Dice’s Favorite 25 Movies of 2008
(These are, in order, the movies I enjoy, respect, desire, and love the most that I saw for the first time in the calender year 2008.)
* possible objectionable content warning
15. Hellboy 2 – Not quite as good as the first, but I think this is one of the most compelling comic book universes I’ve seen explored on screen. I’m crossing my fingers that they will make a third, but things don’t look so bright for the man with the big gun and sawed off horns.
14. Enchanted – Unlike Shrek that takes this concept and never relents on it’s attack, Enchanted seems to be able to at the same time respect and embrace the movies that it is lampooning. Disney is on a hot streak right now, and I’m glad that they have found their soul again in poignant, fun stories like this one.
13. Jumper – In many ways I feel that Jumper is a wasted opportunity. The concept and execution of the rules of the Jumper universe are compelling and wonderful, but the story and characters they drew around it were weak and ineffectual. I wish they could have a redo on this because I really want to see more of this world, but I highly doubt there is more Jumper headed our way.
12. Evan Almighty – Funny, smart, and biblical. Hard to go wrong with that combo. I applaud the filmmakers willingness to fully embrace the central theme of the Noah story, while at the same time giving us insight into how treacherous it is when God speaks.
11. 3:10 to Yuma* – There is something about a classic western that just grabs me and won’t let go. The moral dilemmas of a vigilante world, the shades of gray in the black and white hats, whatever it is, 3:10 to Yuma is chocked full of it, because I came away from this movie exhausted and fully invested.