My Favorite Films of 2008

Best Super Hero Movie Ever. That's not coming from a comic book nerd, that's coming from me, someone who watches the Oscars religiously every year. I couldn't be more pleased with this film, it exceeded my very high expectations and under the direction of Christopher Nolan, he has brought art to Hollywood with this dark and sophisticated super hero flick. If Heath Ledger, who steals the show, doesn't get an Oscar Nomination for best supporting actor I will donate my left nut to Lance Armstrong. One of my favorite things about this film, is the little use of CGI and the high use of good old fashioned stunt work. It's very refreshing to find that a big summer blockbuster can actually contain great filmmaking skills. You can say its over rated and you can say it's too long, but you can't say it's not amazing.

A story about a likeable character named Jamul and he becomes a contestant on the India's version of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' When a question is presented to him he knows the answer because of his past experiences has provided the answer for him. In that way it flashes back, and tells you this very entertaining and powerful story that is told with so much creativity and beautiful visuals. Although it gets a little corny at times, its a film thats hard to resist.

A film that slightly resembles About Schmidt, however this one has a more heartfelt message. The film is about an older college professor widow who has seemed to have lost the joy of life. When he has to go to New York for a convention he returns to his old apartment he owns to find two strangers living in it. When he decides to let them live with them for a while, they start to bond a great friendship. However, more than just tell you the story, this should be a film that you would want to discover. The film seems to start slow, but more and more as the scenes go by you before more captivated. Richard Jenkins's fantastic performance, which hopefully earns him an oscar nomination, and beautiful story should win you over.
In Theaters
(Hillcrest Cinemas)

When I saw the trailer for this new Pixar film I thought that finally Pixar made a film that probably couldn't compare to their other animated films. However, this film turned out to be a fantastic film and most likely will be considered Pixar's masterpiece. A story about a lonely robot named WALL-E who has been left by humans to clean up the earth, and then he meets the love of his life, an advanced I Pod looking robot named Eve. WALL-E kind of reminded me of a Charlie Chaplin film premise, in the way that a whole hearted person gets in a lot of trouble and does some amazing things, but only to win the heart of the one he loves. My greatest fear is that the film may not over well with the children because its slower than the pace they are use to, espically because the first half is nearly dialog free. The second half of the film it takes some unexpected turns and goes places where you may not think Pixar would go, it even borrows from the character HAL, the one we know from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Unlike the simple morals Pixar usually expresses in their past films such as "Be a good sport" or "Follow your dreams", this film has a far more serious message. The animation is top notch and will defiantly win the 2009 Oscar for best animated film. I really appreciate the risks that Pixar took to make this film, and I think that if everyone can't agree to recycle or use electric cars, than the least we can do if watch this film.

One of the most adorable films I have seen in a while. This documentary is about a senior citizen chorus group who sing classic rock n roll songs, and set the example that your never too old to give up on the joys of life. I do admit that I cried while watching this kinda corny film, but if you have a heart, its hard to resist.

In Theaters (Hillcrest Cinemas)

Comic book turned into movies are always a hit and miss, however this superhero movie ranks up there with Spiderman and the other better comic book films. Robert Downey Jr. is perfect at the role of Tony Stark, a weapon inventor who invent a suit to defend the world against the evils. It's hard to stay true to the comic book and still make a exciting blockbuster hit, but Iron succeeded. It's amazing that director Jon Favreau (star of Swingers), can actually adapt and direct this film. By the way, the love interest with Gywneth Paltrow as Stark's secretary is adorable and Jeff Bridges gives a great subtle performance as the villan. Looking forward to the sequel.
In Theaters

"It's impossible. That's sure. So let's start working." I think that sums up the attitude and the impressive story of Philippe Petit who dreamed of one day tight roping between the twin towers. The movie was an impressive, inspiring, and funny documentary which had my palms sweaty and had me shaking my head throughout. A story that makes you really think about yourself and think about what is your twin towers, what are your goals and desires, and most importantly, what's holding you back? So see it, I tip my hat to this man. If you won't see the movie, then at least see the trailer.

Out of all the movies that Ben Stiller has directed, I think this big budget loud comedy proved to be his best, and if you have ever seen a war film or an episode of Inside the Actors Studio, I'm sure this is a film you can enjoy as well. The film contains very funny performances such as; Ben Stiller playing the action star trying to make his leap to the serious roles, Robert Downy Jr. as the serious several time Golden Globe winning actor who gets way to into his roles, and Jack Black as the overweight crack addicted comedian. This movie just pokes fun at Hollywood and it's actors, and even though it may not be saying much, but is the best comedy of this year. The film may be at times so over the top, politically incorrect, and oddly dark, but the movie works. Also the fake previews before the movie starts are worth watching the movie alone.

This movie reminds me of when your at a party and you don't really know anyone, so you kind of just sit there and observe the various types of people being themselves. Filmed in a documentary-like style you are placed in the center of a family gathering, and the film is filled with laughs and tears. Anne Hathway also gives probably the best performance of her career as well.

May not be as good as masterpieces such as Fargo or last year's best picture, No Country For Old Men, this film falls more under the catagory of Raising Arizona or The Big Lebowski. Well, even though the film will not likely be up for any awards still, in the hands of the talented Coen brothers somehow, without putting forth much effort, makes this ridiculous CIA spy comedy work. The film's story that is often very funny, very dark, and very stupid is also very unusual and sometimes shockingly unexpected. The film's central characters are frustratingly dumb almost to the point where we hate them, and are played by the usually suave actors such as Clooney and Pitt. However, just because the main characters are Hollywood stars that we love, don't let that fool you, because the Coen brothers treat them as if they are average nobodies, which mean anything goes.