Jon’s Best Films of 2008

It’s really been a great year for movies and I know you might be able to say that every year, but for the first time in a good while, I enjoyed going to the theatre each and every week. From touching and brutally funny comedies, to stirring documentaries, to soaring adventures, 2008 had a lot to like. Most surprising, is that I would call this year the Year of the Mainstream Movie, because if you look at the big studio films like The Dark Knight, Wall-E, Iron Man, Tropic Thunder, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button most of those films were touted as the best this year had to offer in the same sentences as the indie stuff.

Like any year, I can only see so much and while I try to see everything, some films either haven’t opened yet in my market (like Frost/Nixon, The Wrestler, Revolutionary Road) or unfortunately, I haven’t got to see for me to consider for this list. There’s been a lot of solid films, ones that are good enough to easily recommend (like Slumdog Millionaire, Role Models, Zach and Miri Make a Porno, and Incredible Hulk) but I just feel these 20 films (10 honorable mentions and 10 best) are worth any effort and any way possible to see, so out of the hundreds of films I did see, I weaved them down to this:

Best Documentary:

1- Up the Yangtze: Stirring and provocative, this documentary needs to be seen as it showcases the evolution of a country’s status before our eyes and the impact it brings to people who need the Yangtze River to survive. It’s simply devastating and beautiful at the same time.

2 – Man on Wire: It had more tension and suspense than any drama this year. The “Artistic Crime of the Century” has a bigger meaning when viewed in our current climate. It’s a must watch, hands down.

3 – Young@Heart: Focusing on a choir group of people no younger than 70, the film is delightful, funny, and heart-warming.

Honorable Mentions: Bigger, Stronger, Faster; Religulous, and Gonzo-The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson.

Best Movie to See with a Crowd: Repo! A Genetic Opera

Best Direct-to-DVD Film: An American Crime

Best Direct-to-DVD Horror Film: Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer

Now, I present you the Best Films of 2008:

Honorable Mentions: (20) JCVD; (19) Burn After Reading; (18) Redbelt; (17) Synecdoche, New York; (16) Son of Rambow; (15) Paranoid Park; (14) Tropic Thunder; (13) Inside (A l’interieur); (12) Trans Siberian; (11) Iron Man

10 – Ballast: Lance Hammer perfectly captures the Mississippi Delta and the people who live there, in this moody drama. Light on dialogue but heavy on emotions, Hammer lets the actors do what they feel naturally as he captures this oncoming storm of sadness in their lives. A fine example of American independent filmmaking.

9 – In Bruges: Sharply written, brutally dark humor, and totally forgotten by most critics this time of year. Coin Farrell is amazing and when he karate chops the midget, it’s about the funniest scene this year. I could go on and on the dialogue but it’s best to just enjoy it yourself. A spicy hit man film that pleases every second of its running time.

8 – Chop Shop: Lots of people are raving about Slumdog Millionaire and giving it a chance at being one of the five for Best Picture comes Oscar time. Scratch that. Here’s my pick for Slumdog’s slot. Gripping camerawork and style, the actors are more real like a documentary, than characters in a narrative, as young Ale tries to cope with his poor upbringing and thrive within the American Dream. Shot on location at Willets Point in New York, you won’t forget the place and its occupants.

7 – The Visitor: A sweeping character study and a look at our bureaucracy towards immigrants, the film is a rousing testament to the human spirit. I saw this in June and I still remember it fondly and as I left the theatre, I had a huge smile on my face. Still do. Remember all of the momentum Richard Jenkins had for a lock on Best Actor? Where did that all go?

6 – Let the Right On In: Many will be turned off since it’s a horror film but it’s as interesting psychologically as anything this year. Alfredson has given us a new definitive vampire story, something that is multi-layered and satisfying on all levels. Vampire films have been down-right stale for a long time and the way this film works and plays with the conventions of a vampire myth is pleasing as it is fun. A great film.

5 – 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days: Highly regarded from some critics from 2007, the vast majority of us caught up with it this year and it’s an unbelievably great film. The story takes place during the Communist reign in Romania during the 1980s and a young lady seeks her friends help about getting an abortion. The film never takes sides, which is key, and only presents the harrowing answers to their decisions under what would happen back then: death. Also, there’s no score to the film and you won’t forget you experience with it.

4 – Wall-E: One of the best sci-fi films in years just happens to be an animated film. It’s beautifully designed, featuring some of the best CG ever and a remarkable story that will stand the test of time for future generations to watch and enjoy. The crowning achievement from Pixar and I didn’t think that was possible after Ratatouille.

3 – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Long, sweeping, and I can guarantee you’ll fight tears; David Fincher has delivered a gem and one that has gotten the attention of the mainstream, which has eluded him thus far in his career. Critics forgotten his Zodiac from last year around award season and they won’t forget this. It’s a splendid story, score, acting, special effects and most of all, unforgettable.

2 – Milk: Gus Van Sant has given us two great films this year, and Milk is the best of them two. I’m amazed on how little not only I knew of Harvey Milk, as well as a lot of other people. Now that I know him, I won’t forget his story, life, and what he fought for. A powerful human drama directed by our best auteur.

1- The Dark Knight: Everyone close to me knew this was coming, but 2008’s best film is Christopher Nolan’s dark, brooding, thematically rich crime epic. Yes, a crime epic. I don’t use the term “superhero movie” with this, it’s so much more. Complex, rich with themes, and a deep story full of characters we care about, there’s no film that moved me or amazed me more this year. Best scene? When Gordon’s son asks why Batman is running, Gordon’s response is the reason this film is the best and the sum of why the character of Batman is so intriguing 80 years and counting.

My friends, that’s 2008! You can go back and reread reviews of almost all of these films if you missed one or wanted to refresh your memory here at Killer Film. Agree or disagree? Post your list below in our comments section!