790
MOVIEGUYS STAFF WRITERS, TOP 10 FILMS OF 2008. PART 5. WRITTEN BY DAVID JONES. (AKA) 790.
Thanks to the MOVIEGUYS staff for all the great top 10 lists. Before we get to the final (Top 10 list), I have to admit that as much as I tried, I couldn’t possibly see every film that came out in 2008. Regretfully The Wrestler as well as other late December releases were not considered at the time these lists were compiled.
Thanks to Space-Age Technology, we here at MOVIEGUYS may change our picks as we finally catch up with these films. :)
Also if you don’t see your favorite film on any of our lists drop us a comment and tell us why you think we suck and have no business critiquing films, we love those !!!
790’S TOP 10 FILMS OF 2008
10. RAMBO
I really loved this film, in all its avengeful glory! The action was hyper and Rambo (Stallone) really appeared mentally damaged.
(Great acting, yeah hmm’ probably ?)
Like the Rambo veteran that we all expect, he defended the innocents like a true hero. I loved it when the other guys were busy looking at each other in confusion, Rambo’s already instinctively taking out 3 bad guys with a bow and arrow. (Ted Nugent eat your heart out!) When Rambo finally gets his mits on a AK-47, its lights out terrorist scum !!
Besides RDJ’s comeback as Iron Man, I felt this was a great comeback for Sly Stallone’s, Rambo. I felt the ending really left us at a point where Rambo could go on for another two or three sequels.
9. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
Cook up some popcorn and break out the Russian Ale, Harrison Ford delivers a great follow up to, The Last Crusade in The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. If you can get past the “Fallout Fridge”, “Shia’s Tarzan impression”, “its a Rubber Snake”, and the multiple sidekick betrayals, this film is awesome!!!
Seriously I loved Kate Blanchett as Spalko, she was super hot, at the same time represented so much underlying evil,,,
Shia was pretty good, I almost forgot about the mental scar that is Transformers.
The film had some great scenes that linked up with the past Indy films, as well as a cool Illuminatti alien twist. Overall Indy 4 was entertaining and fun! I couldn’t give a crap if Lucas raped your childhood, this was a fun film, that’s even better on dvd.
8. HELLBOY 2, AND THE GOLDEN ARMY
Nothing more than a visual explosion of characters and locations. Ron Perlman continues to impress me as HellBoy, as well as the Super Hot , Selma Blair! This film carried me away with its visually stunning sets and over the top action. At times I was blown away by the film. The story seemed like it was the middle of a Hellboy trilogy. I really hope they cap off HellBoy with a third part finale!
7. W.
As much as I deplore W. and his role in our path toward the NWO, I ended up enjoying this portrayal of W., Oliver Stone managed to deliver his message on 3 or 4 levels, nice job! The performance by Josh Brolin was mesmerizing. He’s my pick for best actor of 2008, and really the only reason I enjoyed this film so much! The supporting cast was also convincing, great piece of work!
6. THE QUANTUM OF SOLACE
Bond isn’t handing out business cards in the sequel to Casino Royale he’s gone beyond his majesties directive. With a give-a-shit-factor of zero, Bond uses an attempt on the life of his madam boss “M” as an excuse to basically kill anyone that doesn’t hold the door open for him. A simple yet effective way to eliminate bad guys. Daniel Craig continues to impress me as Bond, and this film totally delivers the best action ever in a Bond film.
5. CLOVERFIELD
Ground breaking Horror Sci Fi , film produced by JJ Abrams, Directed by Matt Reeves.
Adrenaline fueled film from start to finish, A complete rollercoaster event! The film upstaged the “Blair Witch effect” by focusing on a city wide event set in real time.
The actor that played “Hud” deserves at least a Scream Award ! I was somewhat nausiated halfway through the film, however didn’t get sick at all watching the dvd. Hmm? Really hoping we get a sequel to this one!
4. IRON MAN
Iron Man was the underdog superhero hit of the year and the (comeback film) for Robert Downey Jr. Stark Industries CEO Tony Stark, was brilliantly portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. establishing him overnight as the next great Superhero! I really loved the opening story in this film and it just got better as the subtly cute Gwyneth Paltrow, and the evil Jeff Bridges delivered excellent performances. I certainly hope Marvel doesn’t blow this franchise with bad casting choices, Sam Jackson, Cheadle, etc.
3. THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Taken right from the comic storyline of the 80’s tv show, the Hulk is back with a true talent playing the role of Bruce Banner. Edward Norton carried this film into greatness, and his resemblance to Bill Bixby was uncanny. The opening credits eliminate the memory of the Ang Lee film, as we get right into the constant (on the run) pace that has always plagued Banner in the comics and tv show. There’s no psychotic David Banner subplot in this film!
The VFX were amazing on the big screen, as the film captured the look of Hulk in his raging glory. Lou Ferigno’s role has been outsourced to ILM, however he does have a fun cameo as does Stan Lee. Liv Tyler, sold me on her relationship with Banner. Tim Roth was great as Abomination and William Hurt was the perfect General Ross. Three really great “Hulk outs” and great performances made this one fun ride!
The 3 disc Dvd is also chock full of great bonus material. Really hoping that we get a Hulk sequel, starring Norton. At this point I don’t think I can take a recasting. Norton is Banner, anything else is crap. Oh and I didn’t see Cap America. Wtf?
2. THE FALL
The Fall, came out in limited release however when I finally watched it on dvd I was blown away by the story and visuals. Its a compelling tragic story of life and death. The performance’s were stunning as were the locations. The film contained one of the most powerful scenes I’ve ever seen in a film. Simply an amazing film that really never let’s up.
1. SPEED RACER
My favorite childhood cartoon brought to life by the producers of the Matrix. I remember years ago when Jonny Depp was going to play Speed, but the role finally went to one of my favorite up and coming actors “Emile Hirsch”. Emile was amazing in “Into the Wild” and he was perfectly cast as Speed. Christina Ricci was smoking hot as Trixie and even hotter behind the wheel. Matthew Fox, awesome as Racer X, as well as John Goodman and Susan Sarandon were great as Racer’s parents. Paulie Litt, was hilarious as Spritle and practically steals the film. Chim Chim was also perfectly cast.
The story covered the beginning of the Racer family saga taken directly from the tv show. I have to disagree when critics claim the film lacks any kind of story. That’s bs, they obviously have never seen the original cartoon. Bashing a film for staying true to its origins is really pretty stupid, and a lot of critics of Speed Racer wrote some real stupid reviews. Others it seemed, found it easier to continue to bash the Wachowski Brothers for making another film that’s 10 years ahead of anything out there. Meanwhile, most that finally watch it on dvd love it ? Thanks,,, because of those factors I won’t be getting a sequel. That really pisses me off. :-(
Visuals that get you high, racing action that jumps off the screen without 3D glasses, Speed Racer is the best movie of 2008!