Movies not to be missed -- the top eight of '08
By Saurabh Muzumdar
In an initially successful year that was overshadowed by terrorist attacks around the world and an economic meltdown, the events of 2008 fostered tones of fear and introspection which were reflected by the film industry.
Check out our top eight must-see films of 2008.
1. "The Dark Knight": Director Christopher Nolan once again successfully manages to humanize the Batman in this chaotic and grim tale about the quest to salvage Gotham.
More than just a quick-paced action flick, the film has a psychologically haunting and ethically blurred plot, featuring an incredible final performance by Heath Ledger, who is favored to win a posthumous Oscar.
2. "Iron Man": Yet another Marvel comic book story adapted for the big screen. This one was all action coupled with the resurrection of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, the arrogant know-it-all billionaire who spends hours in an iron suit seeking redemption for his company, which was selling arms to terrorists under his nose. It may have been overshadowed by other superhero flicks, but, putting it simply, "Iron Man" is golden.
3. "Wall-E": There's something about Pixar like there was something about Mary. They make animated movies that you are convinced are for kids until you see them. "Wall-E" is a story about a robot that just wants love. Maybe it's the lack of dialogue or the sheer tenderness of the story that makes it special, but "Wall-E" is breathtaking in its simplicity and undying charm.
4. "The Wrestler": Maybe 2008 should be called the year of the comebacks. Mickey Rourke, a washed-up actor last seen as Marv in "Sin City," in addition to many other forgettable roles, returns to the screen to give the performance of a lifetime. A drama about an old professional wrestler who just can't get it right hits all the right notes, and Rourke's performance is worth every single accolade he has received for it.
5. "Milk": Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to U.S. public office. This movie had an added poignancy because of the recent initiatives against gay marriage in California. At the end of it all, this movie is about one man, Milk, whose passion, gregariousness and charisma are reflected to perfection by the masterful Penn.
6. "Vicky Cristina Barcelona": Woody Allen's new quirky take on romance takes us to Barcelona. The characters are gorgeous, incredibly complex, alluring and seductive. Their behavior -- while morally questionable -- is quintessentially European, or at least as European as pop culture would like us to believe. While the ménage à trois and adultery make the film sound interesting, it is the conversation that takes the cake, because nobody does banter better than Woody Allen.
7. "Slumdog Millionaire": In this film about life in contemporary India, Dev Patel plays Jamal Malik, an illiterate call center peon who wins the jackpot on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" by parlaying the knowledge he has learned in a life spent on the streets. The mix of poverty, glitzy game shows and gang wars might make the film seem like a bit of a Cinderella story, but the journey is superbly documented and culminates in a potpourri of emotions.
Oddly enough, this movie was directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle.
8. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button": David Fincher brings us yet another unique concept. Benjamin Button is a man who ages in reverse. If that isn't quirky enough, Brad Pitt plays that man. A movie about a man born with wrinkled skin who grows into a smothering James Dean-esque moldis extremely watchable. Neither Fincher nor Pitt disappoint.
For some other great movies of the year that you may have missed, check out: "Rachel Getting Married," "Gran Torino," "The Wackness," "The Counterfeiters," "Happy-Go-Lucky" and "Man on Wire."
Contact Saurabh Muzumdar at smuzumdar@scu.edu.