Best of 2008: Noteworthy films

I can't begin to compile a "Top Films" list since I rarely get out to the theater anymore.  But thanks to DVD (and the occasional trip to the multiplex), I thought I'd mention a few which caught my attention in 2008...

• Shine A Light (IMAX):  Yep, I actually went to an IMAX to see those dinosaurs The Rolling Stones in Scorcese's concert film.  The brief classic-era interview footage was a nice juxtaposition, but it needed more.  Still, there's power in those tunes, dude.  And Keef is still The Man (when Buddy Guy isn't busy being The Man).
• Hellboy 2:  I guess after the Batman hype settled, I'd call this flick my fave of the year.  Del Toro has such a fantastic imagination, and he spills it all over the screen.  The plot of this sequel is deeper than it first appears, which can be soaked up thanks to a marvelous DVD release (probably the best of the year). 
• The Dark Knight:  Duh. 
• WALL*E:  A very close second to Hellboy and just a stunning piece of art.  Definitely ought to be head of the line for Best Picture.  If you haven't seen this because you don't like "kid flicks," you absolutely need to see it.  This ain't no kid flick.
• The X-Files: I Want To Believe:  I only just saw this on DVD this week.  It plays quite well on the small screen since it's a modest and often quiet film.  No way should this have been released as a summer blockbuster.  Much like the series, it just doesn't fit the mold of most popular entertainment, and Chris Carter & Co. reminds us why we loved it in the first place. 
• I'm Not There (DVD):  Wonderful Bob Dylan fantasia directed by Todd Haynes.  Definitely the best film of 2007, but I didn't see it until this year in its marvelous 2-Disc set.  Great soundtrack, too.

That's very nearly a complete list of the film I saw in 2008, but at least my pickiness paid off.  I was really bummed that The Road - by far the film I most wanted to see - has apparently been kicked into 2009.  Guess it was too "dark" or something.  Studio execs should've probably read the book first.  

Comments

[Babalugats]

I know I'm probably way behind the times on this one, but I just watched the movie "Once" last night...absolutely amazing. Probably one of my favorite films of all time. I have immediately become one of the world's biggest Frames fans. Long live Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.

[David Kennedy]

Oh yeah, Once -- a must-see for any music fan. I probably only saw this this year also (got it on DVD). Also, I forgot about Into The Wild, which I only saw a few weeks ago. Very beautiful film.