Films of 2008

Films that I've seen and other notable outings in 2008.

Jumper
Definitely not a bio-pic about Bill Cosby, this was an original and interesting idea that never really realised its full potential. The first act was interesting, the second action packed, but the third was a disappointment.

21
Another interesting film based on a true story. I was expecting much more from the film than it actually delivered (I think I was confusing it with another similar film) but again the picture shines in the second act but fails to find a satisfying conclusion.

The Eye
A novel and compelling pseudo-horror flick, Jessica Alba is not the strongest performer but does well with a movie that only slightly over-uses the CGI effects. Unusually, I actually found this one to be quite engaging and despite the normal need to make you jump out of your seat at least 3 times, the effect is somewhat harrowing. The ending is strong, if predictable. A surprisingly enjoyable film.

Hancock
A surprisingly thoughtful and insightful summer blockbuster laden with masses of effects. Review here.

Indiana Jones
Just like the X-Files movie, this was a poorly timed release on a franchise that everyone has lost interest in. In this case a strange schizophrenic movie which was wonderfully entertaining at best and woefully ill concieved at worst. Review.

Iron Man
Finally, a well paced, enjoyable action film with a good plot, marginally interesting characters, drama and tension. All the premises the film is based on are complete nonsense, but that doesn't stop it just being great fun. Review.

Dark Knight
It was going to be tough to get this franchise back on track after some lacklustre offerings and dubious casting choices. Dark Knight had a lot to do and it did at least some of it well. It looks wonderful and has some memorable performances and fantastic moments but just does hang together as a coherent film. It does, however, have plenty of explosions. Review.

The Day The Earth Stood Still
Apart from the obvious fact that it didn't, this is like watching a show reel for some new special effects with a vague story trying to hold them together. I loved the first act, how well paced and mysterious it was, but wish I'd just left after that. Disappointing that none of the characters (other than Klaatu) was at all engaging and that the story was very mundane. Review.

Wanted
This really is a comic brought to the big screen, complete with all its omissions and flaws. Enjoyable enough, but not nearly enough to warrent the money that was spent realising it. Review.

Those I've not seen
The main film I didn't see for very deliberate reasons was Cloverfield. The teaser trailers were great, but I felt it was going to be another Blair Witch Project which leant a little to an innovative idea and a lot to shaking the camera around a lot. Another one for me to miss was Harry Potter, I've never been a great fan of the films and I feel they get worse as time goes on.

On a more positive note, There Will Be Blood looked interesting - especially since I got a lot out of Syriana. Burn After Reading was a movie I was all set to see, but somehow failed to, as was HellBoy II. The original Hellboy was a surprise to me, in that I enjoyed it so much. I was also going to see Prince Caspian, since I liked the first Wardrobe picture, although I hope they are more careful with their use of effects.

Be Kind, Rewind, looked like fun, and I hope to see that on-demand or on DVD soon and I will probably also see Mamma Mia. I resisted since I saw the stage show and wasn't sure about the casting in the film, but I've been informed it worked very well (I did enjoy both versions of Chicago, so who knows?). Quantum of Solace was a possible movie for the holiday period, but I tend to think of all Bond films as the same, so I'm quite happy to wait for a TV viewing.

Finally, the Time Travellers Wife was a film I heard little about. I loved the book (yes, I know it's a chick-book) and so wanted to see what they'd do with the film. Another one for the small screen, I think.