Top 10 Movies of 2008

Top 10 Movies of 2008:
Of the many films I have seen this year (over 350); these are the films I thought were the best of 2008. Many performances were the highlight of numerous films, including some that were in films that played in limited areas. Some will be recognized come Oscar time and some may not, but if you get a chance, check out these films and see why I considered them the best of this year.


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10. 'Let The Right One In':
With all the hoopla surrounding the other vampire film, 'Twilight' --- with its legion of fans, this is the film that quietly captured the attention of many and had a story with substance. Thanks to director Tomas Alfredson's take on John Ajvide Lindqvist's Swedish bestseller-turned-screenplay. On DVD soon.




9. 'Gomorra':
If there was ever a film to compete with the Granddaddy of gangster films 'The Godfather,' it would be this foreign film from Italy. Matteo Gorrone's thought provoking look at the criminal underbelly through the lives of five individuals is frightening to imagine, but too engrossing to walk away from. In theaters now.


8. 'Rachel Getting Married':
In shedding the good girl image we've seen in her previous films, Anne Hathaway gives a tour-de-force performance as the sister that comes home and almost ruins a wedding with erratic behavior. In theaters now.






7. 'Ballast':
In using non-professionals for its cast, Lance Hammer directed a film that captures a slice-of-life with a topic (homelessness) that filmmakers rarely focus on, and brings realism to the American forefront. In theaters now.


6. 'Vicky Christina Barcelona':
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem ignited some fire in Woody Allen's latest romantic comedy, which also stars his current muse Scarlett Johansson and newcomer Rebecca Hall. After so many attempts in English speaking films, Cruz finally has a film that makes a Hollywood star. On DVD now.





5. 'Tell No One':
This French film has the makings of a Hollywood noir, with its romance, suspense, and intensity. Otto Preminger and Alfred Hitchcock would be so proud that some of their films were combined in this tale of man who believes that his dead wife may still be alive while he is under investigation for her murder. On DVD soon.



4. 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button':
While the story about a man aging backwards may be seen as gimmicky and manipulative, David Fincher created a beautiful fantasy filled with wonderful visual effects and amazing performances by Brad Pitt and Taraji P. Henson. In theaters Christmas Day.



3. 'Milk':
Sean Penn's performance as Gay activist Harvey Milk is not only stunning, but director Gus Van Sant brought a level of emotion and intelligence to a subject matter that still touches the hearts of many in today's political climate. On DVD soon.



2. 'Slumdog Millionaire':
From the man who directed a diverse array of films ranging from 'Trainspotting' to '28 Days Later' to 'Millions',' comes this gem about a quest for freedom, respect and love. Danny Boyle's film is filled with such colorful imagery and passion that one can't leave the film without being highly entertained. In theaters now.