Todd’s Top 10 - 2008

Go to 2008 Top 10 Lists

Last Updated - 2/3/09

Honorable Mentions: Happy-Go-Lucky, Man on Wire, Rachel Getting Married

10. Synecdoche, New York – The ambitious directorial debut by the Oscar-winning genius Charlie Kaufman is as original and unforgettable as anything that graced the screen in 2008. The audience gets completely lost in this world that the creative mastermind constructs, with countless priceless characters and a plot that will leave you scratching your head with bewilderment, but it will also leave you in an undeniable state of wonderment. It is a beautiful film, and it is destined to be considered a masterpiece at some point in the future.

9. Frost/Nixon – Oscar-winner Ron Howard’s enthralling look back at the famed interviews between television host David Frost and infamous former president Richard Nixon was truly one of the most exhilarating and fascinating films to come out in 2008. It is full of outstanding performances, and it is edited in a way that makes every moment feel vital and true. When the interviews start, it is like a heavyweight bout, and everyone in the audience is glued to the screen. It is a brilliant film that ranks with the very best of Howard’s career.

8. The Edge of Heaven – This German film made by Turkish writer-director Fatih Akin is a very compelling and deeply moving film that is as satisfying of a film experience as any that I had last year. Akin throws the audience into this world, getting to know several characters whose lives intertwine in the most peculiar of ways. Its way of storytelling is among the most intriguing and brilliant things about this film, providing stirring surprises and revelations about characters and their eventual destiny. It is a tender, emotional, and compassionate piece of cinema by a talented young filmmaker that really gives insight into such things as class and fate. It is a wonderful film.

7. Changeling - Oscar-winner Clint Eastwood has proved that he can direct just about anything. This true story is a stunning and haunting experience that legitimately ranks with his finest efforts. There are a lot of elements from his former features evident in this film, but Eastwood is able to breathe life and originality into the story to create an atmosphere that is almost impossible to not get lost in. There are so many great characters, some of which we do not know too much about, which really only adds to the overall mystery and wonder of the film. The end product is an engrossing, unforgettable, and relevant film that should be considered among 2008’s finest.

6. Milk – Gus Van Sant has made his share of fantastic films. This biopic is unlike anything he has done in his career, and he proves that he is among the most distinct and wonderful talents in the industry. Milk is as full of life and as inspiring as any film released in 2008. It is anchored by the masterful turn by Sean Penn, who completely embodies his character, turning him into one of the most unique and inspiring heroes that we have seen on screen. Its unique way of storytelling, placing archival footage throughout the film, only adds to the feeling that the audience is actually watching these people, not the actors. It is a beautiful, breathtaking, and important motion picture that everyone should seek out.

5. Snow Angels – David Gordon Green is the best director working in independent film. This is a film that is centered on one tragedy, and it shows the way that all the principle characters are impacted by it and how they respond to it. It is a completely unflinching and captivating drama. Green is able to pull us in with the well-developed characters and precise direction. There is not a false note in it, though the end will challenge many viewers with its bleakness and honesty. It is a special and supremely underrated gem.

4. The Dark Knight – There is very little explanation needed as to why this film is on my year end top 10 list. This genre-redefining comic book/superhero/sequel/crime drama by the brilliant Christopher Nolan was seen by almost everyone, becoming the second-highest grossing film ever. There are so many twists, turns, moral questions, and fascinating characters, which all combine to make it nothing short of spellbinding. Of course it is brought together by the timeless performance by the late Heath Ledger in what will be considered one of the greatest villains ever seen on screen. Even with such brilliant comic book adaptations that came out this year like Iron Man, all of them take a backseat to this gripping, absorbing film. I can’t wait for the next installment.

3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – This epic love story by David Fincher is clearly one of the most astonishing achievements of the year. The story, which could have been extremely ostentatious, was put in the right hands with Oscar-winner Eric Roth writing the screenplay. This film draws the audience in with its completely original first hour, and then it is impossible to not get swept away in its beautiful romance and gorgeous technical achievements. It is filled with strong performances and moments that are as authentic and touching as any that I saw in 2008. It was an experience that is unlike any other in the past years, and it will be considered a landmark achievement in cinema in time.

2. WALL-E – The Pixar guys can do no wrong. After last year’s hit Ratatouille, I could not see WALL-E being nearly as good. I could not have been more wrong. This is Pixar’s best film since Toy Story. The little robot main character is possibly the most improbable and lovable hero in film. The story and dialogue are so simple, but it is so undeniably sweet and beautiful. The romance between him and EVE is among the most charming and genuine that I have ever seen. It is the story of an unlikely hero, but the underlying message is what takes it to another level. It is not simply an animated comedy, it is a movie of significance that breaks new ground and sets a new standard for animated film.

1. The Wrestler – Now, my number one was not too hard to choose. After seeing all the initial reviews, my anticipation level for The Wrestler was about as high as any, and somehow, it exceeded those expectations. It is an incredible little film. Mickey Rourke gives the comeback performance of a lifetime, which could possibly be his career best role. Darren Aronofsky completely calms down to create a beautifully stark atmosphere, which is at times tough to watch. It is the most brutally honest film of the year, and with the flawlessly-handled conclusion and engaging characters, it becomes the most rewarding as well. It really is a work of art, and it quite easily swipes my top spot for 2008.