I've been reading a lot of critics' top 10 lists of 2008 lately and am wondering what would make up everyone's favorites of this year?
In no order, a few of my favorites:
Let The Right One In - Swedish movie about 12 year olds Oskar and Eli who meet and form an unusual bond/friendship/romance. Unusual because Eli is a vampire. I'd been seeing this one on so many year end lists that I had to check it out and I'm so glad that I did. This movie, from the scenery, the actors, the story, everything seemed so original. Everyone should find a way to watch this one now because I read that they are already working on an American remake which we all know is going to suck.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Although some people have been saying that this is a Forrest Gump rip-off (same writer too) I still loved all 2 hours and 50 minutes of this movie. The special effects are mind-blowingly good and didn't feel fake or overdone at all. Even though I love Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett I really fell for all of the secondary characters (the tugboat captain, Queenie, the lightening man).
In Bruges - I think because this came out early in the year that it's not going to recognized come award season, but this movie was so funny and actually made me like Colin Farrel (I'm usually not a fan of his movies). Brendan Gleason and Ralph Fiennes were also amazing in the movie as well as the city of Bruge itself, definitely a movie to rent if you haven't seen it.
Other movies I loved, but am taking up too much space so I'll just name: The Dark Knight, Burn After Reading, and Wall-E
And there are sooo many more I want to see but haven't had a chance or haven't made the trek: Slumdog Millionaire, Doubt, Milk, The Wrestler, Rachel Getting Married.