A lot of people like to do lists during this time of year, and I am always one to blindly follow the crowd. I don't really care about my top ten posts or top ten bowel movements or top ten commenters or anything like that. I do, however, care about movies, so….
The top 10 movies that were released on DVD in 2008 (in no particular order):
The Descent – this claustrophobic thriller has some excellent twists and turns and an all-female cast that never feels off-balance, cliched, or estrogeny.
Gone Baby Gone – Casey Affleck stars in his brother's directorial debut in this very slow-burning, hard-boiled mystery based on the series by Dennis Lehane.
Juno – I've seen this movie four or five times and I think it is a flawless movie. The cast, the writing, the story – it's perfect.
Cloverfield – What if Godzilla attacked New York and the only evidence you had was from a camcorder owned by a hapless resident? This movie is a unique look at a classic concept and it works amazingly well. You get just enough information and visual evidence to barely sate your curiosity without feeling like there is any real narration or omniscient perspective.
The Bank Job – This was one of the year's most criminally overlooked movies. Jason Statham demonstrates why he needs to be in everything.
Iron Man – Robert Downey, Jr. manages to make the role where he dons a flying suit of armor to become a superhero his second-most interesting role of the year!
Forgetting Sarah Marshall – I love Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell and the concept of a Dracula musical is intriguing. This movie feels genuine and has real, genuine laughs and love.
Tropic Thunder – Robert Downey, Jr. in his best role of the year, along with a stellar cast, including a great cameo by Tom Cruise. The satire in sharp and the laughs are continuous. I love this movie!
The Dark Knight – Heath Ledger was the Joker. His transformation into this character felt so complete that I am transfixed every time he's on screen. There's no way a third film can top this one.
What are your top 10? Be prepared to defend or face derision and silly name-calling.
UPDATE:
Apparently, I'm retarded. "The Descent" came out on DVD on 2006. The site I found that listed all new releases on DVD must have been confused.
I offer an alternative instead:
Justice League – The New Frontier – This movie was a satisfying adaptation of the award-winning Darwyn Cooke series, and if the movie studios paid attention, their next big superhero ensemble movie would take some notes.
1. Synecdoche, New York
2. The Wrestler
3. The Dark Knight
4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
5. Cloverfield – reaally high up, but i loved it
6. Slumdog Millionaire
7. Pineapple Express
8. Milk
9. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
10. Baghead
i am the only person that hasnt seen wall-e yet, and also burn after reading, rachel getting married, and man on wire is on everyones top ten list, but i havent seen those either.
Juno was phenomenal, as was the Dark Knight. Forgetting Sarah Marshall was just plain hysterical, Russell Brand made that movie. Ironman was good too, but not my favorite.
We watched Wanted last night with Angelina Jolie. That was some of the best fighting I've seen in a very long time. The beginning had me rolling my eyes. But it was great mindless fun. Kung-fu Panda was a hoot. I love it when they make kid movies with adults in mind too.
My list will be today's post. But I think it might only be a top five. Can't think of all that much worthy of a top ten. So you can insult me over there. Although we will be sharing a few.
Wow.. the only movie I saw in the theatre this year was Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D.. it sucked and all it did was remind me why I don't like to go to the movies! I'm behind… but thanks for all the great adds to my Netflix!
The Dark Knight – Heath Ledger was impeccable. I cannot tell you how many times I've replayed the scene where he interrupts their 'group therapy session'. But the overall film was excellent, not just him.
Iron Man – Best comic book hero film to emerge in a very long time.
Slumdog Millionaire – Probably my favorite film of the year, after The Dark Knight
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Sooo beautiful.
Gran Torino – Clint's a maniac. I loved it.
Milk – Great performance by Sean Penn and great biopic.
The Wrestler – Daammnnn Mickey. I didn't think he still had it in him.
Cloverfield – I'm a JJ fangirl, what can I say.
The Visitor – An indie that's been pretty much ignored by everyone but needs soooo much more recognition. It was excellent.
In Bruges – I giggled like a maniac. Great dark comedy.
Burn After Reading and Vicky Cristina Barcelona were excellent as well.
Geesh – I must be more of a loser than I initially suspected. I haven't heard of most of those movies, let alone seen them. I've only seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Juno – both excellent movies.
I'm surprised that Twilight didn't make your list though. Not because I think it was any type of cinematic greatness but because you're such a girl. [I say that with love.]
I don't think I saw 10 movies in 2008. In fact I can only think of two. The Secret Life of Bees which I liked and Ironman which I didn't much like. There is my top 1 list. I also saw Juno but I think it was before the year rolled over.
I've seen four movies on this list and completely agree with you on them. Unfortunately they are probably the only four movies I've actually seen this year.
While I'm not usually into the batman movies or really any movie of that type, we watched The Dark Night last night, and I couldn't agree more about Heath Ledger. What a performance! In fact the whole movie was rather good and even I liked it.
Robert Downey Jr is THE MAN!!! If he ever reverted back to his old self, I'd gladly slum it with him. In fact, I'd very happily be his crackwhore anytime!
Iron Man was definitely worthy. Better than all the other lame ass comic book hero films lately, for sure.
The Dark Knight was probably Heath's most impressive performance although I have adored him in just about every movie.
I would have to add Wall-e to the listsimply for the fact that the message was so intensly pounded into the brain of youngsters everywhere and it's timing is perfect.
I'm not 100% sure on the release date of all of these, but I checked my Netflix account and came up with these awesome films:
1. City of Men
2. Michael Clayton
3. Romance & Cigarettes
4. I'm Not There
5. Juno
6. Darjeeling Limited
7. No Country for Old Men
8. Elisabeth
9. Across the Univers
10.The Savages
I'm seeing In Bruges tonight, so I might have to ammend.
Documentaries–Gonzo is fantastic.
Out now– go see Slumdog Millionaire, Doubt and Milk.
Gad. I don't think I even managed to see 10 movies this year. And even though Descent came out in 2006, I'm glad you fucked up and listed it. Because before kids, I was a caver/spelunker and now? I MUST see this movie!
OK, my top ten/ten movies I saw in 2008:
1. Iron Man (Fuck, yeah!)
2. Wall-E
3. Cloverfield
4. Dark Knight
5. Twilight (STFU!)
6. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
7. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
8. Quantum of Solace
9. The Other Boleyn Girl (Not exactly true to the book and not true to history but, hey, it's a movie featuring the Tudors. And I got away from the kids for two hours. So, it's on the list.)
10. And… Justice League: The New Frontier (Totally agree with you here. Saw it and enjoyed it immensely!)
Cloverfield was amazing, bought the DVD in a second. Juno was so good "shockingly cavalier" is my phrase of 2008. I dunno, without Russell Brand I think Forgetting Sarah Marshall would be, er, forgettable. Other movies I saw in the theater that I think worthy of a mention: Hancock, Burn After Reading, Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.
I haven't seen the majority of these, because I'm trapped under this damned rock of 4 kids. I'm wondering though if The Ruins movie has the same ending as the book, 'cause the book kind of pissed me off.
I think I agree more with your comment from Deb than with your list. However, I did like "Juno" enough to see it multiple times at the theater (granted, both trips were free, as I was in Iraq and Qatar when I saw it, but still).
At your recommendation, I ordered 'The Ruins' off PaperbackSwap. Thanks for the tip.
As for movies this year, I'm a superhero fan, so 'The Dark Knight' was just amazing. 'Iron Man' was good as well. I did see 'Descent', but felt it was just okay, which is fine.
A post-Saint Patty's Day hangover is nothing compared to the sugar hangover from eating just the icing off of a shitload of green cupcakes.about 1 hour agofrom Brizzly
Posted in General | Tags: 2008, avitable, dvds, dvds of 2008, movies, movies of 2008, top ten movies, top-10, top-ten
You need to see Slumdog Millionaire.
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ill do this, but mine's all movies, not just dvds
1. Synecdoche, New York
2. The Wrestler
3. The Dark Knight
4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
5. Cloverfield – reaally high up, but i loved it
6. Slumdog Millionaire
7. Pineapple Express
8. Milk
9. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
10. Baghead
i am the only person that hasnt seen wall-e yet, and also burn after reading, rachel getting married, and man on wire is on everyones top ten list, but i havent seen those either.
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uhm
I dunno…
I liked Kung fu panda.. and Wall-e was pretty good. When did 300 come out? can that be on my list? that was a great movie.
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I'm with you on four of your choices.
The rest I roll my eyes and sneer at you while preening inwards about my obviously more discriminating movie tastes.
Heh.
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Juno was phenomenal, as was the Dark Knight. Forgetting Sarah Marshall was just plain hysterical, Russell Brand made that movie. Ironman was good too, but not my favorite.
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There were 10 movies this year? I think I saw three (Iron Man, Tropic Thunder, and Dark Knight), so they automatically top my top three list.
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Your list is pretty good, but I would have to include probably my favorite film of the year…In Bruges. What a film!
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We watched Wanted last night with Angelina Jolie. That was some of the best fighting I've seen in a very long time. The beginning had me rolling my eyes. But it was great mindless fun. Kung-fu Panda was a hoot. I love it when they make kid movies with adults in mind too.
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My list will be today's post. But I think it might only be a top five. Can't think of all that much worthy of a top ten. So you can insult me over there. Although we will be sharing a few.
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Wow.. the only movie I saw in the theatre this year was Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D.. it sucked and all it did was remind me why I don't like to go to the movies! I'm behind… but thanks for all the great adds to my Netflix!
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Yah, I'm pretty sure you didn't mean that "commenters" sentence fragment the way you said it. If you did then… Mln right back atcha, sweetheart.
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We watched Gone Baby Gone this past weekend–I loved it.
Tropic Thunder was a blast.
Burn After Reading was a treat–I love the Coens.
Bottle Shock was excellent–there's no way you could leave the theater without feeling good after.
Two movies I want to see—-Gran Torino and Slumdog Millionaire
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The only one of those I haven't seen is the Ruins… but I want to
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I've lost count of how many times I've watched Juno.
Dude bought The Dark Knight but I haven't watched it yet. I'm not sure it's my type of movie.
I liked Ironman and thought Robert Downey Jr. was awesome.
Now I want to go watch Juno.
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The Dark Knight – Heath Ledger was impeccable. I cannot tell you how many times I've replayed the scene where he interrupts their 'group therapy session'. But the overall film was excellent, not just him.
Iron Man – Best comic book hero film to emerge in a very long time.
Slumdog Millionaire – Probably my favorite film of the year, after The Dark Knight
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Sooo beautiful.
Gran Torino – Clint's a maniac. I loved it.
Milk – Great performance by Sean Penn and great biopic.
The Wrestler – Daammnnn Mickey. I didn't think he still had it in him.
Cloverfield – I'm a JJ fangirl, what can I say.
The Visitor – An indie that's been pretty much ignored by everyone but needs soooo much more recognition. It was excellent.
In Bruges – I giggled like a maniac. Great dark comedy.
Burn After Reading and Vicky Cristina Barcelona were excellent as well.
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I'm with you on everything but Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Fuck that shit.
Give me Superbad or Zack And Miri Make A Porno anyday.
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Geesh – I must be more of a loser than I initially suspected. I haven't heard of most of those movies, let alone seen them. I've only seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Juno – both excellent movies.
I'm surprised that Twilight didn't make your list though. Not because I think it was any type of cinematic greatness but because you're such a girl. [I say that with love.]
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Iron Man
The Dark Knight
Tropic Thunder
Mamma Mia!
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Juno
In Bruges
Gone Baby Gone
Charlie Bartlett
I've not seen Twilight yet but I am sure I would add that to my list as well.
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Out of these movies I have only seen Juno which I also very much enjoyed!
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I don't think I saw 10 movies in 2008. In fact I can only think of two. The Secret Life of Bees which I liked and Ironman which I didn't much like. There is my top 1 list. I also saw Juno but I think it was before the year rolled over.
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I've seen four movies on this list and completely agree with you on them. Unfortunately they are probably the only four movies I've actually seen this year.
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While I'm not usually into the batman movies or really any movie of that type, we watched The Dark Night last night, and I couldn't agree more about Heath Ledger. What a performance! In fact the whole movie was rather good and even I liked it.
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Robert Downey Jr is THE MAN!!! If he ever reverted back to his old self, I'd gladly slum it with him. In fact, I'd very happily be his crackwhore anytime!
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Iron Man was definitely worthy. Better than all the other lame ass comic book hero films lately, for sure.
The Dark Knight was probably Heath's most impressive performance although I have adored him in just about every movie.
I would have to add Wall-e to the listsimply for the fact that the message was so intensly pounded into the brain of youngsters everywhere and it's timing is perfect.
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Pretty good list. And it reminds me that I need to watch the Descent again. That was some good, creepy fun
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The Descent was was nothing compared to the book. I read it twice which is unusual for me. Try it, you won't be sorry.
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I'm not 100% sure on the release date of all of these, but I checked my Netflix account and came up with these awesome films:
1. City of Men
2. Michael Clayton
3. Romance & Cigarettes
4. I'm Not There
5. Juno
6. Darjeeling Limited
7. No Country for Old Men
8. Elisabeth
9. Across the Univers
10.The Savages
I'm seeing In Bruges tonight, so I might have to ammend.
Documentaries–Gonzo is fantastic.
Out now– go see Slumdog Millionaire, Doubt and Milk.
Hmm, I want popcorn.
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Gad. I don't think I even managed to see 10 movies this year. And even though Descent came out in 2006, I'm glad you fucked up and listed it. Because before kids, I was a caver/spelunker and now? I MUST see this movie!
OK, my top ten/ten movies I saw in 2008:
1. Iron Man (Fuck, yeah!)
2. Wall-E
3. Cloverfield
4. Dark Knight
5. Twilight (STFU!)
6. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
7. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
8. Quantum of Solace
9. The Other Boleyn Girl (Not exactly true to the book and not true to history but, hey, it's a movie featuring the Tudors. And I got away from the kids for two hours. So, it's on the list.)
10. And… Justice League: The New Frontier (Totally agree with you here. Saw it and enjoyed it immensely!)
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Cloverfield was amazing, bought the DVD in a second. Juno was so good "shockingly cavalier" is my phrase of 2008. I dunno, without Russell Brand I think Forgetting Sarah Marshall would be, er, forgettable. Other movies I saw in the theater that I think worthy of a mention: Hancock, Burn After Reading, Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.
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I haven't seen the majority of these, because I'm trapped under this damned rock of 4 kids. I'm wondering though if The Ruins movie has the same ending as the book, 'cause the book kind of pissed me off.
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fuck, i need to get my ass to movies more often.
sigh.
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I can actually read this post now. (Reading on the phone is stupid.)
I totally agree with a lot of these movies, even The Descent. Who cares what year it was made? Still very good!
AND THANK YOU FOR NOT LISTING PINEAPPLE EXPRESS.
:)
But… Knocked Up, eh?
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Wow. The only movie I've seen in its entirety on your list is Iron Man. I need to lock my kid in the closet more often.
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I think I agree more with your comment from Deb than with your list. However, I did like "Juno" enough to see it multiple times at the theater (granted, both trips were free, as I was in Iraq and Qatar when I saw it, but still).
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I suck. I haven't seen nearly enough movies. I blame school, it's a damn time waster.
The last movie I saw was Marley and Me with my Grandma. It was good, that's because of the lab, he was freaking adorable.
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I only have 5 films on my Top Ten list:
1. Iron Man
2. The Dark Knight
3. Wall-E
4. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
5. Juno
I saw other films this year, but those 5 took the top prizes.
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Slumdog Millionaire hands down!!!
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At your recommendation, I ordered 'The Ruins' off PaperbackSwap. Thanks for the tip.
As for movies this year, I'm a superhero fan, so 'The Dark Knight' was just amazing. 'Iron Man' was good as well. I did see 'Descent', but felt it was just okay, which is fine.
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The Dark Knight was the best movie by far.
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I think #'s 1, 2, 5, and 7 adequately justify why I think you should run for president.
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Oops, clicked the wrong comment link on that one :banghead:
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