Posted on Monday, December 29, 2008 11:21 PM
We've come to the end of yet another year. I hope that if you look back, you all had a good year. But right now I want to get into what in my personal opinion are the best movies I saw in 2008. You'll notice that it's a top 11 instead of the usual top 10 which you'll find everywhere, but it's just a fact that I cannot include all titles I saw. Movies like Australia, Taken and Son of Rambow could have been included in this top (and Indiana Jones should have!), but if I go over the other titles I saw, I just consider those a little better. So how did I do it? Well, I thought about them like this: if all movies I saw would re-run in the theaters once more, which ones would I urge you to go see if you hadn't done before?! Which ones are unmissable in your personal DVD-collection? Which ones are a lack of personal development if you've skipped them earlier this year?! Hold on to yourself, get a drink and let your mind go over my top 11 of 2008. Enjoy!
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11 - Cashback
I recommend this artful movie to everyone; it's lovely and will leave you with a good feeling. Thinking back I would like to watch it again. Original and touching.
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10 - Boy A
This movie is heavy. And strong, really strong. Boy A is a drama like a drama should be. To be seen on a rainy night.
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9 - El orfanato
This Spanish production was scary and spooky. Excellent for a night with low lights on and a lady next to you which jumps on your lap which each scare :)
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8 - Speed racer IMAX
Unfortunately this picture failed to raise the fame it deserved. It utterly failed in the box-office, which in my opinion is ungrounded, as the Wachoski brothers really made one of 2008's uniquest productions. If you missed it, you missed one hell of a ride with Racer!
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7 - Juno
I was afraid to see yet another cheeky chick flick, but instead I saw one of the most original comedies of the year. As said before I found the texts so original, the cast excellent and the soundtrack beautiful. This is really a heart-touching production! See it! Wonderful!
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6 - Wall-e
Until June I had HUGE expectations for Wall-e. At first I found it a deception, but now that I've seen it more than twice I've gotten to see the true heart of this movie.
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5 - Tropa de elite
This movie hit me in my face with a big bang! Again a non-commercial movie which you shouldn't hesitate to see. Classic!
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4 - Kung fu panda
In comparison to Wall-e I always (and still do) find that Kung Fu Panda contains every aspect of an excellent movie. It appeals to both adults as children, which these days is hard to accomplish with these kind of movies. And even on DVD this movie rocks! My son still asks for this movie frequently and I'm always happy to sit next to him and enjoy the Panda!
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3 - Into the wild
This is a masterpiece about personal struggle and growing up. This movie touched me so much, that I had trouble getting to sleep. It's beautiful; not only the camera-work, but the story itself. A must see!
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2 - The dark knight
Not Heath's death, but the whole production on itself made this movie. It touches true excellence and was such a wondrous experience in IMAX. I'm very happy that they're re-releasing this picture in 2009 in IMAX to give everyone who missed it earlier this year the possibility to see it in IMAX. And yes, the pencil still makes me laugh :) This movie is the reason cinema exists!
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1 - U2 3D IMAX
The best cinematic experience I experienced this past year. I'm afraid the 3D-usage in this movie will never be applied better in another movie, even though more movies are coming out in 3D in 2009. It totally blew me away... U2 compiled this movie from footage recorded at seven different gigs in South America. The 3D-usage was not a gimmick, but a great addition to the movie, as you experience it as if you were there, right between the people. And the biggest benefit is that you actually get a very close view of all the band members. Together with the crystal clear image and the 12.000 Watts of sound this experience was totally superb. If it was ever to be re-released in IMAX, I'd be the first to get in line. |
So, these were my favorites of 2008. What did you think of my top 11? Am I crazy to have excluded a specific title? If so, which one? What is in your opinion the most underrated movie of this year and which one did you really enjoy? Hope to hear from you all that visit this blog and I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for visiting my blog and reading my opinions. All the best for 2009 and may we among everything else hope for good movies and excellent stories on the big screen. See you in 2009!!!