#5 "The Wrestler"

Often you hear critics say that such and such actor has the role of a lifetime Well that statement was invented for Mickey Rourke and this film. I don't think there should be any doubt in anyone's head that he should win Oscar for best actor (yes even over Jason Statham; who was snubbed in every category again.) He is completely engrossing as Randy The Ram, a washed up professional wrestler who is living out each sad day knowing that his end is near. This is the first movie I have seen in a couple of years that has brought a tear to my eye. It is surprising that this was passed over for a best picture nomination. I guess everyone is just too enamored with the the mediocrity of Benjamin Button. As a bonus the main theme song is done by Bruce Springsteen.

Highly Recommended
The Wrestler

#4 "Gran Torino"

Boy i'm at a bit of loss on how to describe this movie. Eastwood is a complete badass. Just look at that poster. If you ever wondered what happened to Dirty Harry the answer is that he retired and moved to Detroit. This is a great movie, in fact everyone I know who has seen it agrees. You should see this, maybe not the best movie I have seen in the last year, but my certainly my favorite.

Highly Recommended
Gran Torino

#3 "Quantum of Solace"

in 4 words: "Ehh, it's a movie." Nothing special, but not as bad as people said. It wasn't boring, just lacking a plot.

Recommended
Quantum of Solace

#2 "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Well this is a good movie, but certainly not a great one. I'm not sure what all the Oscar buzz is about. Honestly it should only win one. Best Make-up. Its a sweet story but not a tear-jerker. This brings me to my main complaint. The setting of much of the movie is in New Orleans just before Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. During these scenes an old women on her deathbed is telling the story. I believe there is only one reason that they use hurricane Katrina as the setting as opposed to just having her in a normal hospital. That is because the filmmakers realized that It didn't carry the emotional heft that they were looking for. So perhaps by reminding people of a horrible tragedy they can ring out the tears that their movie did not.

One other minor issue. Don't ever cast Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett in the same film. Its far too confusing.

Recommended
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Welcome to 2009: #1 "Slumdog Millionaire"

If I had seen this movie yesterday it would have been a lock for the best movie of 2008. I loved this movie and recommend that everyone sees it. Its a bout a guy who grows up in the Slums of Mumbai and goes on "Who wants To Be A Millionaire." The movie then follows hims through the questions and shows us the experiences of his life that taught him the answers. Its directed by Danny Boyle who has the golden touch it would appear with his past 3 films being "Sunshine," "Millions," and "28 Days Later." Definitely check this out.

Highly Recommended
"Slumdog Millionaire"

2008: Not that great

Well its time to do my recap of my 2008 theatrical experience. This was a very underwhelming year. Its oscar buzz time and still the theaters seem to have little to offer. At any rate I decided to do my top 3 this year as a I saw less films, and what I saw really wasn't that interesting. So Here they are (please hold applause until I am finished.)

note: Death Race is not listed because it is SO great that it destroys any list

Top Films of 2008
#1. There Will Be Blood (seen on January 1st of 2008 it was never topped)
#2. Wall-E
#3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall


Worst movie of the year: In Search of a Midnight Kiss You just have to read the review, because i can't add anymore other than YOU MUST STILL NOT SEE THIS MOVIE.

#24 "My Name is Bruce"

In what ended up being the final movie we saw in an underwhelming year we went to the special presentation of "My Name is Bruce," starring B-Movie Hero Bruce Campbell. The movie is exactly what you would expect from a B-Movie. Its kinda funny and kinda good, but if your not a huge fan of Bruce Campbell then you should skip it. I'm not a huge fan myself but since he was there to do a Q&A session afterward we figured it would be worth going. We weren't disappointed either. He was very funny and spared no chance to make fun of the uber-geeks who were there asking him questions of all types of geekness. My favorite was this exchange:

Fan: "Uhh... Mr. Campbell... uhh... what are your plans after... uhh the movie, cuz I would like... to.. uhh... buy you a drink."

Bruce Campbell: " I have an idea. How about you just give me the money for a drink? Then I will go and get a drink, and maybe I will see you passed out in a snowbank later tonight as a I walk home."

Somewhat Recommended
"My Name Is Bruce"