My dear friend Damon got me thinking about lists, and since '08 is coming to a close, I thought I would come up with my list of the best movies of 2008. Needless to say, it wasn't easy. One, I didn't go to the theater much this year - just a few kids' movies here and there. I rented a fair share of movies and yet just a small handful of films really stand out as exceptional.
So, I'm changing the rules. I'll list my favorite (or the best) movies I saw in 2008 - even though I'd probably seen them years before as well.
10. I Am Legend - Good popcorn movie. Not great, but good.
9. Iron Man - A good superhero movie. Although some of the movie magic was spoiled a bit - that clearly wasn't Afghanistan, but Lone Pine, CA in the opening scenes. Sorry, I'm a bit picky.
8. Transsiberian - Great locations - I just love a movie that is shot and takes place in Eastern Europe. The story was good, the tension and suspense just right - and Ben Kinglsey was, well Ben Kingsley.
7. The Bank Job - Surprisingly more than just a caper movie - it's much, much more. You can't go wrong with Jason Statham. I've been a fan of his since Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
6. Into the Wild - A little too long, 15 minutes could have been shaved off and it would have been perfect. Sean Penn is a douche, but he made a movie that was respectful to the original book.
5. Bug - Not a 2008 release, but a psychological thriller that leaves you scratching your head the whole way through.
4. The Ruins - A nasty little movie that got under my skin. A graphic and gritty portrayal of human behavior.
3. Sexy Beast - Sure it was made a few years ago, but it is absolutely perfect. Instantly made me a fan of Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, and Ben Kingsley.
2. 300 - The perfect guy movie derived from a beautiful graphic novel. I loved it.
1. The Dark Knight - Sure it was over-hyped, and over-marketed, and eventually turned into a money making machine; but, damn it was good. This new franchise just made the Tim Burton era films look so campy, crappy, and apallinginly bad - which most of them were. I go could go on...
