1. WALL E -
This animated film is arguably the best film of 2008 in any category. More mass market friendly than last year’s Pixar film “Ratatouille”, with an absorbing plot and a bleak edge to an otherwise sweet love story. Simply getting nominated for and winning a Best Animated Film award isn’t enough, this should get a Best Picture nomination.
2. Iron Man -
Comic book films proved they could introduce depth, nuance and great acting to an action movie - lending a note of realism to modern myths. While “Batman” is the darker more morally complex film, “Iron Man” has a more complete, encapsulated story, includes some much appreciated humor, and is more approachable for the general public. Robert Downey Jr. is incredible as the man in the suit, updating all our assumptions about superhero behavior and identity - an Oscar nom for leading man should be considered.
3. The Dark Knight -
A breathtaking visual style, incredible performances and a compelling story which investigates human behavior - all within the confines of a superhero film. The Dark Knight destroyed the competition at the box office and rewrote the script for comic book movies. A best director nomination for Christopher Nolan should not be out of the question nor should a best screenplay nod. And a posthumous award for Heath Ledger as The Joker - for reinterpreting an iconic villain - is the minimum this movie deserves.
4. Mamma Mia! -
2008 wasn’t all about men in metallic suits - or made of metal. “Mamma Mia!” proved successful counter programming for a summer of action films and turned out to be a real crowd-pleasing musical. Meryl Streep shows her acting range as a comedian and lead singer for the film. Sadly, it is unlikely to get a music category nomination because of the Academy’s strict rules regarding pre-released songs.
5. Role Models -
Sometimes films are just supposed to be funny. “Role Models” is hilarious from beginning to end, with a heartwarming story in the middle. Two men must serve community service as Big Brothers for a pair of socially deviant children. Laughs ensue. The best comedy of the year.
6. Wanted -
“Wanted” is a grittier, edgier, more sarcastic version of “The Matrix”, with a truly visionary director at the helm. Based upon a comic book series, with elements of real world problems a la “Office Space” - if there’s a film that begs for a sequel, its this one. Few films this year blew away all expectations like “Wanted” did.
7. Baby Mama -
Tina Fey proved more than a good impersonator of Sarah Palin in 2008, but a strong leading lady in this odd couple tale about two complete opposites who want to bring a life into this world. Hilarious relationship insight comes capable of two very funny ladies (Amy Poehler being the other) and a strong supporting cast including Steve Martin.
8. The Strangers -
Low budget scary movies are the best scary movies. With only one recognizable name but a terrifying plot about a home invasion by masked intruders - “The Strangers” deserves a space on the shelf of any horror movie collector.
9. The Bank Job -
A British caper movie based upon true events, this thriller is electrifying, melancholy, and brutal. Jason Statham is a capable actor when given a quality script like this. A deserving rental if you haven’t seen this thriller yet.
10. The House Bunny -
A formulaic comedy by Adam Sandler’s production company that perfectly highlights the comic timing of the talented Anna Faris (“Scary Movie”). Easily besting the humor quotient of Sandler’s two starring vehicles in 2008, it is a “feel good” guilty pleasure we could all use a little of at the end of a dubious year.