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.
