Top 50 Movies of 2008
Most movie critics make it an annual tradition to rank their top 10 films of the year.
We think that's way too limiting -- what with instantly classic superhero flicks ('The Dark Knight,' 'Iron Man'), top-notch comedies ('Tropic Thunder,' 'Role Models'), fantastic family fare ('WALL-E,' 'Kung Fu Panda') and must-see Oscar contenders ('Milk,' 'Slumdog Millionaire') all in the running.
Believe it or not, we've got 42 more where those came from ... Presenting our third annual list of the year's 50 best movies.
Paramount | Warner Bros. | Miramax | Fox Searchlight
50. 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'
The alien-themed plot (not to mention that scene where Shia LaBeouf channels Tarzan) incurred the wrath of some diehard Indy fans -- and earned the flick a hilariously controversial send-up courtesy of 'South Park.' But at its essence, 'Crystal Skull' keeps up with the previous 'Jones'es, delivering a long-awaited, and whip-cracking, fourth dose of our favorite globe-trotting archaeologist. -- Tom DiChiara
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Paramount
49. 'Burn After Reading'
It's no 'No Country for Old Men' -- let's just get that out of the way. But while the Coen Brothers' 'Burn' lacks its predecessor's emotional heft and philosophical depth, it shares its deft knack for black comedy. And with Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John Malkovich and Frances McDormand hamming it up as four very different varieties of idiot embroiled in a blackmailing scheme, 'Burn' is, in a word, hilarious. -- TD
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Focus Features
48. 'Mamma Mia!'
There's a reason this musical just became the highest-grossing movie in the UK (surpassing 'Titanic'!), and it's right there in the exclamation point of the title. Meryl Streep heads up a fun and nostalgic romp in this flick based on a Broadway show written around the pop songs of Swedish power pop group ABBA. Fans the world over have taken a chance on 'Mamma' -- and they can't all be wrong. -- Angie Argabrite
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Universal
47. 'The Bank Job'
Jason Statham took a rare break from "high-octane action thrill rides" (some prefer the description "crap") like 'Transporter,' 'Crank' and 'Death Race' for this clever heist film that slipped under the radar this past spring. Taking cues from a real-life 1971 London robbery, the film itself sports a vintage feel, with a deliberately paced first half that tensely builds up to an explosive third act. -- Kevin Polowy
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Lionsgate
46. 'Bolt'
Cute, cuddly and totally loyal ... there's a reason they call it puppy love. Just like the ideal best friend, this animated adventure makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside -- and then there are the adventure bits that leave you wishing you'd taught your little pal to jump through hoops instead of sitting and staying -- but the animal version of the buddy road trip is what wins this one an extra treat and a stomach rub. -- Maggie Furlong
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Walt Disney Pictures
45. 'Son of Rambow'
There was another Rambo movie in 2008, but you can keep your Sylvester Stallone gorefest; we'll take this British indie about a sheltered kid who, after being captivated by 'First Blood' (the first movie he's ever seen), films a remake with his new friend, the class bully. It's a sweet, funny, charming testament to friendship, the magic of moviemaking and even Rambo himself ... and certainly our only opportunity ever to use "charming" and "Rambo" in the same sentence. -- Patricia Chui
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Paramount Vantage
44. 'W.'
Notorious liberal Oliver Stone paints a surprisingly even-handed portrait of our controversial 43rd president -- portraying George W. Bush as a driven, good-hearted man who's just in over his head and more than a bit misguided. Though the film lacks a clear message, it's well-written and funny, and boasts an impeccable performance from Josh Brolin as the continually misunderestimated Dubya. -- TD
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Lionsgate
43. 'Quantum of Solace'
Unflinchingly brutal and relentlessly entertaining, the sequel to 2006's masterful 'Casino Royale' is lighter on character and plot, and (way) heavier on the action. Daniel Craig once again does 007 proud, somehow humanizing a man whose thirst for revenge has, by all measures, turned him into an uncompromising killing machine. He'll leave you both shaken and stirred. -- TD
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Sony
42. 'The Duchess'
Awards darling Keira Knightley hasn't been getting the usual raves and nominations for her performance as a poor little rich aristocrat trapped in a loveless marriage to a sublimely stiff-upper-lipped Ralph Fiennes (who has been getting noticed for his role). But critics and voters be damned, this is still a sumptuous story and a worthwhile two-hour diversion.
-- AA
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Paramount Vantage
Reader Comments (643)
xxnanashikagexx at 6:12PM on Dec 19th 2008
Well the batman movie suck because the person who plays the batman his voice really was too deep. I think i would give it an 2/5 stars
JSul67 at 3:04PM on Apr 3rd 2009
hey xxnanashikagexx u have no clue wat u r talkin about! He disguises his voice when he is batman so no one knows it is him. u idiot that was like one of the best movies ever.
john at 4:45PM on Apr 3rd 2009
you can't even speak properly...save your comments.
ishie yan at 6:31AM on Apr 18th 2009
duh. I think u should watch the anime version of batman first before u comment on the voice of the character. He did great, he got the character especially the way he talks...close to the batman i see in tv.
anthony at 4:09PM on Apr 24th 2009
You cant say it sucks because of the faced that his voice was to deep. Your judging the whole movie based on one thing. Also batman is a dark mysterious phantom, his voice is supposed to be deep not only that but disguised and angry. He represents everything dark in a way(fear/anger/the unknown, ect..).
Manny408 at 3:06AM on May 17th 2009
you say: "the person who plays batman..." WOW, dude you don't know s*@! about good actors then. Please do not say anything when TS comes out laer this year.
Jessica at 12:16AM on May 19th 2009
are you dumb?!? that was an incredible movie. and "the guy" who plays batman is christian bale
Chayse at 8:43PM on May 19th 2009
u have no idea what ur talking about!!!! his voice was awesome!!!!!
Tim at 4:30AM on May 26th 2009
You really would say an epicly awesome movie such as the dark knight sucks because of Christian Bales voice being too deep, you should f**king kill yourself for being such an idiot
Dr Giggles at 1:09PM on Jun 10th 2009
2 stars because of the voice? I can tell by your typing that you're an idiot anyway.
Ryan at 11:47PM on Jun 12th 2009
ur prob just saying that 2 c the reactions u get. and learn proper english dude
S.Fernando at 5:02PM on Jun 16th 2009
Wow !! you sound so dumb ! i dont think you know much about movies and actors !
Batman's voice is supposed 2 b deep, so that no one recognizes him !
that was a great movie, with a great screenplay, and brilliant acting !!
Christian Bale, ( by the way "the person who plays Batman" is christian Bale)
is doing a great job as batman ! And Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker was awesome !! rest of the cast were great too ! It was one of the best movies ever made !!!
Ale at 3:53PM on Jun 17th 2009
Confess! you made a bet with your buddies you could get over 100 insults in replies to your post! :))
John at 5:21PM on Jun 18th 2009
How can you judge a movie on a character's voice? So you disregarded the performances, the cinematography, the visual effects, the screenplay, etc. just because you did not like his voice, I honestly think that your statement is one of the stupidest sayings I have ever heard.
timewaster at 9:57AM on Jul 8th 2009
Just for the record, none of you have lives. This is the 10th blog that i've checked out in the past 10 hours and none of you fools have anything better to do than to complain and about each other. YOu all suck
Fiendface at 11:54AM on Jul 27th 2009
wtf ever,christian bale is bad ass,who gives a shit about his voice.he's the best batman to date...
jeff at 11:41AM on Jul 29th 2009
no you are right christian Bale is a douche and his voice is way too deep and he is a horrible actor who also is a huge prick in real life. Bale just can't act he's the same in every role like seth rogen only atleat seth rogen doen't try to play parts that are beyond his capabilities and Batman did suck big time 1/5
Farhan at 4:35PM on Aug 28th 2009
xxnanashikagex just make sure next time u do research before u become a victim of this again dont speak or jum next time before u have the correct info! 2 stars dude!! i think after these comments u wud be seeing 5 stars! lol i really feel bad for u! REALYY DO !!! SORRY!! hahahah
Lex at 6:15PM on Dec 19th 2008
your forgot twilight. great movie
Aaron at 9:57PM on Apr 4th 2009
Twilight sucks, go back under your rock