Best of 2008 So Far

Here follows my favourite films of the year so far.  I’ve also listed my original score and linked the original reviews, but it’s the order listed that matters here.

1. No Country For Old Men 10/10
I’ve watched this a couple of times now and I’m not prepared to say it’s anything less than fantastic.  Read the review for the full details.

2. Son of Rambow 9/10
I’m eagerly awaiting next month’s DVD release so I can see this again but it sticks firmly in my mind as a brilliant vignette of 80’s childhood nostalgia in only the good ways.

3. Once 9/10
A musical with great music and real soul, a rare beast indeed.

4. I’m Not There 8/10
It’s a more cerebral than emotive capturing of Dylan but an interesting one none the less.

5. In Bruge 8/10
Black comedy at it’s best, even bigoted hitmen have souls.

6. Wall:E 8/10
I’m trying not to get swept up by this and stick it even higher in the list but it’s a nimble, skillful dig at everything that makes Disney its money and manages to do it with more sentiment than 100 Sleeping Beauty 2s.

7. In To The Wild 9/10
The thinking man’s Robinson Crusoe, if it makes you think too much maybe your employer should be worrying about your retention prospects.

8. Persepolis 8.5/10
As beautiful and touching as you could ever expect a history lesson to be.

9. King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters 9/10
An honest documentary masterpiece.  Gamesmanship, drive, ambition, and a bad guy, all the things a good sports film needs applied to Donkey Kong.

10. Shoot ‘em Up 8/10
Stupidity incarnate but all in good spirits.

The not quite good enoughs:
2 Days in Paris 8/10
I’m a Cyborg But That’s OK 8/10
Juno 7.5/10
There Will Be Blood
Chocolate 7/10
El Orfanato 7/10