The Top 10 Movies of 2008

The year of 2008 didn't really have many GREAT movies, but there were a lot of good ones. Although, within certain genres, there were some that totally out-shined their counterparts. Here are what we think are the Top 10 Movies of 2008 (in no particular order).

Batman: The Dark Knight

Even without the passing of Heath Ledger, this movie would have received just as much attention and acclaim that it garnered; it was a stunning masterpiece in itself. This was a great movie for not only those who enjoyed the Batman Comics as children, but for those who never even gave cartoons and superheroes a second thought. It ties together many aspects of the human psyche, as it struggles to explain the differences between good and bad. The action and the acting is superb, as the people chosen to portray the roles were chosen extremely well, but what was most impressive about the movie was (although long) its storyline, which left no loopholes and included an array of twists and turns that were extremely exciting.

Better than Titanic? Probably.

Wall-E

Pixar is known for its heartmelting and cute characters such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, the guys from Monsters inc., and many more. Wall-E is no different, as it brings together the inherent ideal of love that we as humans so desperately try to find. Wall-E is an extremely adorable animated romantic comedy that is funny, cute, and pure.

There really isn't much to say. It's simple, but it will strike a chord in anyone's heart.

Iron Man

Although overshadowed by the release of the Dark Knight shortly after, Iron Man provided a great action movie that portrays the popular superhero extremely well. Robert Downey Jr. was one of the best actors suited for this role, and he did a great job. Everything is as clear cut as you would expect a superhero movie to be like - The characters' motives are extremely defined, as the good guys are extremely good and the bad guys extremely bad. The visual effects are stunning, ranging from the chase in the sky to the final battle within the city. Don't be fooled, it's not just another action movie. Well, maybe it is. But it's a good one.

Kung Fu Panda

What's better than a fat, sloppy warrior trying to save a kingdom from an evil villain? A fat, sloppy, Panda trying to save a kingdom from an evil villain. Critics claim that this movie is yet another feel-good movie that teaches all children to "believe in themselves," something that has been forced into our thick skulls starting from whenever we can remember. Be as it may, the movie teaches the theme in an extremely laughable yet believable manner, bringing together many profound sayings and lessons that most all people would agree with.

This is an action packed cute movie that all will enjoy, whether you're 8 or 48.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

From the comedic genius of Judd Apatow comes a heartwarming story of a tall "Andre the Giant-esque" beast trying to forget his recent breakup with Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). With personalities such as Paul Rudd, Russell Brand, Mila Kunis, and Jonah Hill making appearances in the movie, this was a film set to spell Breakout Movie for Jason Segal (The tall ugly protagonist).

It's funny. If you haven't seen it, see it.

Role Models

Outrageous comedy paired with being a good role model makes for some uncanny yet witty humor. The movie supposedly brings together a theme of being a "big brother" of sorts to the younger generation, something that promotes caring, attention and friendship. The movie does it, but maybe not in the ways you'd expect it to. In a good way.

Indiana Jones 4: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

For those of us who enjoyed the Indiana Jones movies from the 1980s, this movie was a highly anticipated final chapter to the trilogy (making it a quadrilogy). As always, Harrison Ford brings his witty humor as he takes on the role of the Historian/Superhero mix to defeat the...aliens?

Some say that the movie wasn't much different from its predecessors, and that it wasn't really worth the 20 year wait. But some of us don't want change. We want Indiana Jones to be the same guy, the same guy who, 20 years ago, defeated the Nazis and got the girl (along with the short Asian kid).

And honestly, who doesn't like Shia LaBeouf?

Definitely, Maybe

Ryan Reynolds has rock hard abs. He also has the type of humor and charm that make women run to him like bees run to honey. This romantic comedy, released in February of 2008, is a cute romantic comedy as it follows Maya as she tries to figure out who her real mother is, and who her father is still in love with. The characters in the movie portray emotions that we all can relate to. And that is a formula for a great movie.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Two teenagers coming together by chance encounter and blossoming into a romantic couple? If this sounds like the type of sweet, romantic comedy that you'd enjoy, then this movie is a must see for you. Even though everyone in the movie theater could probably predict what the whole plot was going to be like down to the very last shot, there was just a great chemistry between the characters on set, something that gets everyone in on the mix, making the film extremely enjoyable.

Michael Cera is funny.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Not a great stand alone movie, but with 2008 slated to be "the year of sequels," this was a perfect match to the previous movies in the series. It's just what you would expect from goofy Brendan Fraser as he battles mummies and evil villain Jet Li in his attempt to save the world and defend his family. With cheesy jokes and the all too familiar haircut, it's as Roger Ebert so eloquently put it, "Dumb Fun."

There you have it. Some of you may be wondering why Quantum of Solace was not on the list, and that was because it was a horrible movie. In addition to the lackluster acting, "Bond 22" had a hastily tied together plot that doesn't surprise or incite excitement. Anyway, if you wanted a rant on why Quantum of Solace wasn't all that great, you would have read another article.