Published: December 18, 2008 10:06 am      

MOVIES: The best of 2008

By Phil Dzikiy



It’s quite possible that the list of films I haven’t seen in 2008 is much better and much more interesting than my actual top 10.

I haven’t seen “Slumdog Millionaire,” “The Wrestler,” “Milk,” “Synecdoche, New York” or “Man on Wire” yet, though I would like to see all of them. Nor have I seen the acclaimed “Rachel Getting Married,” but that one’s not really on my to-do list, to be honest.

So, limited by the quantity of new films I’ve seen this year, think of this list as more of an everyman’s list, rather than a traditional film critic’s list (if you want a list with more quantity behind the insight, check out the music list).

1. “The Dark Knight”

Where does the comic book movie go from here?

“The Dark Knight” was so fulfilling and such a success on every level — writing, directing, acting, box office dollars — that it’s hard to believe another comic book film will ever stack up. “The Dark Knight” isn’t just a great film. It is an important film, with the power to change perceptions about the source material and get people to look at comics and sequential art in a different light.

If you’re one of the 27 people that still hasn’t seen it, it’s out on DVD. No more excuses.

2. “WALL-E”

Never doubt Pixar. Just when you think they can’t do it again, they up the ante.

“WALL-E” is a brilliant film and Pixar’s best yet. Robots, slapstick, a dystopian world ... there’s something in it for everyone. I love the beginning of the movie, with its bleeps, boops and lack of human dialogue. The film gives you time to breathe and take in WALL-E’s world on your own before the plot accelerates.

It becomes clear early on that this is magical filmmaking. I was sold by the time the blue-collar WALL-E flipped on “Hello, Dolly!”

3. “Bigger, Stronger, Faster”

One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen, “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” hits the steroid debate from all angles.

Filmmaker Chris Bell used steroids at one point, but gave them up. His brothers still use them. And so he begins his quest to debunk steroid myths and make viewers re-examine their own perceptions on steroids.

The best thing about the film is how much ground Bell covers in 105 minutes and how he gets all sides of the story. There are plenty of facts and useful information, but no judgments. You’ll have to make those on your own.

4. “Pineapple Express”

It’s a stoner movie, but you don’t have to be high to laugh at “Pineapple Express.” This film is completely absurd, but it’s also one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in years. Seth Rogen is great as always, but James Franco is the real star of the show.

The Judd Apatow “bromances” might get old at some point, but not yet. Not while they’ve still got heart and dozens of laughs.

5. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”

Nearly as funny as “Pineapple Express,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is another great Apatow-produced comedy. Jason Segel is the star here, as he both starred in and wrote the film, which isn’t afraid to bare its soul (or Segel’s body, full-frontal).

The film’s honesty can best be seen in “A Taste for Love,” a Dracula-based musical created by Segel’s character, Peter. As seen on a bonus feature of the DVD, Segel was actually creating the puppet musical for years, with no sense of irony. He just decided to throw it into the film, which adds another delicious layer to the proceedings.

6. “Iron Man”

It was somewhat overshadowed by “The Dark Knight,” but there was at least one more great comic book film in 2008.

Unlike other superhero films that rely on ensemble casts, this film counts on Robert Downey Jr. to carry it and, of course, he’s more than up to the task. A fun ride.

7. “Tropic Thunder”

A pretty good year for comedy. This star-studded, inside-Hollywood film was funnier than the commercials led on, but it didn’t garner as many laughs from me as “Pineapple Express” or “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” did. It was, perhaps, a little too big and star-studded.

And the funniest part of “Tropic Thunder” comes before the film itself, with the movie’s fake trailers.

8. “Young@Heart”

A documentary about Young@Heart, which is a senior citizens’ chorus who sings modern songs. And they rock.

There are some missteps along the way, and the direction isn’t stellar. But the story lifts the proceedings above all, as this is a moving and uplifting film. You’ll fight the tears during the rendition of Coldplay’s “Fix You,” a song I never really liked ... until I saw this film.

9. “Hellboy II: The Golden Army”

Hellboy is a great character. Played to perfection by Ron Perlman, the big red guy is worth seeing in any film, especially when Guillermo del Toro is directing.

Though not a great film, “Hellboy II” is worth watching for the cast and imaginative creatures alone.

10. “Kung Fu Panda”

“Kung Fu Panda” is the “Iron Man” to “WALL-E’s” “The Dark Knight.”

“Kung Fu Panda” is a very good computer animated film that was overshadowed by a deeper, better film in “WALL-E.” Like “Iron Man,” “Panda” was also carried by its star, Jack Black. And both films are a lot of fun.