When it came time to put this list together, I realized I didn’t really see that many quality movies. In the past years most of my list wass made up of films that we saw at the Toronto Film Festival. This years festival wasn’t bad, but not too many of the films we saw had huge buzz in the months that followed. We did see the Wrestler and Slumdog, but my favorite film of the festival didn’t even get a 2008 release (that being the film Sugar) Having a kid makes it more difficult to get out to movie on a weekly basis too. I used to be a weekly fixture at the local theater, but priorities changed and I just don’t get to the theater as much as I used to. Despite having Netflix, I don’t really watch that much on DVD either. But here we are, well into awards season and I have managed to put a list together.  In my eyes 2008 overall was a down year for movies. Lots of stuff out there, but not too many films I would call “great.” I present to you, my top 20 films of 2008.

1. The Wrestler -This film is right in my wheelhouse. A story about professional wrestling. This movie makes you wonder what has happened to all of the heroes and villains of the squared-circle we all cheered for in the mid-80’s. The Wrestler is depressing at times but manages to keep a slight smile on your face most of the time. Mickey Rourke is fantastic. He nails the 80’s wrestler persona as if he was working for McMahon in the heyday.
2. Slumdog Millionaire – Easily the best feel good hit in the last few years. This film hits you with every possible emotion. The cast of unknowns is fantastic and I feel that it deserves any and all the accolades that it will receive this year. It was a tough call for me to put this at no. 2. The scene in which MIA’s Paper Planes is used as background music might be one of the best uses of music in a film this year. A side note to this, Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys was sitting two rows behind us at the premiere in Toronto.
3. Frost/Nixon – “No one will ever know what it feels like to resign from the office of the presidency.” That is the one line from this movie that stick in my head the most. Frank Langella is awesome as Nixon.
4. The Dark Knight – Batman Begins was a great way to “restart” the faltering Batman franchise that Joel Shcuhmacher nearly destroyed. The Dark Knight took the franchise to the next level. Dark and brooding, the way Batman should be, it helps me forget the Shcumacher debacles. Heath Ledger’s Joker puts this just above Iron Man as the best superhero flick of 2008. That being said, the question still remains for me, is the Dark Knight  really a superhero flick or superhero flick wrapped in a great crime drama?
5. Milk – Didn’t really know about the real story of Harvey Milk. James Franco’s cheese stache should have gotten a nomination on its own.
6. Iron Man – This is right up there with Spiderman for me. One of the best superhero films ever made. Captures the feel of the Iron Man comics with a perfectly cast hero/alter-ego. I can’t see anyone but Robert Downey Jr. playing Tony Stark. The nods to the Marvel Universe make this a great starting point for the rest of the franchise (IM2, Avengers, Captain America). As a fanboy consider me officially stoked!
7. Gran Torino – Karate Kid meets Dirty Harry meets Boyz N tha Hood, with a heart. Clint is great, can’t say the same for the rest of the cast.
8. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Old guy Brad Pitt CG is pretty creepy. I thought Brad and Cate were both excellent. It feels as long as it is, but I liked it.
9. Vicky Christina Barcelona – I’m a fan of Woody Allen. His films have gotten better now that he no longer feels the need to be in them. Rebecca Hall as the slightly neurotic Woody-type character is a great compliment to Scarlett, Javier and Penelope.
10. Tropic Thunder -”You never go full retard.” I really think Tom Cruise stole the show for me here.
11. The Visitor - The dad from Six Feet Under can really rock the drums.
12. Zac and Miri Make a Porno – Not sure Kevin Smith will make another movie as good as Chasing Amy, but this came pretty close for me. Heartwarming flick about two good people making a porn to make ends meet. Filmed in the city with Six Superbowl Championships.
13. Wall-E- Thought it was great until humans showed up. Visually, might be the best looking Pixar film of the bunch, again, until the humans show up.
14. Cloverfield – The viral marketing of this film made it for me. When I saw the trailer prior to Transformers, I knew I had to see it. Shaky cam and all, I thought it was good. Not sure if it plays the same on your TV set as it did on the big screen.
15. Step Brothers – My 2008 Championship Fantasy Football team was named Bro-Bro Gang, after the Hip-Hop crew that brought you the classic Boats and Hoes. I can’t stop saying – “From my chest pubes, down to my ball fro.” much to Stacy’s chagrin.
16. Burn After Reading – Not great by Coen Brothers standards, but still a solid flick.
17. Pineapple Express – Danny McBride steals this film. Still have to see Fist Foot Way.
18. Quantum of Solace – Daniel Craig might be the coolest Bond ever. Not as good as Casino Royale, but still solid.
19. Happy Go Lucky – Adam lined us up at the wrong theater for this at Toronto. First time ever in our history of attending the festival that has ever happened.
20. Forgetting Sarah Marshall – I wanna buy the soundtrack just for Dracula’s Lament. I would actually go see it if it was a real musical.

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