FILMS I HAVE SEEN IN 2008 - END OF YEAR REVIEW!
Friday, 19. December 2008, 15:02:19
Oh well we are in mid December and Four Christmases is probably the last film I will see this year! Overall I went to see 25 different films since January and some of which I saw a couple of times. I saw both the Dark Knight and Iron Man 3 times each alone!
MY TOP 10 FILMS OF 2008
NUMBER 1 - THE DARK KNIGHT
IRON MAN
CHANGLING
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
HELLBOY 2 THE GOLDEN ARMY
WALL-E
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
THE DUCHESS
QUANTUM OF SOLACE
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Film reviews:
FOUR CHRISTMASES
This was meant to be a festive comedy but I thought it went a bit serious at the end. There were a few funny moments but everyone involved could have done better.
Rating 4.3 out of 10
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Jennifer Connelly is one of my favourite actresses and I quite enjoyed this remake - the original 50's version which I watched on DVD the other day did it set a standard from sci fi as we know it today. The critics have been pretty mean to this film and it's not as bad as they make out.
Rating 8 out of 10!
CHANGELING
Changeling is the lastest film Directed and produced by legend Clint Eastwood and what a cracker this film is. Oscar winner stamped all over it and Angelina Jolie's performace is top notch and with a supporting cast which is just awsome! This is in no doubt one of my favourite films of 2008!
Changeling is a 2008 American period thriller directed by Clint Eastwood and written by J. Michael Straczynski. The film begins in 1928 Los Angeles and tells the true story of a woman who recognizes that the boy returned after her son's disappearance is an impostor. After confronting the city authorities, she is vilified as an unfit mother and branded delusional. The events were related to the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, a kidnapping and murder case that was uncovered in 1928. Changeling explores themes such as disempowerment of women and corruption in political hierarchies
I give this film a brilliant 10 out of 10!
BODY OF LIES
This is quite a good modern political thriller set in the middle east and it was quite enjoyable and DiCarprio is becoming one of my favourite actors of this era!
Body of Lies is a 2008 American spy film based on the novel of the same name by David Ignatius about a CIA operative who goes to Jordan to track a high-ranking terrorist. The film is directed by Ridley Scott, director of American Gangster and Black Hawk Down, written by William Monahan, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani and Australian actor Vince Colosimo.
Rating 8 out of 10
GHOST TOWN
I quite enjoyed this comedy with comedian Ricky Gervais which was very GHOST esque but much funner! The film had me in tears in the end as it was quite sad!
Plot: A misanthropic dentist, Bertram Pincus, (Ricky Gervais) gains the ability to communicate with ghosts after a near death experience in which he dies for seven minutes(a little bit less) during a colonoscopy and is then miraculously revived. Ghosts begin to pester him, particularly Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) who wants him to break up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni)
I will give this a respectable 7.9 out of 10!
QUANTUM OF SOLACE - BOND 22
Quantum of Solace is a really good film and much better than some of the negative reviews suggested. It certainly isn't Casino Royale which re-invented the franchise and is one of the best Bond's ever made. So this film had a lot to live up to, so does it, well to be honest it's not as great as Casino Royale but I did enjoy it and the franchise seems to be in good hands, roll on Bond 23 with the return of gagets, Q and Miss Moneypenny!
Daniel Craig is an excellent Bond and the stunts, most of which he did are really good. The film is quite short - a mere 1hour 40mins so it is quite pacey and kind of wraps up the two films story but leaves the door open for the Quantum organisation that Bond is chasing to appear again.
I would give QUANTUM OF SOLACE 9 out of 10!
THE DUCHESS
I went to see the new Kiera Knightly film "The Duchess" which turned out to be a tremendous little period film about the true life story of Georgiana. I was in tears at the end. Keira (don't call me ikea!) is superb and her best performance to date, maybe she does have a future! The sets and costumes are amazing especially the stuff set at Althrope and Devonshire house in London!
I give this a credible 8.9 out of 10!
MAMMA MIA
Where do I start with my review of this film. First of all I should add that I like what Abba did and they are one of the best pop groups in the history of music. I heard this film was awful but it's not as bad as that if you take the attitude that it is meant not to be taken too seriously. If the producers had wanted GREAT singers they would have got them, maybe the awfulness of some of the singing is part of the film's charm. Pierce Brosman who I am a big fan of (He is a former James Bond after all) is great in this film and is the star in my view, but his singing is just awful and when he sings SOS it's like the QE2 docking!!!! The songs are great and I there were a few lesser known Abba songs that make an appearance. The interesting thing about the music and that Benny and Bjorn actually got the band who did the music originally back together and they sound amazing, even if the singing is pretty damn awful!
How do I rate this film, well for what it is I'd give it a rating of 7.5 out of 10!
HELLBOY 2 - THE GOLDEN ARMY
See my full review for more details but this was an excellent film!
Rating 9.2 out of 10!
THE DARK KNIGHT
See my review but as I said, 12 out of 10! I've seen it 3 times, same as Iron Man the only two films I have seen that many times this year! Next on my list Hellboy 2 and The Mummy - the Dragon Emporer. Roll on Bond 22 and Harry Potter and the half blood prince!
WALL-E
Wow this is the best PIXAR/any CGI movie I have ever seen. Wall e is so cute and this is utter genius, some of the visuals beyond awsome and I love how they have introduced forground/background camera focussing tricks used in normal live action films into a CGI film - fantastic! What a build up to the Dark Knight great stuff oh and the soundtrack is fantastic love the Peter Gabriel song and the Michael Crawford Hello Dolly stuff! Watch the end credits they are very good!
The Greatest Animated film ever!
9 out of 10 for the film and 10 out of 10 for the Animation!
ALIGN=center]
HANCOCK
Another good performance from Will Smith. I enjoyed this film, it was an interesting twist on the superhero idea. The first half of the film is the best and after the "twist plot change" it kinda lost the plot with the introduction of...(now that would spoil it!) Basically it went all transformers with things hitting eachother.....
7 out of 10
THE HAPPENING
Wow 3 films in as many days but this was not such a good experience, this is not a great film and I recommend you wait until it comes on TV. The question is : WHO IS MAKING THE BLOODY WIND?!!!!
Basically it is a series events of people killing themselves because of some strange force in the trees and the one where the guy sets off the lawnmoer and lays down infront of it is just very very bad.
Mark Waulberg is a very good actor and is the best thing about this film.
3.5 out of 10
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Marvel's masterplan moves quickly on from Iron Man to the much anticipated and much under promoted Hulk movie. I have seen this film twice now having seen it on Saturday afternoon and Thursday night preview. I will write a more detailed review soon but I did enjoy the film, maybe it isn't as good as Iron Man but I won't hold that against it. I think the set-up looks half decent and they have left things nicely open for another Hulk or the Avenger film. The CGI has been muchly talked about!
8 out of 10
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE KRISTAL SKULL
8 out of 10
On my second visit to seeing the much hyped Indy4 film I have to admit I enjoyed it much more, maybe because my expectations had gone and I enjoyed it for what it was, a cracking adventure ride. I think Harrison Ford is great and the man who dominated 1980's blockbusters is truly back in the big time. I rate Spielberg as one of the - if not, greatest directors ever!
IRON MAN
Wow I saw this 3 times at the cinema and can't stop raving - see my proper review for more information.
9.7 out of 10!!
FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL
Enjoyed this film very much and thought Daniel Craig played the lead very well. The film has many moral and life messages and is brilliantly shot. Check out the beach scenes they look awsome.
Rating 8.5 out of 10
VANTAGE POINT
I REALLY enjoyed this film, It feels different somehow, watching the events of the Presidential shooting from different view points and you are left teased waiting to find out the bigger picture as the final revelations are fantatsic. Well acted and a good cast. I look foward to the DVD.
Rating 8 out of 10
RAMBO
Bloody violent film that owes much visually to Saving Private Ryan. Maybe this film is Morally Bankrupt but I did laugh at the scenes where Sly gunned down 200 plus bad guys.
Rating 5 out of 10
JUMPER
I quite enjoyed this film and despite the critics (including the DOC KERMODE) I think this could be a good fanchise, the visuals were amazing.
Rating 6 out of 10
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
Film of 2008 so far, Daniel Day Lewis deserved his Best Actor gong at the Oscars and visually this film is sensational and I must watch it again.
Rating 9.5 out of 10
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Stunning film and deserved Best Film gong at the Oscars. Probably my second favourite film of the year.
Rating 8.5 out of 10
SWEENY TODD
I enjoyed this film much more than I was expecting to. The music was excellent as well as the cast and Alana Rickman was in great form in this production.
Rating 7.5 out of 10
AVP 2 - REQUIEM
Nowhere near the original 4 Alien films or the first Predator film, but it was a bit of fun. HOWEVER THE ALIEN IN THE MATERNITY HOSPITAL SCENE WAS TAKING IT TOOOOO FAR!
Rating 4.5 out of 10
I AM LEGEND
Not bad but the zombie visuals are a bit weak but the empty new york sequences were impressive. WHAT WAS WITH THE BATMAN VS SUPERMAN poster?????? Will Smith was great and looking foward to the alternative ending dvd when it comes out.
MY TOP 10 FILMS OF 2008
NUMBER 1 - THE DARK KNIGHT
IRON MAN
CHANGLING
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
HELLBOY 2 THE GOLDEN ARMY
WALL-E
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
THE DUCHESS
QUANTUM OF SOLACE
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Film reviews:
FOUR CHRISTMASES
This was meant to be a festive comedy but I thought it went a bit serious at the end. There were a few funny moments but everyone involved could have done better.
Rating 4.3 out of 10
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Jennifer Connelly is one of my favourite actresses and I quite enjoyed this remake - the original 50's version which I watched on DVD the other day did it set a standard from sci fi as we know it today. The critics have been pretty mean to this film and it's not as bad as they make out.
Rating 8 out of 10!
CHANGELING
Changeling is the lastest film Directed and produced by legend Clint Eastwood and what a cracker this film is. Oscar winner stamped all over it and Angelina Jolie's performace is top notch and with a supporting cast which is just awsome! This is in no doubt one of my favourite films of 2008!
Changeling is a 2008 American period thriller directed by Clint Eastwood and written by J. Michael Straczynski. The film begins in 1928 Los Angeles and tells the true story of a woman who recognizes that the boy returned after her son's disappearance is an impostor. After confronting the city authorities, she is vilified as an unfit mother and branded delusional. The events were related to the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, a kidnapping and murder case that was uncovered in 1928. Changeling explores themes such as disempowerment of women and corruption in political hierarchies
I give this film a brilliant 10 out of 10!
BODY OF LIES
This is quite a good modern political thriller set in the middle east and it was quite enjoyable and DiCarprio is becoming one of my favourite actors of this era!
Body of Lies is a 2008 American spy film based on the novel of the same name by David Ignatius about a CIA operative who goes to Jordan to track a high-ranking terrorist. The film is directed by Ridley Scott, director of American Gangster and Black Hawk Down, written by William Monahan, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani and Australian actor Vince Colosimo.
Rating 8 out of 10
GHOST TOWN
I quite enjoyed this comedy with comedian Ricky Gervais which was very GHOST esque but much funner! The film had me in tears in the end as it was quite sad!
Plot: A misanthropic dentist, Bertram Pincus, (Ricky Gervais) gains the ability to communicate with ghosts after a near death experience in which he dies for seven minutes(a little bit less) during a colonoscopy and is then miraculously revived. Ghosts begin to pester him, particularly Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) who wants him to break up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni)
I will give this a respectable 7.9 out of 10!
QUANTUM OF SOLACE - BOND 22
Quantum of Solace is a really good film and much better than some of the negative reviews suggested. It certainly isn't Casino Royale which re-invented the franchise and is one of the best Bond's ever made. So this film had a lot to live up to, so does it, well to be honest it's not as great as Casino Royale but I did enjoy it and the franchise seems to be in good hands, roll on Bond 23 with the return of gagets, Q and Miss Moneypenny!
Daniel Craig is an excellent Bond and the stunts, most of which he did are really good. The film is quite short - a mere 1hour 40mins so it is quite pacey and kind of wraps up the two films story but leaves the door open for the Quantum organisation that Bond is chasing to appear again.
I would give QUANTUM OF SOLACE 9 out of 10!
THE DUCHESS
I went to see the new Kiera Knightly film "The Duchess" which turned out to be a tremendous little period film about the true life story of Georgiana. I was in tears at the end. Keira (don't call me ikea!) is superb and her best performance to date, maybe she does have a future! The sets and costumes are amazing especially the stuff set at Althrope and Devonshire house in London!
I give this a credible 8.9 out of 10!
MAMMA MIA
Where do I start with my review of this film. First of all I should add that I like what Abba did and they are one of the best pop groups in the history of music. I heard this film was awful but it's not as bad as that if you take the attitude that it is meant not to be taken too seriously. If the producers had wanted GREAT singers they would have got them, maybe the awfulness of some of the singing is part of the film's charm. Pierce Brosman who I am a big fan of (He is a former James Bond after all) is great in this film and is the star in my view, but his singing is just awful and when he sings SOS it's like the QE2 docking!!!! The songs are great and I there were a few lesser known Abba songs that make an appearance. The interesting thing about the music and that Benny and Bjorn actually got the band who did the music originally back together and they sound amazing, even if the singing is pretty damn awful!
How do I rate this film, well for what it is I'd give it a rating of 7.5 out of 10!
HELLBOY 2 - THE GOLDEN ARMY
See my full review for more details but this was an excellent film!
Rating 9.2 out of 10!
THE DARK KNIGHT
See my review but as I said, 12 out of 10! I've seen it 3 times, same as Iron Man the only two films I have seen that many times this year! Next on my list Hellboy 2 and The Mummy - the Dragon Emporer. Roll on Bond 22 and Harry Potter and the half blood prince!
WALL-E
Wow this is the best PIXAR/any CGI movie I have ever seen. Wall e is so cute and this is utter genius, some of the visuals beyond awsome and I love how they have introduced forground/background camera focussing tricks used in normal live action films into a CGI film - fantastic! What a build up to the Dark Knight great stuff oh and the soundtrack is fantastic love the Peter Gabriel song and the Michael Crawford Hello Dolly stuff! Watch the end credits they are very good!
The Greatest Animated film ever!
9 out of 10 for the film and 10 out of 10 for the Animation!
ALIGN=center]
HANCOCK
Another good performance from Will Smith. I enjoyed this film, it was an interesting twist on the superhero idea. The first half of the film is the best and after the "twist plot change" it kinda lost the plot with the introduction of...(now that would spoil it!) Basically it went all transformers with things hitting eachother.....
7 out of 10
THE HAPPENING
Wow 3 films in as many days but this was not such a good experience, this is not a great film and I recommend you wait until it comes on TV. The question is : WHO IS MAKING THE BLOODY WIND?!!!!
Basically it is a series events of people killing themselves because of some strange force in the trees and the one where the guy sets off the lawnmoer and lays down infront of it is just very very bad.
Mark Waulberg is a very good actor and is the best thing about this film.
3.5 out of 10
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Marvel's masterplan moves quickly on from Iron Man to the much anticipated and much under promoted Hulk movie. I have seen this film twice now having seen it on Saturday afternoon and Thursday night preview. I will write a more detailed review soon but I did enjoy the film, maybe it isn't as good as Iron Man but I won't hold that against it. I think the set-up looks half decent and they have left things nicely open for another Hulk or the Avenger film. The CGI has been muchly talked about!
8 out of 10
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE KRISTAL SKULL
8 out of 10
On my second visit to seeing the much hyped Indy4 film I have to admit I enjoyed it much more, maybe because my expectations had gone and I enjoyed it for what it was, a cracking adventure ride. I think Harrison Ford is great and the man who dominated 1980's blockbusters is truly back in the big time. I rate Spielberg as one of the - if not, greatest directors ever!
IRON MAN
Wow I saw this 3 times at the cinema and can't stop raving - see my proper review for more information.
9.7 out of 10!!
FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL
Enjoyed this film very much and thought Daniel Craig played the lead very well. The film has many moral and life messages and is brilliantly shot. Check out the beach scenes they look awsome.
Rating 8.5 out of 10
VANTAGE POINT
I REALLY enjoyed this film, It feels different somehow, watching the events of the Presidential shooting from different view points and you are left teased waiting to find out the bigger picture as the final revelations are fantatsic. Well acted and a good cast. I look foward to the DVD.
Rating 8 out of 10
RAMBO
Bloody violent film that owes much visually to Saving Private Ryan. Maybe this film is Morally Bankrupt but I did laugh at the scenes where Sly gunned down 200 plus bad guys.
Rating 5 out of 10
JUMPER
I quite enjoyed this film and despite the critics (including the DOC KERMODE) I think this could be a good fanchise, the visuals were amazing.
Rating 6 out of 10
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
Film of 2008 so far, Daniel Day Lewis deserved his Best Actor gong at the Oscars and visually this film is sensational and I must watch it again.
Rating 9.5 out of 10
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Stunning film and deserved Best Film gong at the Oscars. Probably my second favourite film of the year.
Rating 8.5 out of 10
SWEENY TODD
I enjoyed this film much more than I was expecting to. The music was excellent as well as the cast and Alana Rickman was in great form in this production.
Rating 7.5 out of 10
AVP 2 - REQUIEM
Nowhere near the original 4 Alien films or the first Predator film, but it was a bit of fun. HOWEVER THE ALIEN IN THE MATERNITY HOSPITAL SCENE WAS TAKING IT TOOOOO FAR!
Rating 4.5 out of 10
I AM LEGEND
Not bad but the zombie visuals are a bit weak but the empty new york sequences were impressive. WHAT WAS WITH THE BATMAN VS SUPERMAN poster?????? Will Smith was great and looking foward to the alternative ending dvd when it comes out.
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