Top Ten Lists for 2008

Merry Christmas to you, too, Alicia! One of the great pleasures of my 2008 has been your comments. I am so happy to find someone else who loves the classic oldies! All best to you for a wonderful new year and I hope it finds you here often.

Tim, the list represents my opinions and if you want to see the reasoning behind them you can look at the reviews. As a reminder, I welcome comments but do not permit insults or the questioning of anyone's motives. If you would like to make a point about why you agree I would be glad to hear it. Thanks for commenting and best wishes for the new year.

Houston, I am sorry that it was not clear to you that (1) this is a list of the movies I considered the best this year, not a list of the top box office revenues and (2) that a critic who writes as "The Movie Mom" is female. In addition, if you want to use insults like "ridiculous" it is wise to check on the spelling. I welcome your comments and disagreement any time, but let me remind you that the rules of this site are that insults are not permitted and that the only credibility you call into question is your own if all you can do is attack without making any sort of argument -- not to mention reading so carelessly that you do not know who you are writing about.

If I let my opinion be influenced by how much the movie made, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Four Christmases" would be on my list. I didn't like those movies. I did like "Dark Knight," but it is not in my top ten. If it is in your top ten and for some other reason than how many people bought tickets, I'd be glad to hear about it.

Very interesting list. I didn't see Be Kind Rewind because it wasn't playing for too long in my area. I saw Iron Man but didn't think it was remotely good. Whatever. I would have put Milk at the top of my list. A lot of critics (and the golden globes) are ignoring Milk this year on their lists. It's nice to finally see it on a numerical list.

By the way, Houston and Tim, you need to get over yourselves. Dark Knight was a fantastic film (Nell even said so herself) but just because she didn't put it on her top 10 list you are making fun of her for being a woman. I am insulted to be the same gender as you Houston.

Thanks so much, Marcus. Milk is one of the best films I have ever seen and I hope Sean Penn gets the Oscar. I'd love to see James Franco get one, too. I know a lot of people didn't like "Be Kind Rewind," but I am partial to meta-stories and found it very touching and imaginative. If you have a moment, let me know what else is on your list.

Thanks, Ed! I like your choices. Kung Fu Panda had gorgeous animation. Rachel Getting Married is a kind of love it or hate it film, not for everyone. It seems diffuse and out of focus as you watch and some people have complained that the wedding scenes go on much too long. But as I thought about it afterward, it seemed to me that every detail and every moment was carefully chosen and absolutely necessary.

We did pretty well in 2008, at least in movies. Lots to look forward to in 2009! Thanks for a great comment.

Thanks so much for the lists and all the good recommendations this past year. As for Houston, I think your response was perfect! Houston's comments were anything but Christian in either intent or content. "Milk" is a great film that speaks volumes about the evil of prejudice and bigotry. I found it sad that the same lies stated by the "religious right" and Ms. Bryant are the same dreadful lies still being told today. However, I do have hope change is coming. Also,I would remind Houston that Christ says absolutely NOTHING about homosexuality in the Bible. If Houston can find a direct quote from Jesus about homosexuals, then Houston is reading a very different Bible than the rest of the world. Christ DID tell us over and over again to love one another and be respectful and welcoming. Nothing in Houston's remarks reflect that, sadly.
As for you, Movie Mom--as they say on Jeff and Jer--"Keep on rockin' in the FREE world!"
Hope you and your family have a happy and peaceful New Year.
Ciao!
Mary

I just wanted to add that i just saw "Doubt", and it definitely belongs in the top ten. It's the kind of film that begs to be seen again.

The list it's very well, but where is The dark knight?
I don't think that iron man it's better tha the dark knight.
I know Iron man is a good movie but The Dark knight it's really better.

Pd: Sorry for my english

Agree with frost nixon being top of the poll but felt because Frank langella, brilliant though he was, took the nixon role michael sheen was always going to be left behind in the award race and I thought he took the more memorable role. Great list by the way!!!!!

I watched Kit Kittredge and Ballet Shoes, and while both are good, I preferred Ballet Shoes. I also enjoyed Wall-e, Nim's Island, and City of Ember. Thanks for your review on City of Ember, I hadn't heard of it until I saw it listed on Redbox. I read your review, watched it, and was very happy with my choice. I would probably say that City of Ember is the best movie (most satisfying) that I've seen in a while. But then I mostly watch movies for the escape. :) I did see The Vistor and was quite disappointed in the ending, although the rest of the movie was good.

A great list, Pat! Thanks so much.

Glad you liked that one, a.doomoot! I thought it was stunning and audacious but, like the life and work of its main character, fell apart at the end. Amazing film, though, and I love Kaufman.