Year in Review Pt. IV

Here is my Top 10 list of movies I saw (or remember seeing), either in theaters or on DVD, in 2008.

1. Slumdog Millionaire
   This gritty film by Trainspotting director Danny Boyle takes place in the gritty reality of a Mumbai slum and in the flashy studio of a popular television show. The story centers on two brothers who take very divergent paths. It is a love story, but comes from some dark places. I loved everything about this movie. But it is only above The Dark Knight by a hair, and I could easily flip their spots.
   
2. The Dark Knight
   Heath Ledger deserves the Oscar for Best Actor or Supporting Actor and not as a sympathy vote. He was unbelievable in this role -- chilling, funny, quirky, evil.
   
3. Iron Man
   A smart, but accessible "comic book" movie, with a great performance by Robert Downey, Jr. Even my wife loved it, which says a lot.
   
4. WALL-E
   The first have of this animated gem is far superior to the second half, but it is still a very special film. Heck, it even makes a cockroach lovable.
   
5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
   A wonderful fable, with great makeup/special effects and beautiful scenery from New Orleans.
6. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
   The first pic was average, but Hellboy II rises far above because director Guillermo del Toro takes more chances and uses more and better special effects to create an amazing series of trolls, monsters and gods.
   
7. Bolt
   I got a kick out of this movie. It had me laughing more than any other movie I saw this year. The script was great and filled with inside-Hollywood bits.
   
8. Redbelt
   This David Mamet film should be seen for one reason -- Chiwetel Ejiofor.
   
9. Religulous
   Bill Maher takes on organized religions in this very funny, thought provoking film.
   
10. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
    Some New York teens have a wild night on the town.
    

Honorable mention: August Rush, Baby Mama, Charlie Wilson's War, Cloverfield, The Happening, The Invasion, Talk To Me.

And the worst ... Wanted, The Incredible Hulk.

Of course, there were many others that I wanted to see, including Tropic Thunder, Vicky Christina Barcelona, Body of Lies, Gran Torino, Milk, Quantum of Solace, Frost/Nixon, Australia, and more.

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