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Father Geek's Top Twenty Films of 2008

Great list by slowgraffiti	Dec 28th, 2008 06:20:29 PM
I suck at watching movies. I have to see, like, 80% of those still.
Almost First by timmer33	Dec 28th, 2008 06:21:49 PM
Do you mean STOP LOSS?
What's with Benjamin B on everyone's list? by the_scream	Dec 28th, 2008 06:27:03 PM
The movie is crap. I can't believe so many people have been duped into thinking it is any good.
Pretty much Harry's top 10 by Charlie Murphy	Dec 28th, 2008 06:30:10 PM
good thing he got his in first this year
Neat list, but explain please by palimpsest	Dec 28th, 2008 06:34:13 PM
Any chance of some kind of rationale for your choices? The explanations are much more interesting than the listings. Hopefully you'll be able to flesh these ideas out a bit.
I've seen 16/20 by Greenleaf1	Dec 28th, 2008 06:35:07 PM
I haven't seen: - The Good, The Bad, and the Weird - Pineapple Express - The Substitute - The Wrestler I don't care about any of those except for The Wrestler, which I'll be seeing before the end of the year. And the_scream, I agree, Ben Button definitely won't be making my end of the year list.
DK #1...Really by Call me Hal	Dec 28th, 2008 06:36:25 PM
Cmon. Its a great superhero movie and I love Nolans other work. But #1 movie of 2008 it isnt. History will show that its over-rated in my opinion.
300 movies IN THEATERS? by Bouncy X	Dec 28th, 2008 06:39:05 PM
wow....i guess if being a critic is your career thats pretty normal but damn thats a lot of movies. i doubt i've ever seen more than 20 in a year if even that. of course i'm picky with my tastes so theres no way i could ever see that many because there will never be that many movies that interest me that come out in one go. but still, thats a lot of theater going...damn. lol
WTF? The Dark Knight??? by Hooded Justice	Dec 28th, 2008 06:39:25 PM
TDK would definitely be in my top twenty WORST movies of the year. A badly-written, nonsensical mess. My impression is that the last half-hour or so seemed to be all about that sonar CGI gibberish. I'd completely tuned out by then anyway. Can relate to Man On Wire being on the list, though. The kind of movie TDK wishes it was.
Hahahaha Hooded Justice. by Die_Hardest	Dec 28th, 2008 06:47:30 PM
You sound like a retard.
WOOHOO! "The Dark Knight" wins again. by Evangelion217	Dec 28th, 2008 06:56:04 PM
And I hope it gets nominated for best picture. And "Benjamin Button" is a great, magical, and romantic film. Yes, the concept is pretty asinine, and the films third act kinda drags a bit, but I could not take my eyes off the screen. And the directing, acting, editing, and visuals were absolutely flawless. My rating is an 8.5/10. :)
Hooded justice doesn't sound like a retard. by Evangelion217	Dec 28th, 2008 06:57:06 PM
HE IS A RETARD. There's a difference. ;)
I think you mean Stop Loss, not "Stop Lost" by Ayii	Dec 28th, 2008 06:58:06 PM
Also, is the reason JCVD isn't on this list is because you haven't seen it yet?
Wall E? by boogy110	Dec 28th, 2008 07:05:34 PM
I have a problem with Wall E. Yes, it was a nice movie. But that's about it. For some reason everyone thinks that EVERY pixar movie is great. I watched Wall E and it looked great graphics wise, but other than that.. it was an O.K and nice movie. Nothing More.
Synecdoche, NY by skoolbus	Dec 28th, 2008 07:07:09 PM
Did any of you guys even bother seeing this movie? Jesus fucking Christ on the cross.
TDK IS Overatted by grievenom	Dec 28th, 2008 07:08:30 PM
Agree with those who say that. Benjamin Button and Wall-E also overrated in my opinion. My best movie so far for 2008 is The Visitor. Looking forward to seeing the Wrestler.
a good list considering, by johnnyangel	Dec 28th, 2008 07:17:46 PM
but am I alone in thinking this was an off year? Some interesting indie movies but H-wood didn't hold up its end.
Hate to jump on the backlash bandwagon by lochkray	Dec 28th, 2008 07:25:23 PM
But, yeah, I kinda don't agree with all the TDK-LOVE going around. I really liked the movie, thought it was great, but not the best of 2008. And my problem with the movie is the character of Batman/Bruce Wayne. The villan is ten times more interesting than the hero (both). The hero's butler is five times more interesting. Even the whimpy cop who becomes commissioner is twice as interesting as the hero. Whenever Bruce or Bats was on the screen - not talking to his butler - the movie dragged. For me, anyway. Looooooved Heath Ledger's Joker. Best movie villian in a long, long time. A great bad guy, though, does not a great movie make.
Hooded Justice.. Dark Knight by blue_harlequin	Dec 28th, 2008 07:25:52 PM
While I don't think The Dark Knight was one of the worst films of the year, I do agree that the third act was a jumbled mess. Oh, how I hated that sonar bullcrap.
SPEED RACER one of the best of 2008 by Chishu_Ryu	Dec 28th, 2008 07:25:54 PM
And I feel sorry for psudeo-movie lovers here (or maybe I don't) who didn't get a chance to see it on the big screen for which it was designed for. A truly rare cinematic experience. Kind of like The Iron Giant. Poor souls who didn't bother to go see it on the big screen but waited for it on video (or who just weren't old enuf then) don't know what they're missing. It's a different film on the big screen, just like Speed Racer. I officially raise a glass to my thus far favorite cinematic release of 2008...Speed Racer!
No offense Father Geek by WhoDis	Dec 28th, 2008 07:43:01 PM
But it would be nice to have a little blurb attached to each on why you thought they should be there, at least for the Top 10.
Backlashes on the popular genre movies this year by WhoDis	Dec 28th, 2008 07:44:24 PM
I swear, some of you guys and gals maybe shouldn't be on this site. Try YAHOO! Movies instead.
The Substitute? by IAmMrMonkey!	Dec 28th, 2008 07:47:54 PM
That's the one with the marine who disguises himself as a substitute teacher to take out a bunch of gangbangers, right? What's that doing in your list? I kid. I kid. It totally deserves to be in your list.
WTF. Someone called "Hooded Justice" hates TDK?!?! by IAmMrMonkey!	Dec 28th, 2008 07:50:57 PM
Change your screen name, man. That's like someone called "Kiddie Vampire Lover" hating on 'Let The Right One In' or someone called "Gay Sean Penn Rocks My World!" suddenly declaring that 'Milk' is the worst movie ever.
Not a Bad List by Crow3711	Dec 28th, 2008 07:53:48 PM
But I would definitely say including Incredible Hulk and Stop Loss is totally ridiculous. Stop Loss was such a heavy handed mess. And the incredible hulk, while an improvement, wasn't good. Even Shine A Light, which I just watched, doesn't really deserve it. I love Scorsese and The Stones, but it had way too much plain concert and not enough behindthescenes and archive footage, etc. IMO. I think the top ten is good enough, but the bottom 5 is weird.
"Disaster Movie" has as much a chance of a Best Picture as Nolan by JackPumpkinhead	Dec 28th, 2008 08:00:37 PM
The only Oscars that his "Batman VI" may ever win could be some of those meaningless technical ones. "Titanic" took awards because it was good and universally recognized. Know it, accept it, deal with it.
Nah, don't you guys remember Hooded Justice from July? by YackBacker	Dec 28th, 2008 08:01:42 PM
He was a prolific TBer on TDK articles. He was less strident in his displeasure towards TDK- he didn't make overarching statements like he did above, he was opinionated but reasonable. I guess he grew to hate it (from his initial dislike). Oh well, hope you're doing well otherwise, Hooded.
Chishu, right about SPEED RACER by SmokeFilledTavern	Dec 28th, 2008 08:14:19 PM
Great film.
Father Geek thank you by SmokeFilledTavern	Dec 28th, 2008 08:15:41 PM
for not putting BENJAMIN BUTTOCKS on the list. God what a cinematic abortion. But get the HULK off of there and put IN BRUGES on instead.
The Incredible Hulk? by Charlie_Allnut	Dec 28th, 2008 08:17:37 PM
Its your list, but I thought that movie had shockingly bad special effects. It looked like an XBOX game.
You lost me at VALKYRIE by Mockingbird Girl	Dec 28th, 2008 08:18:23 PM
And agree with SmokeFilledTavern: Where's IN BRUGES?
huh, SmokefilledTavern by the milf lover	Dec 28th, 2008 08:34:57 PM
look again, he's got Button at the #8 spot.
CinemaBlend has a nice gift for Forgetting Sarah Marshall... by Pennsy	Dec 28th, 2008 08:36:56 PM
1. The Dark Knight 2. Kung Fu Panda 3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall 4. Milk 5. Religulous 6. Doubt 7. Gran Torino 8. Priceless (Hors de prix) 9. The Wackness 10. Bolt http://tinyurl.com/9ha7to - this list makes me very, very happy.
Hooded Justice by Toonol	Dec 28th, 2008 08:37:02 PM
Don't you ever get tired of being so shocked? After about the tenth or fifteenth top ten list with the Dark Knight on it, the horrified surprise routine seems a little over-the-top.
screw the batman movie by jon pertwee	Dec 28th, 2008 08:37:22 PM
the five movies above in that list were better. shit, ironman was better. all dark knight had going for it was a hyped up performance by a dead actor - the last half hour could have been thrown away, the dent storyline served no real purpose save to pad the movie out and did i mention the masses worshipping a performance by a dead actor that were he still alive might have been slagged from here to eternity? i shudder to think how much 'greatest performance ever' talk shia la bouf would have gotten had he died while making indy 4.
shine a light was awful. by alice 13	Dec 28th, 2008 08:37:46 PM
srsly. let me put my teeth in and act like a 15 year old. marty's done better- 'the last waltz'. thats a masterpiece.
Coen Brothers are an acquired taste... by Pennsy	Dec 28th, 2008 08:39:37 PM
And I don't think I'll be acquiring it anytime soon. Burn After Reading a golden globe nominee? No. Just, no.
Burn After Reading looks glorious in Blue Ray by Stormwatcher	Dec 28th, 2008 08:41:49 PM
Seriously, typically animated fare like Wall-E or The Dark Knight catch my eye but damn if BAR didn't look fan fucking tastic. Has anyone else noticed that? On my 50 inch I swear I can count the blackheads on Clooney
R.I.P. Ann Savage (1921–2008) by Fflewddur Fflam	Dec 28th, 2008 08:43:00 PM
She died on Christmas Day, same as Eartha Kitt. That's rough. http://www.examiner.com/a-1765 532~_40s_femme_fatale_star_Ann _Savage_dies_at_87.html
Damn...the milf lover by SmokeFilledTavern	Dec 28th, 2008 08:44:20 PM
you're right. I just gave a quick check for the ridiculous title and didn't see his abbreviated one. THIS LIST SUCKS AFTER ALL!!!
Ddjodshagdhsa;gfsda by dr sauch	Dec 28th, 2008 08:51:25 PM
gfhsdiaklbfjnk,bghjdfsav?
anyone who thinks that by TheMcflyFarm	Dec 28th, 2008 09:08:12 PM
Incredible Hulk is better than Indy IV shits in their retard-safe underwear.
Rambo by ballsmcretard	Dec 28th, 2008 09:12:21 PM
All he wants to do is be left alone but someone always has to push him too far.
The Incredible Hulk sucks balls by Cruel_Kingdom	Dec 28th, 2008 09:13:06 PM
It shouldn't be on anyone's top 20 list. Might as well have put PUNISHER WAR ZONE on there, kiddo.
Speed Racer and Cloverfield by Autodidact	Dec 28th, 2008 09:13:51 PM
Speed Racer, and Cloverfield are not getting enough love. I enjoyed the fuck out of Speed Racer at the movies and have now watched the Blu-ray twice. I think I only saw about ten movies at theatres this year.
Biggest problem with TDK... by BurnHollywood	Dec 28th, 2008 09:14:00 PM
I think Nolan was more interested (and thought the audience was more interested) in all the silly-ass gizmos Bats was showing off every reel (Operation ChinaSnatch, the BatPod, the ridiculous cellphone sonar thing) than Ledger and Eckhart's way more captivating performances as the baddies. That, and a too-intricate-for-its-own-good plot that could have been summarized in one line on a TV newscast: "Over the past few weeks, it appears that Gotham crime is now being dominated by The Joker." Saw it for the second time on Blu-Ray, and I gotta tell you...aside from the thrill of Ledger's performance, it's a pretty middling Batman story at best.
Rambo by Autodidact	Dec 28th, 2008 09:14:38 PM
Forgot about Rambo. Might have been my best cinematic experience this year.
Hooded Justice also sucks balls by Cruel_Kingdom	Dec 28th, 2008 09:15:19 PM
That is all.
Hulk had one of the year's best fights... by SoylentMean	Dec 28th, 2008 09:20:29 PM
or, the last 30 minutes of the movie. What a fun film. I still think we need a talkbacker forum dedicated to our choices for best films of '08. Another one for our picks for worst films of '08 wouldn't hurt traffic either. Make it so Family Knowles, make it so.
For a movie called "The Dark Knight"... by slone13	Dec 28th, 2008 09:32:02 PM
...the character of Batman had entirely too little screen time.
"could have been summarized in one line" by Thrillho77	Dec 28th, 2008 09:33:07 PM
ANY film can be summarized in one line. Holy cow! This could be the most nonsensical thing I've ever read at AICN. Isn't it WAY more interesting to watch the The Joker do it? To know the lengths that he will go to? To see him slip away and do something else? Ray Liotta caused the downfall of the local mob family in Goodfellas. Wait, you're right, that was way better than watching how the plot of the movie unfolds!
Best thing about Hulk... by BurnHollywood	Dec 28th, 2008 09:34:38 PM
Finally, a plausible explanation of why he doesn't bust out of his pants....when you find yourself going commando in the midst of a Hulk-rage one too many times, you learn to shop ahead.
Just watched Hamlet 2 by Garbageman33	Dec 28th, 2008 09:39:36 PM
Really good. Just outside my top ten. And way better than Pineapple Express.
Thrillho... by BurnHollywood	Dec 28th, 2008 09:44:54 PM
You missed the more important part of my comment: "Too intricate". I shouldn't have to bring a laptop into the theater with flowcharting software to understand what the fuck is supposed to be going on. Speaking of which, David Fincher just called...he wants the plot from SE7EN back. They can keep that stupid ferry subplot, though.
Gee, could we have more TDK bitching? by the_scream	Dec 28th, 2008 09:45:35 PM
Seriously, how many nitpicks and "opinions" are there about TDK. There's not enough Batman? He's in the film constantly! There's too much emphasis on gadgets? WTF? The movie was primarily about character over everything else first and foremost. Burton and Schumacher's Batman films were more about gadgets and costumes than Nolans. I don't know what the hell people want from a film when they get a gem like TDK and still can't help nitpicking every little thing to death. Finally a great Batman film and still people are not happy. I wish these boards were for people who can appreciate good movies.
BurnHollywood by Thrillho77	Dec 28th, 2008 09:54:43 PM
You're right, you shouldn't have to. But I didn't have to. I don't see what was so difficult to understand about the plot of TDK. All I had to do was do what I paid to do...pay attention.
RE: Dark Knight, Really? by Dark Knight Lite	Dec 28th, 2008 10:04:08 PM
REALLY!!!
Paid attention, Thrillho? by BurnHollywood	Dec 28th, 2008 10:10:21 PM
Okay, please explain to me why the mobsters were allowing their money to sit in Gotham banks and get robbed or raided, when any real-life gangster immediately launders all their cash offshore, via electronic funds transfer, in the Caribbean or elsewhere, as happens in reality?
I had chili for lunch. by Godovhellfire	Dec 28th, 2008 10:22:22 PM

Glad to see Incredible Hulk get a nod by JoeSixPack	Dec 28th, 2008 11:39:18 PM
It wasn't the best of the year but it deserves some mention. I liked it and thought it was a good reboot of the franchise.
Quick translation to save time by BruceVain	Dec 28th, 2008 11:48:34 PM
"Dark Knight was overrated/Wall-E was overrated" = "I am a silly, trivial, insubstantial little person who not only has no appreciation of the finer things, but is threatened by the very reminder that they exist." BTW, does anybody else notice that the people who love to enumerate the "flaws" of TDK sound just like the fat kid in "Stand By Me" who could not appreciate the Lard-Ass story until he knew whether or not the latter had to pay an entry fee to participate in the pie-eating contest? I mean, Jesus, can we GET any more arbitrary here?
Iammrmonkey... by mfcorleone	Dec 28th, 2008 11:56:29 PM
you fucktard. the name hooded justice is from watchmen, which you surely have never read and think is about security guards. your shipment of fail has arrived. eat a turd.
The Dark Knight is the best movie... by maxwell's hammer	Dec 29th, 2008 12:30:53 AM
...of the year the same way "Serenity" was the best television show back whenever. It might be good, and even a highlight of the genre, but its only THE BEST OF ALL to comic geeks. Get over yourselves.
Agree 2 Disagree! by laraz	Dec 29th, 2008 12:36:32 AM
The dark knight is the best movie, but you and harry are whacked! For picking Wall-E, Pineapple Express, and the horrible and dreadful Burn After Reading! Besides that though most of the list was on point!
Honorable Mention by NoHubris	Dec 29th, 2008 02:00:57 AM
If there were Honorable Mentions, IMHO Transsiberian should receive serious consideration. IMO Emily Moritmer's performance was great.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall? by Maxer	Dec 29th, 2008 02:01:37 AM
Funniest comedy of the year in my opinion. Pineapple Express second. Things like Nick and Norah and Role Models were up there, Step Brothers rounds out top five.
Correct again ! by PTSDPete	Dec 29th, 2008 02:17:19 AM
1.) The Dark Knight; 2.) Let The Right One In. Hehehe ! Mine too. It's all good.
What's so great about Iron Man?! by Scapulawings	Dec 29th, 2008 02:50:39 AM
Where it keeps getting mentioned in top ten lists around here. It was pretty damn ordinary. Can anyone tell me what was so special about it? It may be a fun movie and all but top ten of the whole year? And someone here actually made it number 1?! I don't remember who that was but that's pretty damn ludicrous. Maybe if you're a 13 year old boy, maybe?
The Incredible Hulk by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 29th, 2008 03:29:34 AM
is not better than IJATKOTCS. For fucks sake.
father geek has good taste by MariusXe	Dec 29th, 2008 04:27:27 AM
dark knight reigns supreme, and I wouldn't have it any other way
Let the Right One In owns all... by vaudeville villain	Dec 29th, 2008 08:11:16 AM
with The Dark Knight coming in at second... not even a 'close' second, mind you, but second.
mfcorleone by IAmMrMonkey!	Dec 29th, 2008 08:26:31 AM
Yes, I've read it. Probably around ten years ago. Your post made me laugh though ("think is about security guards")! Lol. I don't want that turd thanks but I'll accept the shipment of fail.
No Tropic Thunder???!!!! by JustyHakubi	Dec 29th, 2008 09:34:17 AM
For shame!! Iron Man at 10? What are you smoking Harry? That is easily in the top 5. We hates movie lists! We hates them! We hates them!
The Flame & The Lemon by palewook	Dec 29th, 2008 09:40:00 AM
can't accept a top 20 list without Flammen & Citronen (aka The Flame & The Lemon).
jon pertwee by smackfu	Dec 29th, 2008 10:26:50 AM
I'd say you're wrong there, if Ledger was alive the performance would have been just as celebrated. I say this because I went into Dark Knight extremely skeptical of Ledger's portrayal. In the trailers the 'joker voice' sounded incredibly lame to me and I was half expecting the movie to confirm what I feared, that it would come off incredibly corny. But I was hooked right from his first appearance onward. It became immediately apparent that Ledger had put more work into the Joker's most subtle of mannerisms than most actors put into the entire role.
My future childrens children could make a better end of year lis by Conqueror Worm	Dec 29th, 2008 10:35:26 AM
As soon as you read 'Incredible Hulk' you realise this list aint worth shit. Saying that I do agree with Dark Knight being one of the best of the year, not underrated at all - as some persons keep saying around here. Film of 2008 for me was FUNNY GAMES U.S. - and I'm really suprised it hasnt had more love here, maybe I detect a hint of anti-europeanism amongst thy readers. Although 'Let the right one in' is doing well here, maybe because it's a vampire film though. Dunno.
Rambo! by Thot	Dec 29th, 2008 11:04:51 AM
Rambo was not only one of the best films of 2008, it was one of the best action films of all time! Tropic Thunder deserves to be on the "best of" list too (best comedy of the year). Benj Button, however, would land on my "worst of" list. I liked TDK, it was good. It would make my top ten, but not near #1. Iron Man was better.
300 movies in a year is equivalent to... by mansuper	Dec 29th, 2008 11:09:20 AM
25 movies a month! Are you sure you didn't exagerate that figure a bit?
FG? WILL YOU ADOPT ME? by ArcadianDS	Dec 29th, 2008 12:23:39 PM
Im a socially mal adjusted 40 year old man-child who types over 150 words per minute. Also, Im house broken and can fix your computer.
SPEED RACER fucking sucked... by Motoko Kusanagi	Dec 29th, 2008 12:28:03 PM
...on all kinds of levels. In fact, it sucked royal monkey dick.
It tickles me by BeerEngineer	Dec 29th, 2008 01:42:24 PM
that every talkback devolves into a clusterfuck of opinions nobody gives a shit about on the dark knight. Mommy, it tingles, I don't understand it.
Pertwee? As in Brockhurst, Finsdale and Pertwee? by Shepard Wong	Dec 29th, 2008 02:49:59 PM
"Order flowers for the widows."
Where the hell is The Fall? by Order66	Dec 29th, 2008 06:55:49 PM
I figured it would be on at least SOME lists this year!

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Father Geek's Top Twenty Films of 2008

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