Well I've finally decided that it's about time to unveil what I considered to be the best films of 2008. I'm no professional critic by any means, but I do run a second blog with film reviews of my own. I don't get paid for it, I simply do it because I love it, and it helps me process what films I've seen critically and also sharpen my reviewing skills. In my humble opinion we've seen a great year in cinema overall, and seeing as how this is awards season in Hollywood and everyone is making lists and handing out awards in anticipation of the Academy Awards on February 22nd, I figured I'd make a "top ten" list of my own. The only problem as I began to compile such a list was that I simply found too many films I liked and had to extend my list to a "top twenty" just to start to include a few of them. These are simply my opinion of course, and I'd love to know what people think about my selections here. I believe they reflect both my tastes and interests, and would heartedly recommend most all of these to anyone interested in seeing a good film. There's a good chance at least one or two of the films on this list escaped your notice this past year and I recommend renting or seeing one of these excellent movies soon! Where possible I've included a link to my original review from my other blog, but in some cases I may not have seen the film originally in theaters so there isn't a review available, or in other cases, the review is "coming soon" as I'm still catching up on writing reviews for many of the films I saw over Christmas break. So without further ado, here are...
Ben's Top 20 Films of 2008
20. Traitor
I'm a sucker for anything with Don Cheadle in it, and I found this story to be both well written and well acted. Who would have thought that a international thriller by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) would be as intriguing or engaging as this? Featuring brilliant turns by both Cheadle and Guy Pearce, the film certainly lives up to it's tagline that "the truth is complicated" and may very well be the most honest assessment of the duel nature of Islam as a religion and a ideology. It may or may not live up to it's intrigue depending on who you talk to, but one thing is for sure, after viewing this movie you can have a very interesting conversation afterwards. Read my original review here.
19. Man On Wire
This may be one of the most entertaining documentaries I've seen recently, and the fascinating story of the equally fascinating Philippe Petit is sure to capture the imagination of viewers everywhere. What would lead a man to commit the "artistic crime of the century" by stringing a tightrope between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and balancing precariously over the 1350 foot drop below? This dramatic recreation and docudrama of the 1974 true story is both fascinating and magical in a unique way all it's own, and is currently the forerunner to win Best Documentary at this year's Oscars. It goes against the commonly misunderstood notion that all documentaries are boring, on the contrary, this film is far more entertaining that many of the fictional stories released in cinemas each week, and Petit could almost make a case for Best Actor with his eccentric, quirky, and utterly fascinating personality. I saw this one on DVD a few weeks ago and so don't have a full review available, but I highly recommend it.
18. Redbelt
This David Mamet helmed-drama features one of my favorite young actors, the talented Chiwetel Ejiofor, in a role suited well for his personality and screen presence. You could argue the film unravels a bit in it's final act, but I personally loved this story of a man fighting for his honor and dedicating himself fully to his craft amidst great resistance on all sides. The characters have a raw feeling to them, and at times you feel like the acting is purposely underdeveloped to give more realism to the entire tale, a move that I think adds to the films strengths as a whole. Read the full review here.
17. Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden?
While Man on Wire may be the most award worthy of this years documentaries, I found the latest project by Morgan Spurlock to be one of the most entertaining to watch. It balances a fine line between being engaging and thought-provoking whilst at the same time remaining humorous and captivating. Anyone interested in learning more about life in the Middle East would probably enjoy this one, and while the subject of this film is certainly night and day from his past project, SuperSize Me, Spurlock is quickly making a name for himself in the documentary world. I bought this one on DVD as a blind buy and wasn't disappointed, sadly though that means there is no full review available.
16. The Children of Huang Shi
This film holds a special place in my heart since having seen it most recently of any of the films on this list. It's certainly a passion project for it's director as well, Roger Spottiswoode. The film tells the true story of George Hogg, a British journalist who went to Nanjing, China during the cities infamous 1937 rape at the hands of the Japanese in WWII. What begins as a simply journalistic endeavor becomes a personal story of responsibility, courage, and hope as he takes into his care the safety and well-being of a group of 60 orphaned Chinese boys and leads them over hundreds of miles to the safe city of Shandon. Criminally under-promoted and seen by only a few audiences in select cities around the country, the film was the victim of what looks like a small budget and weak advertising campaign that really didn't give it much of a chance, and regardless of some of the weaker moments in the film (the acting isn't as strong as it could be, some of the effects look a little fake), the story here is what counts. I found it good enough and important for a little-known part of WWII history to include it in my top 20, and would highly recommend it. It features a fairly strong cast including Jonathan Rhys Meyers (August Rush), Radha Mitchell (Pitch Black), Chow Yun Fat (Croutching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Michelle Yeoh (Memoirs of a Geisha), and David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings). The real star however, is China herself and the many children who play the orphans. The film may have suffered from a small budget, but they sure didn't cut costs on production design choosing to film much of the movie on location in China amidst beautiful scenery. I saw it only last week on DVD and so there's no full review, but I do heartedly recommend it.
15. Doubt
Whenever you get 4 talented actors like Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis together, you're gonna have a hit on your hands. Such is the case with the tightly acted and brilliantly written Doubt. For a film that takes place almost entirely in a few enclosed locations, the acting and writing here do wonders, and the directing is surprisingly engaging as well. Writer/Director John Patrick Shanley has made a very good movie here, and I was pleasantly engaged from the first scene to the end credits. All four actors give performances of depth and beauty, and for anyone who likes a well written script in the hands of some very good actors, I can't recommend Doubt enough. Full review is located here.
14. Valkyrie
I really thought I would hate this movie before I saw it. I didn't buy Tom Cruise in the trailers, and the film was plagued by delays and troubles all the way up until it was released. Upon viewing it however, I was actually very impressed with the overall high caliber of the performances and the story. To be fair, the film has it's flaws, but they are fewer than I anticipated and overall the film holds up. Even though you know going into the film that they won't succeed in their assassination attempt of Adolph Hitler, the story nevertheless keeps you glued to your seat and holding your breathe until the very end. It also does something unique historically in the way it certainly sheds light on a chapter of German history that I believe all modern day Germans can take pride in; that is, it shows how even in their nation's darkest hour there were men who loved their country enough to do what was morally right and necessary. A strong supporting cast helps buoy a better-than-expected Cruise and gives us one of the more entertaining historical films of the year. Full review can be found here.
13. Waltz With Bashir
This unique blend of foreign film, animation, and documentary has proved to be a critical darling and frontrunner for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. The documentation of one man's desire to uncover the truth from a hazy war time memory makes for an engaging, if unconventional piece of cinema. Director Ari Folman takes a personal story and creates a documentary of his findings, then overlaying them in animation to recreate the events in question. The result is a juxtaposition of cinematic beauty and bizarreness, and yet the experience will haunt you after viewing. Not for most audiences, Waltz With Bashir is certainly one of the most eye-catching and interesting films made in recent years. A full review can be found here.
12. Cloverfield
It seems like this film was released a lot earlier than this past year, but in fact it was the rare January hit of 2008, raking in a little over $80 million during the course of it's theatrical run. Considering that the film had an overall price tag of just $25 million, you could say this one laughed all the way to the bank as audiences all across America, myself included, clamored to see the latest project from "Lost" mastermind J.J. Abrams. This Blair Witch-meets-Godzilla film was the result of an excellent viral marketing campaign and a high curiosity factor, and even though the film looses a lot of steam upon repeat viewings, you have to admit that it was one of the most creative and risky projects that paid off of the past year. Sadly, I didn't start my film review blog until midway into the spring of 2008, so there is no full review available.
11. Iron Man
The latest entry to the superhero genre was a massive success both critically and commercially, and in my opinion the acting of Robert Downey Jr. was both pitch-perfect and superb in the title role. This film encapsulated what the summer movie season was all about, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it twice on the big screen with friends. Marvel Studios hit this one out of the park, and expectations now ride high for the inevitable sequel due out in 2010. You can read my full review here.
10. The Visitor
Screen veteran Richard Jenkins has received strong praise and a Best Actor nomination for his turn in this beautiful little gem of a movie. Playing a disillusioned college professor named Walter who stumbles upon a couple living illegally in his New York apartment, he ends up taking a personal interest and stake in their lives. The film features performances both subtle and striking on both sides as the characters learn more about each other in a film that is ultimately life affirming and uplifting in a poignant and personal way that few films achieve today. It's nice to see Jenkins, long a background player, finally headline such a charming little film, and I can only hope more audiences discover the simple joys that are found in viewing The Visitor. I bought this one on a blind buy, and wouldn't you know it, it's made it into my top ten! No full review available.
9. Changeling
Anytime Clint Eastwood steps behind the camera, be prepared to be moved in a masterful way. Directing his latest project here (at least until Gran Torino, which comes up later in the list...) Eastwood tells the true story of a case of mistaken identity that resulted in a scandal that ripped the LAPD apart in 1930's Los Angeles. The lead role of Christine Collins, played passionately by Angelina Jolie in one of her strongest dramatic roles to date, is sure to resonate with mothers everywhere, and the well crafted directing of Eastwood lead to one of the more simply beautiful and engaging films of the year. Full review can be found here.
8. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Regardless of what some critics and friends of mine have said, I actually rather liked Benjamin Button. Sure, I know it was Forrest Gump 2.0 and incredibly long and humorless for the most part, but I found the film to be enchanting in a unique old-style Hollywood kind of way. The makeup jobs were incredible, particularly on Cate Blanchett, and even though director David Fincher took many liberties with the original F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, I found the overall effect rather lovely and hypnotizing. It reminded me of a cross between Forrest Gump and Big Fish, and seeing as how I enjoyed both of those films, it's safe to see why Benjamin Button ranked so high on my list. Full review can be found here.
7. Che
Technically this is two films, The Argentine (Che Part I) and Guerrilla (Che Part II), but you really have to see them as one massive effort from director Steven Soderbergh. I found the documentary style and gritty storytelling used here to fit the subject perfectly, and Benicio Del Toro gives one of the most incredible performances of his career. It's a crime he wasn't nominated for Best Actor, but the film suffered from distribution woes due to it's cumbersome length and independent nature. Still, the fact that few will get to see it in it's entire 4+ hour entirely doesn't detract from the epic feeling associated with this film. You'll probably have to wait for the DVD, but by all means, watch this when it comes out. The fact that the film(s) have many similarities to one of my all time favorites, Lawrence of Arabia, didn't hurt it's image at all in my eyes, on the contrary, it scored even higher on my list because of it's epic qualities. Grand in it's scope and intimate in it's portrayal, the film doesn't flinch but insists on giving a full picture of the man, both his political triumphs (mostly seen in Cuba in Part I) and his failures (mostly seen in Bolivia in Part 2). If you watch this epic 2 part film after viewing The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) you can pretty much consider it one of the best biography trilogies ever made in recent memory. A full review can be found here.
6. Frost/Nixon
This may be Ron Howard's best work in a long time. Based on the play by Peter Morgan (who you may remember as the guy who wrote The Queen), the film tells the story of the famous series of television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former US president Richard Nixon. Featuring brilliant turns by both Frank Langella (who gets my vote for Best Actor in his portrayal of Nixon) and Michael Sheen (who is poorly overlooked too often for being a very impressive actor), the film is essentially a series of talking heads recreating history, and yet the way the story is told, it keeps you riveted to your seats the entire time. The game of cat-and-mouse between Frost and Nixon keeps you engaged for the entire course of the film, and in the end you feel like you've seen both men at their most vulnerable and honest. It's no surprise that this film is one of the 5 Best Picture nominees this year, and it would actually have my vote for Best Picture if not for another film, one which tops this list... A full review of Frost/Nixon can be found here.
5. Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood gives one of his most powerful (and quite possibly one of his last) performances in this film about a stubborn old war veteran learning to see past his racial prejudices. Essentially it's a coming of age story for the young Asian characters desperate for some sort of role model or male leadership in their society, and Eastwood in a way becomes the "wise village elder" in a society where it is needed. I was reminded of John Wayne's film The Cowboys, in which through tough love and gruff methods, an old cowboy teaches and trains a group of young boys and in effect, helps them make the transition to manhood. The social implications and messages of Gran Torino may not be as subtle as some of Eastwood's other films, but the role he plays is beautifully redemptive in a very unique way. Tainted with racial slurs and foul language, the film nevertheless rises above it's seeming intolerance to promote a type of maturity and respect that is especially lacking in the youth of today. A full review can be found here.
4. Defiance
I love the films of director Ed Zwick, and this is no exception. Following in the traditions of Legends of the Fall, Glory, The Last Samurai, and Blood Diamond; Defiance is another worthy film that knows how to entertain and yet make an impact on it's audience as well. Zwick is a master at knowing when to insert a joke, a kiss, or a tear, and masterfully weaves all of those elements into his movies. Featuring mostly underdog heroes in times of danger and peril, his films have always been unique in that they are life-affirming while yet set amidst war and violence. This true story of the Bielski brothers, Jews who struck back at the Nazis during WWII from their woodland base camp in the heart of the Belorussian forrest, has all the makings of a great film, and is wonderful entertaining while being historically important as well. Featuring Daniel Craig in what may be one of his best roles to date, this film should be seen by everyone if for no other reason than that this story simply deserves to be told. A full review can be found here.
3. WALL-E
Pixar hit this one out of the park, and director Andrew Stanton may have made one of the most critically acclaimed animated films of all times in doing so. It's good enough to run for Best Picture, and even though it won't be, it deserves to be seen as one of the best films of 2008. The story of a robot desperate to experience love and relationships is quite simply one of the most perfectly told stories I've seen in some time. If you haven't seen this film yet, where have you been? Seriously, go out and rent it today, and look for the deeper message that lies beneath the supposed environmental agenda (and agenda that, if you read my full review here, Stanton actually denies he was aiming for...) This "little robot that could" will win you over with his plucky attitude and heartwarming depth.
2. The Dark Knight
This film is hands down the best superhero movie ever made. Featuring a stellar cast and unforgettable performances, the plot is complex and tightly crafted in a way no other comic book film has been so far. It's also understandably dark, and I even have to wonder how it avoided an R rating at times. The film grabs you and never lets go, and even upon repeat viewings one had to admit the amazing craftsmanship that went into this motion picture. You can read my much longer musings on the film here, and if you haven't seen this one yet then you're certainly in the minority, it's become the 2nd highest grossing film of all time behind 1997's Titanic. In the hands of director Christopher Nolan, we have what is almost the most perfect film of 2008, with one little exception...
1. Slumdog Millionaire
I'm going to agree with Peter Travers of Rolling Stone who opens his review by saying "What I feel for this movie isn't just admiration, it's mad love." I've seen Slumdog an unprecedented six times in theaters now (trust me when I say that is huge, I never see a film more than twice in theaters, and even then that's incredibly rare) and am still absolutely obsessed with it. You can read my full review here, and know that I'll be pulling hard for this film to win Best Picture and talking about it for years to come. I can't ever recall having been so excited and in love with such a vibrant film - full of color, music, and life - in a long long time. In my mind, it's as close to perfect as cinema can get, and I'll proudly agree with Richard Corliss of Time Magazine who says "This is a buoyant hymn to life, and a movie to celebrate." Major accolades are due to the entire cast and crew of director Danny Boyle's pitch perfect Slumdog Millionaire.
Well there you have it... my top 20 of the year. No doubt someone will stumble upon this list and demand to know where films such as The Wrestler, Australia, and Milk are on my list (short answer: I saw them, and they didn't do much for me) while others will wonder why I've left off such films as Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Rachel Getting Married, The Reader, Revolution Road, and Synecdoche, New York (short answer: I still haven't seen them, probably will wait for the DVD). Short of a few omissions such as these however, this list is simply my opinions based on what I have seen and I welcome all friendly and engaging debating over my selections here. Enjoy!
