Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
Why wait until December to start stacking the year's movies against each other? At the halfway point of '08, we've seen highly anticipated tentpoles disappoint, tiny indies make us cheer and too many movies we'd rate as just plain average (you'll find none of those on this list). Here are our 20 favorite movies of the year so far. Consider this a progress report.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
20. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the/25440/main' target='_blank'>'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'</a>
It's been 19 years since <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/harrison-ford/1290206/main' target='_blank'>Harrison Ford</a> last donned the iconic fedora, but thankfully little has changed. With whip-cracking action, laconic humor and just the right amount of camp, it's three parts roller coaster, one part film. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/george-lucas/1144148/main' target='_blank'>George Lucas</a> and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/steven-spielberg/1198594/main' target='_blank'>Steven Spielberg</a> went a little too alien happy for our tastes, but they had us till almost the end.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
19. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-spiderwick-chronicles/26297/main' target='_blank'>'The Spiderwick Chronicles'</a>
Fairies, trolls and goblins exist right under our noses, but most of us can't see them -- at least according to the beloved children's book series 'Spiderwick Chronicles.' The film features high-caliber acting talent (<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/mary-louise-parker/1820991/main' target='_blank'>Mary Louise Parker</a>, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/freddie-highmore/2102515/main' target='_blank'>Freddie Highmore</a>, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/david-strathairn/1832867/main' target='_blank'>David Strathairn</a>, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/joan-plowright/1822753/main' target='_blank'>Joan Plowright</a>) and ranks on the top end of a spectrum where <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the/24593/main' target='_blank'>'Harry Potter'</a> is the high mark, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/lemony-snickets-a-series-of-unfortunate/16754/main' target='_blank'>'Lemony Snicket'</a> the low.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
18. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/baby-mama/27651/main' target='_blank'>'Baby Mama'</a>
A certified crowd-pleaser that works mostly due to the chemistry between <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/tina-fey/2072085/main' target='_blank'>Tina Fey</a> and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/amy-poehler/2011539/main' target='_blank'>Amy Poehler</a>, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/baby-mama/27651/main' target='_blank'>'Baby Mama'</a> is like a really good episode of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/saturday-night-live/62573/main' target='_blank'>'SNL.'</a> There are loads of laughs, with a few inevitable moments of lameness in between. It's also surprisingly fresh, which is saying a lot after hits like <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/knocked-up/25372/main' target='_blank'>'Knocked Up,'</a> <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/juno/24692/main' target='_blank'>'Juno'</a> and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/waitress/23381/main' target='_blank'>'Waitress'</a> (is pregnancy comedy an official subgenre now?).
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
17. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/in-bruges/28726/main' target='_blank'>'In Bruges'</a>
Two hitmen (<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/colin-farrell/1792441/main' target='_blank'>Colin Farrell</a> and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/brendan-gleeson/1444472/main' target='_blank'>Brendan Gleeson</a>) hide out in a quaint Flemish town during Christmas, in this little-seen indie that combines black comedy, metaphysical bleakness and surreal hijinks and includes karate-chopping a midget. Farrell, Gleeson and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/ralph-fiennes/1435700/main' target='_blank'>Ralph Fiennes</a>, usually dramatic ac-<i>tors</i>, sink their teeth into the absurd and raucous story line.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
16. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/teeth/28815/main' target='_blank'>'Teeth'</a>
<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/mitchell-lichtenstein/1809709/main' target='_blank'>Mitchell Lichtenstein's</a> fascinating and fun horror-comedy was one of the most buzzed-about movies at Sundance last year, and it's no wonder: The plot concerns a girl with teeth in her va-jay-jay. Destined for midnight screening cultdom, it plays like 'The Vagina Monologues' redone as horror.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
15. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-incredible-hulk/26921/main' target='_blank'>'The Incredible Hulk'</a>
<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/edward-norton/1955360/main' target='_blank'>Edward Norton</a> and the director of <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-transporter/12573/main' target='_blank'>'Transporter'</a> aren't the likeliest duo to breathe new life into a franchise that seemingly smashed to pieces in '03, but their 'Hulk' is actually fairly incredible. With tons of action, a strong turn from Norton and a hero too busy being a badass to stop and pick flowers, this is one 'Hulk' that's lean, mean and (of course) green.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
14. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/planet-b-boy/32211/main' target='_blank'>'Planet B-Boy'</a>
MTV's <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/randy-jackson-presents-americas-best-dance-crew/10141215/main' target='_blank'>'America's Best Dance Crew'</a> has nothing on this electrifying, visually stunning doc about breakdancing teams from around the globe competing for the world title. The classic hip-hop/funk soundtrack is fun to groove to, but don't be fooled by the seeming ease of the routines. In other words: Do not try these moves at home.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
13. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/horton-hears-a-who/24695/main' target='_blank'>'Horton Hears a Who!'</a>
So what if it paints kangaroos in an unfairly harsh light (cocky marsupials!); this Seuss adaptation is funny, heartfelt and beautifully rendered. And <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/steve-carell/1782035/main' target='_blank'>Steve Carell</a> and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/jim-carrey/1141183/main' target='_blank'>Jim Carrey</a> make a comic dream team as the teeny-tiny mayor of Whoville and the giant-hearted elephant who team up to prove that "a person's a person, no matter how small."
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
12. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/4-months-3-weeks-and-2-days-4-luni-3/31045/main' target='_blank'>'4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days...'</a>
It's a movie set in '80s-era Communist Romania in which the central character helps her friend procure an illegal abortion. But as in 2007's German Oscar winner, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-lives-of-others/26624/main' target='_blank'>'The Lives of Others,'</a> the real story of this moving film is the way people live under the strictures of a totalitarian state.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
11. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/forgetting-sarah-marshall/30383/main' target='_blank'>'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'</a>
<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/judd-apatow/1200008/main' target='_blank'>Judd Apatow</a> regular <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/jason-segel/1980621/main' target='_blank'>Jason Segel</a> finally gets his crack at leading man-dom in this raucous gem about a sad sack who ends up at the same resort as his smokin'-hot TV-star ex (<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/kristen-bell/2104593/main' target='_blank'>Kristen Bell</a>) and her cheesy new beau. Segel also wrote the script AND shows off his flapping man parts (twice!). That takes some pretty big ... well, you know.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
10. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/shine-a-light/30057/main' target='_blank'>'Shine a Light'</a>
What happens when one of the greatest directors of our time (<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/martin-scorsese/1250522/main' target='_blank'>Martin Scorsese</a>) collaborates with one of the greatest rock bands of our time (<A HREF='http://music.aol.com/artist/the-rolling-stones/1004560' target='_blank'>The Rolling Stones</a>)? You get a concert doc that's 10 kinds of awesome: a gorgeous, thrillingly intimate look at a band that still loves playing together ... and still rocks like nobody's business. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/mick-jagger/1003913/main' target='_blank'>Mick Jagger</a> was wrong -- we've got your satisfaction right here.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
9. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/wanted/28120/main' target='_blank'>'Wanted'</a>
<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/angelina-jolie/1804211/main' target='_blank'>Angelina Jolie</a> is back in hot-assassin mode -- where we like her best -- while ever-rising star <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/james-mcavoy/2093449/main' target='_blank'>James McAvoy</a> is her trainee. The action is so over the top, you'll wonder if Russian director <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/timur-bekmambetov/1929365/main' target='_blank'>Timur Bekmambetov</a> has even heard of the laws of physics (maybe they're not taught in Soviet schools?). All graphic novels should be brought to the screen so thrillingly.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
8. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/son-of-rambow/28980/main' target='_blank'>'Son of Rambow'</a>
Forget the funny looks you'll get when you say you're head-over-heels in love with a 'Rambow' movie (the "w" is silent, don't you know?). Sweet, funny and irresistibly charming, this British indie, about an Amish kid and a class bully who film their own version of <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/first-blood/1011956/main' target='_blank'>'First Blood,'</a> may be the greatest thing ever to come out of a <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/sylvester-stallone/1145140/main' target='_blank'>Stallone</a> movie. And no decapitations required.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
7. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-counterfeiters/30930/main' target='_blank'>'The Counterfeiters'</a>
Turns out the Nazis weren't just merciless murderers; they were counterfeiting schemers, too. This year's Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film gives an intriguing, little-known history lesson, with one complex conflict at its core: Should the Jews being forced to counterfeit aid the Nazis to spare themselves?
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
6. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/wall-e/28116/main' target='_blank'>'WALL-E'</a>
We thought those Pixar guys were in over their heads this time. How were they going to make <i>robots</i> personable, in a movie with barely any dialogue, no less? But little WALL-E is more expressive than most humans we know -- and his journey from desolate Earth to outer space in search of love is gorgeous, clever and surprisingly wistful. It may be Pixar's most ambitious, most heartbreaking movie yet.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
5. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/taxi-to-the-dark-side/30245/main' target='_blank'>'Taxi to the Dark Side'</a>
Documentaries about the War on Terror have been pouring out of Indiewood at an impressive rate, yet few stand out from the crowded field. Then there's <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/alex-gibney/1853132/main' target='_blank'>Alex Gibney's</a> jaw-dropping examination of U.S. torture policies (not released theatrically till after the '08 Oscars, where it was named Best Documentary), a must-see for the inquisitive.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
4. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-bank-job/32256/main' target='_blank'>'The Bank Job'</a>
Fear not, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-transporter/12573/main' target='_blank'>'Transporter'</a> and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/crank/23696/main' target='_blank'>'Crank'</a> haters. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/jason-statham/1681196/main' target='_blank'>Jason Statham</a> has finally found another film worthy of his talents -- this wickedly entertaining heist flick set in grimy London and based on a true story. It's essentially a cross between Statham's best work: early <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/guy-ritchie/1980957/main' target='_blank'>Guy Ritchie</a> and <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-italian-job/14256/main' target='_blank'>'The Italian Job.'</a> The real crime? That hardly anyone has seen this gem.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
3. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/kung-fu-panda/24474/main' target='_blank'>'Kung Fu Panda'</a>
<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/jack-black/1042560/main' target='_blank'>Jack Black</a> brings his brand of chill-dude likeability to the role of Po, a slacker panda who's inexplicably chosen as a warrior who will save his town. Beautiful scenery, kick-butt martial arts and irreverent humor make this one of the best all-purpose family films of the year (so far).
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
2. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-visitor/27428/main' target='_blank'>'The Visitor'</a>
Much like <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/tom-mccarthy/369928/main' target='_blank'>Tom McCarthy's</a> first film, the indie charmer <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-station-agent/16081/main' target='_blank'>'Station Agent,'</a> his follow-up is simple, sweet and quietly powerful. The film centers on lonely souls, but addresses hot-button social issues, resulting in one of the most effective -- and beguiling -- films to tackle the immigration debate yet.
Our Top 20 Picks Halfway Through '08
1. <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/iron-man/24396/main' target='_blank'>'Iron Man'</a>
Did the summer movie season start off with a huge BANG in 2008 -- or is that just the sound of <A HREF='http://music.aol.com/artist/black-sabbath/1003109' target='_blank'>Black Sabbath</a> still ringing in our heads? Driven by a razor-sharp performance by the inventive and keen-witted <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/robert-downey-jr/1789971/main' target='_blank'>Robert Downey Jr.</a>, <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/iron-man/24396/main' target='_blank'>'Iron Man'</a> is slick, smart and surprisingly hilarious. It's also one of the best action movies ever made.
Reader Comments (59)
mj at 8:10PM on Jun 26th 2008
robert downey jr welcome back...incledible performance...you are definitely one of best...stay strong GOD blessl
jake at 8:08PM on Jun 26th 2008
What happens in Vegas is the best comedy of the year and Sex and the city was great for both fans and non-fans.
tinman1118 at 8:10PM on Jun 26th 2008
Bad. Worst top 20 ever. Don't agree with 90 percent of that.
Milos W. B. Dobroslavic at 8:18PM on Jun 26th 2008
Harrison, the old folks home called and said they sorely miss your entertaining patois. Please go back and leave the action adventure crap to the young punks before you hurt yourself real serious like.
Aziiz at 8:21PM on Jun 26th 2008
Plain and simple, Steven Spiellberg, cheated all movie goers, with that horrible, ending !!!
It was as if, Mr Spielberg, was writing the movies, for 3 years, then just said. " Let's just throw in "Facockle" space ship. Kate let's go to dinner"
acokelley at 8:24PM on Jun 26th 2008
I can't believe the people aol has in charge of this list were bold enough to put "baby momma", among others, while Indinia Jones sits at the bottom of the list. How much did baby momma bring in? Inidia Jones brought in three hundred million and counting. You know there is a reason movie bring that type of money in : people want to see it and people want to see it again. But please, continue to give movies like this more than its due.
Dragonballz54958 at 9:52PM on Jun 26th 2008
I can't say I agree with this list. Granted, I didn't see all of the movies that they persented but I felt that there were other movies that should have made the list.
Cloverfield for one. Although many did not like the handheld camera work you can't say that this wasn't a good movie. The monster itself was freaky looking and i wouldn't want to be caught in a subway with tiny bug looking monsters attacking me. The movie was creepy in the way that they took an event that would never really happen but made it real. That's one of the reasons why the handheld camera was such a good idea. Many say that no one would ever keep the camera running during a time like that and yet people did it during 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Anywho, Cloverfied should have made this list is all I'm saying.
Ted at 8:30PM on Jun 26th 2008
Ironically, this movie is leftist propaganda.
Ronald Mackall at 8:29PM on Jun 26th 2008
oh yeah! Iron Man rocked! C'mon part 2!
flgoodeye at 8:36PM on Jun 26th 2008
So I see that MEN wrote this. What about SEX AND THE CITY?????
Lilli Surgalli at 8:55PM on Jun 26th 2008
I went through the entire list and I am sorry but I disagree of all
but one. "Wanted" has potential. I'm looking forward to spending the
hard cash to see it..
My idea of a good movie starts with a good story. Something serious
or humor light, Something entertaining for the mature minds.
Youthful, but mature. "The Happening" was very deep if you understand
the plot. Our world is also made of plants. This was a chilling what
if..
People today are gasping at the fuel pumps. Money is hard to come by
and even harder to let go of. So, if I'm going to pay for a movie ticket, It better be "Worth" it. Don't dispair, if you're like me, there's always dvd's and digital cable.
Glenda at 9:21PM on Jun 26th 2008
I don't know why people say that Angelina Jolie is gorgeous. Her head is to BIG for her body and she is nasty with all those tatoos
john at 9:33PM on Jun 26th 2008
Went with girlfriend and seen se and the city and it wasnt very good if you ask me.
Rachelle Akuffo at 9:33PM on Jun 26th 2008
#6 Indiana Jones was just not that good. You're confusing it with how good you wanted it to be, due to nostalgia - romanced by good memories of Indiana Jones of the past. I wanted to like it, but it was mediocre. Bringing in millions does not a great movie make. In Bruges was brilliant, well written, funny and dark - didn't bring in millions, but much, much better than Indy. Iron Man was absolutely, freakin brilliant and absolutely deserved the top spot! I absolutely think Sex and the City should def have made the list.
Mrs. Joe Jonas at 10:18PM on Jun 26th 2008
Wat about Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian?
teri at 10:06PM on Jun 26th 2008
I can't wait to see Wanted, looks great.
markrconte14 at 10:52PM on Jun 26th 2008
This is a good movie review for 14 to 16 year olds. Unfortunately, I am not in that age group. How old are the reviewers?
Karyn at 11:15PM on Jun 26th 2008
Ok. I have to say that "Son of Rambow" is the WORST movie that I've ever seen. I actually approached the theater staff afterwards and asked if I could have my $10, and 3 hours of my life back.
There was NO decent storyline (barely a storyline at all), and it was random in the weirdest ways. The only redeeming quality of the movie was the side character Didier.
Lilli Surgalli at 12:15AM on Jun 27th 2008
I'm a 20th-21st century sexy woman. Just ask my husband. A sexy woman knows and acknowledges other sexy women. If you're confident and mature, you're not bogged down with jealousy. I get a little annoyed with people who say Angelina is not sexy. And what was that about her head? It was to big...not "too" big, just to big.
ooh,Tatoo? I don't know what that is. Are you referring to tattoo. Men have had tattoos for centuries. I get it! I get it! Tattoo-men good -Tattoo-women Bad.
Okay back to the list of best movies. or not best movies. We all have opinions. It's wonderful we can share them.
Robert Summers at 11:52PM on Jun 26th 2008
Sorry to disagree, heard a lot of good about iron man but me and family didnt get what was so popular about it, i even felt dissapointed losing 10.00 for 3 people to watch and i still felt like i waisted my money. we did enjoy getting out of the house a couple of hours, but that was about it.