Top Movies of 2008

If 2007 measured the somber state of the nation, then 2008 certainly matched the country's optimism. Inspirational movies such as "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Milk" gave people a reason to hope and dream for a better day. Although not all movies were not filled with joy, the films this year were uplifting in a revelatory sort of way. Whether it was a man walking on a wire or trying to sort out differences before a big day, these movies are reflective but not at the expense of the film's exuberance. With this in mind, I tried to create my own list of my favorite films which, by the way, may not the best films, but these are the ones who touched me the most. 10. "The Visitor": Thomas McCarthy may be best known for appearing in "The Wire", but many may not know that he wrote and directed one of the year's best films. In this, McCarthy tells the story of immigrants who, through odd circumstances, befriend a Connecticut professor, played by Richard Jenkins, who is dragging along through life. The three interact quite well with each other and in the process, reveal worlds that they knew nothing of. Despite the trouble the relationship faces, they learn from each other and learn to see past their differences. "The Visitor" shows the love that can happen when two cultures meet and the way that we can help each other in ways that we never thought possible. 9. "Let the Right One In": Unfortunately, this was not the most popular vampire movie of the year because it is the only one that truly matters. Director Tomas Alfredson based his film off the 2004 novel by John Lindvquis and its results were quite intriguing. What seemingly starts out as a dark horror film soon turns into a romantic love story and an odd one at that. Yet, the mystery of the whole story is what gives it is value as a unique and compassionate movie, which for the struggling horror genre, is a welcoming gift. 8."The Dark Knight": The year's highest grossing film showed us what a summer blockbuster should be. The usual explosions and high flying action movies simply do not cut it and "The Dark Knight" never fell into this trap. Each of the returning characters were solid while Heath Ledger obviously stole the show, and everyone knows I am not going out on a limb here. While "The Dark Knight" would have been solid, Heath Ledger made this movie excellent or to put it another way, he made this movie work. Christopher Nolan's artistic twist to the summer blockbuster genre will hopefully become a model for any new directory looking to add something to the genre. As for Ledger, it was a triumphant ending to a brilliant career that sadly, had so much more to offer. 7. "Milk": When an excellent cast meets a great script and director, this is the result. Gus Van Sant's story of the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California is a commentary of not only the way we see the power of the people, it is an insight to the way in which seemingly small people can make a huge difference. Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, James Brolin, and James Franco all shine brightly in highlighting the life of Harvey Milk from political activitst to politician. Gus Van Sant takes you into the life of Harvey Milk and shows you his impact through powerful stock footage that is sure to make the you celebrate the life of Harvey Milk. 6."Slumdog Millionaire": Perhaps the most vibrant movie of the year is also one of the year's best. Thanks to A.R Rahman's score and through Danny Boyle's magnificent directing, we see the slums of India in the eyes of two boys who have faced a life that is nothing short of amazing. From start to finish, this film does what few films have accomplished, or even tried, and that is to make a powerful love story from a movie whose soul is pure, pulsating energy. By the time the credits roll, all one can really say is "Wow", not simply because it was a great film, but because it managed to capture so many themes in such a way that is nothing short of dazzling. To call this movie a love story or an action movie would be far off the mark, it is something in between and far beyond those descriptions; "Slumdog Millionaire" is a film that should be treasured and rewarded when the Oscars come around. 5."Che": How this film did not get ANY Oscar nominations in simply beyond me. The 257 minute movie could not have been any more intriguing. This film is made for everyone, whether you are a follower, opposer, or just wear the shirt of the revolutionary hero. Despite some opinions, this film does not glorify Che, it only shows the man for who he was: a passionate, yet controversial war figure. His life was one of the most interesting out of any other man in the 20th century and this film shows why. Directory Steven Soderbergh spent almost a whole decade making the film while Benicio Del Toro gives his greatest performance as an actor (Best Actor-Cannes Film Festival) yet neither were nominated. The last time these two hooked up ("Traffic"), they were showered with Oscars. Perhaps the content or length was an issue for its limited release and praise, but please do not make the same mistake the Academy did in ignoring this film, it is more than worth the time. 4. "Man on Wire": Perhaps tight roping across the Twin Towers may seem a bit odd or crazy to you. But for Philippe Petit, it was his life and passion. Seldom do these two things get thrown together, but when they do it is beautiful to see. James Marsh's tale of Philippe Petit covers every little detail that occured before, during, and after the famous incident of 1974. Through first hand interviews, the audience truly sees the remarkable resilience and love Petit and his friends had for accomplishing their goal. They did not do this for notoriety or fame, but rather because it was what they felt passionate for. For Petit and company, there was simply no other way to live life. 3. "Rachel Getting Married": When one gets out of rehab, loved ones are there to comfort and console that person to get back on the road to recovery. Yet, what happens when those loved ones are busy trying to set up their other daughter's wedding? That answer is revealed in "Rachel Getting Married" which is a landmark film for Anne Hathaway who plays Kym, a recovering drug abuser who comes home just in time for her sister's wedding. In trying to pave the way for the future, the family cannot help but remember the past and in trying to focus on Rachel (Rosemary DeWitt), the family cannot forget about Kym whose abuse has brought about a great deal of hurt in the family. In this struggle, the family attempts to heal their wounds and tries to move forward as best as possible. This isn't always easy and Jonathan Demme's direction brings that to the forefront as his hand-held camera work make the audience feel as if they are a guest to one of the most rambunctious weddings you may ever see. 2."Wall-E": Pixar simply knows how to make classics. A year after their tale of a rat chief in Paris, the guys at Pixar were at it again and well, just as good as before. Set in the distant (or maybe near) future, Earth is void of all living humans because of the damage humans have bestowed on it. In the midst of this chaos, two robots try to find what is good in the universe: love. Through strong social commentary, the film takes you to space and back, and throughout the journey Wall-E shows that sometimes the hardships of the world make it hard for two to love. But, even in the face of the gravest dangers, two power love can transcend all barriers. Andrew Stanton's film suggests that maybe we can learn some things from these two robots. 1. "The Wrestler": This movie was hard to top in 2008. The story of a aging, yet determined wrestler not quite ready to relinquish his career even in the face of deteriorating health struck a chord in many viewers. Randy "the Ram" Robinson had many obstacles in his life, but , for better or worse, found the most comfort in wrestling. Not only was it one of the few films to seriously take a look into the world of wrestling, it was also a remarkable comeback by Mickey Rourke. Director Darren Aronofsky's ("Requiem for a Dream") depiction of the life of a confused and desperate man is enthralling; his direction along with brilliant performances make each character so memorizing. Mixed in with an excellent screenplay and a top notch soundtrack, this film should be remembered for a long time to come.

Top Albums of 2008

Okay, so it is February, but I have just listened to every album in 2008 that I care to listen to. I know you may be so tired of these lists, but figured I would put in my two cents into the discussion. I mean either you get the "hipster" answers of Pitchfork Media, which is a very good site nonetheless, or you get popular artists by Rolling Stone, again this is a classic magazine and I get pretty much all my information from these two. However, I refuse to be a zombie to these publications and I would like to have my own opinion, while taking those artists into consideration as well. So, without further ado, here is my list: 10. Vampire Weekend-Vampire Weekend: Despite their appearance as prep rockers, these Columbia students know how to make good music. They mix in African style beats with their prep style and infuse a college-like atmosphere that is apparent on tracks such as "Campus." However, the standout track is "M79" which features violins which could make it seem that you are at an elegant tea party and not just listening to a rock record. Yet, Vampire Weekend spice things up with theiir most popular track "A-Punk." The track,"The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" provide a powerful social commentary and also concludes this solid album. 9. Raconteurs- Consolers of the Lonely: Jack White's side band (that he doesn't want to be called a side a band) released its 2nd album this past year and it is nothing if not a high powered rock album. From "Many Shades of Black" to "Old Enough" to "The Switch and the Spur", this album is all over the place and this precisely what I like about it. One minute, I'm rocking out to "Salute Your Solution", then next I'm groovin' to "You Don't Understand Me." The messages behind each song is different, but yet they all blend together nicely . Having one of the best guitarists of today's era doesn't hurt their cause either. 8. Hercules and Love Affair-Hercules and Love Affair: It is nothing short of amazing of how this band got together. DJ Andy Butler somehow lured in talented artists: Nomi Ruiz and Antony Hegarty. If you are unfamiliar with Antony Hegarty, please check out Antony and the Johnsons and then compare their music with HALA; you will soon realize that these two have little in common. However, this is precisely what makes this band great. Their blend of upbeat music produced by DJ Andy (he has been writing songs since his childhood) mixed with the soft voice of Antony Hegarty and the seductive voice of Nomi Ruiz makes hits such as "Blind" and "Raise Me Up" good music for the dance club or the living room. 7.Hot Chip-Made In The Dark: Perhaps the most underrated album of the year. From start to finish, these British rockers send you on a emotional roller coaster through desparation, love, and good times. The fact that this album may or may not match up with their previous work, The Warning, is irrelevant when this band releases scorchers such as "One Pure Thought" and "Ready For the Floor." Whether you are in the mood for a dance record or just need a moment to clear your head, this album provides the best of both worlds while not pushing too far in either direction and its result: a excellent album. 6. Deerhunter- Microcastle: Georgia isn't really known for producing psychedlic bands, but after listening to this albums, you might wonder why not? From the start of this album, you can see that while Bradford Cox may have an ambient style, he can also crank out electronic noise as is evident in the last minute of "Nothing Ever Happened" which is, by the way, the best song on the album. But, to listen to each song in itself would be a mistake. This album deserves to be played in its entirety and only then will you observe its continuity and brilliance. 5. Fleet Foxes-Fleet Foxes: Vocalist Robin Pecknold may just have the most recognizable voice in music today. Pecknold describes their songs as being pop songs, but I disagree. They put together classic baroque tracks which deserve to classified with the best of baroque artists. Yet, they are also folk and this can be seen on tracks such as, "He Doesn't Know Why" and "Your Protector." It seems like it has been a long while since a folk and/or baroque band has had this much praise, but these guys certainly deserve it. 4.Beck-Modern Guilt: When producer DJ Danger Mouse of Gnarles Barkley signed on to produce this album, most people knew that it would add a different dimension to Beck's style. But, I don't know if anyone expected this. Beck infuses 60s style psychedelia while a modern flavor to make tracks such as "Youthless" and the classic song "Gamma Ray." The go-go style of the album mixed in with the ambient nature and social commentary ("with these icecaps melting down"), makes this one of the best albums of the year and of Beck's career. 3. TV on the Radio- Dear Science: Tunde Adembimpe (lead vocalist) and David Andrew Sitek (producer), along with the other 4 members created their best work yet. The group strayed from their previous album, Return to Cookie Mountain, by making a more up-beat dance oriented album. "Dancing Choose" and "Golden Age" have high tempo but don't suffer from lack of lyrics" ("the decisions are underwritten from the cash in his hand...Now I'm no mad man, but that's insanity") But, don't think that this is solely for the dance floor, songs like "Family Tree" and "Love Dog" are slow, yet powerful songs that allow the listener to resonate deep into thought. 2.Cut Copy- Ghost Colours: Upon listening to this album for the first time, I sensed an air of cheesy lyrics while typical electronic beat. Please don't make the same mistake I did. This album is so much more than that and I soon realized this once I dropped my temporarily cynical attitude. What once appeared as mundane lyrics now appear as revelatory phrases that send chills down my back almost every time I hear them. This album is not just a dance album, it is a celebration of life. "Hearts on Fire", "Lights and Music", and "Out There on the Ice" don't just get you movin', they inspire you. 1. No Age-Nouns: Sunny weather, traffic, and No Age is how I would describe Los Angeles. Randy Randall and Dean Allen released their second album on May 6 of last year and I am still listening to this. I cannot even put my finger on how this band sounds, but if I were to try I would say that it is a mix of Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth, but with the upbeat noises of surf rock. Limiting their music categories like shoegaze or indie simply does not do them justice. Just check out "Sleeper Hold" or "Ripped Knees" and you'll know what I am talking about. These guys have high ambitions and after listening to this album you'll see why.