Last year, I made a list of my most anticipated films of 2008. I think it’s worth going back and seeing how they turned out (and what didn’t make my list, but should have).
Prince Caspian
Once again, the Narnia installment proves to be better than the book (although that’s not quite impressive a feat as last time, as this is arguably the weakest book in the series). Critics have slammed it for deviations from the original plot, but I would argue these deviations only added to the themes of waiting on God, and seeing your own plans fail when you don’t. This took the message of the original and made it only stronger.
Wanted
Unfortunately, I still haven’t had a chance too see this one, but if the few reviews I’ve heard are correct, I should be fine waiting for Netflix. Which is unfortunate, as the trailers pumped this up to be a sort of next-gen Matrix.
The Happening
If Lady in the Water wasn’t fair warning, this film shows Shyamalan may very well have jumped the shark. In fact, this movie illustrates so clearly how good M. Night is at building up expectations, and how miserable he is at following through on them, that it actually hurt my opinion of his past films. Where I had given him grace before, I now see a glaring weakness. Shyamalan will have to pull something amazing out of his hat after this.
Indiana Jones
I hit the nail on the head with this one. Over-hyped, and couldn’t possibly live up to our memories of the originals, but this movie was still, without a doubt, a lot of fun to watch.
The Dark Knight
I did not see this one coming. I tend to ignore the hype for this sort of film, with the months leading up to release being riddled with headlines and leaked “spoiler” photos of makeup, costumes, etc. But this one blew me away. I almost feel like I’m selling out to say it, but this could have been the best movie of 2008.
Get Smart
Hard to say what I expected, but this one was fun, and I’m glad I saw it. But I’m also glad I waited until DVD, too.
Hancock
Another solid film by Will Smith, though sadly I have nothing extraordinary to add beyond that.
Pathology
Waste. Of. Time. Not to mention riddled with gratuitous sex and gore.
Defiance
Only just made it to theaters. I’m hoping to catch it soon.
These last three films weren’t on my list last year for one reason or another, but definitely deserve mention:
Quantum of Solace
Orson Scott Card, I normally agree 100% with your movie reviews, but you absolutely bombed this one. At least you admitted to not watching the first film. So of course this one won’t make sense, considering the plot entirely surrounds that of the first film, and picks up mere minutes after Casino Royalle left off. Beautifully done film; very strong, especially if it is placed as the second film in a trilogy; this makes my Top 3.
Kung Fu Panda
Courtney and I checked this one out on a whim. Very fun film, probably worth owning. I was definitely surprised as all the stars names rolled in the credits. Jack Black? Jackie Chan? Angelina Jolie? What? I just didn’t expect that (shows how little I pay attention to ads, I guess).
Iron Man
The final film in my Top 3, making this an all out action year for me. The ads looked okay, and I honestly didn’t believe a lot of the hype after it was released, but I just. kept. hearing it. So when it showed up at the Bagdad I couldn’t resist. I’m excited (though tentative) about the sequel.
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