Devon's Top 15 Movies of 2008

Yesterday Random Villain shared his Top 10 of 2008 list with us, and I promised to have mine up today, so here it is. You'll notice it's not really anywhere near the same as his, even though I saw most of the same flicks. Also, I did a Top 15, because I couldn't really fit them all in to 10. There were a lot of good damn movies in 2008! I based my list off really one sole thing, and that was how much the movie entertained me. I judged the entertainment based off of how much I enjoyed the different aspects of the movie. So it's not about direction, or acting, or anything like that, it's just about how much I enjoyed the movie. With each selection I've included the short IMDB summary, and my own thoughts. So here we go:

15. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to once again help ward off an evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian. Caspian isn't my favorite of C. S. Lewis's books, but it's up there. I definitely think I enjoyed this more than Wardrobe.

14. Jumper.
A genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them. I'd say off of the Star Wars movies, this is probably Hayden Christensen's best work, but its the story of the movie that I really enjoyed. Being able to teleport anywhere you wanted is an awesome fantasy. Oh, and Rachel Bilson is smokin.

13. Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Devastated Peter takes a Hawaii vacation in order to deal with recent break-up with his TV star girlfriend, Sarah. Little does he know Sarah's traveling to the same resort as her ex ... and she's bringing along her new boyfriend. I saw this movie on a really bad date, so I didn't quite get to enjoy it the first time, but upon seeing it again on DVD I really enjoyed myself. Never mind the over abundance of dick swinging on screen, this movie is really funny and charming. Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis are both gorgeous and this movie serves to showcase it. Peter Segal in his writing debut is very, very funny.

12. Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls. I reviewed this movie back in May, and as I recall I really liked it. It's definitely not my favorite Indy movie, but it was one of my favorites this year.

11. Wanted.
A frustrated office worker learns that he is the son of a professional assassin, and that he shares his father's superhuman killing abilities. What is more awesome than finding out you're the son of the world's greatest assassin, and now that he's dead you have to take up his mantle? Probably the most action packed movie I saw on DVD this year, I know my surround system was about to explode off the walls.

10. Cloverfield.
During a surprise leaving party, the lights go out and the ground begins to shake. With explosions happening everywhere, the party-goers decide to leave the apartment. Accompanied by a hand-held video camera, Hud manages to capture on film the terrifying incidents that occur. The hype leading up to Cloverfield had me captivated, and when the movie came out people were pretty much 50/50 over liking it. I was in the 50% who really did like it.

9. Sex and The City.
Four beautiful female New Yorkers gossip about their sex-lives (or lack thereof) and find new ways to deal with being a woman in 2008. The big screen version of the hit HBO comedy. I was always a fan of the show. No problem saying it. It was funny, sexy, and Curb Your Enthusiasm came on right after it. The movie was actually a lot better than I expected, hence it being on my list. It's funny, and sexy, of course... but it's also a real look at how people cope with what's going on around them.

8. Quantum of Solace.
Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's valuable resource. I'll be honest, I just finally this movie like a week ago... but it was damn sure worth the wait. It's not as good as Casino Royale, but it's close. The women are better looking, the explosions are a little bit bigger, and M is a little bit older... but it lacked some of the passion of the first film. The plot's a little weak in parts too, but overall it's better than anything starring that dude from Beautician and the Beast.

7. Funny Games.
Two psychotic young men take a family hostage in their cabin. I chastised RV yesterday for not including this on his list. Easily the most vicious movie I've ever seen. I honestly felt sick at the end of it, and that goes to say something. I've seen a lot of fucked up movies, but something about this one felt so much more real and evil. There's one weird spot towards the end that kinda leaves you scratching your head, but you forget all about it immediately after. Not for the weak at heart, if you ask me.


6. Pineapple Express.
A stoner and his dealer are forced to go on the run from the police after the pothead witnesses a cop commit a murder. It's not just the name of some bomb ass weed, it's also a really funny movie. Typical Seth Rogen behavior can be expected, but it's James Franco and Danny McBride that really shine. If you're a fan of the smoke, or just a fan of good buddy movies, this one is for you.

5. Iron Man.
When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil. IM has always been one of my favorite superheroes, because not only is he is BAMF, but Tony Stark is also one of the richest dudes in the world. Stark Tower was always the shit in the comics, when everyone would gather there to discuss taking on villains. I can't wait to see that come up in the next movies.

4. The Incredible Hulk.
Fugitive Dr. Bruce Banner must utilize the genetic accident that transforms him into a giant, rampaging hulk to stop a former soldier that purposely becomes an even more dangerous version. Edward Norton is one my favorite actors and can usually no wrong by me, but it's not even right how awesome he is in this movie. Forget all about Eric Bana and that other Hulk movie, this one is the shit. Featuring like one of the longest CG fight scenes ever, and just a really better version of the story, The Incredible Hulk one of the most incredible movies this year.

3. Mamma Mia.
The story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular '70s group ABBA. I'll probably catch shit for this one, but whatever. I saw the stage show a couple years ago, and it was so awesome, so I was excited to see this movie. I'm a fan of ABBA, I'll admit it. Always have been. Mamma Mia is not just a musical, it's a really funny and charming movie. The singing didn't seem as refined to me in this movie as the stage show, but what can you expect out of Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep? Plus it's one of those movies you can watch with your Mom or your Nana and everyone enjoys it the same.... that's normal, right?

2. Step Brothers.
Two spoiled guys become competitive stepbrothers after their single parents get hitched. I had a hard time with this and the number one movie, and really went back and forth on which one would be the top. In fact, on my written version of this list, Step Brother IS number one. This is definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, the funniest movie I have ever seen. No lie. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly were born to make comedy together. You ever laugh so hard that you lose control of the laugh and for a second you get scared that you're gonna run out of breath? Everything goes bright white, and your eyes are squeezed shut so hard? That happened to me THREE TIMES watching this movie. True, I may or may not have been under the influence of the herbal supplements, but irregardless. This movie is non stop hilarious. I've got in on DVD and have already watched it 3 times. It doesn't get old at all! Sonofabitch it makes me wanna slap somebody.

1. The Dark Knight.
Batman, Gordon and Harvey Dent are forced to deal with the chaos unleashed by an anarchist mastermind known only as the Joker, as it drives each of them to their limits. I wrote probably my longest review ever about this movie back in July. I announced that instantly the 13 year old record Braveheart held as my favorite movie was shattered, and now 5 months later I still feel the same way. The Dark Knight is the greatest cinematic masterpiece I have ever seen. It feels weird to say that about this movies, considering it's about Batman.. but forget all about that. It felt like a classic gangster movie, or it reminded me of Heat. It's the complete package, and was so fortunate to be the last complete role played by Heath Ledger, who will go down as a legend for his portrayal of The Joker. When it came down to it, I argued over whether this or Step Brothers entertained me more, to earn my #1 spot... and when I really think back about it, The Dark Knight left me breathless, and made me feel alive. What other movies really have that ability? I watched it again on DVD last week, and it was just as good as the first time. It makes me want to cheer out or clap for it, sitting in my own home. This is a movie lovers film, but it's also a film for people who like movies. 2009 has really big shoes to fill.