This is the time of year where my taste in movies changes. I live with many people that don't share my enjoyment of foreign or obscure films, so the rest of the year I wait for said films to come out on video. But Oscar season allows me, and those around me, the excuse to check out the hype of any kind of film. On Saturday night I saw Slumdog Millionaire and I was blown away. It's up there as one of the best love stories I've seen since Moulin Rouge. Last week I saw Che. It won't get many nominations but it is easily Best Picture worthy...far more than the incredibly overrated and rather disappointing Benjamin Button. Anyways, I still have a few more films to go from 2008 before the Top 10 list can be official, but here is an updated version. As expected, Wanted and Quantum of Solace got pumped.
I know some may wonder how they were there to begin with and the answer is quite simple. First, Wanted is hysterical. It's A Purpose Driven Life with guns. It's quite telling to see the American rhetoric of destiny and individualism exposed for the bloody mess it is. The film was clever and a good shoot 'em up. Any good top 10 list will acknowledge that entertainment and escapism is important as well films with a critical edge. As for Quantum of Solace. I love what they're doing with James Bond. He's no longer a glamorized alcoholic womanizer. He's a flawed man. Post 9/11 tension finally made it's way to the Bond films and after decades of the same old thing, it's nice to see a one-dimensional character get some layers. Yes, there was far too much action but Daniel Craig is the best Bond ever (I'll argue anyone on that point) and the film gave me great hope for the future of the franchise.
Now there's also the issue of why Cloverfield is on my list. First off, I'm not alone as several other critics put this postmodern monster movie on their list as well. I loved this film. I took the ideas of The Blair Witch Project to the extreme. It was brave enough to tell a story people might not want from a blockbuster. And it had some great cinematography. I felt like I was on a 3D ride and I enjoyed it all. The characters were decent and the storyline was ambiguous. Sometimes closure is overrated.
Well, w/o further ado, here's the update list in order, pre The Wrestler, Revolutionary Road, Rachel Getting Married, Doubt, Frost/Nixon, and The Reader (if any of the finalists make the cut, Wall-E will be the first to go).
1. The Dark Knight
2. Slumdog Millionaire
3. Let the Right One In
4. Iron Man
5. Milk
6. Cloverfield
7. Che
8. Tropic Thunder
9. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
10. Wall-E
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Hey buddy. Thank you for your well thought out reaction to people who criticized you for the likes of Wanted and Cloverfield. I thought Wanted was not bad, kinda fun, an ok way to pass 2 hours. But those are not the films that heighten my emotions, my emotions of fear, thrill, love, humor, and all of those emotions that truly great film touch on. That is the reason that I don't knock your inclusion of a popcorn film like Iron Man because I believe that film was somehow able to figure out a way to touch on both the thrilling a humorous emotions. As for Cloverfield, haven't seen it and don't plan on it.
I highly recommend that you see the Wrestler. It is outstanding. As is the Visitor which is not on your list.
I badly want to see Che, but I don't know if we'll get it in Colorado Springs.
I'm going to see Gran Torino tonight, which I'm stoked about.
Hope you are well Tim
Gran Torino:
I love Clint Eastwood, the actor and director.
I thought much of Gran Torino was strong. Clint's attention to small moments always draws me in.
The problem for me was that there were at least 3 terrible performances. Not just subpar, but terrible. He's Clint Eastwood. I mean, Meryl Streep, Sean Penn, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman, Laura Linney, and John Malkovich have all worked for him. Couldn't he have gotten some asians who didn't sound ridiculous reciting lines, or a convincing actor to play the priest? These performances took away from an otherwise strong film. What did you think?
Decent list. 3 of your top 10 were on my list.
A couple of comments:
1. I don't know how "Wall-E will be the first to go." There is no doubt that it is one of ten best movies this year.
2. I didn't see Cloverfield or Wanted... not really my cup of tea. So I can't really comment on that.
3. In my opinion Gran Tornino was the film of the year. It told such an amazing and moving story. I;ve heard others have the same complaints as you about the supporting cast... I just didn't see that. I thought they were fine.
Post a Comment