by Chrissy Larson
. . . not who I thought it should.
I must say, I was sorely disappointed as I watched the 81st Annual Academy Awards. Walking down the "Red Carpet" we saw every "who's who" in Hollywood.
With a background in tailoring and dressmaking, I can't help but admire the gowns. To me, the fit of the dress and the model who wears it are just as important as casting is in a motion picture. Kate Winslet definitely got my vote in her beautiful Yves Saint Laurent gown.
The program went downhill from there.
In a nutshell, there were many good films whose names were never even mentioned. As the nominees were read, one could almost guess which film would be picked, based on the "message" that Hollywood wanted us to hear. Overall, the themes of those nominated where a far cry from what I considered appropriate.
As usual, I went away hoping for more out of an industry that is so powerful. Motion pictures are truly an art form I appreciate. Hollywood and all it's trappings, on the other hand, remain high on my prayer list.
Short, sweet and opinionated, I move on to the Question of the Week:
What movie of 2008 would you consider to be your top pick and why?
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28 comments:
Well I would have to say I really enjoyed Inkheart. This movie was fun to watch because there was suspense in it and the movie seemed to stay on track with it's story. I enjoy movies that you can understand what is happening.
The best movie of 2008 that I've seen has to be "Wall-e". The two main characters, robots Wall-e and Eve, have only two basic lines in the movie (their names) but manage to say more than most human characters. Besides the unspoken diologue, the movie has an creative plot that's a bit of a satire on today's society.
well i saw many and i liked alot of them, but i guess i would have to say "The Dark Knight" even though it was long i really liked it. i thought Heath Ledger did a greta job playing the joker even though his movie making days are over =[. the producers did a great job on this movie
Amy,
I also enjoyed the plot of Inkheart and thought it was very creative. I came away from that movie thinking about the power of the spoken word. We have the ability, through our words, to move mountains! God set the standard when He said, "Let there be . . . " and there was!!!
Daniel,
Your favorite (WALL-E) was nominated for Music (Song), Music (Score), Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Writing (Original Screenplay) and Animated Feature Film, for which it won the Oscar. A very "clean" story, excluding the trash heap of a world he was in, I agree it was a bit of a satire. Personally, although I liked the movie as a whole, I felt it had a bit of propaganda about global warming tucked away in the core. Just my take.
"The Dark Knight" has my vote.
The characters were incredible. Sure Christian Bale's Batman had a bad case of throat cancer, but Heath Ledger's Joker made up for that fact. He was easily one of the best Jokers ever. However, I still believe Mark Hamill makes a better Joker.(That's right. Luke Skywalker is the Joker' voice.) Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent was another great addition to the cast. He delivered THE best Two-Face I have ever seen. When I stated "It's not about what I want, it's about what's fair!" I could feel the anger in his voice. I think that all the major characters should have won Oscars for their performance.
The music was amazing. At times you would hear a full score of instruments and others, simply silence with a high pitched noise screaming through your skull.
The special effects were top notch. From the Police escort scene with the Joker firing rockets, and Batman taking driving through debris and flame. To the Hostage scene, where Batman has to fight the SWAT team, and Joker's goons all while using a sonar based vision.
This movie deserved all the hype and attention it got. Honestly the best movie I own, With the expect ion of the Star Wars Saga.
My favorite movie of 2008 probably had to be "The Dark Night" I'm agreeing with Matt. The action in the movie was great and I thought that Heath Ledger did an excellent job at playing the Joker. It's sad that he got addicted to a pill.
Matt,
Heath Ledger was respectfully honored among his pears when his father, mother and sister accepted his Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role on his behalf. It was a touching moment as everyone expressed their emotion over the loss this talented actor. Although the circumstances of his death were said to be accidental, his life was abbreviated just the same.
The picture was also nominated for Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Make Up, and Visual Effects.
I thought the title was appropriate . . . although it could've been named, "The Dark Nights."
Kyle,
I agree with you totally. Each element of this movie was done with incredible talent, skill, and forethought. It was intentionally executed and should have won more than just one category.
Not everyone savors the plot of this film, as dark a picture as it was, but I must honestly say, to bring a comic strip hero to life, along with pleasing several audience expectations (everyone from previous Batman silver screen fanatics, both the recent and the cheesy past versions, to those of us who grew up watching the "Pow"-"Bam" versions) was quite a fete.
My sad story - we had tickets to see it in the IMAX at World Golf Village. After about 20 minutes into the movie, the power went out and they told us it would take 24 hours for the computer to reset the audio with the video. Everyone was in disbelief. We drove to a theater in Jacksonville, only to find a movie that had already started. When we sat down , it was just about to the place where we left off:)
Josh,
So true . . . addictions, if not reversed, have very adverse, oftentimes terminal effects. I think his death sent a shock wave through Hollywood and beyond.
My top pick from 2008 is "Fireproof," which I am sure did not win any awards because it did not come out of Hollywood. The gospel is clearly presented in this very poignant, very unapologetically Christian film about saving a marriage through unconditional love. Hollywood could learn a lesson or two.
My favorite would be "The Dark Knight" it was exciting well keep you on the edge of your seat. It also had a very good plot you can't find very many movies like that these days.
I'm gonna have to say I agree with Daniel, "Wall-e" had to of been my favorate. Wall-e and Eve were so cute, and the idea of the movie was cute too. I loved the character Mo, he was ADORABLE.
The whole movie's story was really actully a good message. Most animated movies now-a-days are so retarded, and all I do when I watch them is think why on earth am I watching this. But "Wall-e" was a worth-while movie!
For some weird reason the whole movie reminded me of "Finding Nemo" (personally I LOVE Finding Nemo) The stories were similar in a lot of ways..which is kind of weird! I say they are similar because in both movies, the main characters didn't give up even when it seemed like no hope. Also the "personality" of Wall-e reminded me so much of Nemo, hard to explain why but it does.
Anyways, I loved the movie "Wall-e". :)
The best movie of 2008 in my opinion would be "The Dark Knight". I'm not just following the crowd,I really do think that this movie was incredible. I really enjoyed the special effects and all of the actors were great. (It wasn't the greatest actor for Batman, but the movie was still great) Heath Ledger did great as the Joker. I could watch this movie over and over again.
Mrs. Brooke,
AMEN! Truly one of the finest movies of the year. I am very proud of this production company and pray that God would bless and prosper them. Funny how Hollywood and all the critics were so stumped by its success. We know the secret behind that!!!
Dallas,
Another vote for, "The Dark Knight!" Fictional movies like this with a clear good guy/bad guy element often are underrated because the characters are not real. But the fun thing about fiction is that the writer gets to control his behavior. I'm glad our Hero is real.
Alyssa,
You are right about most animated movies these days. I dread it when a stupid movie comes out and my kids beg to see it. It's so hard to justify spending the admission/refreshment money on such a waste of time and energy.
Shay,
Heath was fabulous at portraying such a sinister character. (Not that I condone this role or his actions, but for the sake of the plot.) The TV show NEVER portrayed the Joker with such an evil streak, nor did Jack Nicholson's version ever come across as serious as the present one. Nicholson's role included exactly what his name implied . . . Joker, along with regular doses of humor.
I'm going to say "The Dark Night". That movie was... indescribable. I loved the dark essence which was portrayed in the movie, and I loved the take off it had from "Batman Begins", which was done a few years before. The Joker was most likely the best villain I've ever seen in a movie.
The Dark Knight(Mostly because I'm a Heath Ledger fanatic) and Madagascar 2 were some of my favorites this past year, The Dark Knight for the obvious, and Madagascar 2 for the sheer cuteness of it, and I really liked the graphics of it. :] Inkheart was wonderful for a movie, but I was sad that it didn't follow the book. I can't really think of any other movies that came out in 2008 that I liked, but I'm sure there were more.
Alaina
Im not sure wich movie was the best of 2008, but I really enjoyed Pineapple Express. It was not the best made movie but it was really funny.- Hunter Rice
I'm very very sad to say that I actually didn't get to see "The Dark Knight" this year. I wanted to see it SOOOOO badly after watching "Batman Begins"...ARGH!
However, the first movie that came to my mind when you wrote this blog was "Fireproof." I'm not married or anything :P but the message was definitely right on, staying consistent with Scripture.
Even more amazing, this film was created by a church, yet it seemed quite professional! Though sometimes you could tell a few of the actors were not experienced, most of them played their part quite naturally.
Specifically, the scene that would have won an award in my book ;) would have to be when Caleb got saved. This scene was portrayed in a way that just reaches out to the audience, cutting to the heart. I'm sure Hollywood was in complete disgust...
Anyways, God definitely used that movie for His glory, despite the fact that Hollywood was not very pleased!
I would definitely not say WALL-E. I watched that movie and it seemed to drag on and on. It was really dull and boring. I am a person who likes comedy when it remains appropriate. I would definitely have to say Paul Blart-Mall Cop as my favorite comedy.
Nathan,
I agree. If a movie is going to have the word, "dark" in the title, it better be dark and this picture was. Personally, I enjoy brighter pictures but had an appreciation for the story, acting, make-up and direction.
Alaina,
As far as "The Dark Knight," I have made several comments already.
When my daughter Joanna came home, she offered to take Garrett and Lily to any movie they wanted and they chose Madagascar 2, even though they had already seen it. I guess that says something about how good it was. I will need to see it.
Thanks Hunter . . . for several reasons,
First, I didn't have to find something new to say about "The Dark Knight."
Second, for giving me a suggestion next time I am standing at Blockbuster, or the Red Box, wondering which movie I should rent. Is it kid-friendly? Sounds funny.
Thanks!
Ahh, Yes!
Fireproof! Truly an excellent choice.
I rented the movie around Valentines Day as a gift to my entire family to watch. Then, along with one funny card as well as one gushy card for my husband, I purchased, "The love dare" book that is featured in the movie for my husband and I to put into practice.
He is starting at the beginning and I am starting at the end. we hope to "meet in the middle."
Demitri,
I heard that "Paul Blart-Mall Cop" was very good. The person who told me this said they did not expect it to be as entertaining as it was.
I look forward to seeing or renting this one.
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