Best Movies 2008

Definitely a wonderful performance by Ledger. He is mesmering as the Joker and surely should win an oscar for his performance. AS most people have already seen this, i will not review in full but will say that it is a great film, a classic Im not so sure about it. Possibly its got to do the length. i think that its about 20 mins to long and some of the dialogue towards the end felt like speeches!!!!

Still I love what they have done with this superhero series. I prey they rethink Superman and Spiderman series one day, as there recent efforts have been well short of the mark.

What an incredible film based on a true story of a black debate team from Wiley College, Marshall Texas that debate Harvard (in real life it was USC) during the 30s. Directed and starring the great man himself Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and a superb cast. Of course the two big names are brilliant in this film but the real stars are the debate team, Nate Parker (reminded me of a young Denzel when he starred in the film Glory - he has the same fire and the spark to be a future superstar), Jurnee Smollett ( another rising star) and a young Denzel Whitaker (no relation to Forest), who steals the show. Such an incredible story and really an important part of the Civil Rights movement (character young Whitaker played went onto to be apart of the Big 6 that help reform Civil Rights in the US during the 50s & 60s).

One of the best films in 2008 so far for me. Highly recommend this film to all.

What an incredibly quirky, thought provoking intelligent & funny film. I guess what i loved about this film was the way a whole community came together in this film and the humanising effect when helping Lars who has really digressed from the real world and found comfort with his 'real girl'. I continously found myself intrigued with the social situations that arose and how Lars story unfolded. Absolutely stellar cast with of course Gosling shining. I Highly recommend this film and possibly think how maybe a Bianca would help some of the people around us!!!!! I also kept thinking what would have happened if Wild Phillie had turned up the following week!!!!!!

A film that definitely flew under my radar and very glad that I found this film. One of the best 'prison films' since Shawshank Redemption or Green Mile and would say top 3 or 4 films I have seen this year. Incredible performances by all the cast esp Dorf & Kilmer. Once Kilmer sinks his teeth into a part that he believes in, is truly amazing ( long way from Top Guns Iceman!!! ) and this for me is Dorfs best role thus far. The chilling aspect to this film is how something like this could happen to you in a blink of an eye, choices are made. I highly recommend this film, it had me captivated from start to finish. I love a film that has you invested in the characters futures and how real these characters are from prisoners to wardens to family members. I only recommend 3-4 films a year and this is one of them.

(The other scarey fact alone is that 23 million americans are incarcerated in prison currently. More than my countries population)

One of the first films i recently saw in Singapore and had not heard much about it, but as soon as I heard Steve Carell was in it, it was worth the chance and I wasn't disappointed. Probably his best work since Little Miss Sunshine and there are some incredibly funny light hearted moments for all to enjoy.

I loved this film, it was as its name suggest was about real life. About a big family, sibling rilvaries, love lost, kids growing up and was just such a nice happy film!

Definitley a good film to see with a loved one.

Its so refreshing to come across such a wonderful, touching, poignant, funny and romantic little film. Its sad that I had to wait til 2008 for the chance to watch this here but I am so happy for the experience. What an incredibly talented bunch of people involved in the making of this film and all on a budget of 150k. That just blows me away after watching Cloverfield and Jumper, on god knows how much budget and doesnt even come close to this film. If you love music and thats really what makes up the most of this film, then you will love this. I definitely going to buy the soundtrack, to listen to this some more and support such wonderful artists (Won an Oscar for Best Song Falling Slowly 2008). This film would have to be in my top 10 films in the last 5 years , its just made me feel so alive.

I will say that its beautifully shot, superbly acted, directed but it just left me wanting a little more. As i have been told its close adaption to the novel and that alone should get 5 stars in my book cause i hate poetic licence in that regard. But call me selfish, (spoiler if u read on) I was waiting for the confrontation of two of the main characters towards the end of the film but as in life things dont always go to plan. So i guess for my own shortcomings i was a little disappointed but I would still recommend this film in a heartbeat.

Incredibly powerful film and you find yourself getting further entangled as the film comes to its conclusion. Nothing short of spectacular this film from, incredibly written, beautifully portrayed, the cinematography outstanding, costume pieces etc... but i have to give my highest praise to Wei Tang ( her first film) and she carrys the role like a veteran. I hope this is not the last i see of her and of course Leung is brilliant as always. This is the sort of film that should have won Best Picture at ACA. Ang Lee you are amazing.

Once again Russell Crowe is the man. Superbly supported by Christian Bale, Ben Foster and a young Logan Lerman.

One of the best Westerns I have seen in a long time. I certainly didnt enjoy the critically acclaimed The Unforgiven, so every accolade that has recieved this film deserves every bit of that and far much more.

If you enjoyed this then i definitely reccommend Tombstone or the Australian flick called The Proposition.

Just watched a DIVX copy of this today before released in Australia. I gotta say I loved it. I was bit worried with some of the criticism about the CGI of the infected. Sure its not brillant by todays standards, but forget that and just enjoy the ride. Will Smith is certainly the man to carry a film on his own. It may not win an academy award but geez for pure entertainment value that was a great film for the start of 2008.

In many respects 2007 will remember No Country for Old Men as Best Film but I will remember 2007 for two films that touched my heart, this film and Once! Absolutely wonderful films, touching and just a complete joy to watch and listen to wonderful music and talent. Sure its a little cheezy but follow the music and follow your heart and we all want to believe such things can happen.

I was expecting the formula for a third film to be a little tired and wanting but was pleasantly surprised how good it was. Found myself enjoying this one as much as the previous two. Still some great stunt work, little less martial arts than normal but Tucker I thought was incredibly entertaining in this one.

Definitely a great franchise and what a wonderful team Jackie & Tucker are.

Definitely not your standard fare flick and I am surprised that this film didnt do better at the box office. Smart political thriller about 3 journalists mistaken as CIA Black Ops who get caught up in trying to catch a Bosnian War Criminal 5 years after the end of the war and how everyone knows where this guy is and nobody esp the real CIA want to catch this guy! I am still shaking my head at some of the things that happen here and the start of the film says Based on true story, just the most ridiculous parts are true. The end credits clear some things up!!!!! I gotta say Gere is at his best here. Looks like he is loosening up more as he gets older and Howard for me is just such a cool cat too. Also superbly supported by there other young journalist here Eisenberg. I found myself laughing out loud times (esp about squirrels and large Serbian men!!! You will understand when u see the film) and shocked at other times. A film that went under my radar and I am so glad I got to see it.

Definitely a film that helps you take stock of your life, the journey you have chosen thus far and for me the future I will lead. It was an amazing journey by Supertramp and what an amazing guy he was and the people he came across in such a short lifetime. No doubt he was at peace at the end.

Even though its a sad ending, its still an inspirational film for me, what he did in such a short lifetime. He set out to discover himself, he found it. Some people live there entire lives and never really find it.

Outstanding performances by Hirsch & Halbrook.

Wow, really not much point in reviewing this film as most of my flixter friends have seen it and given it minimum 4 stars. I'd just say that acting in this film for me was worth more oscar nominations and that I cant understand why people like Casey Affleck doesnt get a nomination at least. I thought his performance was outstanding and the script, the flow of the film and the other cast was brillant. I guess a film like this that ask questions about society, morality, right and wrong is to heavy a subject for those bores at the Academy!!!! Well Done Ben Affleck.

This is a film about the sport i grew up watching as a kid and absolutely loved. Its about rugby league in the 80's with a struggling club, a Captain with no frills attitude, a coach who just wants to win and coach and the CEO who is treating the game as a business. I was unsure if i was going to enjoy this film, but i truly enjoyed the gritty drama and a real snapshot of Rugby League in the 80's and its changing identity (before the game went so called professional). I take my hats off to everyone involved in this film, the acting was great and a real surprise from the Captain (who wrote the film i believe), to Coach Mat Johns, (ex Australian player) to John Jarrat CEO (wolf creeks serial killer). It was a pleasure to watch and if this film is just for those who love and remember the game back then, than it was worth making.

I was surprised at how good a film this was. There was a real element of suspense in this film (esp the water caves) and the acting was half decent by Josh Duhamel and Melissa George (good to see she was allowed to use her aussie accent for this film).
So if you like suspense / horror flicks this is definitely worth a watch.

Sure its a little cheezy, full of cliches and has a hollywood ending but damn I loved this film. Definitely a great family flick, but i think everyone could enjoy this film. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson shows that he can do anything, hes just Mr Cool but was slightly upstaged by his beautiful and incredibly talented daughter Madison Pettis. Highly recommend this film, its a great laugh and its just worth watching to see the ultimate bachelor pad!!!!

This film is about finding the Joy of Life, some people search their whole lives and never find it. Here two guys both find out they are terminally ill & Freeman who was writing a Bucket list (things to do before you die), throws it away once hearing the terrible news. Nicholson who happens to be sharing the ward, also happens to be a billionaire (lucky i know), finds the list and convinces him to do it. What i like about the film besides being touching is that the list evolves as they experience good and bad moments and really no matter how many things are on the list it comes back to simply finding the joy in their life! No prizes for picking the result.

So if you enjoy heart felt films and want to see two of the best actors in the business, you could do a lot worse than this film.

Statham delivers again. Wonderful little story based on a true story about a bank heist back in the 70s that along with 4 millions pounds, a lot of dirty little secrets that implicated police, the British Government and Royal Family (still alleged as the contents are sealed til 2054 for that safety deposit box). So if you like a 'true story' about cops and robbers than this is definitely worth a watch. Also credit must be given to all cast who make this an incredibly british tale and an entertaining one at times.

I guess first of I would say this is a solid film, it ticks all the boxes. What I find ludicrous is that Swinton won an oscar for this film. Dont get me wrong she does a great job in a supporting role, but hardly enough in my book for an oscar. The real star of course is Clooney, hes just oozes the whole package. If ever there was a more deserving accolade to be given, it should have been him. Also superbly supported by Wilkinson, Pollack & co. As far as classics go, i wouldnt call it that and probably wont ever see it again but would recommend to see.

The tale of a kidnapped journalist Daniel Pearl and the events that played out in search of him. Excellent performance by Angelina Jolie, but what i liked about this was the detail and length that 'intelligence agencies' go to try and track him down. I salute people like Daniel and there strength to report the truth.

I enjoyed this film immensley and sure its flawed when it comes to plot etc but for sheer entertainment its worth a watch. I think Olyphant does a good job as Agent 47 and there some nice fight scenes, some good action, nice cars and a beautiful sidekick along the way in Kurylenko (the next bond girl). So if you want some light entertainment, then you could do a lot worse than this film esp for video games converted to movies.

Superb cast with Li, Lau and Kaneshiro making up the 'Blood Brothers' in this film about the struggle to survive in the Qing Dynasty. If you love chinese films then this is definitely worth a watch as the three headline actors never disappoint. Some great scenery, some decent fighting scenes and a few martials arts scenes with Jet Li. Overall a decent film but as in typical chinese style there never is a happy ending!!!!

Another true story about a Teacher inspiring his students. In the same vain as Stand & deliver, Freedom Writers or Dangerous Minds but with kids a lot younger.

Definitely worth a watch if you liked those films or need a little inspiration

Recently caught this on cable and surprisingly this was a pretty good film for all those who have an inner child in them. You definitely will have a laugh or two from this and if you got young kids, then this is a good family film.

Just another great reason we have strict gun laws in Australia!! Haha! Basically a story about being isolated and the impending shooting in a workplace. I wont devulge much more than that.
Certainly a great performance by Slater (about time he started to do some good stuff again after all his B grade flicks), Also great work by Macy, the stunning Cuthbert and his goldfish!!!!! So if you like something a little out of the ordinary, than this is a definite watch.

Now this is a pretty cool French Film definitely worth seeing for some wonderfully stylish fight scenes and something they call 'Parkour' by the inventor of this movement David Belle. Best way to describe Parkour or free running is the ability to scale up and down buildings free hand and really just make your way thru obstacles at every corner or Tony Hawk with no board!!!! (really cool to watch).

So if you love marital arts than you will love this with the main actors showcasing some wonderful choreography by Cyril Raffaelli ( I first remember as one of the 'Twins' that fight Jet Li in Kiss of the Dragon, but has chorographed films like Transporter and the upcoming Hulk & Tekken).

Look past the story and just enjoy a great ride esp Belle ( man he can move ). Awesome stuff.

I wouldn't call this a typical anti war film, more a social comment on the psychological impact war has on soldiers when they come home from tour. This film delves into a new term (for me) called Stop Loss ( redrafting soldiers who have completed their tour who have no choice but to go back). Coming from Australia where the draft is no longer applied, i find this morally incomprehensible. Ryan Phillippe plays this soldier. Highly decorated, respected guy who has done a 150 missions and believes hes done all for his country and how he reacts to this news at being redrfated. I think that film is brilliant in giving a true insight to whats going on his mind and his other soldiers in his platoon, that are just trying to survive. I find that such films that are coming out while this conflict continues and how soldiers, families are left to deal with this when this war finally is over (pray it soon). I salute these guys acting Phillippe, Tatum & Gordon-Levitt really send the message home. Superb acting, great story, well directed and definitely worth a watch if your into this genre.

I truly enjoyed this film and there are some entertainingly funny moments, some emotional moments ( not as many as i thought there would be, but more than enough for my wife) and a truly wonderful story about love and loss and basically life sadly goes on with his help with letters after Gerard Butler's death.
I think Gerard Butler is impressive in this film esp after his male bravado in 300, definitely think he was the perfect person for the role. I also enjoyed the supporting cast, but for some reason I wasnt truly convinced about Swank. But hey thats just me. Still if you enjoy a good laugh n cry than you will enjoy this ( i didn't find myself crying but my wife did whereas i did with 'The Notebook',' Beaches' or an olden goldie like 'The Ghost & Mrs Muir', my favourite love story - similar in some ways this film).

Pretty slick bad cop, badder cop flick!!!! Lots of action, plenty of violence and solid performances by everyone. The events unravel nicely and was a pleasure to watch. Also lookout for the comeback of the Yellow Pages! Damn that gotta hurt.

If your looking for a more intelligent dirty cop film, then LA Confidential is for you (for me a little boring but good) whereas u just want sheer entertainment and want to roll with Ludlow cleaning up the streets, than you will enjoy this.

Rambo delivers!!! Of course he does - I certainly didn't doubt him and enjoyed the updated version. Plenty of action, little talk and big on violence. No point really reviewing this in depth. I would say that this is easily the 2nd best film in the franchise and of course the original was exceptional and still a good watch today.

I would say that this film is about asking questions, debate, democracy and all the things that make us / countries what we are today. I certainly feel that this film asks these questions and not necessarily provide any answers. But thats what I think Redford sets out to do and they way he brings this story to the screen. If you enjoy a film about political and social debate then you will enjoy this film. After all Cruise, Streep and Redford do there thing as usual. Solid performances and do enjoy the more serious side of Cruise in films.

I guess what i got from this film is with debate theres a lot of talk, whether thru censored media, govt rhetoric and / or uninformed people sprouting so called truths etc ( guess thats cynicism ). So us as individuals have so much to filter thru to make the right decisions, which doesn't come easy. So I am not sure if Redford's point is that we are losing that battle or its time to stand up and believe in something. I certainly hope the latter. Enough ramblings from me, you decide if this film is worthy of your attention. I felt it had some impact on myself.

My wife loved this film. For me it was quite enjoyable to watch the once only. I think its definitely a great family fantasy film, some wonderful singing and I guess its good to see the spirit of Disney living on, in full real color. Amy Adams was a standout with wonderful support by all.

It was with great anticipation I watched this film and enjoyed this fantasy tale about an american teenager who is obsessed with Kung Fu and stumbles across the staff of the legendary Monkey King who happens to be trapped in stone and now finds himself transported back to ancient China. He has to return the staff to the rightful owner and thats where the story begins.... I wish i could give this 5 stars but I cant as there are so many little criticisms and a few major stumbling blocks. Obviously Hollywood slick machine got this out as quick as it could to cash in on Li & Chan together. For me thats a crime as this film was the right vehicle for them but wasnt enough for them to be remembered for together. Sadly this film will be forgotten with time. Ok enough of the negatives, it rolls along nicely, some entertaining moments and if you love Martial Arts than you will enjoy this. Now back to the flaws haha, im getting sick of all the ropes with martial arts and really would have just loved a good old dust up between Li & Chan and not the Cirque De Soleli (used right it can be beautifully done as in Crouching Tiger, but way to overused here) Also the script is a little poor and for an american teenager that loves Kung fu so much he didnt have one move to him.
Also I am not sure if this is based on the novel that was written many moons ago and was one of my favourite TV shows as a kid called Monkey. The film takes place before his journey to Buddha and now thats a show I wish they would make into a film, just take some time to deliver a classic and not this average but enjoyable hollywood film.

Kevin Bacon goes ballistic in this film!! Every parents worse nightmare comes true when his son is struck down in a gangland killing in front of his own eyes. Typical revenge type killing film but the transformation from executive to killing machine is a little to much for me to buy into, but i will give Bacon his kudos cause hes such a brilliant actor and can easily play both roles but in one film its a little over the top. Still don't let that get in the road of a pretty good film with a lot of violence towards the end - which i like!!!

Nothing too special here but for fans of Freeman and Cusack, its still worth a watch on DVD.

Definitely for fans of Adam Carolla "The Man Show". Very Light hearted entertainment and if you enjoy Carollas dry sense of humour than this is worth a watch. He was actually quit convincing in his role ( as himself really!!!) and enjoyed the cast around him. Just a fun, light film and not sure why its R rated! I had good little chuckle throughout this film.