Top Ten of 2008

Disclaimers as usual – these are films I saw at the cinema in 2008. Which, disappointingly, wasn’t as many as usual (I blame politics and the recession). I accept no blame for movies taking forever to get to New Zealand …

And apologies for the lack of blogging activity in late 2008. I will endeavour to do better.

In alphabetical order, my top ten of 2008 are:

The Counterfeiters – A compelling, wonderfully acted, not-your-usual-prison-camp film. Cock full of the type of moral dilemmas we hope we never have to face. A worthy Oscar winner.

Dark Knight – Some of you will cry foul at this choice, but I thoroughly enjoyed the latest Batman outing. Loved it’s darkness, it’s creepiness, it’s violence. As good as Batman Begins, if not slightly more entertaining. And, I hate to go along with the crowd, but Heath was truly wonderful.

Frost/Nixon – Some of the best acting you’ll see in a long time, this is a wonderful film. The two leads simply become their roles. A stellar supporting cast in a compelling tale.

In Bruges – Without a doubt the funniest movie of 2008. This black comedy was wonderfully surprising and violent and laugh-out-loud hilarious. Colin Farrell continues to impress me in these off-beat roles.

Iron Man – Absolutely and utterly entertaining. I unashamedly loved this film, in large part due to its brilliant leading man. An on-form Robert Downey Jr is a thrill to watch.

Juno - A supersmart and witty jem of a film. Great acting all round, with especially good turns from Jason Bateman and Allison Janney. And, hands down, the best soundtrack of 2008.

Lars and the Real Girl – An odd and endearing film which, thankfully, avoided the obvious crassness that might have gone along with the subject matter. It’s smart and witty and definitely corny. A delight.

Michael Clayton – The best thriller of 2008, this film is quality, quality, quality. George showing once again that he will be remembered as the James Stewart of his generation. It’s slow burning, it’s intriguing and it’s jolly well acted.

No Country for Old Men – I have talked to several people who walked out of this film. WTF?!? An absolutely brilliant turn from the Coen Brothers. A killer script, with some terrific acting, and as creepy as they come. A strong contender for the top film of 2008.

There Will Be Blood – I have only come across about three people who have seen this film. And while it’s a particularly dark movie which perhaps is not everyone’s cup of tea, I think it’s a crying shame it didn’t get a bigger audience. For me, it was the best film of 2008 – there, I said it. Now, for goodness sake, see it!

Notable mentions: Shine a Light (fantastically filmed & wonderfully intimate), Tropic Thunder (some truly memorable and hilarious moments; Downey Jr was a joy to watch), Wall-E (incredibly cute and beautifully animated), Quantum of Solace (it wasn’t Casino Royale, but it continues to take Bond away from cheese & cliché and places him squarely in high action genre), Burn After Reading (it disappointed many, but I really enjoyed this quirky and surprising Coen Brothers film), Mamma Mia (not quite the musical triumph that was 2007's Hairspray, but a whole lot of fun nonetheless)

Worst of 2008: The Happening (what has happened to the M Night Shyamalan?!?)