As 2008 comes to a close we begin to reflect upon the cinema going year that was. It was an eventful twelve months with many unexpected treasures and a seemingly never-ending stream of disappointments. I’m looking at you Indy.
As with any year we’ve had a slew of new releases covering the spectrum of quality including the good, The Dark Knight and Man on Wire, the bad, Indiana Jones and The X files and the ugly, The Love Guru and Speed Racer. For the sake of the Yule tied spirit, let us not dwell on the disappointments.
The year has provided some spectacular examples of how exciting, moving and incredible cinema can be. As usual, it seems that many of the best films of the year are being released on Boxing Day giving an unfair challenge to anyone attempting to compile a list. For this reason we have only looked at films that received a cinematic release in Australia during 2008.
Nevertheless, we have put together our top ten best films of 2008. In no particular order, all of these movies have impressed us profoundly and given us renewed faith that there is still hope for this most treasured art form.
Man on Wire
Documentaries have never been more exciting or thrilling. The high wire high jinks of Phillipe Petit make for riveting viewing and entertainment.
Wendy and Lucy
The film had a short run during the Melbourne Film Festival and has yet to receive wide release. An absolute pity because the film stars Michelle Williams in one of the most powerful performances of the year. Deceptively simple in the plot but a beautiful film to behold.
The Dark Knight
After the decent Batman Begins, no one expected this to singlehandedly redefine the possibilities of the genre. A spectacular cast shine thanks to the underrated mastery of Chris Nolan.
Slumdog Millionaire
Danny Boyle fulfills his potential in this wondrous and uplifting film.
Wall-E
Pixar have truly revolutionised cartoons and created one of the most endearing and delightful movie robots in film history. You heard me R2. A masterpiece of the genre.