2008 Movies in Review - Part 1

I try to do a year in review when it comes to movies, but the problem is that movies to me are relatively disposable entertainment. Without a list of what came out, it's actually kind of hard to remember what I've seen. The crap movie list probably won't fill out until next year, when IMDB does their end of the year page. But thanks to Rotten Tomatoes and NetFlix, the top should fill out well. Starting the year in review kind of early, but I think I got a good start. A fair amount of these are already on DVD.

So In order of preference:

Highly Recommended

Slumdog Millionaire - I think the vision and scope of this film, is perhaps the grandest of any movie I've seen this year. How a movie seems to accomplish so much, wow is all I can say. What can Danny Boyle not direct (besides a stalker movie)? *Added 1/1

Wall-E - Yeah I said it. Wall E before Dark Knight. Suck it. But seriously. Arguably more impressive than Keith Ledger's performance was the sheer amount of emotion this movie contained, and how that emotion was portrayed by animated mimes. There's no dialog from the principle characters, yet everyone in the theater teared up. This movie proves that less is more.

Batman, The Dark Knight - Underwhelming act 3, and average performance from Christian Bale do bring the movie down from what I would call one of the top breakout acting performances of my lifetime. Kieth was known before this movie, but after this movie, but watching him perform here is like watching a pitcher throw a perfect game at the World Series.

Mongol - This year had few epic sword and sandal movies. But this one ranks up there with the best of them. It's movies like this one that gives me a reason to keep tabs on what's playing in the Limited release market. Best Cinematography of the year. I really want the sequels to get made.

Che, Part 1 - Benico Del Toro's best role. There are some major acting performances I haven't seen, but I can tell you this one deserves an acting nomination. *Added 1/1

Bigger Stronger Faster* - This documentary deserves kudos alone for challenging conventional wisdom. Add to it its slightly whimsical nature, and well researched and advocated position, it takes the approach of a Michael Moore and Morgon Spurlock film, and ranks among the best of its class.

Tropic Thunder - What can Robert Downing Jr. not do? Funniest movie of the year. Also best ensemble cast performance of the year.

Iron Man
In Search of a Midnight Kiss
The Bank Job
Milk
W.
Kung Fu Panda
Hellboy II - The Golden Army

Recommended

Elite Squad *Added 12/1
Traitor
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Religulous
Gran Torino *Added 1/1
The Promotion
Step Brothers
Transporter 3 *Added 1/1
Red Cliff *(Note that this is the Asian cut [1 part of a 2 parter], not the 2.5hr single film version)

Watchable


Kabluey
Chicago 10
Sukiyaki Western Django
In Bruges *Added 11/17
Burn After Reading
Hancock
Choke *Added 1/1
Balls Out *Added 1/1
Cass *Added 1/1

Not Recommended


The Incredible Hulk
Cloverfield