The best films of 2008 so far
We’ve used up half of 2008, folks. We’d better start conserving or we’ll run out of 2008 within six months, seven tops.
As of the midpoint, I’ve watched 225 movies so far this year. Holy crap, can that be right? Wow. I guess it is. At that rate, I’ll have 450 by the end of the year. But that rate won’t continue, because the first half of the year was crammed with film festivals (Sundance, SXSW, CineVegas), while the second half will have one at the most. Still, the point is the same: I watch a lot of movies.
Not all of those were for review. Some were just me watchin’ a movie for fun. And two of them were “Anchorman.” (Why have I watched “Anchorman” twice so far this year? I dunno. Long story.) But of those that I have reviewed, here’s what I’ve liked the best. Please note that this list is non-binding, and if some of these don’t wind up on the year-end list, or wind up in a different order, you’re not allowed to yell at me or question my methods for YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS OF ME.
Top 10 Movies of 2008 So Far
1. “WALL-E”
2. “American Teen” (in theaters this month)
3. “Son of Rambow”
4. “Young @ Heart”
5. “Cloverfield”
6. “Dear Zachary” (see below)
7. “Snow Angels”
8. “Funny Games”
9. “The Signal”
10. “The Promotion”
Number 6 is a documentary that played at Slamdance and SXSW that I just barely got around to watching. It’s one of the most emotionally wrenching films I’ve ever seen. Last I heard, they’re looking at an August theatrical release for it. I’ll write up a review soon-ish.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I’m glad you put Cloverfield in there. I think it was underrated and innovative, and an intriguing concept from a filmmakers perspective.
WALL-E by far is the best of 2008. Great list
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I agree with Brandt. Cloverfield is probably one of the best films that i have seen this year. i also agree with Son of Rambow’s inclusion, as it was a genuinly funny and moving little film.
i havnt seen any of the others yet so i cant make a true judgement, but im a little disappointed that ‘In Bruges’ misses out. yes the others in the top 10 list probably are as good as their position warrants, but still….Colin Farrell is brilliant!
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
While I didn’t particularly love “Cloverfield,” thanks for mentioning it. The comments on your review provided some excellent reading!
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Nice list! Young @ Heart has a special spot on my list, as I saw the group preform after a screening of the film. Talk about a joy for life, amazing! Son of Rambow is another of my faves, something about the creative process.
I really enjoy reading here. Also want to thank you for the In the Dark movie reviews, look forward to seeing them in my inbox on friday mornings, well done.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I am just in love with both “Wall-E” and “Son of Rambow.” I think it will be near-impossible for any film to top Wall-E, but I suppose it could be done in the second half.
I will confess that I too have watched “Anchorman” twice already this year.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I think it’s really telling about the quality of the movies Hollywood puts out that several of the movies on this list are independent or didn’t gain wide release. That, or Eric goes to a lot of film festivals. Or both. Yeah, it’s both.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I don’t know much about the Oscars, but are animated films eligible for best picture? (I’m thinking of “Wall-E” here obviously)
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:16 am
Beauty and the Best was nominated for best picture, but it is the only animated film ever to do so, it lost to Science of the Lambs.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Science of the Lambs? Is that what the kids call it these days?
July 4th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Science of the Lambs
It puts the lotion on its skin or else it classifies phenotypes again…
July 7th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
What? No Maid of Honor? 27 Dresses? Wait, did those come out this year? They seem to all run together