1. The Dark Knight – This gritty sequel to “Batman Begins” is more reminiscent of film noir than the typical summer blockbuster. It broke the trend of event films getting critically panned and Oscar bait having sub-par box office performance by earning rave reviews and nearly $1 billion worldwide. The strong cast led by Christian Bale and the phenomenal Heath Ledger, Christopher and Jonathan Nolan’s complex story and Christopher Nolan’s impeccable direction make “The Dark Knight” cinema gold.
2. Slumdog Millionaire – This compelling story of an Indian “slumdog” is really a work of art. Director Danny Boyle, star Dev Patel and the film as a whole all deserve Oscars. Visually breathtaking and emotionally captivating, the film combines tragedy and sorrow with the persistent hope for a new beginning. “Slumdog Millionaire” is perhaps the most touching story of the year.
3. WALL-E – Pixar’s latest film is its best since “Toy Story” and the first animated movie since “Beauty and the Beast” with a real shot at being nominated for a best picture Oscar. This film is visually stunning and conveys a huge amount of emotion in very few words. WALL-E and his robot love EVE are a more dynamic couple than many of their live action counterparts.
4. Milk – Gus Van Sant’s inspiring biopic tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay official elected in California. Sean Penn nails his role as the title character, and James Franco, Emile Hirsch and Josh Brolin provide solid supporting performances, particularly Brolin as the man who cuts Milk’s life short. Van Sant’s retelling of Milk’s life is one that will undoubtedly move audiences to tears.
5. Rachel Getting Married – Anne Hathaway proves her versatility as a recovering alcoholic who returns home for her sister’s wedding. This independent film from a screenplay by Jenny Lumet provides an intimate look at one family’s relentless dysfunction and unconditional love. The film also features standout supporting turns from Rosemarie DeWitt and Bill Irwin.
6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – David Fincher’s direction reigns supreme in this fantastical adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story about a peculiar man who ages in reverse. Taraji P. Henson will likely land an Oscar nod for her role as Benjamin’s surrogate mother, and the riveting story doesn’t have a low point in the film’s entire two hour and 45 minute runtime.
7. Frost/Nixon – Ron Howard’s dramatization of British talk show host David Frost’s pivotal interviews with Richard Nixon manages to be a suspenseful tale even if the audience knows the story’s outcome. Frank Langella and Michael Sheen do brilliant work as Nixon and Frost respectively. The film does for Nixon’s admission of wrongdoing what “Good Night and Good Luck” did for the downfall of Joseph McCarthy.
8. Doubt – John Patrick Shanley’s adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize-winning play features one of the strongest ensemble casts of the year. Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis all give powerhouse performances in this hard-hitting story of the powerfulness of doubt and certainty set against the backdrop of molestation in the Catholic Church.
9. Tropic Thunder – What may come off to some as nothing more than an offensive farce truly stands out as 2008’s wittiest and smartest comedy. Ben Stiller’s brilliant satire of the entertainment industry elaborately points out Hollywood’s absurdities in a way the general public can still appreciate. Robert Downey Jr. is the real star among the cast with his hilarious portrayal of an intense method actor who will even change the color of his skin if it means a chance for an award.
10. The Visitor - Todd McCarthy's thoughtful portrayal of illegal immigration is a low-budget gem that will unfortunately likely be overlooked come awards season. Veteran character actor Richard Jenkins shines as Walter, the mild-mannered protagonist whose life is changed forever when he finds that two immigrants have been living in his New York apartment.
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