The best movies of 2008

No, scratch that. It's too easy (or maybe too hard, at least this year) to just run down the best.

Worst movies of 2008.

(Which I actually saw.)

(Weighted by overratedness.)

1) Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Proving once again that it's hard to be funny, when there is no originality to be found. Except for the Count Chocula Rock Opera.

NO! Wait a minute: for a far superior absurd rock opera, see It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Nightman Cometh (full show on Hulu)

2) Sweeney Todd

Gory gory violence with no purpose, and all the singing singing singing... but, why? Who can say, really, except to show that we once lived in gruesome times. Or is it set so far at a remove so we don't question its absurdity, or so we can enjoy grotesque violence?

(P.S. I actually rather enjoyed the singing, and the movie But, please, give it a rest fanguys and gals)

3) 27 Dresses

Oh wait, I didn't actually see this. I just thought I did, because it's identical to every other rom-com ever.

4) Vantage Point

Oh wait, I didn't actually see this either. I just thought I did, because it's identical to every single pointless action movie ever.

5) Star Wars: The Clone Wars

I love Star Wars, but... How far it has fallen. And George Lucas didn't even write it!



IN CONCLUSION:

2008 has not been a good year for movies. But it hasn't been that bad either. 2008 seems pledged to mediocrity, with even the standouts not standing out too far.

But it gives me hope, aside from the economic crisis and havoc for film financing.

And isn't that what movies can do at their best, give hope?


(FOOTNOTE: It's not very fair to label these the worst of the year. They were mostly enjoyable, and set out to do exactly what they then did. Except for Forgetting Sarah Marshall... so disappointing.)