15.
Religulous - If you're religious or not, this movie is still a good watch. The best documentary of the year, which is saying something since
Gonzo: The Life of Hunter Thompson and
Zeitgeist: Addendum were released this year. Bill Maher brings his intellectual wit and sarcastic tone to a touchy subject in America, but a subject that should be toucher on nonetheless (the ideas and stories behind organized religions).
14.
Hamlet 2 - This is the movie I wish had come out when I was in high school, since its very pro-arts and anti-jock/prep/mtv.
Hamlet 2 recognizes the things that people aren't familair or comfortable with and puts them in your face in a light you haven't experianced them. The film also takes a look at racism in public schools, a rather serious topic for a very serious film. Brilliant writing and songs.
13.
Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood has truely blossomed in his old age. Though I didn't care for his other directing efforts,
Gran Torino is truely representative of his directing/acting abilities. Though the story is predeictable up until it's climax, the message is needed in a day and age like ours when you can't go anywhere (especially here in Alabama) and not hear at least one rascist remark.
12.
Tropic Thunder - I honestly misunderestimated this movie. I thought it was going to be one of those generic comedies that people would grasp on to for a while then leave in the cold for something new. The movie is a brilliant escapade of comedy and is executed to a T. The way Tropic Thunder lampoons the hollywood system is also one of its crowning achievments since I love watching movies about A. Making movies and B. Making fun of the way people make movies.
11.
Frost/Nixon - Ensemble casting and messages/morals that needed to be heard a common theme throughout this year.
Frost/Nixon has brilliant casting, and presents the way a corrupt politican thinks and acts into the spotlight for us to see (granted it isn't the politican we WANT to see dissected by a clever British talk show host) the movie is still spectacular in its accomplishments. Ron Howard hasn't lost his touch, and if anything
Frost/Nixon proves that he's going to continue to be a juggeranaut of film for years to come.
10.
Speed Racer - I will take your crap for liking this movie.
Speed Racer was a crowning achievement in the way films were made and presented in the year. It's just a shame that none of you were there to enjoy it with me. The visuals, while stunning, leave you breathless and hinged to your seat awaiting the next daredeviling stunt. Plus it's got Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, and (my personal favorite) Christina Ricci.
9.
Son of Rambow - Another film that none of you saw, and also a shame. The very subtle humor in the film makes it one of my favorites of the year. It also doesn't hurt that I'm very emotionally connected to the movie by way of its about two little kids making a film. The movie takes a stab at the status quo of children (though it is set in the 80s, it's not much different than it is now).
Son of Rambow is brilliant.
8.
The Dark Knight - It may surprise some of you that I thought there were better movies than this in the year, but there are.
The Dark Knight was an epic film. Words cannot truely express how grand the casting, the story, the direction and the acting are, but most of us already know how good they are since we saw the movie. Christopher Nolan, who has never made a bad movie, continues to evolve as a filmmaker and thanks to this he will be able to pick anything he wants to do.
7.
In Bruges - The comedy about two men in what is essentially percieved as a trip to the most boring place on the planet has easily earned its place here near the top for 2008. Colin Farrell gives his best preformance to date (which isn't saying much, but let me tell you it is eons better than anything else I've seen him in). Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes also capture your attention every time they're on screen, so there is NEVER a dull moment in this movie.
6.
Doubt - This movie has some of the best acting I have seen on screen in a long long time. Besdies the fact that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is one of my favorite actors, Amy Adams really proved she is capable of taking on more than singing in a pretty dress in New York. The thing that keeps the movie from being in my 'sacred' top 5 is the story. Though the story isn't original the brilliant acting makes up for it. As well as Nun Meryl Streep making jokes.
5.
Let the Right One In - I will save my blog for the comparisons between this and
Twilight for another day (yes I saw it, so you can't say anything).
Let the Right One In is one of the best vampire movies I've seen in a while, they even manage to do vampires correctly by staying very true to the customs and lore of vampires. The movie has some of the best child acting I've seen in years (probably since Haley Joel Osment in
The Sixth Sense). The cinematography is also something to be marveled.
4.
Wall-e - Though it hurts me to put this movie at number 4, that still doesn't take away from how great it really is. Wall-e is the best animated movie I've ever seen, and even though the main characters aren't even human it still showcases love in a proper and realistic light. The (possibley accidental) "green" message of the movie is also very neccessary and better executed than anything Al Gore has put out.
3.
The Wrestler - Even though Mickey Rourke has had roles recently, very good ones mind you, this movie truely does signify his return to the spotlight in Hollywood. The Wrestler has some of the most emotional preformances of the year and and even more dazzling story as things unfold before you.
The Wrestler should go down as a classic for years to come if you ask me.
2.
The Curious Case of Bejamin Button - There comes every so often a movie that people dazzle and marvel at and are very aware at how it will be looked and viewed for years to come.
Ben Button is that movie, and is very well deserved because it truely is a masterpiece. I'm glad that David Fincher is finally getting the recognition for being so good at what he does, and for good reason because this is probably his best movie to date.
1
. Milk - The very well timed movie about the first openly gay man elected into office is easily the best movie of the year.
Milk offers some of the best acting I have seen since all the actors work off of each other and develop the story into the brilliant symphony that it is.
Milk is just as politically charged as
V for Vendetta if you ask me, and this will go down in history as an epic biopic and a pinnacle of cinema achievement.
HONORABLE MENTION:Slumdog MillionaireBurn After ReadingRock'n'RollaMOVIES THAT COULD HAVE MADE THE LIST IF I GOT TO SEE THEM:
Synecdoche, New YorkAppalooseVicky Christina BarcelonaMost Anticipated Movies of 2009
(In no particular order except for the # 1 and 2)
