Mark's Best and Worst films of 2008
Just as in 2006 and 2007, I haven't been able to see every film that other critics have thought praiseworthy, although my reviewing output did increase in 2008. This is largely due to my attendance at MIFF and the high number of films I reviewed from the festival; however, readers will note none of my top five comes from that group.
The final list of films released in Australia in 2008 that I reviewed can be found here. As usual, there are also films I have seen and not reviewed that could have found a place among many other critics' year-end lists - films like There Will Be Blood and Burn After Reading.
Nonetheless, it wouldn't be the start of a new year without a list looking back over the preceding one, so below are my top and bottom five films for the year 2008.
A wonderful film from start to finish, such that I wanted to sit down immediately and watch it again. Brilliant performances, astute direction and a moving story coalesce into the best film of the year.
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Just as in 2006, a film released in the shadows of the year trumped a long-time favourite, with Juno unlucky to be beaten out of first spot. Smart writing (which won an Oscar for Diablo Cody) along with excellent performances make Juno a wonderful film.
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A subtle, quiet drama that nonetheless moves the audience with its tale of personal growth through the challenge of strangers, The Visitor showcases the considerable talent of its star Richard Jenkins. Brilliant.
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Defying genre categorisation, In Bruges flirts with comedy, caper and tragedy, eventually becoming a tragi-heroic comedy with insightful writing and strong lead performances. It's great to see Colin Farrell return to form.
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A film that will be at the top of many critics' year-end lists, which features an astonishing farewell performance from Heath Ledger and a multi-layered story of significant depth. Epic in all senses of the word.
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Honourable mentions must also go to The Kite Runner, which held a position in the top five until the last week of the year when Slumdog Millionaire shot to Number 1, and Frost/Nixon, which was also released in the final days of 2008 and just missed out on a top five position. Finally, Young@Heart deserves special mention for overcoming its flaws to be as moving and rewarding as any of the five films listed above.
The other films I rated four stars or higher in 2008 included 3:10 to Yuma, The Wave (Die Welle), Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, It's Hard Being Loved by Jerks (C'est dur d'etre aime par des cons), La Rabia, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Secret of the Grain (La Graine et le mulet), And Along Come Tourists (Am ende kommen Touristen), and finally Everything Is Fine (Tout est parfait).
Embarrassing for those silly enough to become involved, 27 Dresses suffers from terrible scripting and unimaginative plotting. Lazy and uninspired.
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Taking the spot I reserve for Will Ferrell comedies in my worst five, Semi-Pro is tedious in spite of its brief running time, while featuring a level of banality previously thought impossible.
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Potentially the final nail in Mike Myer's coffin, although rumours of ongoing employment may strike terror in the hearts of film-lovers everywhere, The Love Guru may also see Jessica Alba finding it harder and harder to get work in the future. Appalling.
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A romantic comedy adventure film featuring two B-level stars who had previously demonstrated a complete lack of chemistry, this film can be seen as punishment for those silly enough to watch it. The final sentence of my review states it clearly - For anyone wanting a film experience that will make them wish they could pluck out their eyeballs if only to avoid watching any more, Fool's Gold will meet that requirement.
Rating: No Stars
Hoopla Factor: No Stars
A tired concept meets outdated ideas of humour and joins with Carmen Electra to produce the worst film of the year. Astoundingly bad.
Rating: No Stars
Hoopla Factor: No Stars
Read Stuart's take on 2008 in his top ten films of 2008 list.
What were your favourite films of 2008? Most despised? Did something surprise you and win your heart in spite of expectations? Did another film disappoint you? Comments are welcome - and encouraged - below!
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