Flick Picks of 2008

With the Golden Globes behind us, I figure I should get these off my chest before everyone says “Oh, he just liked the winners”.

There are a few obvious films that I think really stood out in 2008, and a few that flew under the radar but should still be checked out.

I’ll start with the big ones.

The Dark Knight. Well I’ve loved the Batman franchise through the ups and downs and Chris Nolan has really created a masterpiece here. It transcends the super hero genere and is an epic story. (on a side note, I’m thrilled Ledger won the golden globe for his role. It really was stellar).

Iron Man was a lot of fun. Nothing award winning, but a dam good set up to a franchise. Reminds me of what Brian Singer did with X-men so many years ago. Lets hope Faverau (the director) sticks with the story line for at least 3 films and doesn’t fuck it all up like Ratner did with the 3rd X-men.

Slumdog Millionaire. Just plain awesome. Take a date to this movie. I thought it was going to be a little cheesy but Danny Boyle knocked this one out of the park. I liked it so much I saw it again the next day.

Milk. Now I know some people might find the story not their cup of tea, but I think everyone should see this movie. It is truly inspirational and further strengthened my resolve to never give up on my dream. The cast is just brilliant and I personally think this is Van Sant’s best film.

Gran Torino. Well after watching Midnight in the Garden of good and evil, I swore that I would one day meet up with Clint Eastwood and waste 2 hours of his life for the pain her put me through. But he has redemed himself with this remarkable funny and touching story.

A Disney film that wasn’t crap (and that is a hard sentence to type) was the animated Wall-e. I’m sure you’ve seen the ads and trailers so I’m not going to post it, but if you haven’t seen this cautionary tale, I suggest you sit down with the kids (or if you don’t have kids, someone as immature as myself) and enjoy the ride. Like all Pixar films, there is loads of extras for adults.

Now on to some flicks you might not have heard about.

I blogged about it before but it bears repeating. The Fall by Tarsem, is a lush, visual orgy. An unconventional fairytale that ties back into the art of film making itself. Trailer is here. It was presented in North America by Spike Jonze and David Fincher so you know it is going to be nothing short of amazing.

One of my favorite films of the year, and maybe even the last decade, is Son of Rambow. It could very well be the Goonies of the new millennium. This is a film for the whole family, if your family isn’t into Disney crap. You can see the trailer here.

As always, the Cohen Brothers delivered with a brilliant story in which nothing really happens. Burn After Reading is an amazing addition to their already remarkable list of must see films. Not only well directed, but the actors delivered brilliant performances. Brad Pitt even stepped up to a role that harkens me back to his performance in 12 Monkeys.

And speaking of Mr. Pitt, he and David Fincher re-teamed for the first time since Fight Club (one of the best films ever), of the curious case of Benjamin Button. I thought the story was very well told, Pitt’s performance captivting and Fincher did a great job directing this epic tale.

Now a lot of people didn’t like these next two, but they can go fuck themselves because I think they’re brilliant comedies.

Zack and Miri make a Porno. which has the usual Kevin Smith humour wrapped up in a story that is a little more mature than his previous works.

Be Kind Rewind, of which had the privilege of seeing this at an advanced screening with the director in attendance and it was magical. I was getting set up to launch the press campaign for my website/film and to see a community come together like that was truly inspiring. It’s also funny as hell (if you’ve got a real sense of humour).

I’ve yet to see the Wrestler but I’m excited too and am sure it is everything people are making it out to be.

Now I’m not going to get into all the films I didn’t like this year… accept for one. Now holy fuck, but someone has to put an end to this crap. This could very well be the worst movie I’ve ever seen. Who the fuck in Hollywood let “The Happening” slip by!?!? I mean after Lady in the water was such a bomb, why let this pile of crap come out. Now I consider myself an environmentalist, but don’t try and tell me that relaying a moral should trump a good story, or good direction for that matter. The acting wasn’t bad so much as the actors didn’t stand a chance with the shit material.

I was on a plane and it was the only thing I hadn’t watched on their menu and I gotta tell you, this was like the worst traffic accident in history and I had to slow down and stare. You should avoid this film at all costs. In fact, if you’re in the video store and see it, hide the box cover under something else, sparing someone the pain and anguish of the torture that is this piece of shit.

One thing bears mentioning before I sign off. This is one of the harder things I’ve had to type. But I couldn’t end a commentary on they past years films without mentioning (and here comes the pain) Tom Cruise’s performance in Tropic Thunder. I think the film makers were brilliant in not announcing his performance because after the massive marketing hype behind the project, this was the only surprise left and he is absolutely hilarious!!

Well, thanks for reading my rant and here’s to making MY film in 2009!

All the best at whatever it is you’re doing.

Cheers

Casey