Listmania!
Best Movies 0f 2008
By an Amazon.com customer
The FallThe Fall
Buy new: $20.99 / Used from: $12.97
Absoulutely gorgeous film about the importance of life and the value of storytelling. Eye popping and jaw dropping. The director (Tarsem) follows through on the promise of his previous film, The Cell, without all the convoluted pretentiousness and nonsense. This is my favorite film discovered on DVD this year.
Wall-E (Single-Disc Edition)Wall-E (Single-Disc Edition)
Buy new: $15.49 / Used from: $5.89
Best animated movie of the year, melding breathtaking animation with a heartwarming story. Wall-E is proof on top of proof that Pixar is the best at moviemaking, not just animation, in the business.
Let The Right One InLet The Right One In
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $3.14
I waited what seemed like forever to see this and bought it blind. It exceeds the hype ten fold. One of the best vampire movies ever indeed.
The Dark Knight (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)The Dark Knight (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
Buy new: $21.99 / Used from: $3.09
The Universe truly flexed its cruelty muscles when it decided to take Heath Ledger away right after he finished giving us one of film's scariest and diabolically insane villains. That's why everybody is going to see it. The rest of the movie is pretty darn good. Movie event of '08.
Kung Fu Panda  (Widescreen Edition)Kung Fu Panda (Widescreen Edition)
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $3.75
Proof that Dreamworks can make a film that doesn't rely on product placement or nods to current events. This a beautiful film and I'm kinda stuck as to whether I like Kung Fu Panda or Wall-E more. Tied for best animated feature of 2008.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (3 Disc Special Edition)Hellboy II: The Golden Army (3 Disc Special Edition)
Buy new: $25.99 / Used from: $3.29
An astounding piece of filmmaking, hidden in the guise of a superhero, comicbook movie. Brilliant in every way. There are more jaw dropping shots in this film then all others released this year. Viva Hellboy!
Iron Man (Two-Disc Special Collectors' Edition)Iron Man (Two-Disc Special Collectors' Edition)
Buy new: $24.99 / Used from: $9.90
Wow! This is how you do a superhero origin story! Phenomenal acting with some of the best SFX I've seen in a film, ever. Robert Downey Jr. owns this film.
In BrugesIn Bruges
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $2.46
Absolutely stunning filmmaking. It's a dark comedy with terrific writing, fantastic acting, all amidst the incredible backdrop of Bruges. It's in Belgium. This is a prime example of why limited theatrical releases of quality films is the bane of the film lover's existence. I should have been able to see this in theaters.
Rambo (Special Edition + Digital Copy)Rambo (Special Edition + Digital Copy)
Buy new: $20.49 / Used from: $3.11
The level of violence in this film is so over the top, I'd be insane not to put this on here.
The WrestlerThe Wrestler
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $2.42
Absolutely phenomenal film with one of this decade's best acting performances. Mickey Rourke got denied for what will most likely be his best work, ever. It's heartbreaking to see how far the Academy Awards have fallen.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Two-Disc Special Edition)The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Buy new: $27.49 / Used from: $8.75
A very poignant and interesting film. David Fincher continues to amaze. Awesome sfx and an Oscar worthy performance by Taraji P. Henson as Benjamin's surrogate mother, Queenie. Just a really good movie about never taking anything for granted.
Snow AngelsSnow Angels
Buy new: $17.49 / Used from: $1.46
Really well done but very depressing. Would make a good double feature with The Sweet Hereafter.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (Two-Disc Special Edition)The Spiderwick Chronicles (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Buy new: $35.99 / Used from: $4.80
This is how you do a kids movie! Very scary and dark with a real sense of danger with each new monster. Also, the film actually provides story and depth of character. Great creature design!
The BurrowersThe Burrowers
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $6.49
Beautifully shot Horror-Western hybrid that is unrelentingly creepy. A double feature of this movie and the awesome Dead Birds would result in a night without sleep and all the lights on. A must see for Horror or Western fans.
Bolt (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition + Digital Copy)Bolt (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition + Digital Copy)
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $16.47
This movie returns Disney to the fold of awesome animation. This is Pixar quality stuff. I loved it.
The Incredible Hulk (Three-Disc Special Edition)The Incredible Hulk (Three-Disc Special Edition)
Buy new: $24.99 / Used from: $3.10
It's the Hulk with a clean slate with something tangible to fight beyond mutant dogs this time. The last 30 minutes are pretty much a non-stop barrage of two monstrosities beating eachother senseless. Or, what you always wanted in a Hulk movie. Does have some stilted dialogue. Good times at the cinema.
RocknRolla (Single-Disc Edition)RocknRolla (Single-Disc Edition)
Buy new: $5.99 / Used from: $2.16
Guy Ritchie returns to form after the confusing mess that was Revolver. Maybe now that he's escaping from lady kaballah he'll get back to making good films again.
OutlanderOutlander
Buy new: $13.49 / Used from: $5.98
While it is, at times, silly to say the least, for the most part it is AWESOME! I'm a big fan of monster movies and creature design and Outlander has one cool beastie in it's revenge seeking Moorwen. James Caviezel is great in this as well. I will watch this movie many, many times.
Valkyrie (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)Valkyrie (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
Buy new: $25.99 / Used from: $4.99
While it obviously had a foregone conclusion this film is undeniably solid. I'm not sure why this didn't get more of an awards push because this is high quality filmmaking. Very infuriating that Hitler didn't get blown up real nice.
DoubtDoubt
Buy new: $20.99 / Used from: $3.67
I wasn't too sure I would like this movie, but the story and performances are great. Recommended highly for people who like well done suspense.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Two Disc Deluxe Edition)The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Two Disc Deluxe Edition)
Buy used from: $1.88
For mindless summer fun the Mummy series has pretty much always delivered. The third installment has its flaws, but I was very, very entertained. Surprisingly, I actually believed Maria Bello's Evie, although I would have preferred the return of Rachel Weisz.
Be Kind RewindBe Kind Rewind
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.49
This movie is all about community and heart. It's really a good film with a positive message.
The RuinsThe Ruins
Buy new: $31.49 / Used from: $0.50
How do you make a movie, set in the open, claustrophobic? See this movie to find out. Oh, and you might want to stock up on weed killer. Could 2008 actually be a good year for Horror films? If we keep getting stuff like The Ruins, the answer might just be "Yes".
The VisitorThe Visitor
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $1.63
Way better than I thought it would be. Richard Jenkins deserves a nomination for his work here.
CloverfieldCloverfield
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $0.01
While the ticket price should have included a vomit bag it's still a giant monster movie (with some indescribable creature design at that). I've come to expect flaws in Horror films, and while Cloverfield has many, it's still a fun time at the movies. Great concept
The Forbidden Kingdom (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)The Forbidden Kingdom (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $2.64
Jet Li and Jackie Chan together, onscreen, for the first time? That alone is reason to watch. But the story and the awesomely choreographed kung fu make it even more worthwhile. This would make a good double feature with Kung Fu Panda.
Doomsday (Unrated Widescreen Edition)Doomsday (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.50
Balls out action and horror, with a heroine I could definitely get behind. It's a hodgepodge of films you've seen done before but done with loving homage. If you liked Grindhouse you'll dig on Doomsday.
Trailer Park of TerrorTrailer Park of Terror
Buy new: $17.49 / Used from: $2.66
A Horror movie that's disturbing, depressing, funny, and horrifying? With a title like this? This movie is great. A very pleasant surprise.
Frontier(s)Frontier(s)
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $2.75
Absolutely unsettling and terrifying. Think Hostel (only good) mixed with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre via the third reich. This would make a great double feature with High Tension.
The LostThe Lost
Buy new: $24.49 / Used from: $3.67
This was one sick book before it became an almost equally sick film. The guy who plays Ray Pye gives one of film's greatest villains in many a moon. Scary stuff, because it actually could happen.
Timber FallsTimber Falls
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $0.31
This is a really good "religion gone awry" Horror film, with some excellent acting and nice gore FX. Brianna Brown needs to be in more movies.
Eden LakeEden Lake
Buy new: $14.95 / Used from: $4.21
One of the better Horror films of 2008, it's what Ils (Them) wished it had been. Incredibly disturbing and played straight all the way through.
Jack Brooks: Monster SlayerJack Brooks: Monster Slayer
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $1.99
This is pretty well done little monster flick, with an obviously limited budget. Robert Engulnd chews up the scenery (and the cast). Probably for die hard Horror fans only. I thought it was a blast.
The Boy in the Striped PajamasThe Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Buy new: $20.99 / Used from: $9.82
This film tugs with the emotions and provides a really suspenseful last 20 minutes. A study of atrocity through the eyes of innocence. Good stuff.
Punisher: War Zone (Two-Disc Special Edition)Punisher: War Zone (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $4.93
Almost perfect big screen adaptation of a Punisher MAX book. Ray Stevenson IS the Punisher. Forget Dolph, forget Thomas Jane. The movie could have done with a little less camp, but overall, man this was a fun movie.
QuarantineQuarantine
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $1.86
Pretty much an 80+ minute funhouse/haunted house ride, but one that doesn't suck. Creepy and uncomfortable to watch, I love movies like this. If this remake is this good I can't wait to see the film it was based on, [REC].
Lakeview TerraceLakeview Terrace
Buy new: $19.94 / Used from: $1.28
Samuel L. Jackson is why this film works and I think he gives an award worthy performance. Too bad his name isn't Denzel.
MartyrsMartyrs
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $8.17
Stunningly brutal, you will get grossed out and get a philosophy lesson at the same time.