Hello everyone Jourdan here posting some old blog post of my favorite films of 08 that I did on my Myspace. I am putting this up to give you an idea of what you can expect from me if you are not familiar already. You can find all my previous reviews their http://www.myspace.com/jourdanwitau .
Best of 08 and Beyond
So here it is again I have compiled all the movies and listed my favorite films of 2008. Sorry for the length of how many films on my list. I was going to make a top ten and a honorable mention but decided that if I where to put these films in that category then they must have fit my criteria. All of these movies, I found entertaining for various reason. These films could be entertaining on a pop corn way or technical way or both. All of these movies I think should be seen and I think represent 2008. Even though my list is 25 strong there are still a few movies that I have not seen yet that might have made the list: Grand Torino, Frost/Nixon, the Wrestler, Revolutionary Road, the Reader, Synecdoche, New York, Doubt, and Milk. Out of all of those I really want to see The Wrestler. Enough of this let me get to the list but after this.
A Bittersweet Life
This shouldn’t make it on the list because it came out in 2005 I think. This is a Korean revenge movie that is really great. That is all you need to know going into this movie and that Ji-Woon Kim directed it. I have seen three of his movies and they are all pretty good and I fully believe that I will watch anything he makes from now one blindly. That’s how good I think he is. I think he brings depth and cool hip artistry to all of his movies. For those of you who have seen the great Old Boy film I would say that this movie is its fraternal twin brother. You should try to seek this one out if that sound likes your cup of tea.
And now on to the real list…
25. The Orphanage
The only reason this isn’t higher on my list is because it came out at the end of 07 and I watched on DVD not in the theater. It is a really great ghost story that is genuinely creepy. Oh yea this is a Spanish film so you’re gonna have to read.
24. Step Brothers
Straight up stupid. I think Will Farrell and John C Reilly are perfecting there retarded man child with each film they do like this. I have to say that I prefer there other movies compared to this but it is really funny and at least stands next to the all their films really well. Also this is another Judd Apatow linked movies, which is comedy gold that’s deep-fried in liquid gold. This movie is tied with Forgetting Sarah Marshall…
23. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Even though these two movies Sarah Marshall and step Brothers are different types of comedy the both have in common the Apatow effect. Now this movie is closer in tone to Apatows directed comedies like knocked up. I also have to say that this movie has one of the best break-up scene I have seen.
22. Cloverfield
I almost forgot that this film came out in 08. The sad thing about this movie is that you have to come in this movie expecting what it is to really appreciate it. I know a lot of people where on the tip that it should be more like Godzilla. That is totally wrong way to go into this movie. It is a story of group of people and what would they do and go through if Godzilla was real. Being civilians they wouldn’t be really up close fight this monster. I think it was well directed and elevated the sub genre of found footage. It also has a killer score that only plays during the credits but it is a great homage to Godzilla.
21. Zack and Miri Make a Porno….
Now this film may not be on other people’s lists but if you are a Kevin Smith fan you will really like this film. It shows the growth with Kevin smith while still being foul as always. I also think he nails relationships pretty well in this film even though it is in the situation of making a porno. This may not be as funny as Step Brothers but this is more complete film with a full-fledged growth arc
20. Slumdog Millionaire
Now don’t get me wrong this is a really good movie. Is it worth all the good praise yes. Is it worth that much praise of that its one of the best film of 08 no. Yea it is on my list but not my top ten. You should see this and director Danny Boyle continually amazes me on his versatility (he did trainspotting, 28days later, millions, sunshine. You should check those out if you haven’t seen them yet and you will know what I am talking about). There is a part in this movie that is gross and funny as hell that you should see.
19. Valkyrie….
For anyone doubting Bryan Singer who directed Superman Returns should watch this movie (oh by the way I still think Superman Returns is a good film that is a great opening to a really great action while deep sequel). This is a really fascinating film about a true story. Even with know what happens with this story Bryan Singer creates true tension and thrills.
18. The Strangers
This isn’t the best film but it definitely one of the scarier ones I saw. That is the main reason it is on this list because it was scary which is what a horror movie should do. I can totally see some one being freaked out after this movie.
17. The Good the Bad the Weird.
This is the second Ji-Woon movie that I saw this year that was really great change to the western genre. This movie is not being released for American distribution for couple of months from now but it was shown in 08. Now this may not be for the casual moviegoer but if you love movies like I do and you like western will like this film. This movie if you cant tell is a play on the classic Clint Eastwood Sergio Leon Spaghetti Western the good The Bad and the ugly. This movie totally pays respect to that film by being a good film
16. Wanted
The first comic book adaptation on my list. I think this film goes really well with the first matrix. I think this would be the matrix little brother. The action is over the top and comes really close to crossing the line but never did for me. I have skimmed through the graphic novel and found that it is pretty different. Oh for the ladies there is a shot of a buffed out James McAvoy and for the fellas their Angelina Jolie. On a last note about this film I have to say that Morgan Freeman can give Samuel Jackson a run for his money on who can say Mother Fucker better.
15. Rambo
Once again another film that I almost forgot came out in 08. In short this film is done like an 80’s movie that is done now. The action is over the top gory and the story is as serious can be and loved the shit out of this movie. This movie had me waiting for Sylvester Stallone’s next film, which happens to be the expendables that is about mercenary hired to take out a dictator which. It will star Jason Statham Jet Li Dolph Lundren Mickey Rourke. Tell me that aint some 80’s action gold for you.
14. Speed Racer
Just like Cloverfield I think you can only enjoy this film knowing that this is a live action anime. If you cant go into this movie with that in mind I think you maybe at lose because it is a really good film for what it is. It is a really vibrant movie and might hurt your eyes but if you can take it you in for a first live action anime ever done and maybe never will be done ever again (because it flopped the shit up at the box office)
13. Kung Fu Panda
What Kill Bill did, Kung Fu Panda did for family/cartoon films. The animation and action are really great (it is worth getting in blu ray by the way). It is a pretty simple movie that took me by surprise in how they really tried to respect kung Fu movie in general which made it that much better as a film. Oh for your information this movie is not done by Pixar too which is great.
12. Let the right one in
A subtitled Swedish vampire movie about two kids that fall for each other. It is eerie and quirky at the same time. It has a dark humor and thrilling element to it. Honestly this is one of the best vampire film that I have seen in awhile. It is a weird film that you should seek out.
11. Tropic Thunder
If the all stars aligned Robert Downey Jr would get awards for his part in this movie. If you are watching this movie you are watch Robert Downey Jr, it is totally his film. I have watched this movie about 8 times and everything from him still makes me laugh. Oh if you have this movie on DVD or blu ray you should check out the commentary by the cast because Robert Downey Jr does the commentary in character, which is pretty funny too.
10. Hulk
The second comic book movie on my list. The one thing about this film that besides getting the hulk better then most have is the end fight scene. It is what a super hero fight scene should be like no question about it. This is also a great companion film to Iron man and is a great set up for the future avengers movie that I hope will get made
9. Hellboy 2 the Curse of the Golden Army
If you like pulp things then you will like hell boy. Nazi to fairy tale creatures it’s everything that a geek like me. It also has Seth McFarlane doing one of the characters voice (if you don’t know he is the family guy guy). I know that I want to see where Hellboy 3 will go if they ever make it. Guillermo Del Toro is the man and if you haven’t seen Pan’s or hellboy the first one you should check it out. I have total confidence in him on doing the Hobbit.
8. Wall-E
What can I say like Apatow and his crew Pixar is animation gold deep-fried in liquid gold. They just get better technically with there animation every time out and they always tell a great story with great characters. The sound design was by the same guy who did R2-D2 so you know it gangsta awesome. This is also a must to have in Blu Ray.
7. Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
What makes this film is seeing this character go through life. If you find that watching some one life unfold is boring this is not for you. Because that is the hook the selling point. It is not the idea of a person physically growing younger. Yea that gives the character a different out look but its Benjamin growth as a person that was the hook for me. The special effects are really great in this film and I think they should win for that at least when awards are given out.
6. Pineapple Express
Like Robert Downey Jr I think James Franco should get nominated at least for his role as a pothead drug dealer. It is one of the funniest movies I have seen this year because they got how potheads are. Its just funny seeing how a pothead would act in danger. I didn’t mention this in Zack and Miri but Craig Robinson is damn funny in her as he is in that movie too. Oh yea this another Apatow comedy Gold fried in liquid gold.
5. The Fall
Visual poetry and pure imagination. I honestly think the little girl from this film should be noticed for her performance because it was so natural and spot on. Her acting was not acting it was actually the character on the screen if that even makes any sense. For those of you who don’t know this film it’s by the same guy who did the Cell with JLO. Now that you have an idea of how artistic this movie can be, the cell doesn’t even come close to the fall. It is about a man that is injured and he befriends a little girl and tells her story to get close to her. Once he has here trust he tries to have her help him commit suicide. The story that is told to the girl is being shown through the eyes of the little girl. I honestly think this movie was totally overlooked. Really great film.
4. JCVD
Out of all the movies that came out this year this one surprised me the most. I already had read good things about this film so I was came in the movie with some pretty high expectation. I came out of the film with my experiences that exceeded my expectations. I have to say Jean Claude Van Damme is really good in this movie. He is what makes this movie and the indie director feel to it also helps.
3. Burn After Reading
Out side of the main comedy movies that came out this year this was a stand out for me. This is a Coen Brothers and I didn’t anything less from them. This movie had me laughing on just how absurd it was. You should come in this movie with just the trailer as knowledge and know that it is a movie by the Coens and that it’s going to be in the same vein as there previous comedy.
2. Iron Man
There where three movies going into 08 that I couldn’t wait to see. That was The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Krystal Skulls and Iron Man. Thankfully this movie and dark knight came through in spades. I pretty sure if you are reading this you have already seen this movie so there nothing much to say about it beside that it full filled everything you want from a fun summer blockbuster. I hope with the next installment that they up the fighting between Iron Man and whom ever he is fighting against. I also got to say that this was Robert Downey’s year. I think he had a year like Johnny Depp when he did the first Pirates movie and Once upon a time in Mexico or even better.
1. The Dark Knight
Now all of these movie can be switched around depending on my mood except this one. This one cannot because it hits all the right notes and give the best any chance it gets. This may not be a surprise but, I don’t think anyone can say that it is not worth anything that has gotten. If you are of the few people that have not seen it you should go see it now and if you want to be cheap come over my house and you can watch it in blu ray cuz I will watch that any time. If you watch movie because of good acting or good directing or for some good action or some good story telling or for a good film score or for good dialog or want something deeper out of a movie then you should watch the Dark Knight. It has everything and does it at a high level that make it a great film. This may not win every award but this film sure does deserves the nomination in multiple categories and deserves awards of if they do win for best director best film and best supporting actor.
There you have it my guide 2008. It took me a couple of weeks to get this together.
Now if you are not tired of reading the BS that I am writing, here is the list of films I am looking forward to
Avatar
James Cameron back at doing sci-fi(he did the first two terminators, abyss, Aliens and that damn Titanic movie) I can say that I am anticipating it. The word on this is that it is supposed to be the next step in movie going and make it worth it to everyone to go to your local theater instead of watching a bootleg or streaming on a website or waiting for DVD. That is because it’s supposed to be the next step in 3D.
Star Trek
JJ Abrams who made my all time favorite show LOST is directing this one. The guy that plays Sylar is playing Spock and he is a dead ringer for him. By the trailers it looks like it is promising something very epic that we have never seen with Star Trek.
Watchman
Read the graphic Novel it really is that good. It looks like this might be a faithful adaptation.
inglorious basterds
Yes that is spelled right. Quentin Tarantino doing aWW2 flick with Brad Pitt. What else can you ask for. This movie has been rumored even before Kill Bill So fans of his have been waiting for this one and who doesn’t like a war flick.
Public Enemy
Johnny Depp playing John Dillinger. If you don’t know I think Johnny Depp is the shit and I wish he played regular roles more often like this one. That is not saying his Tim Burton character are not good. Oh yea Christian Bale is the lead FBI agent after him. This is done by Mr. blow shit up him self Michael Bay I think this will be closer to Heat Then Transformers.
Coraline
The guy that did A Nightmare Before Christmas Henry Selick and the comic book writer Neil Gaiman that did Sandman and Stardust. I think this is a great pairing.
Monsters vs. Aliens
Just on the fact it super geeky concept.
Up!
Animated gold fried in liquid gold from Pixar. There is nothing else to say why I wanna see this.
Brothers Bloom
If you like film and or the noir then you should check out director Rian Johnson first film. Based on that film I want to see it. It also helps that its got a rock solid cast with Mark Ruffalo Adrien Brody, and Rachel Weisz.
Terminator Salvation
Now this is the scary one of the year in which I will be sad if it doesn’t deliver. It has nothing to do with James Cameron and is directed by McG who did those Charlie’s Angles movies. This is supposed to deliver on that human vs. robots war that was shown in T2. John Connor is being played by one of my favorite actors Christian Bale so that also elevated my anticipation of this movie. It also comes out on my birthday May 22 and I hope it doesn’t disappoint like Indiana Jones did by not being as good as the previous movies.
Harry Potter and the Half-blood prince
I really like this series and it always leaves me anticipating the next film. The last one fulfilled what I wanted to see in a wizard battle. I must admit that when the first film came out I thought it was stupid. Now I really like this series. I still wont read the books though.
Funny People
Comedy gold fried in liquid gold Judd Apatow is directing this one. This is where I would say NUFF said but it does star Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen.
Shutter Island
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Dicaprio and this is where I put NUFF Said.
Where the Wild Things are
One of my fav director Spike Jonze (adaptation) doing one of the most well known children’s book. I have seen some of the pics of the monster and look pretty damn cool. I have to say that the concept of Where the Wild Things are is pretty damn Geeky.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
I have never read the Roald Dahl’s The Fantastic Mr. Fox so I am only anticipating this because of Wes Anderson (Royal Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic) and that it is his first animated film.
Sherlock Holmes
Robert Downey sword fighting boxing and solving crimes as Sherlock Holmes and Jud Law as a bad ass looking Dr Watson, I am sold. This is supposed to have more action and thrilling elements then previous Sherlock’s. For those of you who think that is dumb in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books he is a expert Stick Fighter and bar knuckle boxer. Guy Ritchie(snatch, lock stock and two smoking barrels) directing and hoping he can do more then sleek crime films.
Year One
Jack Black and Michael Cera in 1 A.D. and directed by Harold Ramis the guy that played Egon in Ghostbusters and wrote a whole bunch of funny movies.
The Box
Richard Kelly who did Donny Darko does a film based on a twilight zone episode about a box that a gives you what you want but also kills someone at the same time. Perfect pairing.
Ninja Assassin
Ninja’s and the guy that directed V for Vendetta and produced by the matrix boys and written by comic book by J. Michael Staczynski. Oh did I say it’s about Ninjas and who doesn’t like ninjas.
Transformers 2:Revenge of the Fallen.
Bigger then the first one.
Wolverine: Origins
Huge Jackman is a perfect wolverine and director Gavin Hood first film Tsotsi was gritty and was pretty good. The movie has Gambit, Blob, and Deadpool who is played by Ryan VanWilder Reynolds. The trailer just didn’t sell me yet but you know what I will still see this movie.
Black Dynamite
Just checkout the red band trailer and tell me you don’t wanna see this. If you don’t sorry for making you watch that trailer but that shit was funny to me.
and there you have it I done and tired!
