Best Films of 2008

Even with my very limited selections in Thailand, I did get to see many films this year. And except for the International Film Festival (which was incredible), I mostly had to settle for very mainstream movies. While it wasn't a great year (I can't even think of ten!), here are my favorites.

Best Films of 2008:

1. Vicky Christina Barcelona - Beautiful scenery, hilarious Woody Allenesque plot. What else do I need? (Maybe for him to get over his Scarlett Johanson fetish)

2. Batman: The Dark Knight - I generally hate the millions of super hero films produced, but the last Batman film was very enjoyable. With the addition of Maggie Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger ( and his subsequent death, right before the film's premiere) made this film's worth shoot up. Joker was brilliant, dark and really creepy.

3. No Country for Old Men - Country western thriller. The little dialogue emphasizes the serene scenery.

4. The Fall - Beautifully shot, fantastical film about an epic fairy tale told in a retro hospital.

5. Sex and the City - I wasn't completely devoted to the series, but was slightly interested in seeing the movie. And loved it! They really made it work for the big screen. I thought it missed the fresh (crude) edge of the series and that the ending was horrible!!

6. Be Like Others - Excellent documentary on transgendered people in Iran (when homosexuality is still condemable by death). Insightful, funny, entertaining, educational. Really left me thinking for long afterwards, which I think is a trademark of a really good film.

7. Wall-E - Socially and environmentally aware film about a robot falling in love. Humans have trashed the planet beyond recognition and are now living in space, ignorant and overweight.

8. The Counterfeiters - German film about a Jewish counterfeiter who is recruited by the Nazis during the war. He is put in the position where he must make money to fund the Holocaust.