It took Robert to make me realize I liked Tony Stark. |
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I've heard many a filmmaker say (in varying wording) that there is no foolproof recipe to making a blockbuster or every movie would be one. So many movies that seem like winners in concept are losers, and vice versa. This past year was not the most extraordinary for films, bad or good, but it had its fair share of hits and misses. This week I'll share, with limited commentary, my lists of hits, misses, and some notable items from my queue that will help me get through the next few snowy Wisconsin months. And as always, I welcome all comments and selections that you think I should pop on my queue.
HITS
THE DARK KNIGHT
Well, duh.
WALL-E
See my previous column for elaboration on why I adored this move so much.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
I think my second-favorite movie of 2008 (after everyone's favorite, THE DARK KNIGHT). It was beautiful-- startling, warm, perfect casting and a killer soundtrack: more than the sum of its parts (but each part was spectacular. Truly a remarkable film). Yes, it was rated R, but parents, take your tweeners and teens to see this amazing story. Check out my friend Justin's take on it.
IRON MAN
Best action movie ever. Funny, well edited, fun. One of the best movies (of 
Yeah, well, I'll bet she had an awkward phase, just like anyone. |
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any genre) from 2008. Hugh Jackman is sexiest man? Really, People? Clearly, it's Robert Downey, Jr.
TROPIC THUNDER
We're watching this as I write. I'm a little grossed out, but laughing nonetheless.
KUNG-FU PANDA
I've been skeptical, but my friend Amy liked this. I trust her so you should, too. Plus, David Cross does voice work.
SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE
Yes, much of this was silly, predictable, trite, but it was what it was and it was good at it.
MISSES
WANTED
I have very little to say about this, since I knew better than to see it. But oh, did I have some friends lamenting that they wasted time they'd never get back.
THE HAPPENING
I have very little to say about this, since I knew better than to see it.
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS
I have very little to say about this, since I knew better than to see it. But my friends (with kids) who saw it were more than a bit disappointed.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN
Just see THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE and leave it at that.
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
Anne Hathaway was amazing. But when my friend Amy and I walked out of the theater, I told her I had just two words: "Emotional pornography." And she agreed.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
It hurts my soul to put an Ed Norton movie on a miss list, but it was just so darn 
Darlene had the best clothes. |
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disappointing! The CGI stuff was annoying, and Liv Tyler (although I do adore her as a general rule) as Betty Ross? Please. And it didn't help that the movie I had seen most recently before this was IRON MAN.
ON THE QUEUE
These are the ones I let slip in 2008 but will see (either at home or in the theater). I am embarrassed and saddened by the length of this list. I guess that's what happens when you have two jobs and a generally lazy disposition. Something's got to suffer.
STEP BROTHERS
I think I missed this in the theater because I couldn't find anyone to go with me. The BF was willing to watch WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY with me, though, so I know he's not anti-John C. Reilly. I suspect it might be that WALK HARD had Jenna Fischer looking hot and not all frumped up as we are used to seeing her as Pam Beesley.
BURN AFTER READING
I know for sure why I missed this: because we had tix to see an advance screening, and the BF and some friends went, but I had to teach that night. So it's on the queue.
SECRET LIFE OF BEES
As we both enjoyed the book, Amy and I almost saw this instead of RACHEL GETTING MARRIED. Oh, how I wish we would have.
IN BRUGES
Have heard only good things. There is no excuse for not having seen this yet.
RELIGULOUS
Have I mentioned I'm a fan of docutainment?
Yeah, I bought the issue. How could I not? |
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THE VISITOR
Thomas McCarthy (as an actor, perhaps best known as the skeasy reporter from The Wire) captures loneliness so poignantly. (He also directed THE STATION AGENT from 2003).
BABY MAMA
It's a film not intended to change the world, alright, but I really like Tina Fey and Maura Tierney.
SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2
Why didn't the BF wanna see this with me? I just don't get it.
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
It's not Woody Allen's best film title, but it has Javier Bardem with a decent haircut.
I guess that just about rounds out the lists for 2008. I'll be in California with the lovely and insightful Dr. Karma (my writing partner and best friend) in Davis and San Francisco for MLA and hopefully to see Patton Oswalt perform, and then I'm off to Los Angeles to ring in the new year with Justin and Kathy (my other lovely and insightful BFF). I invite you all to check out my new blog, Geek Magnet. There's not much there yet, but it features my musings on other elements of pop culture, teaching, writing, and life in general.
I hope each of my loyal readers has a lovely holiday season and a joyful and toasty 2009.
xxoo
-du
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Every other Sunday
Semi-wholesome Midwestern girl and certified Geek Magnet offers her suggestions - often new, sometimes classic - for DVDs that are definitely queue-worthy.
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