, and some have reminded us why we love them in the first place or gained back respect; such as Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke and (debatable) Harrison Ford. Then there was Sylvester Stallone, with another "meh" movie checked off his bucket list. Since this particular year had such a great variety, I'm not doing a top ten. I'm listing my top sixteen films. Why sixteen? Like McCain's decision to pick Sarah Palin as a running mate, this is a decision pulled completely out of my ass. Also I kept banging my head against the wall to figure out what will go on the ten spot. So I figured sixteen sounds fair. Let's get this started, shall we? Take my hand and let us begin this journey already.

MY TOP 16 FILMS

16. Cloverfield
With all the hype taking place during 2007, I usually forget that this film was an '08 release. Not only that, but one of the first big releases of the year. And on top of that; it was a January release that kicked ass. I've been known to jump or get tense during horror films in theaters, but this holds the honor as the first (and only so far) horror film to make me scream out loud in a theater. This movie starts off with a slow build-up but when it hits you like a bolt of lightning, it never lets down. This is a unique thrill ride of a film that takes a creative spin on a formulaic sci-fi/horror sub-genre known as the "Monster Movie." No bad dubs, no scientists to explain everything to you and you spend 80 minutes with characters who are just as clueless as the viewer. You share the horrifying ordeal with them without getting maimed. This movie was pure genius, as far as monster movies go.

15. Choke

Just got the book, which I plan to start reading soon. I've been told the book is better than the movie, and if it is: this book must be fantastic. While this film was not the best comedy I've seen this year, it never goes dull and succeeds to make us laugh and/or cringe. Not a whole lot to say, because (as I said earlier) I still have yet to read the book. It's now sitting on top of a stack of books I need to get started on. But I will say the whole movie was hilarious and highly entertaining. If you enjoy Fight Club, there really is no reason to miss this.

14. JCVD

Okay, truth time: I have never, until now, seen an entire Jean Claude Van Damme film from beginning to end. Oh, I've known about him most of my life, but I never really got around to watching any of his movies. I do remember seeing ads on USA back in the 90's announcing a marathon of his films. I remember ads for Street Fighter movie, and have seen parts of the movie. So, I went into this movie knowing little about his work. But I knew enough about the actor to get the film. First, I know this isn't usually a good thing to say about a movie, but my favorite moments are the first maybe ten minutes. It begins with a mock-sequence for production company logo. Then there is an explosive title sequence that delivers what I presume show the motifs of a usual Van Damme film. It features Van Damme kicking all sorts of ass, shooting bad guys left and right, stabbing, throwing grenades, it's all quite a sight. You get a reminder of why he was a star in the first place. It's all done in one take, which is very impressive (I love long takes), and frankly, I loved the film's opening theme, "Hard Times" by Baby Huey. It really fit the whole sequence. If I had a list of favorite long one-take sequences, this would rank pretty high. It all closes with a set malfunction and Van Damme complaining to an Asian director, to which he replies "He still thinks we're making Citizen Kane?" A great action sequence that ends with big (intentional) laughs. The film really starts off on the right track. From then on, the film shows sides of Van Damme the world has not seen before. The JCVD with a sense of self-deprecating humor, and the JCVD with heart; bearing his soul to the audience. The film is a great crime thriller/comedy that plays off like most great hostage films do, but with one gimmick to spice it up: a (considered) washed-up movie star in the ultimate comeback. The flick isn't all JC kicking ass and taking names, and I feel it is part of the film's strength. It gives JCVD a chance to show he really can act. Could this be a comeback for JCVD? Maybe in the French-speaking market. I mean, only there can he really make a film like this. This is what Pauly Shore Is Dead could've been. Let's hope Van Dammes' career takes a turn for the better after this.

13. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

I may not be a huge fan of romantic comedies, but I've been known to love a few of the rom-coms that come sweeping down the pike. This was one of them. Behind Zack and Miri, this is my favorite romantic comedy of the year. Jason Seigel holds his own in the leading role, and gracefully carrying his hilarious screenplay that doesn't try to be all cutesy and can appeal to both genders. We've all felt the misery of a break-up that Peter (our protagonist) felt, and many of us have had to deal with that ex in a location that's difficult to escape. The script captures the notion almost perfectly, and the film has a great message that our best friends often feed us upon a break-up: often times, if it didn't work out, it probably wasn't meant to be. I laughed hard and frequently, and am intrigued by the Dracula musical. The best thing Judd Apatow has produced this year, that's for sure.

12. Young People F**king

I never thought I'd say this in a million years, but I watched Young People F***ing...and I liked it. This is what most sex comedies fail to be. It's like Clerks meets American Pie. The film creative divides the various stages of sexual liaisons between a collective of sexual partners. There's the platonic friends, the ex's, the blind date, the guy asked by his roommate to have sex with his girlfriend while he watches, and the long-term couple. It is divided by the before-sex chit-chat, the foreplay, the sex, the interlude, the orgasm and finally, the afterglow. It's very smartly written, and has a great cast that really make this comedy work. I'm not a huge fan of sex comedies, because it's too easy to dismiss. But where it differs from most sex comedies is that it is not gross for grossness sake, and not over-the-top. It's brutally honest and furiously funny. Also, while raunchy, it's surprisingly tamer than I thought it would be.

11. Funny Games US

Sadly, I feel like the only man on the planet who dug the hell out of this movie. People who know who liked it, liked it. The people who didn't never just disliked it, but freaking hated it. This was easily my favorite remake this year. Of course, with the original's director behind the American adaptation, there isn't that much of a difference...right? Wrong. Sure it's shot-by-shot, most of the dialogue is about the same, but this version is oddly creepier to me. The villains in the original are quite different from the original duo, as they are less like Hannibal Lector and more like Alexander DeLarge from A Clockwork Orange. Their seemingly cheerier demeanor comes off as more eerie as they engage in their unspeakable acts with a more boyish glee. There is still that irritating nearly-ten-minute static shot that Michael Haneke didn't bother to change. It's almost as if he started the take and said "Okay, everyone! Lunch break!" and left Naomi Watts and Tim Roth in the room to do their thing. But with the criticism for pacing aside, it is a film made with great skill and had, like the original, is disturbing sadistic fun. The two villains are just plain fascinating to watch. Also, it is worth noting that Michael Pitt stole the show. I see him as a combination between Alexander DeLarge and Benoit from Man Bites Dog.

10. Speed Racer

All the pretentious critics out there and IMDB trolls (you know- the twelve year old kids who think they know everything about movies, and that calling a movie and its fans "gay" passes for an argument and know what the "WURST MOVEE EVER" [sic] really is?) will probably crucify me for this: but I had an absolute blast with this movie. It wasn't just the bright pretty colors that enticed me throughout the experience: it was the heart-pounding action in the car chases. In any other movie, the "Car Fu" would've been re-G.D.-diculous. Yet, somehow, it worked in this film. Yes, I'll grant it that the film is not a fast-paced as the cartoon and, at times, comes off as maybe a little self-indulgent. However, as a big, dumb summer film, it served it's purpose. I saw some great effects, fun characters (with the exception of Spritle), and some great mindless thrills. I walked out excited. It may have been silly, but it was also a piece of toast buttered on both sides with awesome. And come off it, guys: you say it's bad, but is it reeeallly worse than The Matrix Revolutions?

9. Slumdog Millionaire

This movie is catching quite a buzz and rightfully so. I may not buy in as much to the hype of the film, but I will say it is a great example of ingenious storytelling. It seems unlikely that a "slumdog" could make it far on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire just because each question coincidentally has a connection with the young man's traumatic yet eventful life. Thing is, though, as an audience: you don't care about the unlikelihood. You're cheering for the underdog all the way. Also, as the film states when addressing any concern about the realism: "It is written." Like with fundamental Christianity- the attitude to take is "sit down, shut up, accept what you're told." And for once, I'm happy with that expectation. The way the story is told is brilliant and compelling. It starts off with everything sucking for our hero, but in the end...well, I dare you to walk out of that film with a happy feeling.

8. Let The Right One In

Vampire flicks seem to be back in vogue this year. Teens across America are all in heat over Twilight...God knows why. Somehow it became a success so kudos for that. However, I have found a far better vampire movie this year and it's Let The Right One In. It's a sweet little love story with enough blood and gore to satisfy horror fans. There is a remake in the works (go figure) but I urge you to watch the original. It's not only a better vampire movie than Twilight...it's one of the best movies I've seen all year.

7. Synecdoche New York

Work of genius or the complete opposite? This is one of those movies I was really excited about this year, being a huge fan of the films Charlie Kaufman had written, and Philip Seymour Hoffman being one of my favorite actors. So did I love this movie? Trust is... I think so. On one hand, I loved this movie. I think it had an interesting plot, and the performances are fantastic. Like all of Kaufman's scripts, it's extremely surreal and original. On the other hand, it seemed that Charlie Kaufman tried to be more clever than he truly is. Some parts of the film felt like it was simply being weird for weirdness sake. There are so many time jumps that for a while it is hard to keep up. At one point, for example, Hoffman's character's daughter goes from three years old one day, to ten the next, then suddenly thirty. Now I sound like I'm knocking on the movie, so I'll speak highly of it now. After all, it had to have been good to be on my "Best Of" list. So what's good about it? Well, for one: it's a Charlie Kaufman movie! Fans know what they're in for: some quirky quirky material, and it is quirky material moviegoers will get. It's not for the average moviegoer. One quality I like about it is that this is the kind of movie that you walk out of with mixed feelings at least, and in time you think more and more about what you saw. In time it sounds more and more appealing and you want to see it again. So that's got to be worth some points, right? Is this Charlie Kaufman's best work? Not by any stretch of the imagination. Is it good for a directorial debut? Yeah. Does Hoffman knock it out of the park? Well, when doesn't he? It may not be the greatest film this year, but it's one that won't be out of my head anytime soon. It's frequently funny, sometimes depressing, always bizarre.

6. The Wrestler

From the director of one of the most depressing films of the last decade, Requiem for a Dream, comes another moving and depressing piece of cinematic brilliance. Darren Aronofsky lets go of his visual trademarks before they became his gimmick (snorricams for example) and made a pretty straight indie film, but it still packs of wallop of pathos. Unlike Requiem, though, there are some really uplifting moments in this film. This is considered a comeback for Mickey Rourke, though people forget how great he was in Sin City. Still, that doesn't change the fact that he really takes it and runs with his portrayal as a professional wrestler. This may be the best performance of his entire career. Personally, I can't stand professional wrestling. I always considered it the bottom of the barrel in sports entertainment (behind NASCAR), and really just for loud drunken rednecks who love to start bar fights. However, the film gives a fascinating look into the world behind the curtain, with Rourke as our guide. You find yourself rooting for him, and wishing he would do the right thing. Visually, it's quite a departure for director Aronofsky, but he still made one of the best films of the year. He tones down the fast-cuts and extreme close-ups and intense soundtrack and lets the performances alone move you and it succeeds admirably. If I have one complaint, Clint Mansell's score doesn't exactly grab you by the throat with great force like his scores have for Pi and Requiem for a Dream. But Bruce Springsteen's titular end theme is a pretty nice closer to the film.

5. Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Over 14 years ago, a woman goes to a video store in Leonardo New Jersey with her young daughter, in order to find a copy of a children's film called Happy Scrappy Hero Pup. Imagine her surprise when the store's clerk is on the phone ordering pornographic video tapes with horribly and hilariously obscene titles that I dare not repeat. Now Randal can add "Star Whores" and "Swallow My Cockuccino" to that list. Now, I just know I'm going to get some biases thrown my way. One, because I'm a huge fan of Kevin Smith. Two, I was an extra. However, I can throw those factors aside and seriously say this was one of the funniest movies I've seen this year. Smith, after closing the Askewniverse for good with Clerks II (my most favorite film of 2006), brings in Seth Rogen (one of this years big comedy stars) and creates not only a hilariously filthy comedy but also a very sweet romantic comedy. Like all of Smith's romantic films, there are moments that tug at your heart and the ending is very satisfying. While Smith has taken on some new territory, it is still very much a Smith film. It's still got the quick wit, relatable characters, and love for skewering popular culture. Everybody seemed fit for the role and seemed to have all had a great time filming the movie. This is a fun film to watch, a great date movie, and a big step in Smith's career. And with Red State on the way, it's obvious Smith is quite finished with the Askewniverse and ready to take on bigger and better things.

4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This was the film I really didn't expect to like as much as I did. I went in not expecting too much, despite the worst thing I've heard about it was that it drags on. No way. Doubt drags on. Like The Dark Knight: despite its length, it's very tightly knit and the two and a half hours go by pretty fast as your become immersed into the story and wowed by the performances. This film is not just brilliant storytelling but also dazzling in its achievements in special effects. Every Oscar for visual effects and make-up need to go to this film. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchet (whom I last saw in a show-stealing performance in I'm Not There as Bob Dylan- who again shows us why she's one of the best) are so into their roles that this fairy tale never feels too much like other fantasy films. I hear some people complaining about the length. I think, for a flick that lasted almost three hours, it actually kind of flew on by until maybe the last half-hour. I'll admit, the last parts of the film did not have the excitement and magic of the rest of the film. But considering I had very low expectations going into the flick, and how much the last flick I saw in theaters was a massive disappointment (Doubt), this movie was pretty awesome. There are strong performances, a great adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald story, and pretty dazzling special effects at hand. Not a bad night in the cinema at all.

3. Frost/Nixon

We've seen Richard Nixon being impersonated and parodied many times over the decades in films like Nixon, Dick, and Futurama. However, I am going to say right now that Frank Langella is the best film Nixon, even if the voice can come off as a little exaggerated. He still disappears into the role and shows us both the intense side of Nixon and even maybe a little sympathetic. I watched parts of the real Frost/Nixon interviews of 1977, and they kept fairly close to the real thing in the film. The film especially clicked with me because I have always been fascinated by infamous moments in television history. The moments that raised eyebrows, broke ground, and maybe caused an outcry from the public, I just love watching those moments and YouTube and reading about them. And those interviews were especially infamous and important because it was a journalist coming in for the kill and throwing hard-hitting questions to a politician in a time where it was wrong to ask questions. Director Ron Howard and the cast did a fantastic job at capturing the events, building the tension and made a truly compelling film. This is definitely my favorite Ron Howard film. I want to see this film walk away with a Best Actor Oscar for Michael Sheen or Frank Langella. Two of the finest performances this year, and one of the finest films of the year. Not only that, but it reminds us that we need a journalist to completely bitch-slap George W. Bush in the near future. How about it, Frost?

2. Religulous

Finally, with Christians flocking to see films like Passion of the Christ and Fireproof- the agnostics, atheists, and other "godless heathens" get a film! Bill Maher, known for being openly opposed to organized religion, embarks on a "spiritual journey" to various parts of America and vast holy lands. And Maher brings his sharp wit with him. There are so many great things about this movie. One: just because it's opposed to religion doesn't mean it can't be even-handed. Maher's film is very fair and balanced. I can't say Christian "documentarians" can, or will, pull that off. He never says "Christianity is bullshit". In fact, he agrees (like myself) that Jesus' message is one that should be upheld. That, of course, is to be loving and understanding to your neighbor. He is simply pointing out where religion is not being carried out right and some bizarre plot points in the Bible. For example, there are other religions, established before Christ, that have eerily similar back-stories for their respective messiahs. He talks to some Christians that I will seriously give credit to for taking part in the film without being hostile. At one point he even thanks them for what most Christians fail at: "Thanks for being Christ-like and not just Christians." On the other end, he encounters some wacky religious nuts, a Christian-theme amusement park with people cheering for the "death" of "Christ", and many more. Now for the filmmaking itself- truly brilliant direction from Borat director and former Seinfeld writer Larry Charles. It feels like Borat inasmuch as director Charles finds some crazy people and lets them be themselves. The editing is effective with fantastic juxtapositioning of various clips from obscure films, cartoons, viral videos and gay porn to really give the jokes a hard punch-line. This is a documentary that is fast, funny and thought provoking. Even some Christians will agree that it is a well-made film from the gospel of "I Don't Know." And being someone who's been in a so-called "Crisis of Faith" for years now, I appreciated a film like this. Also, there is a serious message to it: continue to carry out religion as you do (to justify violence) it will be those actions that bring about the end of the world, not the second coming of your respective prophets.

1. The Dark Knight

Oh, everyone is adding this towards the top of the list. Usually my lists go in a complete other direction. No Country for Old Men was towards the bottom of my list last year, and The Departed took the #2 spot in 2006. However, this year I am completely on board with most of the other critics and fans out there. This is, hands down, the best Batman movie ever created. Director Christopher Nolan, so far in his take of the franchise, dropped the campy aspects of the Burton/Shumacher franchise and made a Batman movie the way it should be. Batman is different from the other heroes because he is a regular guy who just happens to have vast wealth and skill in the martial arts, and finally there are his keen detection skills. The Dark Knight perfectly upholds this idea, and the result is a compelling crime drama that keeps the audience hooked. The film has an Oscar-caliber cast that makes the Nolan-verse believable, or more believable than the Burton/Shumacher films. Every actor knocked it out of the park, the direction is perfect. Even the one problem people tend to have with it doesn't bug me at all: the length. Seriously, it's sad that the average American attention span is so short. I already reviewed this movie on the blog a few months ago, so there isn't much to say now. But I will say this was a movie I can watch over and over for it's terrific handling of the source material and the incredible performances.

There you have it. My top 16.

COMING NEXT TIME:
Honorable mentions, the best movie of 2007 nobody saw 'til 2008, and awards.