Stuart's Top Ten films of 2008
To be honest, this year didn't make a great impression on me. The two best films came out right at the beginning of the year, and there were more than a few disappointments (though a distinct lack of sequels compared to last year, which isn't a bad thing). All the same, there were some gems to be found...
As perfect as a film could get, Juno is intelligent and funny and bold in a way that few films are.
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Paul Thomas Anderson really becomes a force to be reckoned with here, after the disgustingly popular Magnolia and the wonderfully edgy Punch Drunk Love. Daniel Day-Lewis is of course phenomenal, though it's the poetic strength of the film itself that impresses the most.
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Pixar make their strongest feature since The Incredibles - featuring jaw dropping animation and a brilliant sense of storytelling, particularly in the almost silent movie-type first section of the film.
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Such an extraordinary story is brought to the screen without being too horrifying or sickly sweet.
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A great romantic comedy that didn't go down too well with female friends of mine. Not sure why, maybe it was because it flipped the genre tradition upside down by making it a man having to choose between different women.
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A truly great sequel, and one that I'm sure many people will say is better than the first film. For me, it didn't have the emotional impact of Batman Begins, but is still an incredible crime epic in its own right.
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A wonderfully honest film, courtesy of star/director Helen Hunt, it also features the most interesting role played by Colin Firth thus far.
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A rather depressing film that was nothing like the trailer suggested, In Bruges takes the concept of 'dramatic black comedy' to new heights.
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A bit of a guilty pleasure, Angus… is a great film once you adjust to the extremely over the top English teenage girl slang. And one that subverts several expectations.
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Unlike every other Aussie reviewer, I hate putting in my two cents about the state of the Australian film industry, though I'd have to agree that in 2008 our films were pretty thin on the ground. The Black Balloon was a strong drama with fine performances, however, and one that was distinctly Australian without being cringe worthy.
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Read Mark's take on 2008 in his best and worst 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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