The Movie List 2008

TOP TEN FILMS OF 2008

2008-12-24T09:05:00.000-06:00

NOTE: I can assure you this list will change. I have yet to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Doubt, Revolutionary Road, The Reader, The Wrestler, Waltz with Bashir, The Class, Synechdoche NY, Trouble the Water, I've Loved You So Long, and more. I plan on posting a final list at the end of January, but for now, let's just call this "Top Ten Films I SAW in 2008," while the next list will be "Top Ten Films of 2008."

(10) Hunger

2008-12-24T09:02:00.004-06:00

Directed by Steve McQueen
Starring Michael Fassbender and Liam Cunningham
96 mins.
Rated R

First-time director Steve McQueen's absolutely brutal look at the 1981 I.R.A. Hunger Strike and their, for lack of a better word martyred leader Bobby Sands has all the touches you would expect from a director who used to make his living as an artist. Several shots are less scenes and more paintings, not there to advance the plot as much as to admire. The centerpiece of the film, a 22-minute unbroken take of a conversation between Sands (Fassbender) and his priest, Father Moran (Liam Cunningham), where he explains his motivation for the going on a hunger strike that would eventually kill him. Obviously unable to break character at all during the scene, the two actors are literally FORCED to become their characters, and its effect on the scene is astounding. It really is a work of art.

(09) American Teen

2008-12-24T08:58:00.003-06:00

Directed by Nanette Burstein
Starring Hannah Bailey, Colin Clemens, Megan Krizmanich and Jake Tusing
95 mins.
Rated PG-13

There were a lot of rumors flying around after this was a huge hit at Sundance that parts had been staged, lines were given out in advance, etc. These rumors were for the most part proved to be false, but after seeing it back in August, I thought to myself "Who cares?" The comparison has been made countless times, but this really is the real life version of The Breakfast Club. You find yourself caring about these characters more than you do in the majority of fiction films that Hollywood pumps out. So my opinion is, if occasionally the truth is skirted in favor of something more entertaining, so what? I was damn entertained.

(08) In Bruges

2008-12-24T08:54:00.002-06:00

Directed by Martin McDonagh
Starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes
107 mins.
Rated R

"There's a Christmas tree somewhere in London with a bunch of presents underneath it that'll never be opened. And I thought, if I survive all this, I'd go to that house, apologize to the mother there, and accept whatever punishment she chose for me. Prison...death...it didn't matter. Because at least in prison and at least in death, you know, I wouldn't be in fuckin' Bruges. But then, like a flash, it came to me. And I realized, fuck man, maybe that's what hell is: the entire rest of eternity spent in fuckin' Bruges. And I really, REALLY hoped I wouldn't die. I really really hoped I wouldn't die..."

If that doesn't make you want to see this film, I don't know what will.

(07) The Dark Knight

2008-12-24T08:52:00.003-06:00

Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger
152 mins.
Rated PG-13

Honestly, what more can I say about this that hasn't already been said? In fact, the praise for this film is so universal, i'll offer up some negatives.

+ It's not close to a perfect film, and isn't deserving of a Best Picture nomination
+ The character of Rachel is again completely unnecessary and an unlikeable hindrance to the plot of the film

Still, I love it, and that's why it's my #7 film of the year.

(06) A Christmas Tale

2008-12-24T08:48:00.003-06:00

Directed by Arnaud Desplechin
Starring Catherine Deneuve and Mathieu Amalric
150 mins.
Rated R

Much like Bergman's Fanny and Alexander before it, A Christmas Tale is a sprawling epic about something that would normally be contained into a 80 minute indie flick. But director Arnaud Desplechin never shies away from making the film as long as he wants. I admit that it's hard to follow (I needed two viewings to digest the entire thing) but if you stick with it, the payoff is remarkable. Mathieu Amalric (Quantum of Solace, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) is particularly good as the unbelievably mean, nasty, chain-smoking uncle.

(05) Rachel Getting Married

2008-12-24T08:44:00.003-06:00

Directed by Jonathan Demme
Starring Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin and Debra Winger
114 mins.
Rated R

While Anne Hathaway's performance in Jonathan Demme's (The Silence of the Lambs) latest film as Kim, difficult, forward, recently out of rehab and attending her sister's wedding, it's not the highlight performance. Much like Tom Cruise (who is better) was snubbed in favor of Dustin Hoffmann's more showy performance in Rain Man, I can't help but feel the same thing is going to happen here between Hathaway and DeWitt. While Hathaway gets all the heavy scenes, it's DeWitt who manages to make what could come across as a basic "bitchy sister pissed at druggie younger sister for showing up to wedding" actually manages to make her character one of the most sympathetic in the film.

(04) Let the Right One In

2008-12-24T08:32:00.002-06:00

Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Starring Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson
114 mins.
Rated R

Tomas Alfredson's take on the vampire story is likely the most original film i've seen this year. Lonely Oscar meets and befriends a girl, Eli, who just happens to be a vampire. Growing up ensues. The fact that Eli is a vampire never becomes the main focus of the story, and is never glamorized, unlike a certain film released around the same time, rhymes with "my kite." The quiet beauty of Sweden all culminates in one of the most effective, disturbing endings to a vampire film you will ever see.

(03) Man on Wire

2008-12-24T08:27:00.004-06:00

Directed by James Marsh
Starring Phillipe Petit
90 mins.
Rated PG-13

2008 was a great year for documentaries, and James Marsh's Man on Wire was certainly the best. Playing less like a documentary and more like a thriller, it tells the story of Phillipe Petit's walk on a tightrope between the Twin Towers in 1974. To the director's credit, 9/11 is never mentioned once, and why should it be? This isn't what the film is about. It's a great tale of a man triumphing over nature.

(02) WALL-E

2008-12-24T08:17:00.003-06:00

Directed by Andrew Stanton
Starring Ben Burtt and Elissa Knight
98 mins.
Rated G

I firmly believe that, along with Ratatouille, Pixar has achieved a level of brilliance in genre film over a short period that equals that of the Lucas/Spielberg Star Wars/Raiders of the Lost Ark era. The fact that you can release a movie like Ratatouille, one of the most beautiful, smart animated films ever made, and then come right back the next year and EASILY top it, is something you just don't see very often. The choice to do the first third of the film with basically no dialogue was an incredibly risky choice that had every possibility of backfiring terribly for Pixar, but instead plays like a Charlie Chaplin film. And WALL-E truly is the Little Tramp for this generation. A masterpiece.

(01) Slumdog Millionaire

2008-12-24T07:25:00.010-06:00

Directed by Danny Boyle
Starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto and Irrfan Khan
120 mins.
Rated R

That's right, the best film I saw in 2008 was about a kid from the slums of India who goes on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. A year ago if you told me this would've been on my list I would've laughed in your face. But the fact is that Danny Boyle's (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) newest film is an outright masterpiece. The performances, the beautiful cinematography, incredible locations, and most importantly (something that's seemed to take a backseat in films lately) the uplifting, beautiful story. This is one of those films that makes you feel like a kid again, when you saw Star Wars or Raiders of the Lost Ark and felt like the movies could do anything.

#219 - Bigger, Stronger, Faster*

2008-08-25T03:08:00.000-05:00

Directed by Chris Bell
2008 Documentary
Rated PG-13

****

#218 - The Rocker

2008-08-25T03:05:00.003-05:00

Directed by Peter Cattaneo
2008 Comedy
Rated PG-13

**

A big disappointment. With the talent of the cast this should've been much better. Somehow Wilson sadly manages to be the worst thing in it. Newcomer Josh Gad and SNL's Jason Sudekis are the best here, and the rest of the cast is bad (Teddy Geiger) to good (everyone else). Also, be on the lookout for every music movie cliche ever used.

#217 - Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

2008-08-24T10:18:00.002-05:00

Directed by Alex Gibney
2008 Documentary
Rated R

****

#216 - Quid Pro Quo

2008-08-24T10:17:00.005-05:00

Directed by Carlos Brooks
2008 Drama
Rated R

*** 1/2

#215 - Sullivan's Travels

2008-08-24T10:17:00.002-05:00

Directed by Preston Sturges
1942 Comedy/Drama
Not Rated

*****

#214 - Session 9

2008-08-24T10:16:00.000-05:00

Directed by Brad Anderson
2001 Thriller
Rated R

** 1/2

#213 - Nattvardsgästerna

2008-08-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

Directed by Ingmar Bergman
1962 Drama
Not Rated

**** 1/2

#212 - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

2008-08-24T10:14:00.001-05:00

Directed by Tony Richardson
1962 Drama
Not Rated

**** 1/2

#211 - Everyone Says I Love You

2008-08-24T10:13:00.002-05:00

Directed by Woody Allen
1996 Musical
Rated PG

***

#210 - Batman

2008-08-24T10:13:00.001-05:00

Directed by Tim Burton
1989 Action/Adventure
Rated PG-13

***

#209 - Happy-Go-Lucky

2008-08-24T10:12:00.002-05:00

Directed by Mike Leigh
2008 Comedy/Drama
Rated R

****

#208 - Sweet and Lowdown

2008-08-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

Directed by Woody Allen
1999 Musical Comedy
Rated PG-13

*** 1/2

#207 - Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2008-08-17T19:44:00.002-05:00

Directed by Woody Allen
2008 Romantic Comedy/Drama
Rated PG-13

**** 1/2

I have been waiting and waiting for Woody Allen to make another film that was more than just good. The closest I think he's come since his last great film, Crimes and Misdemeanors, was with 2005's Match Point. And I think with Vicky Cristina Barcelona, he has done it. Great dialogue, great acting, beautiful cinematography (due much in part to the beauty of Spain) and a wonderful Spanish guitar score all add to the warm feeling this film gives you. Though I must say Scarlett Johansson looks completely out of her league with Bardem, Cruz and even relative newcomer Rebecca Hall, whose wonderful collection of facial expressions absolutely make her performance.

#206 - American Teen

2008-08-17T19:42:00.001-05:00

Directed by Nanette Burstein
2008 Documentary
Rated PG-13

****

Start counting down the days until this movie blows the hell up, Juno-style. People have accused Burstein of as little as reshooting certain things and as much as literally scripting entire parts of the film. But to me, all of that is irrelevant. I found this film absolutely captivating, particularly Hannah's story (who I now love, by the way). It's definitely not The Hills: Cornfield Edition.

#205 - Brideshead Revisited

2008-08-17T19:40:00.001-05:00

Directed by Julian Jarrold
2008 Period Drama
Rated PG-13

*** 1/2

Considering I went in expecting the stuffiest English drama ever made, I was pleasantly surprised. Wraps you in with the intriguing story (thanks mostly to Waugh) and the backwards storytelling and never lets up until the slightly abrupt and cluttered ending. Good performances all around, particularly from Emma Thompson and Ben Whishaw.

#204 - Transsiberian

2008-08-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

Directed by Brad Anderson
2008 Thriller
Rated R

****

#203 - Higanbana

2008-08-17T19:38:00.002-05:00

Directed by Yasujiro Ozu
1958 Drama
Not Rated

****

#202 - Resolved

2008-08-17T19:38:00.001-05:00

Directed by Greg Whiteley
2007 Documentary
Not Rated

**** 1/2

#201 - Tropic Thunder

2008-08-17T19:37:00.000-05:00

Directed by Ben Stiller
2008 Action/Comedy
Rated R

****

#200 - Kill Bill: Vol. 2

2008-08-17T19:36:00.002-05:00

Directed by Quentin Tarantino
2004 Action/Drama
Rated R

*****

#199 - Kill Bill: Vol. 1

2008-08-17T19:36:00.001-05:00

Directed by Quentin Tarantino
2003 Action/Drama
Rated R

**** 1/2

#198 - His Girl Friday

2008-08-17T19:35:00.003-05:00

Directed by Howard Hawks
1940 Screwball Comedy
Not Rated

*****

Quite possibly the best written film ever made. Grant and Russell are absolutely brilliant together.

#197 - A Mighty Wind

2008-08-17T19:35:00.001-05:00

#196 - Pineapple Express

2008-08-17T19:34:00.000-05:00

#195 - The Recruiter

2008-08-17T19:32:00.002-05:00

Directed by Edet Belzberg
2008 Documentary
Not Rated

****

#194 - Pineapple Express

2008-08-17T19:31:00.000-05:00

Directed by David Gordon Green
2008 Stoner Action/Comedy
Rated R

****

#193 - Rashômon

2008-08-17T19:30:00.000-05:00

Directed by Akira Kurosawa
1950 Crime Drama
Not Rated

**** 1/2

#192 - Another Woman

2008-08-17T19:29:00.000-05:00

Directed by Woody Allen
1988 Drama
Rated PG

*** 1/2

#191 - Nuit et brouillard

2008-08-04T15:51:00.003-05:00

Directed by Alain Resnais
1955 Documentary
Not Rated

*****

Despite being only 30 minutes long, this is still the most harrowing, terrifying non-fiction film ever made about the Holocaust.

#190 - Snatch.

2008-08-03T20:34:00.002-05:00

Directed by Guy Ritchie
2000 Crime Comedy
Rated R

****

#189 - L'amour en fuite

2008-08-03T17:20:00.002-05:00

Directed by Francois Truffaut
1979 Comedy/Drama
Rated PG

*** 1/2

#188 - Domicile Conjugal

2008-08-03T15:11:00.003-05:00

Directed by Francois Truffaut
1970 Comedy/Drama
Rated PG

****

#187 - Baisers volés

2008-08-03T15:09:00.002-05:00

Directed by Francois Truffaut
1968 Comedy/Drama
Rated R

*****

In my opinion, the best of the Doinel series. Has some very funny moments, and Leaud is wonderful (as usual).

#186 - Les Quatre Cents Coups

2008-08-03T15:06:00.004-05:00

Directed by Francois Truffaut
1959 Drama
Not Rated

****

I liked it, but honestly, I don't see what the big deal is. I don't think it's Truffaut's best film; in fact, I don't think it's even the best of the Doinel series. That would be Stolen Kisses for me.

#185 - The Dark Knight

2008-08-03T15:06:00.001-05:00

#184 - The Puffy Chair

2008-08-02T19:55:00.002-05:00

Directed by Jay Duplass
2006 Comedy/Drama
Rated R

**** 1/2

If you are a fan of indie (and I do mean INDIE) film and the indie filmmaking style in general, you are almost guaranteed to love this film. Kind of like if The Blair Witch Project was a romantic comedy/drama instead of a horror flick.

#183 - Small Town Gay Bar

2008-08-02T19:53:00.002-05:00

Directed by Malcolm Ingram
2006 Documentary
Rated R

****

A fascinating look at how gay communities are able to keep each other afloat in small towns.

#182 - King Corn

2008-08-02T19:52:00.002-05:00

Directed by Aaron Woolf
2007 Documentary
Not Rated

*** 1/2

#181 - A Mighty Wind

2008-08-02T19:51:00.002-05:00

Directed by Christopher Guest
2003 Mockumentary
Rated PG-13

**** 1/2

#180 - Le Corbeau

2008-08-02T19:51:00.001-05:00

Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot
1943 Suspense Thriller
Not Rated

**** 1/2

#179 - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2008-08-02T19:50:00.000-05:00

#178 - Son of Rambow

2008-08-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

Directed by Garth Jennings
2007 Comedy
Rated PG-13

*** 1/2

#177 - Untraceable

2008-07-27T15:00:00.002-05:00

Directed by Gregory Hoblit
2008 Crime Thriller
Rated R

* 1/2

#176 - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2008-07-27T14:58:00.002-05:00

#175 - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2008-07-27T14:58:00.001-05:00

#174 - Step Brothers

2008-07-26T18:46:00.002-05:00

Directed by Adam McKay
2008 Comedy
Rated R

*** 1/2

If you were a fan of Ferrell and Reilly's last outing together, Talladega Nights, then I can assure you you will love Step Brothers. It's basically the same movie, but with penises and the word "fuck." It's very funny at times, and other times plain stupid. Fortunately, the funny overwhelms the unfunny, and makes this recommendable. Richard Jenkins and Mary Steenburgen are also very funny as the parents.

#173 - La maman et la putain

2008-07-18T15:02:00.002-05:00

Directed by Jean Eustache
1973 Drama
Rated R

****

#172 - The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T14:18:00.004-05:00

Directed by Christopher Nolan
2008 Crime Drama
Rated PG-13

*****

"A masterpiece." "The best comic book movie i've ever seen." "Ledger gives a performance that will be remembered forever." In various reviews, I have seen all of these phrases used to describe the long-awaited sequel to Christopher Nolan's reboot of the Batman franchise, Batman Begins. And I am glad to say that all are exactly correct. This is, plain and simple, the best comic book movie i've ever seen. It is a masterpiece. And Ledger does give a performance for the ages. But more than that, it's a brilliantly written, acted and directed crime drama, in the vein of Goodfellas or The Departed. Like Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men or Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs, Ledger BECOMES the Joker. You won't find a trace of the happy-go-lucky Australian from 10 Things I Hate About You or the heartbreaking tenderness of Ennis Del Mar. As the Joker, Ledger is evil incarnate. It has no rhyme or reason, no goals or greed, it just wants, as Alfred says, "to watch the world burn." However, as brilliant as Ledger is (I call the first posthumous Oscar win in over 30 years right now), it would be a travesty to ignore all the other brilliant performances. Unlike the previous film, where Christian Bale as Batman was clearly front and center, the star of the film (and rightfully so), this is, like in a film such as The Departed, an ensemble piece. Everyone gets their chance to shine. Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal; all terrific. But the other performance I really want to focus on is Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two-Face. At times, I must say I actually found myself more fascinated in the transformation of this seemingly unfallible public servant (my mind kept going to Barack Obama for some reason) into the cold-blooded murderer he becomes. And Eckhart was the perfect choice of the role. In the beginning when he's just the nice guy, he has all the charm and wit you would expect from someone who might be President someday. But when he turns, the anger that explodes out of him (perfectly coming just occasionally) is terrifying. Another mound of praise must be lavished upon the technical aspects of the film. The sound, cinematography (Chicago is absolutely perfect as Gotham), score, makeup, and art direction are all absolutely beautiful, and certainly worthy of Oscar nominations. Finally, let's talk about Chris Nolan (he directed as well as co-wrote the script with his brother Jonathan). Unlike Burton or Schumacher, who seemed to always feel that, since this is based on a comic book, there should always be a light (Burton) or HEAVY (Schumacher) camp element to the film, Nolan realizes that just because you're dealing with superheroes doesn't mean that they have to be living in an unreal world. Yes, there are unbelievable parts, but the bulk of this film is not so much a rollicking superhero adventure as it is a gritty crime drama that Scorsese and Coppola would be proud to have in their canon. An absolute must-see, neck and neck with Wall-E as the best film I have seen this year.

#171 - The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T14:18:00.001-05:00

#170 - Une Femme est une femme

2008-07-17T07:17:00.003-05:00

Directed by Jean-Luc Godard
1961 Musical Comedy
Not Rated

*****

What a quirky, adorable little film. Guaranteed to put a smile onto anyone's face. I can't understand how this is considered one of Godard's weaker efforts.

#169 - Cet obscur objet du désir

2008-07-17T07:15:00.003-05:00

Directed by Luis Bunel
1977 Surreal Drama
Rated R

**** 1/2

#168 - Van Wilder

2008-07-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

Directed by Walt Becker
2002 Comedy
Rated R

*** 1/2

#167 - Le Fantôme de la liberté

2008-07-15T04:08:00.001-05:00

Directed by Luis Bunel
1974 Surrealistic Comedy/Drama
Rated R

**** 1/2

#166 - Le Cercle rouge

2008-07-13T10:33:00.001-05:00

Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville
1970 Crime Drama
Not Rated

*****

#165 - Bande à part

2008-07-13T10:32:00.004-05:00

Directed by Jean-Luc Godard
1964 Crime Drama
Not Rated

*****

#164 - WALL·E

2008-07-13T10:32:00.001-05:00

#163 - Jumper

2008-07-12T18:42:00.003-05:00

Directed by Doug Liman
2008 Action/Adventure
Rated PG-13

**

A movie that could've been just so much better if handled correctly. Among it's problems are that it tries to squeeze two (maybe three) movies worth of material into one, resulting in a whole mess of information and action coming way to fast in it's brief 88 minutes. Also attempts to setup a completely unnecessary sequel at the end (that, if I understood it correctly, would also make ZERO sense; those who've seen the flick will understand what I mean). Oh yeah, and "Wooden" Christensen didn't help either.

#162 - Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma

2008-07-12T16:54:00.002-05:00

Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini
1975 Drama
Not Rated

** 1/2

If you want to be able to say you have seen (arguably) the most demented film ever made, I recommend you check this out. Otherwise, STAY THE HELL AWAY.

#161 - Hellboy

2008-07-12T16:51:00.002-05:00

Directed by Guillermo del Toro
2004 Supernatural Action/Thriller
Rated PG-13

****

#160 - The Ice Storm

2008-07-10T09:07:00.001-05:00

Directed by Ang Lee
1997 Period Drama
Rated R

****

#159 - The Fugitive

2008-07-10T09:05:00.003-05:00

Directed by Andrew Davis
1993 Thriller
Rated R

*****

Absolutely brilliant, can't believe it took me so long to get around to watching this. One of the best action films EVER made.

#158 - Cassandra's Dream

2008-07-03T19:50:00.002-05:00

Directed by Woody Allen
2008 Crime Thriller
Rated R

***

#157 - Stay

2008-07-03T19:49:00.002-05:00

Directed by Marc Forster
2005 Suspense Thriller
Rated R

**

#156 - WALL·E

2008-07-02T07:13:00.002-05:00

Directed by Andrew Stanton
2008 Animated Sci-Fi Comedy
Rated G

*****

Probably Pixar's first legitimate shot at a Best Picture nomination (not to mention Director, Sound, Sound Editing, Original Screenplay, Animated Feature and Score).

#155 - Wanted

2008-07-02T07:03:00.003-05:00

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov
2008 Action Thriller
Rated R

*** 1/2

#154 - Margot at the Wedding

2008-07-02T07:02:00.002-05:00

#153 - The Ten

2008-07-02T07:02:00.001-05:00

#152 - Grace is Gone

2008-07-02T07:01:00.002-05:00

#151 - Charlie Bartlett

2008-07-02T07:01:00.001-05:00

#150 - Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show

2008-07-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

#149 - In Bruges

2008-07-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

#148 - Definitely, Maybe

2008-07-02T06:59:00.003-05:00

#147 - Be Kind Rewind

2008-07-02T06:59:00.001-05:00

#146 - The Bourne Identity

2008-07-02T06:58:00.003-05:00

#145 - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-07-02T06:58:00.001-05:00

#144 - You Don't Mess With the Zohan

2008-07-02T06:57:00.004-05:00

#143 - Starship Troopers

2008-07-02T06:57:00.003-05:00

#142 - Clerks II

2008-07-02T06:57:00.001-05:00

#141 - Once

2008-07-02T06:56:00.001-05:00

#140 - Death at a Funeral

2008-07-02T06:55:00.000-05:00

#139 - Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

2008-05-31T10:39:00.001-05:00

Directed by Nicholas Meyer
1982 Sci-Fi
Rated PG

****

#138 - Star Trek: The Motion Picture

2008-05-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

Directed by Robert Wise
1979 Sci-Fi
Rated PG

** 1/2

The long (nearly two and a half hours), boring and drawn-out opening to the series of films is not a good start. Fortunately, things pick up like a madman in part two.

#137 - Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

2008-05-31T10:37:00.002-05:00

Directed by Kevin Smith
2001 Comedy
Rated R

***

#136 - House of Games

2008-05-11T14:23:00.001-05:00

Directed by David Mamet
1987 Psychological Thriller
Rated R

****

#135 - Tirez sur le pianiste

2008-05-11T12:41:00.002-05:00

Directed by Francois Truffaut
1960 Romantic Comedy/Drama
Not Rated

**** 1/2

This is somehow the first Truffaut film I have seen, so I can't judge based on previous works, but if the others are even remotely as good as this I know I have a lot to look forward to.

#134 - 27 Dresses

2008-05-11T12:39:00.001-05:00

Directed by Anne Fletcher
2008 Romantic Comedy
Rated PG-13

***

Despite the fact that I would need several hands to count all the different romantic comedies this film lifts plot points from, I actually found it to be surprisingly entertaining. Plot-wise, as I said, the script is all rehash; but joke-wise, it's actually moderately sharp (although this may be due more to the cast than anything else). Worth a watch. James Marsden and Judy Greer are the highlights.

#133 - Gycklarnas afton

2008-05-11T12:38:00.004-05:00

Directed by Ingmar Bergman
1953 Drama
Not Rated

****

#132 - Gycklarnas afton

2008-05-11T12:32:00.004-05:00

Directed by David Mamet
2008 Drama
Rated R

*** 1/2

Despite the fact that, in the finale, the film veers near b-movie territory ridiculousness, everything preceding this makes this a film worthy of being discussed with upper-tier Mamet. Chiwetel Ejiofor is brilliant as a jujitsu master who fights against the corruption in professional mixed martial arts. Tim Allen and Emily Mortimer are very good as well in small roles, as are Mamet regulars Ricky Jay, Joe Mantegna, and David Paymer. As I said earlier, yes, the ending is ridiculous; but the strength of Mamet's script is enough to make this well worth checking out.

#131 - Efter brylluppet

2008-05-11T12:29:00.003-05:00

Directed by Susanne Bier
2006 Drama
Rated R

**** 1/2

Susanne Bier's fascinating 2006 Oscar nominee for best Foreign Language feature introduces several shattering twists in the first act, and then leaves the rest of the film to pick up the pieces, which it does beautifully. The performances of Rolf Lassgard (Oscar-worthy) and Sidse Babett Knudsen play off each other perfectly; she beautifully understated, and him beautifully overstated. And the final fifteen minutes are absolutely devastating. A near-masterpiece.