Top 5 Action Movies of 2008

Technically not action-packed, but Mark Wahlberg's interpretation of the Max Payne video game character certainly did follow a great narrative. Let me tell you, however, that this film only made the cut because of a poor selection in 2008. The flaws of this film were numerous. It suffered from a slow story, a detached plot from the videogame (a disappointment to most fans) and some poor acting. What it did well, however, was not lose viewers. The story was very easy to follow, unlike some other films throughout the year which focused a little too much on spectacle and forgot that they actually needed to tell a story. The grim feel of the film and the slow pacing of the dialogue really brought the film into its own realm. It was a world that was easy to get lost in for a couple hours. I think viewers were mainly distracted by how long it took for Max Payne to get from one place to another.

The relevance of this film is found in the analogy of the characters struggling with their inner demons. The drug in the film sets the stage for a great portrayal of struggles and the fight to overcome. With stunning visuals and the best slow motion since the Matrix, 'Max Payne' certainly is a fun ride, and holds the #5 spot on my list.

4) Quantum of Solace

Daniel Craig remains the perfect embodiment of James Bond, and while the flavor of the films certainly are striving to impress, something is still lacking from the nostalgic days of Bond. Perhaps it is 'Q' and his extraordinary gadgets or, perhaps, a more cohesive storyline. The bad guys have continued to disimpress viewers over the course of the past two films, but that is secondary to the lack of the 'worldwide threat' normally present in Bond films. It is fair to say the opening credits get better as the films get worse.

In Quantum, James Bond is up against one of his less intimidating foes who is trying to obtain the Bolivian water supply (somehow at an undisclosed location to even the president?) Some major oversights, as in Casino Royale, lend to the film which is nothing more than Bond chasing speculative leads all over the world. The reason it comes in on my list at number 4 is the intense action scenes it DOES possess.

3) Wanted

Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman do a stellar job in this fast-paced thriller based on the graphic novel. James McAvoy's portrayal of Wesley, the new addition to the League of Assassins does a great job of bringing a sense of naivety into the confidence of a man. This movie is all about coming of age, dealing with pain and getting over the past. It is a very fast-paced film focused on the 'here and now' of life. Wesley learns the trade of an assassin, learning to defend himself when necessary and make quick, smooth and sometimes impossible kills. A relationship between him and Fox (Jolie) develops, and they become partners in their missions.

The film, directed by Timur Bekmambetov is a very visionary approach to action films. It is actually a less grotesque version of the graphic novel. Morgan Freeman plays Sloan, the director of the assassin's league. He gets 'hits' from a giant loom which weaves them together, dictating who and when these targets should be hit. An ethical dilemna erupts in the midst of all the action, and Wesley is faced with a decision to stay with the league, or to leave. Filled with stellar visuals and hard-hitting action, 'Wanted' is a thrill.

2) Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrance Howard and Jeff Bridges star in this hard-hitting action thrill-ride. With probably the best superhero performance by an actor to date, Downey Jr. fills the shoes of Tony Stark with elegance and well, destructive bliss. After being captured in the Middle East and forced to build a missle to earn his escape, Tony Stark, the world-renowned owner and R&D head of Stark Industries decides instead to build an inpenetrable suit of armor to escape by force.

Upon Stark's return home (a.k.a. Ironman), he must defend his company and those close to him against an inside rival. The action and speed of this film are worth your time. It has a great message, terrific performances (the best, I think, since the dawn of the Marvel genre). Watch it.

1) The Dark Knight

There probably isn't much speculation against The Dark Knight being the best action flick of '08. In fact, you might not find much opposition to the fact that it is Oscar-worthy due to its dark and grim real-biting take on inner struggles and the performaces of Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhal, Michael Caine and Aaron Eckhart (quite the mouthful of actors). Christopher Nolan delivers not just a film, but a piece of comic-book history in the form of The Dark Knight. Finally, Batman has become on the screen who he is in print.

Not much more I can say. The Dark Knight takes my number one spot.

Hands down.