Top 20 Movies Of 2008
#21
Pineapple Express
Stoner comedies can usually go either way, lucky for us this one ended up being great. Seth Rogen plays Seth Rogen yet again, except this time he hits the pipe harder than usual. James Franco gives his breakout performance as Seth's hilarious drug dealer. The plot is a little out there, but the movie is a good time.
Breakout Star: James Franco
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#20
My Blueberry Nights
Who knew Norah Jones could act? She can, in fact, I may prefer her acting to her music. This stirring little ensemble drama really worked. It was artfully done with a good enough story to keep me hooked. It follows Norah Jones' character Elizabeth as she travels across the country just to find herself. In the end she realizes her true love was for a cafe owner in NYC (Jude Law). The word
cute fits this movie well.
Breakout Star: Norah Jones
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#19
The Life Before Her Eyes
Possibly one of the most gorgeously shot movies I've ever seen. Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood star in this character drama. The movie centers around Diana, who in the past was involved in a school shooting that forever changed her life. Evan Rachel Wood plays the younger version. The older version is played by Uma Thurman, who plays the unhinged housewife beautifully. Nothing is what it seems as this film goes from past to present, dream to reality. The thrilling end twist was wonderfully done. A beautiful movie.
Breakout Star: Evan Rachel Wood
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#18
The Ruins
Easily the year's most brutal horror film. A group of American tourists get caught up at an ancient Mayan ruin, and find themselves trapped by the natives. Turns out this ruin is pretty ****ed up, killer plants kind of ****ed up, and some brutal things start to happen. Jena Malone and Jonathon Tucker are both great as the leads. However, the breakout performer has to be Laura Ramsey. She really gives it her all as her character slowly loses her mind. This movie is vicious and is more of a study of human nature rather than the murderous plants.
Breakout Star: Laura Ramsey
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#17
Iron Man
This was the first superhero movie I saw this year, and what a sign of things to come! Iron Man ended up being all kinds of fun with the most charismatic lead hero in years. Robert Downey Jr. is funny, dramatic, and badass all at the same time. More than we can say about, oh I don't know, Tobey McGuire? Robert was fantastic. Gweneth was fine as Pepper, a good role for her since she's pretty much disappeared lately. The story was strong and the action was great.
Breakout Star: Robert Downey Jr.