Top Ten of 2008

I know that January is almost over, but here is my belated top ten of 2008!

First, let me say that this year was not as strong as last year. Last year I had trouble just picking ten (you can see the list here), and while I've seen plenty of movies this year, few have had a lasting impact, which is somewhat required of all great movies. A movie has not done its job unless you're still pondering about it 24 hours later. This year, lots of films need to be fired.

1. WALL-E

I struggle with this choice, because choosing an animated film as my number one of the year seems taboo. Well, rules be damned, this is a spectacular film. Pixar has achieved such a significant level of storytelling that they scarcely even need dialogue anymore. WALL-E, both the robot himself and the film, possess an overwhelming compassion. WALL-E, with more determination than any robot has ever had before him, begins by pursuing his love for EVE, and ends up saving humanity. At first he tries to recover the plant to impress EVE, but along the way, somewhere, he realizes his purpose. Similarly, EVE transforms from a simple one-track robot to a real character, capable of more emotion than most characters in most other films. For these reasons, along with perfect animation, a great soundtrack, and a high 'cute' factor, WALL-E is the best film of the year.

2. Slumdog Millionaire

In my 'review' I copped out, saying that to reveal any plot details at all would dishonor the film and ruin the experience. I stand by that. This is not a film that is watched, but a story that is experienced. There is no better reason to go to the movies this year than to see this film. We shall discuss it later.

3. Revolutionary Road

Unlike Slumdog Millionaire, this is not a film for everyone. Revolutionary Road is a story likely to hit emotional chords with specific viewers, because its characters have big dreams and even bigger falls. The truth about life is that not everyone finds their happy ending or meets their one true love -- some people end up living in the suburbs and slowly die little by little every day. I have a feeling this is one of those films that will be praised ten years from now, but until then, be passed off as mediocre. Trust me, it is a great treasure.

4. The Wrestler

Mickey Rourke, as The Ram, struggles deeply with his identity, his past, and his addictions. What is so touching in this story of one man's life is not the actual wrestling, but how far his life has gone past its prime, and how determined he is to make it right, even after he blows it one time after the other.

5. In Bruges

I recently watched this again, and am thrilled that the film has a screenplay nod for the Oscars. Sure, the politically incorrect humor is funny, but behind the vulgar comedy is a fine layer of weaving between the characters and their actions that makes the film work. Each viewing leads to the picking up of something new, for instance, when Ken drops the coins from the top of the tower toward the end, he doesn't just happen to have coins (like most people), but they are the coins the clerk would not take way earlier in the film. Excellent.

6. Gran Torino

Can we all agree on something? Clint Eastwood is The Man. Not only is he one of the best actors to ever live, but he has directed many GREAT films -- not 'good' films, but great ones. Just counting recent years, we have: Million Dollar Baby, Letter From Iwo Jima, Mystic River, and now Gran Torino. Dealing with aggressive racial issues (sort of like In Bruges, but in its own way), Gran Torino is a spectacular film about acceptance, forgiveness, vengeance, and doing the right thing. No matter what you read, it will still not be what you expect, but you will enjoy every minute of it.

7. Iron Man

Yes, there is a superhero movie on this list. No, it is not the overrated Dark Knight. Iron Man is such a success because -- and this is fundamental to all stories -- we care about the protagonist, the man, the hero. Tony Stark, while kind of a jerk, makes us laugh, and laughter is the way to the heart, right? I think that's a proverb. This is a superhero film done extremely right, and the best since Spidey 2.

8. Rachel Getting Married

Seemingly strangely like a documentary, this film is a treasure. It uses a unique pacing style to include the audience as a member of the family, and by the end we still don't completely understand the dysfunction, but we appreciate it. Anne Hathaway has not been better, but the whole cast is perfect in this little film about what chunks of our past belong to us, which chunks are community canon fodder, and why some people can't stop being selfish, just for one day. But why should they have to?

9. Religulous

Bill Maher makes fun of every religion, pointing out all of the contradictions and implausible theories behind creationism, the virgin Mary, Jesus, etc. Not perfect, but very funny.

10. Milk

A film that is moving, because Harvey Milk was not just fighting for gay rights, but for the rights and equality of all peoples. He was beaten election after election, but through perseverance, determination, and a little luck, he succeeded. Again, not a perfect movie, but one that everyone could benefit from seeing.

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And that is it for 2008. Intentionally left off because they are undeserving of any 'best' list, or any 'Best Picture' nomination: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Dark Knight, The Reader.

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A New 'Top 10 Comedies'

Back in May, 2006, I listed my top 10 comedies, ranked in order. The list was as follows:

1. A Shot in the Dark
2. Some Like It Hot
3. The Producers
4. Annie Hall
5. The Graduate
6. Clue
7. Dr. Strangelove
8. Ghostbusters
9. Blazing Saddles
10. Clerks

Needless to say, that list is a bit dated. Both in terms of when the movies came out, as well as my taste in comedies. Yet, all ten of those are hilarious movies. Yet, I feel I must update. So here it is:

10. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

The obligatory 'hip new movies.' But yes, this is a great comedy. I know it will stand up as time goes on, whereas similar Judd Apatow films like 'Knocked Up' and 'Superbad' have already faded into obscurity. Comedy is a tough field to crack into (successfully), but Jason Segel has made it happen--not only with his acting in the film, but the fact that he wrote it himself. Quite the accomplishment.

9 more after the jump.

9. Clue

A slight drop for this slapstick of a good time, but it still holds a special place in my movie heart. The complete absurdity of the movie and how implausible it all is only adds to the humor. While there are moments of blunt humor, the film also has subtle notes that I pick up on more every viewing. That is what makes a great film.

8. Bridget Jones's Diary

Oh yes I did. If there is one thing that pushes a comedy from the 'funny' category to the 'endearing' category, it is a lovable main character. It worked for Juno, and it works here. Bridget Jones, who has more faults than most, is impossible to not love by the end of the film. Sure, this is a 'rom-com,' but that doesn't mean it's not funny.

7. City Lights

How was there no Chaplin on my list before? What an enormous error. City Lights is a triumph not only in pure comedy of our protagonist, but in the goodness it shows and the sappy ending (that gets me every time). I rarely say this, but this is a film everyone should see.

6. The Producers

I haven't watched this film in a while, yet still laugh when thinking of some of the lines from it. Sure, line-for-line Blazing Saddles may be the funnier film, but the mere concept of The Producers alone makes it a supreme laughfest. A producer and an accountant who try to find a play they know will flop so they can score big? Springtime for Hitler? So brilliant.

5. This Is Spinal Tap

Borat was funny. The mockumentary is a great film concept. And it all started with the fictional band Spinal Tap. Yet, they have a song on Guitar Hero, so they're sort of a real band. Why this film works so well is because all of the actors play their own music and really convince us of the band. And they are completely clueless. The characters, not the actors. And clueless people, when done right, are a home run. Like in the movie 'Clueless.' And, here, as well.

4. Dr. Strangelove

I feel like anything I explain about this film would be an insult to its greatness. This film is so brilliant in every single aspect that even stating its brilliance is an understatement. Why is it so brilliant? Peter Sellers' multiple roles is certainly a factor, but we cannot overlook George C. Scott and Stanley Kubrick, also two of cinemas greatest treasures. Name-dropping is not enough, because what these three people have created (with the help of others, obviously, but...) is a timeless comedy that is funny and satirical all the way through, until the very last moment of the film, in the War Room, where the greatest last line of any movie is delivered. If you have not seen it, there is no way I am ruining it for you.

3. A Shot in the Dark

As I said above, when a character is portrayed as clueless and it is done effectively, it is very funny. Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau is a model for such characters. He is so bad at his job he can barely walk around his apartment without tripping over himself. Yet, he thinks he is the most brilliant Inspector in all of France, and insists on frequently giving advice. The scene where he plays a game of billiards with Ballon is the funniest scene of any film. It is pure brilliance, and most of the film is pretty close to this standard. A definite good laugh.

2. Annie Hall

I would have no trouble filling up this whole list with Woody Allen films, but I have restricted myself to only one. Manhattan is a great film, but that shall be on another list someday. Annie Hall is a jumbled story of Alvy Singer and Annie Hall, told in every way imaginable--flashbacks, stage plays, cartoons, breaking the fourth wall, voice over, subtitles revealing what the characters 'really' think, and on and on. Woody Allen, here, has decided to satisfy all of his whims, and when all of these elements mix with some of his traditional stand-up and one-liners, it's quite exhilarating.

1. Some Like It Hot

I feel like such a tool listing this as my number one, because AFI did as well. But, alas, here I am. What can I say that I have not already on this blog? Everything about the film is pitch-perfect, especially Tony Curtis' Junior. I think that's my favorite part. Or Marilyn Monroe. Or the mere concept of men forced to cross-dress to escape being murdered. All of those jokes that, if told today, would not be nearly as funny or clean as they were back in 1950. This film is one that always makes me feel a little bit better, and I will always enjoy, and will always stop whatever I'm doing to watch if it is on. It's certainly one of the greatest.

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A redefined Top Ten of 2007.

1. Zodiac

David Fincher's finest to date, even surpassing 'Seven' and 'Fight Club.' Here is a movie that is split almost two ways -- the first half about the killings, the second half about the obsession. Both halves are amazing and together form this perfect movie. Sadly, the movie came out too early in the year, and will most likely be looked over come Oscar time.

2. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

There are very few movies that I would make everyone see if I possibly could. This would be one of them. The movie is inspired by Jean-Do Bauby's "locked-in syndrome," in which he blinks out an entire memoir with only his left eye. He is completely paralyzed and somehow manages to accomplish that. Jean-Do is a witty man (even moreso in the memoir itself), and that helps offset the deeply serious subject matter. Yet, at the same time, the scenes of his family coping with his immobility are overwhelming. It is perfect and innovative the way this story was filmed, and supreme credit goes to the director, cinematographer, and writer. I will write a more lengthy review at a later date.

3. No Country For Old Men

A movie that will not be overlooked come Oscar time is the Coen Brothers' latest. Seeing this twice in theaters, the movie is smart, clean, and altogether flawless. People bitch about the ending. The first viewing it caught me off-guard, but when I saw it a second time I liked it a lot better, and think it's the only way the film could've ended. I feel this movie will be studied for years to come.

4. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Where most movies would falter, 'Devil' rises up and becomes that much better. There are no questions of motivation, there are no flaws in pacing, and the acting is completely top-notch. Sidney Lumet is the mastermind behind this picture, but a fabulous script by Kelly Masterson and the always-great Philip Seymour Hoffman take this film out of the standard 'jewelry store robbery movie' genre and elevate it to greatness.

5. Juno

You would have to try really hard not to love Juno. The character, specifically -- but also the movie. I would try to describe scenes in this movie, but it would lose all effect. But ever since Juno accuses her ~4 year-old sister of puking blue slurpee into the vase, I couldn't help it. It's rare when I laugh at parts in a movie that are in the trailer, but I was that guy. It seems like Juno is the female version of any of the characters from 'Knocked Up' or 'Superbad.' But the real success here, where those movies have good one-liners, it's the stupid jokes that are endearing. Here, Juno herself is what the movie is about -- her quirky personality comes second to the movie as a whole.

6. Atonement

Atonement is a movie that on first glance seems all about love, but people forget to factor in ignorance, betrayal, lust, jealousy, and self-loathing. The twisting of this movie is delicate and perfectly executed. Visual art of the highest form, the whole movie is a pleasure to look at and just take in. Gotta love British period pieces.

7. La Vie en Rose

A one-woman show for Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf, and how great it is. The music aside, this is pure storytelling in a creative way. Taking the life of a person and re-ordering it for increased affect is risky, but here works extremely well. Perhaps there is a reason Edith Piaf was the pride of France.

8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Tim Burton is very hit-or-miss for me. On the one hand is Batman and Big Fish, but then there's also Planet of the Apes and Sleepy Hollow. Here I think is his best work to date, with an eerie movie/musical that lifts well from the source material. Johnny Depp also shines, showing he has more range than most working actors today. A great movie, but not for everyone.

9. Ratatouille

I'll be honest -- I liked the Incredibles, but not so much as everyone else. Here Brad Bird steps up again for Pixar and produces the best animated film in years. A great blend of wit, passion, and cooking detail, the movie could've been twice as long and I still would've watched it three times.

10. The Bourne Ultimatum

The third installment in the series, and the best of the bunch (which we all know is rare). The plot is a bit flimsy, but still strong enough to justify the endless action sequences that put many imitators to shame. Believe the hype when they say, "You are glued to the screen."

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I will not do a 'honorable mentions' because that is a cop-out, though in a year like this it would be more than justified. 2007 was a phenomenal year for movies, with so many great flicks. I could've probably made a top 20 and feel strongly about all of them.

Interesting two French movies are on my list. Aren't I cool and indie?

And as with all top 10 lists, let me say that I know people will gripe. Really, I just do these so whoever may stumble across the list will feel a tiny bit more inclined to see a few of these, and I know that they will appreciate it. Any time I can get people to see these films instead of Epic Movie or The Bucket List I am pleased.

And lastly -- I stand by these rankings. Isn't No Country For Old Men a better movie than Zodiac? How can you rank perfect movies that are so different? It's like judging any kind of art: When you're stuck in the middle, go with the one that makes you feel something.

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2007 was a great year for movies. For 2006 I remember saying the only movies that I really enjoyed were 'The Departed,' 'The Devil Wears Prada,' and 'The Queen.' 2007 was not like that, with dozens of great movies coming out.

This list is still a bit premature. I need to see 'There Will Be Blood' and 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,' both of which I'm pretty sure will be on a revised version of this list, but other than those I've seen everything noteworthy, and here is my top ten of 2007.

[Note: I will elaborate more later when I have time.]

1. Zodiac
2. No Country For Old Men
3. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
4. Juno
5. Atonement
6. La Vie en Rose
7. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
8. Ratatouille
9. The Bourne Ultimatum
10. Away From Her

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Ok, just for fun, I'm going to rank my personal TOP TEN of 2006. This does not include Letters From Iwo Jima because I didn't see it yet, but I've seen everything else noteworthy.

1. THE DEPRATED
2. THE QUEEN
3. PAN'S LABYRINTH
4. CHILDREN OF MEN
5. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
6. DREAMGIRLS
7. HALF NELSON
8. BORAT
9. CASINO ROYALE
10. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

And now I'm done posting about anything related to the Oscars or 2006 movies. I swear.

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Top 10 comedies according to Jon. If you do not agree, you fail. This list is inspired because Bravo made a 100 comedies list and it was the worst list ever. EVER. I'm not even going to link to it because it was so terrible.

10. Clerks

This 'cult' movie has so many good one-liners, and I can't get enough of them. With a sequel on the way (which I doubt will live up to the original, but I'll definitely be there opening day), this movie has gained significant popularity since it's release. Though Kevin Smith has made numerous movies since, I still think this is my favorite of his bunch.

Memorable quote: Randal Graves: People say crazy shit during sex. One time I called this girl "Mom."

9. Blazing Saddles

Mel Brooks is a comedic genius. A perfect blend of racial stereotyping and slapstick humor put this in my top 10. Gene Wilder is always laugh-inspiring. This is my favorite 'Western' movie, as well.

Memorable quote: Jim: Well, my name is Jim, but most people call me... Jim.

8. Ghostbusters

Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis. Sure, Sigourney Weaver sucks, but this movie is too funny to pass up. If you haven't seen this movie and/or don't acknowledge how funny it is, don't talk to me. That is all.

Memorable quote: Dr Ray Stantz: Listen! Do you smell something?

7. Dr. Strangelove

Kubrick directing. Sellers in 3 different roles. George C. Scott. Dark humor. Sure it's a little monotonous at some points, but that's why it's funny. Just don't watch it if you're sleepy.

Memorable quote: President Merkin Muffley: Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.

6. Clue

Lots of subtle humor, and Tim Curry is hilarious. Three different endings, lots of slapstick, and somehow it all makes sense.

Memorable quote: Wadsworth: He decided to put his information to good use and make a little money off of it. What could be more American than that?

5. The Graduate

What an absurd premise. Katharine Ross is so beautiful, and Dustin Hoffman is always solid. Fairly lighthearted and not too 'touchy-feely,' this movie does the 'love story' the best (laughable) way. So good.

Memorable quote: Benjamin: Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me.

4. Annie Hall

Though most of Woody Allen's movies are generally the same (he's a neurotic Jewish New Yorker with love problems), this one's easily my favorite. Lots of good one-liners, and the way Woody Allen doesn't 'write down for his audience' is something I admire. Plus Diane Keaton is great in the ditsy title role.

Memorable quote: Alvy Singer: My grammy never gave gifts. She was too busy getting raped by Cossacks.

3. The Producers

Another Mel Brooks film, and I think this one's better than Blazing Saddles. I think 'Saddles' has more one-liners, but the plot for The Producers is brilliant. Plus, again, Gene Wilder. I love this movie.

Memorable quote: Max Bialystock: How could this happen? I was so careful. I picked the wrong play, the wrong director, the wrong cast. Where did I go right?

2. Some Like It Hot

Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis. Billy Wilder. Win, win, win, win, win. Perfect performances across the board, an amazingly funny plot, and great writing make this one of the best ensemble movies ever; however, it falls short of one movie...

Memorable quote: Joe: The ship is in ship-shape shape.

1. A Shot in the Dark

Peter Sellers is quite possibly the funniest actor ever. Inspector Clouseau is one of my favorite characters of all time, and though I like the Pink Panther movies, I think this spin-off (kinda) is far superior. Plus Blake Edwards is great. Seriously, though, the scene where Clouseau's playing billiards in the Ballon mansion is my favorite movie scene of all time, and if that had just been a ~5 minute short, this movie would've still topped my list.

Memorable quote: Dreyfus: What you've said, Clouseau, qualifies you as the greatest prophet since Custer said he was going to surround all those Indians!

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