I will stress that these are MY favorites movies of the year not necessarily the best movies of the year. The "Oscar Buzz" movies have generally not come
into theaters yet this year so my opinions may change as I am able to see some of those movies. I now present to you my gratuitous Top 10 Movies of 2008:
1. The Dark Knight

A beautifully complex screenplay that included rich
characters, intense action scenes, and themes about the human condition. Does that sound like a comic book movie? Nope, but thats how good the Dark Knight
is. Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker was disturbing and brilliant to say the least. In fact, the Joker and Harvey Dent (Two Face) were so central to the
story that Batman felt like a third wheel, but that only made the movie that much greater!
2. WALL-E

The cinematography was the best I have ever seen for an animated
movie. It was poignant, emotional, and hilarious all rolled into one. The lack of dialog did not detract from the film at all. The characters actions
conveyed all the communication necessary to create this great movie!
3. Iron Man

Iron Man is simply one of the best comic book movies I've ever
seen. I walked into the theater extremely pumped up about this movie and I walked out still extremely pumped up! Robert Downey Jr. is a great actor, but now
he is a star.
4. Kung Fu Panda

The action sequences alone are worth the price of
admission. Jack Black, in a toned-down role, was the perfect sarcastic voice for Po the Panda. Dreamworks took two steps closer to Pixar's story telling
ability.
5. In Bruges

The scenery of Bruges was beautiful even if Colin Farrel
complained about it the entier movie. This movie is a lot more complex and dark that you might think at first glance. You get a glimpse into the mind of
Hitmen with a conscience.
6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

At its core, this is a love story that spans an entire
life, but blossoms in the middle of both lives of the two main characters. I've seen the characters, especially Benjamin, called "cold and distant", but I
think that makes the audience empathize with Benjamin in his unique, limited, and somewhat bleak future. A visually beautiful movie that will get lots of
attention during awards season if for nothing else, its great special effect work.
7. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Heartfelt, awkward, and hilarious! It also
includes some a great puppet Dracula music number. The movie is bookended by some suprising nudity (of the male persuasion) so be warned.
8. Quantum of Solace

No, it is not as good as Casino Royale. Yes, it is the perfect
compliment to Casino Royale. The previous movie was lacking in action which is something QoS will never be accused of. I had fun watching bullets, cars, and
people fly by the screen while Daniel Craig continues to be the best Bond ever.
9. Son of Rambow

A charming british tale about two boys who become friends
when they bond over making their own version of Rambo. Plain and simple, the movie made me smile. The kid actors were cast to perfection. They had so much
charisma and emotion that made this movie great.
10. Role Models

In the Apatow mold, this movie finally lets Paul Rudd carry
a movie. I think he did well. The sarcasm and crudeness were blended perfectly so that the movie still has some heart left to it. The heavy dose of KISS
music doesn't hurt either.
Just Missed (Honorable Mention): Get Smart, Tropic Thunder, Traitor, Bolt, Definitely,Maybe
Yet To See: Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, Gran Torino, Frost/Nixon, Che, Blindness, The Wackness, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Synecdoche New York,
Milk, Revolutionary Road, Happy-Go-Lucky