Best-

5.- The Strangers- Finally a good non-sequel/non-remake! It kicked ass at the box office as well.

4.- Yes Man!- I say yes! It's not perfect, but I'm so happy to see Jim Carrey doing what he does best. Go see this movie!

3.- Role Models/ Tropic Thunder- Can't decide which I liked more. Both are very funny and very smart. I'm leaning towards Role Models.

2.- The Dark Knight- Excellent plot, awesome action, and award worthy performances. This is one of the best sequels ever.

1.- Iron Man- I love this movie. It is the most entertaining film of 2008 and Robert Downy JR is bad ass.

Worst-

5.- 88 Minutes- Boring... I've never fell asleep watching a movie before this. Yawn...

4.- One Missed Call- The worst J-Horror Remake film I've seen so far. Laughably bad.

3.- Get Smart- I hate Steve Carell. He is not funny. This movie is not funny, nor is it watchable.

2.- Prom Night- Terrible teenie horror film. There's a decent body count, but NO GORE! Apparently these teenagers don't bleed.

1.- Disaster Movie- I didn't finish it, but can you blame me!? Such a fitting title

Surprises of the Year- Death Race, Punisher: WarZone, Twighlight

~Zack~

BEST:

1) IN BRUGES
2) THE DARK KNIGHT
3) SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
4) THE WRESTLER
5) BURN AFTER READING

There are many more, but these are the ones i thought at the moment. Wait a min i have the worst list now hehe:

WORST:

1) DISASTER MOVIE
2) SUPERHERO MOVIE
3) MEET THE SPARTANS
4) One Missed Call
5) Hancock

BEST:

5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - this got some stick but come on, it's an Indiana Jones film! Yes, perhaps they should have let Sean Connery's glorious turn in Last Crusade end the series on a high. Yes, the occasionally promising Shia LeBoeuf is just annoying and unbelievable as a tough guy. Da, Cate Blanchett haz un dodgy accent. Yes, the aliens are odd, badly CGIed and not very Indiana-Jonesy. But as long as Harrison Ford keeps wearing a fedora and kicking ass with a bull-whip, fists and some sharp one liners, I'll be there, and I'll enjoy it.

4. Cloverfield - more than just a neat gimmick, there's actually a good film hung on this Godzilla/Blair Witch premise. Yes the characters are bland and ultimately uninteresting, but the whole thing is done very well, it's very suspenseful, and perhaps what impressed me most was the script that seemed-to-not-be-there-but-was-in-fact-there-doing-a-very-good-job-of-sounding-natural-and-like-it-wasn't-there. The little exchange of: BETH: What is that? / HUD: Something else. Also terrible - is one of my favourite dialogue moments of the year.

3. Inkheart - saw this a couple of weeks ago...I really liked it! The Golden Compass was AWFUL and the Narnia films aren't great either, but I'd happily go and see the next one in this series. Go and see this! If you love books, this film is for you. The whole thing just drips with a love of STORIES. And with a cast like Brendan Fraser, Jim Broadbent, Andy Serkis, Helen Mirren and Paul Bettany you can't really go wrong, can you? Although The Da Vinci Code somehow made it look like Ian McKellen, Tom Hanks, Alfred Molina and Paul Bettany couldn't act...

2. The Dark Knight - saw it at the IMAX in London, which made it probably the single-most impressive cinema experience of my life so far. It's REALLY good. The acting - Heath Ledger's mind-blowing, Christian Bale holds his own (although will someone get Batman a Strepsil?), Gary Oldman and Aaron Eckhart are great too - is very impressive, but so's the rest of it, from the razor-sharp script to the brooding, menacing score. It also took about $100 billion worldwide, which ain't too shabby.

1. WALL-E - simply amazing. Pixar always seem to be looking for new ways to wow their audience, and they certainly achieved that here. Awesome animation and a very touching story, tied together with a great score and fine voice acting. Now let's just hope the Academy gives it its deserving Best Picture nomination! Best Animated Picture is just a token award.

WORST:

5. Son of Rambow - I actually didn't mind this, but it goes on the list for being hideously over-rated. It's not THAT funny. It's just quite funny. A bit funny. It's sweet, sweet, good-natured and all that, but it's not a 5 star film.

4. Hancock - just really weirdly messy...the first half's great but the second half doesn't so much shot the movie in the foot as infect it with an aggressive degenerative disease that destroys it and tarnishes your memories of what was good. What was that about angels and stuff?!

3. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - just because the Lord of the Rings worked so well DOESN'T MEAN FANTASY IS EASY TO FILM. And why did they cast Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan? I love Liam Neeson, but he just ain't right for that role. The Narnia films annoy me, although perhaps they'll get better now that Peter's no longer involved!

2. Run, Fatboy, Run - technically I saw this in late 2007 but since it came out Stateside in 2008 I'll put it on here. Simon Pegg is very funny usually, but here he's...not. I counted about five 'falling-down' jokes, and there was actually a cameo from David Walliams and an old woman saying rude words. Ouch.

1. Jumper - Hayden Christiansen is SUCH A BAD ACTOR! And yet he continues to get parts. This is an awful, awful film. The only interesting thing in it is Samuel Jackson's hair. Which is interesting in a 'why on earth did they do that?' kind of way. Most offensively, they lazily tried to set up a sequel at the end. Which, hopefully, won't get made,

-----------------------------

P.S. Was I the only person who didn't think Iron Man was that great? Robert Downey Jr. was really good, but as a film it was distinctly average.

Jonny

BEST (in no particular order)

- The Dark Knight
- Cloverfield
- The Mist (it opened in 2008 over here)
- Taken
- Tropic Thunder
- Iron Man
- Kung Fu Panda
- Righteous Kill

WORST (in no particular order)

- Hancock
- Eagle Eye
- 10,000 B.C.
- Jumper
- Rambo
- 88 Minutes
- Max Payne

...and when I said this list was in no particular order, I lied, cos' THE HAPPENING is about as crappy as they come.

BEST
01. The Dark Knight
02. Milk
03. Wall-E
04. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
05. Let the Right One In
06. The Wrestler
07. The Pineapple Express
08. Cloverfield
09. Valkyrie
10. The Visitor

Honorable Mentions: Iron Man, The Strangers, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Hellboy 2

OKAY
1. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
2. Quantum of Solace
3. Role Models
4. Semi-Pro/Step Brothers
5. Teeth

DISAPPOINTING
1. X-Files: I Want To Believe
2. Hancock
3. Diary of the Dead
4. Smart People
5. Hamlet 2

WORST
1. Disaster Movie/Meet the Spartans
2. Any Tyler Perry film
3. The Happening
4. The Love Guru
5. Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
6. Saw 5
7. Speed Racer
8. Star Wars: The Clone Wars
9. The Day the Earth Stood Still
10. Witless Protection

THE BEST:

1 - SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

A truly brilliant and entertaining film, very near the top of my all time list. Maybe not the best screenplay, not the best directed or even the best acted of the year. But I think this is not only the best film of the year but maybe even the decade. I love it.


2 - MILK

Sean Penn might as well pick up his Oscar now, he is outstanding as Harvey Milk.


3 - IN BRUGES

The best script I have read this year and the funniest film I have seen this year too.


4 - THE DARK KNIGHT

This was a quiet little indie film that seems to have escaped most peoples attention. Worth a watch for some bloke called Heath Ledger if nothing else.


5 - THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY

You will never feel sorry for yourself again. Amazing film, Amazing man.


6 - THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

My arse was sore from sitting in the most uncomfortable cinema seat I have ever sat in for 3 hours. Despite that this is a very well made movie and Brad Pitt is very good at being Robert Redford.


7 - THE ORPHANAGE

The scariest film I saw this year.


8 - BOY A

Try and catch this on DVD, outstanding British drama that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.


9 - MAN ON WIRE

A film about having the determination to follow your dream. Breathtaking.


10 - BURN AFTER READING

Not as good as the script but still a very funny and great parody of spy movies with the best cast of any movie this year.



THE WORST:

1 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

2 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

3 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

4 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

5 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

6 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

7 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

8 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

9 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

10 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

10 - Forgetting Sarah Marshall
9 -  Wanted
8 -  Burn After Reading
7 -  W.
6 -  Iron man
5 -  Tropic thunder
4 -  In Bruges
3 -  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
2 -  The Bank Job
1 -  The Dark knight

browsing around most film websites all the critics are posting their top ten so thought i'd post this to figure out what everyone else's top 10 picks are for the best films of 2008.

here's a link to the movies released this year starting at january to refresh your memory:
http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/release_dates/january/2008

my top ten of 2008 are:

10. Jumper
this movie got a lot of heat, but i really liked it, i avoided it for awhile due to the reviews but after watching it i regreted that, it's really fun, and it's short duration really helps the re-watch value.

9. Wanted
very fight club-esque but it's got it's originality and yeah it's got a lot of unrealistic moments but that's what makes it so fun, i could watch this over and over again it's so entertaining and that's what it set out to do, nothing more, nothing less.

8. The House Bunny
i don't care what anyone says you can't deny that you were laughing throughout this movie, i found this soo funny, anna faris really makes this movie!

7. The Dark Knight
i'll be surprised if anyones list doesn't include this movie, and people are probably questioning why i have it at number seven but to be honest it was a great theater experience but the more i watch it on dvd it wears off on me, it's not that great of a movie but it's still really good just it's beginning to get over-hyped.

6. The Life Before Her Eyes
this movie tries really hard to be 'deep' and it's twist is a little confusing but the more i watch this movie i really respect the writing and the way it was filmed, it's a really emotional film.

5. Wall-E
pixar never fails, wall-e was built-up so much i started to doubt it but it's really well made and you fall in love with that little robot. it's an interesting take on the future and though i think it might of made a better short film it's still really well done.

4. 21
i know a lot of people disliked this movie but i don't get it, i love this movie, it's simple and fun, kinda predictable but really entertaining.

3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
this movie is so funny, but unlike the other apatow films this one had more heart!

2. Vicky Christina Barcelona
always been a woody allen fan and this movie was my favorite by far of his, i found the characters so interesting and it was just such an intriguing movie!

1. The Wrestler
I love this movie, traveled out of my way to go see this in its limited release, which i've never done but it was worth it, amazing movie!

Movie's I'm Looking Forward To in 2009:
my bloody valentine, friday the 13th, coraline, adventureland, watchmen, up, pirhana 3d, final destination

BEST

1. The Dark Knight
2. Frost/Nixon
3. Iron Man
4. The Incredible Hulk
5. Eagle Eye

WORST

1. Tropic Thunder (sorry everyone, but i freaking hated this)
2. The Happening
3. X Files 2
4. Disaster Movie
5. The Love Guru

MOST SURPRISING:
Kung Fu Panda
Hancock (i had the lowest expectation but was pleasantly surprised)
The Strangers (Freaking aweosme!!!)
Mirrors
MOST DISAPPOINTING:
Tropic Thunder
  

I didn't seem too many movies this year (as compared to last year) but I feel pretty confident about these ones. I've still got a handful of flicks I'd like to check out soon...

THE BEST:

1.  The Dark Knight - duh
2.  Frontier(s) - technically this is 2007 but what the hell, it was released stateside 2008. Absolutely brutal, no-holds-barred horror movie with an innovative concept, the right balance of old and new school sensibilities, and, of course... the gore!
3.  WALL-E - one of the most thoughtful and creative animated films I've ever seen and a milestone for Disney. I also hate "green movies" so the fact that this one me over is a testament to its brilliance.
4.  In Bruges - yeah, this one kinda snuck by a lot of people but as we approach the Academy Awards, it seems more people are talking about it. Terrific balance of dark humor (my favorite) and serious drama, not to mention top notch acting from actors who have received greater credit for subpar roles. This was a strange one though. I can't really describe it to those who haven't seen it.
5.  Role Models - best comedy I can recall seeing all year. great cast (even if they're all Apatow allumni), a script that makes  even Sean William Scott look good, and, well, just all around dumb, mindless entertainment. You gotta have some of those.

Honorable mentions: Funny Games, Tropic Thunder, Forgetting Sarah Marshall

THE WORST:

Fortunately, I only saw too movies this year I thought were really bad. That said, there were a lot of movies this year I am sure were much worse (which, thankfully, have appeared on this thread). Regardless...

1.  Step Brothers - I know it's Will Ferrel and I actually like a good deal of his stuff but this movie felt like it was improvised the whole way. Forget plot, I know there isn't one, but even the jokes, the movie's bread and butter, were below the bottom. Never have I seen gags with such little thought that tried sooo hard for laughs. This was so bad, it was borderline experimental film.

2.  Harold and Kumar: Escape from Guantanamo Bay - Same as above, except for the jokes recycled from the last movie (which was good). This would have been number 1 except for one gag that legitimately made me laugh.

(Dis)honorable mentions: Yes Man (bad but not enough to appear on even an incomplete worst list.

BEST (in no particular order):

- Gone Baby Gone (released 2008 in the UK); Amazing. No two ways about it. Ben Affleck's direction was perfect, as was Casey Affleck's portrayal of the private detective Patrick Kensie. The structure of the film is different, and ir works very well. Ed Harris gives a performance of a lifetime, plus the twist really caught me off guard. EASILY IN MY TOP 5 FILMS OF ALL TIME.

- In Bruges; Amazing. Colin Farrel is awesome. Very amusing, and very well made. Trust me, check it out. EASILY IN MY TOP 5 FILMS OF ALL TIME.

- The Wackness; Very good time-period-drama. Set in the 1990s of New York. Josh Peck's portrayal of Luke Shapiro, the troubled teen drug dealer was perfect. As was Ben Kingsley's portrayal of Dr Squires, Luke's equally as troubled psychiatrist. The story is simple, but very heartfelt and genuine. I could relate to a lot of shit that Josh Peck's character was going through. Plus the classic hip-hop soundtrack made this film a winner in my books. EASILY IN MY TOP 10 FILMS OF ALL TIME.

- Rock'N'Rolla; Not as good as Snatch, but better than Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Guy Ritchie has finally returned to good form. And I'm glad; Guy Ritchie is amazing.

- Pineapple Express; Not as good as Knocked Up or Superbad, but still very amusing. Plus, it's about weed. What is not to like? ;)

- The Dark Knight; What best of 2008 list would be complete without this film on the list?

- The Strangers; This film really caught me off guard. I didn't know what to expect, and luckily I was pleasantly surprised. Plus, seeing this at the cinema made me crap my pants so many times ahaha.

- Forgetting Sarah Marshall; Very fun, enjoyable flick. Jason Segal's script reminded me a lot of Freaks and Geeks, which I loved. If only more rom-coms could be as funny as this...


WORST:

- Superhero Movie - Why the hell did I even see this?
- The Happening - Had rather high expectations, which DID NOT FRICKING DELIVER!!


I rarely watch 'bad films'. I read a lot of reviews, and only see films which have been recommended, or have had good reviews, so therefore I don't have a very big list for the "worst" films. My best films will probably increase in size when I remember more films that I have watched :)

yeah i keep telling everyone Pineapple Express is on my best comedy of the year list, i LOVED it and couldn't stop laughing, Judd Apatow did great with the story too. James Franco, Seth Rogen (king of comedy) did amazing. I think it is extremely;y underrated.

One of the best movies for me this year:

The Memory Keepers Daughter

Director: Mike Jackson

Teleplay by: John Pielmeier

Starring Dermot Mulroney, Gretchen Mol and Emily Watson

Nominated for Primetime Emmy.

Truly a beautiful story.

A father separates his son from his twin sister at birth to prevent him and the mother from knowing she was born with Down syndrome. Based on the novel by Kim Edwards.

Sandra

Quoted from NiK BEST: 1) IN BRUGES 2) THE DARK KNIGHT 3) SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE 4) THE WRESTLER 5) BURN AFTER READING

I don't know myself because I haven't seen it, but my daughter saw Burn After Reading and said it was the stupidest show she'd ever seen bar none.

I really have to wonder how it could be that bad. I guess I'll have to see it for myself.

Sandra

Quoted from Murphy THE BEST: THE WORST: 1 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 2 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 3 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 4 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 5 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 6 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 7 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 8 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 9 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING 10 - M Night to remember Shalalalaman's THE HAPPENING

Now you should tell us why.

Sandra

Quoted from Sandra Elstree. Now you should tell us why. Sandra

If you have seen it you wouldn't have to ask that. If you haven't then "Lamest plot EVER" springs to mind, "Most wooden acting EVER" also suits this movie. I really like Shamalan's earlier pictures but I don't know what the hell he was thinking when he wrote and directed this. In fact I was fairly surprised that someone at Fox, after watching the dailies, didn't go: "Hmmm, M. Night, this really really sucks. Can we have our money back please?".

I'd like to add a number 6 to my list of "Best of 2008"

6.- The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor- This, for me, is the single most surprising film of 2008. It's a very fun popcorn film and is easily the best of the Mummy series. I had more fun watching this than I probably should have.

~Zack~

My 5 most stand out  movies for me of 2008 would be- in no particular order
  

1.  Wall E

2. Sweeny Todd

3. Dark Knight

4. Kung fu Panda

5. Spiderwick Chronicles.

didn't Sweeney Todd come out last year?

Not in Australia, where Glenn is from.

Quoted from sniper If you have seen it you wouldn't have to ask that. If you haven't then "Lamest plot EVER" springs to mind, "Most wooden acting EVER" also suits this movie. I really like Shamalan's earlier pictures but I don't know what the hell he was thinking when he wrote and directed this. In fact I was fairly surprised that someone at Fox, after watching the dailies, didn't go: "Hmmm, M. Night, this really really sucks. Can we have our money back please?".

No, I haven't seen it. I wonder how it could turn out so badly? Strange. Maybe his personal life was turned upside down and thus...

Sandra

I didn't think The Happening was that bad.  It certainly was not his best movie and Marky Mark's acting was a bit on the stiff side.   But I didn't find the plot lame.   At least not as lame as that one he did about the fake monster in the forest, Signs, or Lady in the Water.

I didn't see many films this year at the cinema.  The only films that come to mind are:

Dark Knight Rocks

And

Max Payne Sucks.  I've already reviewed this poor excuse for a film.

and to add to my best of the year list

2. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Oh Jayrex, how could you not have gone to the movies much? This was an outstanding year for movies. I never been to the cinema so many times and seen so many enjoyable movies. It was week after  week of one good movie being released.

The last time I remember a year packed with so many trips to the cinema and being rewarded with a great movie would have been 1982 when I was a child.

2005 comes close, I went and saw a lot movies but not as much as this year.  

Quoted from Sandra Elstree. I don't know myself because I haven't seen it, but my daughter saw Burn After Reading and said it was the stupidest show she'd ever seen bar none.

Well, the film is a Coen trademark. Many argue that the film is not at the level of the others but i think this is great movie. The things are misunderstood in the film like in Blood Simple.

Does your daughter like The Love Guru?

Quoted from tonkatough Oh Jayrex, how could you not have gone to the movies much? This was an outstanding year for movies. I never been to the cinema so many times and seen so many enjoyable movies. It was week after  week of one good movie being released.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_in_film

I had to look at all the films released this year to remind me and I have seen seven listed on wikipedia.  I do have Cloverfield on DVD but still haven't got around to seeing it and I plan to see The Day The Earth Stood Still at the IMAX.  That makes nine in total, if I see the other two.

So I can't have a 5 best & 5 worst.  I would've liked to have gone out more often.  Shame.

Quoted from jayrex I had to look at all the films released this year to remind me and I have seen seven listed on wikipedia.  I do have Cloverfield on DVD but still haven't got around to seeing it and I plan to see The Day The Earth Stood Still at the IMAX.  That makes nine in total, if I see the other two.

Dude, a serious bit of advice that you can take or leave. See more movies!

Seriously, I know that people will tell you to read scripts and write scripts and read books and read blogs etc.. But in my humble opinion nothing is more important to anyone trying to learn how to write scripts than watching movies. And I know it is not always easy or affordable but watching a movie in a cinema is something you should do as often as you can, the feedback you can get from seeing how people react to certain scenes, lines of dialogue etc... is invaluable. I make it a mission to go to the cinema at least once a week, I go on my own if I have to (my wife can only take so much) and watch at least another 3-4 movies a week on DVD or from my collection of favorites. Scripts are great but movies are much better.

Quoted from jayrex I didn't see many films this year at the cinema.

I would like to say that I didn't see ANY films at the cinema this year, however, after checking my rather self-indulgent list of every movie I've ever seen, I find that despite seeing 0 films at the theatre, I watched 38 films listed as 2008 in IMDB (I rent A LOT of DVDs). I know there are some on my list from 2006 and 2007 though that I know only *came out* this year, but let's see what I remember about my best and worst.



In no particular order, my top handful would be:

WALL-E - Kind of a cool heroes journey with a warm fuzzy ending

Dark Knight - what else can be said about this one?

Iron Man - I just loved the technology and I want his computer

Cloverfield - I loved Blair Witch too, and this one was a ton better. The first person perspective made a lot of things forgivable, since it aided the suspension of disbelief a lot.

Tropic Thunder - if you have ever dealt with the moviemaking process, this one is twice as funny.  (I especially loved the bit where the actors not only hadn't read the novel, but hadn't read the script either...it's funny because it's true)

Vantage Point - I really enjoyed the different angles of the same situation for the first part  although they let all that go in the the third act  to finally just let the story play out.



Bottom would be:

Pulse 2 - Wow, they took a poorly conceived idea and made a poorly conceived sequel. I have little doubt that I would add Pulse 3 to this once I watch it (I'm a glutton for punishment and bad horror)

One Missed Call - Not a bad idea, really, but they really screwed it up in the end.

Smart People - Who came up with this title that completely fails to describe the people in this movie?

Prom Night - Not only was it not a remake of the original (no semblance of the Jamie Lee Curtis film remained, so don't let the title fool you), but it served as the same old slasher movie crap that we're all accustomed to. Find an uncreative way to isolate people, and then make them remain that way for no good reason until killed.



Neither here nor there list:

Here are the films that weren't great and they weren't really that bad either.

Spiderwick Chronicles - I read the books and when I finished the rather short series, I was kind of like, "meh." After I watched the movie, I was kind of like, "meh." So I can say this was a very faithful adaptation.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Gotta love the old guy, but the alien thing just made me wonder what they were thinking. Still, it was fun to watch.

The Happening - I just thought I'd mention it since everyone else was dissing on it. If you let the disbelief go, the beginning is exceptionally weird, and you have to wonder what the hell is going on during the film. I found it didn't really end that badly either. The threat just "went away," but it really didn't as it occurs elsewhere in short order. And I kind of liked The Village. Sure, it loses the rewatchability factor after the first time through, but it wasn't too bad.

I'd like to add "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" to my list of best movies of the year. I just got back from the theaters and wow. This is a masterpiece. This had better win some awards... hell, it'd better win ALL of the awards. Best movie of the year!

~Zack~

I also imagine I'll have a certain fondness for Quantum of Solace when I get a chance to see it...

Quoted from NiK Does your daughter like The Love Guru?

No, she thought that was too much. She said she really liked Twilight and Fools Gold. My other daughter actually watches a lot of Japanese and British films and shows. Torchwood and Dr. Who are very big.

Sandra

Quoted from George Willson I also imagine I'll have a certain fondness for Quantum of Solace when I get a chance to see it...

You haven't seen it? I haven't either but I just figured you would camp out in front of the theater for 007.

My top 5 is something like...

1. Wall-E
(the script was good, though I remember reading a similar story by Philip K. Dick; the most impressive thing to me was how this film was able to convey so much emotion without actors and using very little dialogue)
2. Doubt
(the story was interesting, since I think there is enough in the script to argue for or against Hoffman's character's innocence; the treat in this film was a fine performance by Meryl Streep with Viola Davis not far behind)
3. Synecdoche, New York
(this one was a little disappointing in that I didn't like it as much as Kaufman's other works but it had some really clever moments, a fine performance by Samantha Morton who seems to be getting overlooked for Best Supporting Actress and that surreal feeling as if in a dream, where at the end you aren't quite sure what just happened but it certainly had an emotional response)
4. Slumdog Millionaire
(the first half was magnificent and had a clever idea, but the fim got rather cheesy in the second half which prevents me from ranking it higher)
5. Cloverfield
(maybe it's just because I've never seen the Blair Witch Project but I really liked the use of the handheld camera as it made the story far more engaging than other monster movies and while I heard many grumbles exiting the theatre, I really liked the ending)

Dark Knight was enjoyable though the script could've used a re-write or two and to be honest, I didn't think anything about it was anything special (though I saw it for a second time on campus and had a newfound respect for Ledger's performance. He deserves all of the accolades!). Tropic Thunder, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Sex Drive, Role Models and Pineapple Express were all rather funny. Quantam of Solace, Hulk, Hellboy 2, Step Brothers, Body of Lies, Vantage Point, The Strangers and Hancock were pretty disappointing.

I'm still waiting for a few more of the Oscar contenders to be released here, such as The Wrestler, Rachel Getting Married, Vicky Christina Barcelona, all which I have heard good things about, and of course I've been trying to find someone to go see Benjamin Button with me. I also ned to rent In Bruges when I get a chance. In short, I'm sure my list will change in the next few weeks.

Quoted from Sandra Elstree. She said she really liked Twilight and Fools Gold.

Well, every girl likes Twilight... but honestly that's crap. Tell your daughter to watch this film LET THE RIGHT ONE IN : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139797/

Fools Gold is foolish.

Cheers

Quoted from sniper You haven't seen it? I haven't either but I just figured you would camp out in front of the theater for 007.

I just haven't had the few hours I would need to hit the theatre long enough to go ahead and watch it. Just have better things to do. I figure I'll just wait for the video and watch it on my blu-ray player...which I like a lot and is awesome.

Now I just need to gather up the $2500 for the 73" TV...mmmmm

BEST

1. The Dark Knight - In my all time top 3 of all time.
2. In Bruges - Only watched last week due to everyone going on about it. It lived up to my high expectations.
3. Zack and Miri Make a Porno - Has the funniest scene I've ever seen in Cinema, anyone who has seen this movie will know what I'm talking about.
4. The Incredible Hulk - Better than Iron Man.
5. The Wackness - Surprise of the year.
6. Horton Hears a Who! - Not a fan of animation but I enjoyed this.
7. The Strangers - Lack of great horrors this year made this a difficult choice

WORST

1. You Don't Mess with the Zohan - There can be no excuses for this. Terrible.
2. Postal - Why do I keep watching this guys movies?
3. Meet the Spartans - Made Disaster Movie almost worth watching.
4. 88 Minutes - Good idea, terrible end result.
5. The Eye - Remakes suck.
6. Righteous Kill - Had high hopes. Silly me.
7. Saw V - Loved the rest of the series. Had never been so disappointed.

Quoted from George Willson I also imagine I'll have a certain fondness for Quantum of Solace when I get a chance to see it...

I think this all depends on how much of a 007 elitist you are. QOS takes A LOT of liberties with the traditional Bond formula. If you're open to change, you might have a shot. Personally, I think the series died at the very moment Q resigns.

Nevertheless, I thought QOS was decent. The editing was terrible but I guess if you don't go to film school and know what 'the action axis' is, it probably won't matter to you. Craig is also a solid Bond. Overall, could've been better but could've been worse as well.

I feel I should adjust my list in light of recent viewings...

1. The Dark Knight
2. Slumdog Millionare - A film that's suspenseful, touching, and even funny with just the right amount of feel-goodness and political overtones and an Indian gameshow host who looks and acts just like Reagis (douchiness included). Not even the Bollywood dance sequence could derail this one and even that was kinda fun. Danny Boyle's yet to disappoint me.
3. Frontier(s)
4. WALL-E
5. Burn After Reading - A hilarious and genuinely fresh take on the CIA conspiracy genre that turns all cliches upside, not to mention superb performances. It's fun to watch Clooney and especially Pitt trade in generic star power for over-the-top dorkiness and stupidity. Loads of fun.

Benjamin Button, on the other hand, didn't make it on my top 10. Not bad but subpar for David Fincher, especially considering how well he works with Pitt. At the end of the day, it's Forrest Gump 2 that drags 45 minutes too long, even if it has its moments along the way.

The 29th Golden Raspberry Award nominations are up! People say there have been a lot of good films this year, but there have also been a lot of bad ones, too.

http://www.razzies.com/history/29thNoms.asp

The Worst Picture nominees are:

Disaster Movie & Meet the Spartans
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
The Hottie and the Nottie
The Love Guru
The Happening

And I suppose the ones most relevant to us, the Worst Screenplay nominations are:

Disaster Movie & Meet the Spartans
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
The Hottie and the Nottie
The Love Guru
The Happening

So just the Worst Picture films, then.


The Love Guru and Paris Hilton feature quite strongly on this year's list. In fact, pretty much everyone involved in The Love Guru gets a nomination - Verne Troyer, Jessica Alba, Mike Myers, the director, the screenwriter... Pierce Brosnan gets a Worst Supporting Actor nod for Mamma Mia!, Indy 4 gets a nomination in the Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel category, and Al Pacino gets a Worst Actor nomination for Righteous Kill and 88 Minutes. And Uwe Boll finally gets some recognition in the form of a Worst Career Achievement award, the first to be given since 1987! You deserve it, Uwe.

I'm disappointed Jumper didn't make it in - I thought Hayden Christiansen deserved a nomination for his performance in that.

I've seen all of those except for Dungeon Seige and The Happening (I rented it, but took it back before watching it), and I'd say The Love Guru is the worst of the bunch.

Disaster Movie actually wasn't all that bad.  Definitely better than Date Movie and Epic Movie, but I go into those things with such low expectations anymore that it's not too hard to come out alright.

Pierce Brosnan's nom isn't entirely fair.  Sure his singing was pretty bad, but the acting itself was fine.

BEST:

1. The Wrestler-If this isn't playing near you it is worth the drive to see it, Mickey Rourke is amazing in it.

2. The Dark Knight

3. Wall-E

4. Pineapple Express/Tropic Thunder - I can't decided which one I prefer.

5. Rachel Getting Married

6. Milk

7. Happy-Go-Lucky

8. In Bruges

9. Paranoid Park

10. Doubt - If only the direction was as good as the screenplay...the tilted camera angles looked like Film School 101. But still the acting was impressive.

WORST:

Speed Racer - The only movie this year I stopped watching half-way through.

The House Bunny

Shrooms

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - I had really high expectations because I love everything David Fincher does (even Alien 3) but this was just overlong, uninteresting, and pretty much Forest Gump redux.

THinking about what I put on my list made me release how few new movies I saw this year (damn you netflix!)
I still haven't seen a few of the ones getting the pre oscar buzz (been meaning to) s but here are my five favorites

5. Mongol- I think it was released in 07 in the foreign market but it came out this year in the U.S. It's a pretty cool movie.
4. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
3. The Wackness
2. In Bruges
1. The Dark Knight

Props to Cloverfield and iron man also

Worst:
Indiana Jones 4
The Happening
Twilight

You know, I just couldn't get into Cloverfield that much. Heard there is a sequel coming

Quoted from Aaron You know, I just couldn't get into Cloverfield that much. Heard there is a sequel coming

A lot of people said that. I can see why. I went into it with very low expectations having laughed at both trailers. But when I saw the movie it had my attention the entire time.  

A sequel would be silly.

It sure would I mean, considering what happened

Quoted from thegardenstate89 A sequel would be silly.

I heard that the sequel would be set on the same day as the original, but told through a different person's perspective. Throughout the film you see other members of the public filming events on their phone/ camera, so this idea could work. The producers are yet to say whether they would go for the hand-held camera gimmick again with it, but I think this idea could work easily as well as the first film.

And I really enjoyed 'Cloverfield', thought it was a well made, entertaining film.

"the sequel would be set on the same day as the original, but told through a different person's perspective. "

Seriously? I like that idea, but it could go on or two ways. Since it was Cloverfield, yuck, I don't like it

Best:
1. Australia- the second best movie in the world. Great script, acting and directing!
2. Doubt- amazing, this diserved a couple oscars
3. Slumdog- a good film all around that everyone loved
4. The Changeling

Worst:
The love guru- gag
Frost nixon- i got bored,its too long
Bedtime Stories- this deserved a razzie!
Pineapple Express- obnoxious
Superhero movie- :(

I'm angry at myself. Some '08 movies I saw that would alter the top 5 so much, I saw in early '09 and can't count them. =(

I'm really pissed because Slumdog Millionaire would be first, The Wrestler would be second, Gran Torino would be fourth. Frost/Nixon might have just missed this list in 6th place, but that's all right.

Best:

5. Valkyrie-Really good movie, and Tom Cruise's acting didn't bother me like it bothered some others.
4. Diary of the Dead-I was even surprised that this was as high as it was, but this is a really good zombie movie. Romero hasn't lost it yet...
3. The Bank Job-Smart, funny, crime drama. I'll admit that I don't get British cinema too often, but this struck a chord with me.
2. The Dark Knight-Yes, it's a cliche, but the movie as a whole was really this good. I enjoyed it even more on a second viewing.
1. Cloverfield-I have no way to describe how or why this is first, but it was.

Worst:

5. Definitely, Maybe-I don't like romantic comedies in general but I was probably more furious at this one than usual, because I had to sit through it on a flight.
4. Be Kind Rewind-Dreadfully bad comedy featuring Jack Black who I despise.
3. The Lost Boys 2: The Tribe-Need I say more?
2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull-Terrible, but the mildly-decent beginning "Koepp'ed" it from being last.
1. The Happening-Horrendous. Absolutely fucking pitiful movie.

Best:

5) The Dark Knight

4) Slumdog Millionaire

3) WALL-E

2) Revolutionary Road

1) The Wrestler