BEST FILMS of 2008

I have to admit that 2008 was an underwhelming year. There were a lot of very good movies, but a lack of all time great ones. Usually, I stumble across a number of complete surprises — films that weren’t on my radar which ended the year in my Top 10 List. However, in 2008, I found myself slightly disappointed by the overall depth.

That being said, it was a terrific year for individual performances. I will always think of 2008 as an “Actor’s Year”.

Of course, there are always a great deal of stinkers imposed upon us every year — and as usual, you can scroll to the bottom of the page for the worst of the worst.

So, without further ado, let’s start with the Top 10 Movies of 2008…

1. In Bruges
A perfectly written balance of comedy and drama.
2. Slumdog Millionaire
Easily the feel-good movie of 2008. Oscar winner!
3. The Wrestler
Rourke’s undeniably powerful performance is stunning.
4. The Reader
Asks tough questions. Superb role for Winslet.
5. Revolutionary Road
A tremendously sad film about life disillusionment.
6. The Visitor
Richard Jenkins is pitch perfect in this quiet drama.
7. Snow Angels
Perhaps the most underrated film of the year.
8. Let the Right One In
A gentle vampire film about loyalty and friendship.
9. Rambo
Yeah, I said it — This is what action films should be.
10. Felon
The most realistic prison movie I have ever seen.

EVERY STAR RATING FROM THIS YEAR

In Bruges
Slumdog Millionaire
The Wrestler
The Reader
Revolutionary Road

The Visitor
Snow Angels
Let the Right One In
Rambo
Felon
Good Dick
Valkyrie
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Doubt
Young People Fucking
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Rachel Getting Married
Religulous
Smart People
The Counterfeiters
Seven Pounds
My Blueberry Nights
Cloverfield
Definitely, Maybe
Nothing but the Truth
Fugitive Pieces
The Other Boleyn Girl
JCVD
The Duchess
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Noise

Quantum of Solace
Transsiberian
Traitor
Rogue
Married Life
Chop Shop
Flash of Genius
Defiance
The Happening
Tropic Thunder
Body of Lies
Appaloosa
Water Lilies
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
10,000 B.C.
The Grand
Wall-E
Cassandra’s Dream
Chapter 27
Mamma Mia
Wendy and Lucy
An American Crime
Pistol Whipped
Maid of Honor
Leatherheads
Redbelt
Iron Man
Deception
Finding Amanda
Step Brothers
Stuck
Synecdoche, New York
Four Christmases
Sex and Death 101
Milk
Camille

The Incredible Hulk
Yes Man
Get Smart
The Dark Knight
Ghost Town
The Bank Job
Fool’s Gold
Cleaner
Bangkok Dangerous
Man on Wire
The Babysitters
Slacker Uprising
You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
Pineapple Express
Penelope
Teeth
Pride and Glory
Semi Pro
Eagle Eye
Vantage Point
Funny Games
Gran Torino

The X Files: I Want to Believe
Babylon A.D.
Mad Money
Untraceable
Hancock
Run Fatboy Run
Nights in Rodanthe
Jumper
OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

27 Dresses
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
The Ruins
Indiana Jones & The Crystal Skull
Lakeview Terrace
Miss Conception
Virgin Territory