Thoughts of a New Year.
Yup, check your calendar. Its 2008! We’re nearing the close of the first decade of the new Millennium. Doesn’t it feel magical? No? Thats because it isn’t. Its the same world with the same people and the same problems. But with new trends! Personally, I’m not aware of these. Instead, I shall make a list! We all love lists, amirite? Best of the year lists, especially. Which is what mine is! Lucky you.
Movies
10. Across the Universe
This is a musical, so music haters (my God have mercy on your soul) take notice. For those of you who hate the Beatles, go away. Greatness wasn’t made for fools like you. This is a dream-like fantasy of the kind only McCartney, Lennon, Harrison and Star could dream up. A magical love story, complete with everyones favorite bands favorite songs…yeah, its pretty cheesy, but charming as hell, and I absolutely loved it, cliche or not.
9. Shoot ‘Em Up
I like Action movies. Especially ones with things exploding. Things like John Woo, you know. The mythical good stuff. This movie has it in spades. More of an homage than anything, Shoot ‘Em Up was directly inspired by all the classic action movies, and with Clive Owen at the helm, you know its going to be good. The dude is amazing as an action man, snapping witty one-liners with his oh-so-charming British accent. You know you love him ladies.
8. Hot Fuzz
As almost a counterpart to Shoot ‘Em Up, Hot Fuzz gleefully rips apart the Action genre, exposing every foible and cliche in the book and pointing it out. Look, the film was made by the guys who did Shaun of the Dead. Of course its going to be amazing. Truly hilarious from moment to moment. Actually, now that I think about it, this is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen since Shaun…hmm.
7. Grindhouse
Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino are two of my favorite directors, so when they team up, something good is bound to come by. I am pleased to announce Grindhouse does not change their reputation at all for the worse. Long story short, both films are great for their respective genres, with a myriad of trailers spliced between to two for fake movies that are so over the top they’re nearly worth the price of admission alone. Must see.
6. Sweeney Todd
I was not expecting this one. Going into expecting crap, I came out with something truly incredible. Johnny Depp is an amazing actor, and he can actually sing! After the crap was was the Pirates trilogy, I was sure all hope was lost on this one. Lo and Behold, he works his magic, and with Tim Burton (another of my favorites, I might add) directing it, Victorian London comes alive, complete with all the Gothic touches Burton loves to put into his movies.
5. Gone Baby Gone
This movie was also a surprise, especially coming from the Afflek brothers, but again, will wonders never cease. The tale that unfolds is different, different from almost anything I’ve ever seen in a movie before. And the end…let me just let you see it. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the end. Heartbreaking. Definitely go into it knowing nothing about the plot.
4. The Orphanage
Again, another surprise. I expected the same tired horror cliches that Japan keeps pumping out and America keeps copying, but this wasn’t the Grudge 3. Or the Ring 3. This was something different. A spiritual successor to the brilliance that was Pans Labyrinth last year. This is, without a doubt, one of the scariest films I have ever seen. Like, ever. Yes, The Shining is included here. Scary, yet incredibly sad, at least. Never before have I gone through both emotions in one movie, and this one pulls it off perfectly. I loved it.
3. Once
Again, a musical, but one that isn’t fantasy, or involved magic. This is an incredibly simple story, but acted near to perfection, with such emotion I nearly cried at several points. Never before has a musical moved me so, and I’m glad for that. With a cast of characters who aren’t even named, you’re left with only the important things. A guy, a girl, and music. I adored every second, and would see it again if given the chance.
2. Darjeeling Limited
Wes Anderson is back! And better than he ever has been, in my humble opinion. Dealing with some more serious issues than he had before, Darjeeling is heartfelt, and seems as though it grounded more in reality than fantastical tales. The realization that the three brothers come to at the end is incredibly uplifting yet grounding at the same time. Andersons best, and really means a lot.
1. No Country for Old Men
Hey, just read the post below this. I’m tired now.
