Hon. Mentions
The Orphanage
This export from Spain was one of my favourite films from early on in the year before it was bumped down following the Oscar season releases.
Both a mysterious ghost tale and a dramatic and tragic story of loss, this film will truly haunt you, and stands as the best horror film since the the little known Indie film from 2206 called Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
And for those you want a more mainstream comparison, it's the best horror film since Identity and Dawn of the Dead in 2005. For all those who have missed this amazing film, be sure to check it out on DVD.
Cloverfield
Cloverfield was a pure theatre experience. The sound, the first hand camera use blended with fantastic effects was some of the most fun I've had at the cinema.
If you missed it, then I must personally say it was your loss...unless you have a huge home theatre with which you can experience it all over again.
Backed by one of the best marketing campaigns ever conceived for a movie, Cloverfield was a wholly unique, chilling and enthralling journey.
#10
Tropic Thunder
And now we break into the top 10, starting with the years best comedy.
Completing Robert Downey Jr's comback following Iron Man, is a fantastically hillarious, and sure to be Oscar nominated performance that will no doubt go down as iconic.
With great work from its entire cast and brilliant fake trailers to start off the fun, Tropic Thunder is already an addition to my dvd collection.
#9
Iron Man
The surprise hit superhero movie of the year, and the second Robert Downey Jr. movie on this list, this endlessly fun, sarcastic and flawlessly made flick led the summer to a very high note.
It's charm lies with its ability to appeal to everyone, even those not too enamoured by superhero films. Framed by a great supporting cast this already looks to be the begining of a sucessful franchise for Marvel.
#8
The Wrestler
Whatever you may argue is the film of the year, it is hard to argue that Mickey Rourke's performance in The Westler is anything but the best.
Second this year only to Sean Penn's sensational turn in Milk, this is the comback performance of the decade, one of the best performances period of the decade and anchors a simple, tragic but ultimately satisfying film.
Opening wider this weekend, be sure to catch it if you can.
#7
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
David Fincher is one of my favourite directors working today, and he certainly does not disappoint with his latest effort. While beginning tempidly and boasting a three hour running length CCBB only becomes more and more satisfying.
Starring Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button, a man who ages backwards, Fincher has used some subtly jaw dropping aging effects layered with fantastic overall direction.
Sad, but never depressing this film is an ode to life and love and is a near masterpiece sure to snag a large swath of Oscar noms this year.
#6
Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino, in which he also starred, is certainly the biggest late year surprise. The slew of Oscar films entering multiplexes in Dec and Jan are expected to be of a high calibre, and while there was some moderate buzz for this film, nothing could really prepare me.
Gran Torino is both touching and authentic but also, to put it simply, hillarious. Eastwood's delivery and skill in knowing when the humour should come, and to what degree is what makes this film such a crowd pleaser.
At 78, Clint is as much a badass as ever, and few movie experiences this year have been more satisfying or entertaining.
#5
In Bruges
Of the some 130 movies I've seen this year this is the only one from early in the year that has made my list, as many others were pushed out my the strong surge of prestige films at years end.
I've seen it now twice and it was just as satisfying the second time. Both, sarcastic and dry, but ultimately funny the film is anchored three great performances by Colin Farrel (who won a Golden Globe) Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes.
I'm sure eveyone missed it in theatres, so be sure to hunt for this flick at the first chance you get.
#4
Frost/Nixon
2008 has been a year of high points for many people in the movie industry, and director Ron Howard gets his share.
The brilliance of this stage adaptation is its ability to be both deeply intelligent, but endlessly entertaining, thanks chiefly to great performances by Frank Langella and Micheal Sheen as Nixon and Frost respectivley.
Don't be turned away by your fear of a dry political movie, because nothing of the sort will be found. Frost/Nixon is bare knuckle brawl between two charismatic and intelligent induviduals and it never lets up.
#3
Slumdog Millionaire
Every year needs it's crowd pleasing Indie film. Last year was Juno and the yar before that, Little Miss Sunshine. Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire is probably the best of all those films. and along with my number 1 and 2 pick, battled hard for the top spot.
Uplifting, fantastically acted, and a brilliant mix of genres and boasting a vivid and gritty palate of colours and vistas, this is one of the best directed films of the year.
No-name stars at its core, Slumdog has suceeded through its own quality and story, and that is certainly something to be cherished.
#2
WALL-E
Truthfully, this and my number one pick have been in their place since their releases, and while heavily challenged, have held fast.
Not since The Incredibles have I loved an animated film so much, and seldom have I ever admired an animated film so much for its maturity and complex subject matter. A silent robot love story is a hard sell, but director Andrew Stanton who also helmed the great Finding Nemo, makes it work to glorious effect.
It seems like every year a Pixar film places in my top three, and maybe they're so good down there it's becoming cliched to love their films...but I don't love WALL-E any less.
#1
The Dark Knight
Is this really any surprise? What more is there to say...530 million dollars in North America and counting, almost 1 billion worldwide, and it still has Oscar's to look forward to.
I feel no guilt for loving this movie, or as having it number one, becuae no movie this year has been satisfying on so many levels; action, drama, and a complex crime storyline backed by one of the best ensemble casts ever conceived.
All is thanks, not only to but a large part to, Christopher Nolan, my favourite director. But don't think my love for this film is blind admiration, because ask anyone...this movie is nothing short of a marvel in its impact on the entertainment world, and will be forever.