Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Best of 2008--Movies

I saw a lot of movies in theater this year. Part of this is not running the air conditioner in a very hot summertime.

The Visitor
This might be called a quiet film but it's very enjoyable. It's also now available on DVD.

Australia
I loved this movie so much. It might be that I read some not so positive reviews so I went into it with pretty low expectations. I thought it was funny, romantic, and very epic. I think I also really enjoyed the fresh historical setting...Australia, a place we're not often treated to in films.

Flash of Genius
I really enjoyed this look at the life of an inventor who sacrificed much in his personal life to protect his intellectual property and to pave the way for future inventors to have a right to theirs.

Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
Tyler Perry's films are wonderful feel good flicks with lots of humor. This may be my favorite of his yet. It's between this one and Why Did I Get Married?

Dark Knight
Of course I love superhero movies and I love Batman. This may be the best job yet of taking what we typically think of as slightly corny superheroes and placing them in a situation where evil really is very evil and fighting on the side of good is not glamorous.

Traitor
My brother complained (and I also read reviews which said the same thing) that this movie was not subtle enough in its message, but I still really liked it. Perhaps, it's because I related to it. While not Muslim or fighting terrorism undercover, I get weary of political forces manipulating people, using their faith, to further their own agendas. And I really love Don Cheadle.

Atonement
I really loved this film. From the outstanding story-telling technique to the tragic love story, it has made me want to read Ian McEwan's work.

Now...what are you looking forward to in 2009? My most anticipated movie is probably Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. However, I don't really know what's coming out...so tell me!



Amy

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with you 100% on Atonement. I ordered the book last week! I can't wait to read it after watching the movie.

Karen Harrington said...

Great list of movies, most of which I haven't seen yet. If I was to do a list today, however, I would have to include Seven Pounds. Based on your preferences above, I think you will really like it. It's the kind of story that stays with you for several days.

Happy New Year!

Stephen said...

Glad to see The Visitor on your list. :-) It's #1 on my list. I'm waiting to post my list until I see two or three others that I think will probably make it, like Doubt

Have you seen the trailers for The Reader?

Beth Kephart said...

I am longing to see The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I hope I find it at a local indie theater soon.

Anonymous said...

Hey, I didn't complain too much about Traitor!
How come Babylon A.D. didn't make this list? :)

Melissa said...

I must confess that I haven't heard of many of these ... but I am intrigued to check them out. :)

Shana said...

Amy, I see a few on here I want to watch. I ALMOST picked up Atonement today but decided on something funny instead.

Anonymous said...

I saw Flash of Genius and Australia too. Greg Kinnear is such an amazing actor, isn't he? I liked Australia too.

Amy said...

Sheri...can't wait to read your thoughts on the book!

Scobberlotcher...I really want to see that one.

Stephen...thanks again for the recommendation. I can't wait to see your list (and undoubtedly get recommendations)

Beth..I want to see that, but first I'd like to read the book.

Matt (anon!) I didn't see it!

Betty and Boo's Mommy...I hope you do!

Shana..I hope you get a chance to watch it...it's great. I own it. ;)

blueviolet...Greg Kinnear is pretty great.

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