2008 Woodie Awards
The Student Printz's top 10 films of 2008
Cory Taylor
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Entertainment
Although Oscar season has only begun, it is important to comprise a list of films that are, to date, the best of 2008. Some of the movies on this list are already brimming with Academy-potential buzz, though only time, and the release of more movies, will tell for sure.
1. "The Dark Knight"
Having become the second-highest grossing movie of all time with over 500 million dollars, "The Dark Knight" stands as proof that Hollywood is still capable of greatness and the rest of the world resoundingly agrees. The film contains some of the most creatively entertaining action sequences ever made, not to mention taking time to make sociological observations about the necessity of "heroes" and the nature of Americans today. Although the movie has been somewhat shadowed from a Best Picture nomination, no one doubts that the late Heath Ledger is a lock for Best Supporting Actor for his brilliantly disturbing turn as the Joker.
2. "Wall-E"
Disney and Pixar have been making movie magic together for over 13 years and, it seems, are just getting started. "Wall-E" tells the rather simple story about a lonely robot wandering Earth 700 years in the future. Insightful social commentary is made about mankind's growing laziness, wastefulness and ultimate destruction of earth. Plus, Wall-E encounters his first lady robot, EVE, and an indescribably adorable relationship is born. "Wall-E" is a brilliant animated film that spans all age, gender and cultural demographics.
3. "Changeling"
Perhaps the most emotionally challenging film on the list, "Changeling" tells the true story of a woman desperately searching for her missing son in 1920's Los Angeles. Angelina Jolie takes center stage in a powerful performance and Clint Eastwood provides masterful direction.
4. "W."
Oliver Stone's biopic of the soon-to-be ex-president, George Bush, is one of the most apolitical and absorbing movies this year. Josh Brolin still has a chance to claim a Best Actor nomination in the lead, though considering the general political ideology of the Academy, this may be wishful thinking. Still, "W." is a very personal and telling journey of our nation's 43rd president.
5. "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day"
Frances McDormand is the title character in this whimsical film about an older woman who learns, over the course of a day, that life is about taking chances. Amy Adams ("Junebug," "Enchanted") co-stars as the vibrant and adventurous key to Miss Pettigrew's journey. This movie is extremely well-made, light-hearted, and a wonderful pleasure to watch.
6. "The Fall"
Without question, "The Fall" is one of the most visually beautiful movies ever made. If for no other reason, everyone needs to see this film simply for the experience of looking at it. Director Tarsem ("The Cell") takes the audience on an imaginative journey that spans thousands of years and covers hundreds of countries. It is unforgettable.
7. "Stop Loss"
Though many people are tired of seeing Hollywood renditions of the war, terrorism, etc., Kimberly Peirce's "Stop Loss" is worth giving a chance. Instead of glamorizing the war, Peirce focuses the audience on a group of soldiers who have returned from duty and are being re-deployed too quickly. "Stop Loss" does not mention politics or policies, but instead is concerned with the psychological effects of war on young adults today.
8. "El Orfanato"
"The Orphanage" is a Spanish-language horror film, of sorts, that is much more psychological than suspenseful or scary. The main reason "El Orfanato" is successful is that it does not cheat the audience with cheap thrills or scares, but instead invites them to become involved in the character's lives.
9. "In Bruges"
A movie that is entertaining from start to finish, "In Bruges" tells the story of two hit-men awaiting instruction in the European tourist hot-spot Bruges. The most interesting and successful part of "In Bruges" is that the city itself is just as vibrant and important as the human characters.
10. "Chop Shop"
A film that functions mainly through quiet assertions, "Chop Shop" tells the story of two orphan children living in a junkyard on the outskirts of New York City. The film stands as a representation of hope, even in the most destitute of situations.
1. "The Dark Knight"
Having become the second-highest grossing movie of all time with over 500 million dollars, "The Dark Knight" stands as proof that Hollywood is still capable of greatness and the rest of the world resoundingly agrees. The film contains some of the most creatively entertaining action sequences ever made, not to mention taking time to make sociological observations about the necessity of "heroes" and the nature of Americans today. Although the movie has been somewhat shadowed from a Best Picture nomination, no one doubts that the late Heath Ledger is a lock for Best Supporting Actor for his brilliantly disturbing turn as the Joker.
2. "Wall-E"
Disney and Pixar have been making movie magic together for over 13 years and, it seems, are just getting started. "Wall-E" tells the rather simple story about a lonely robot wandering Earth 700 years in the future. Insightful social commentary is made about mankind's growing laziness, wastefulness and ultimate destruction of earth. Plus, Wall-E encounters his first lady robot, EVE, and an indescribably adorable relationship is born. "Wall-E" is a brilliant animated film that spans all age, gender and cultural demographics.
3. "Changeling"
Perhaps the most emotionally challenging film on the list, "Changeling" tells the true story of a woman desperately searching for her missing son in 1920's Los Angeles. Angelina Jolie takes center stage in a powerful performance and Clint Eastwood provides masterful direction.
4. "W."
Oliver Stone's biopic of the soon-to-be ex-president, George Bush, is one of the most apolitical and absorbing movies this year. Josh Brolin still has a chance to claim a Best Actor nomination in the lead, though considering the general political ideology of the Academy, this may be wishful thinking. Still, "W." is a very personal and telling journey of our nation's 43rd president.
5. "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day"
Frances McDormand is the title character in this whimsical film about an older woman who learns, over the course of a day, that life is about taking chances. Amy Adams ("Junebug," "Enchanted") co-stars as the vibrant and adventurous key to Miss Pettigrew's journey. This movie is extremely well-made, light-hearted, and a wonderful pleasure to watch.
6. "The Fall"
Without question, "The Fall" is one of the most visually beautiful movies ever made. If for no other reason, everyone needs to see this film simply for the experience of looking at it. Director Tarsem ("The Cell") takes the audience on an imaginative journey that spans thousands of years and covers hundreds of countries. It is unforgettable.
7. "Stop Loss"
Though many people are tired of seeing Hollywood renditions of the war, terrorism, etc., Kimberly Peirce's "Stop Loss" is worth giving a chance. Instead of glamorizing the war, Peirce focuses the audience on a group of soldiers who have returned from duty and are being re-deployed too quickly. "Stop Loss" does not mention politics or policies, but instead is concerned with the psychological effects of war on young adults today.
8. "El Orfanato"
"The Orphanage" is a Spanish-language horror film, of sorts, that is much more psychological than suspenseful or scary. The main reason "El Orfanato" is successful is that it does not cheat the audience with cheap thrills or scares, but instead invites them to become involved in the character's lives.
9. "In Bruges"
A movie that is entertaining from start to finish, "In Bruges" tells the story of two hit-men awaiting instruction in the European tourist hot-spot Bruges. The most interesting and successful part of "In Bruges" is that the city itself is just as vibrant and important as the human characters.
10. "Chop Shop"
A film that functions mainly through quiet assertions, "Chop Shop" tells the story of two orphan children living in a junkyard on the outskirts of New York City. The film stands as a representation of hope, even in the most destitute of situations.
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