Movies of 2008- A Look Through the Eyes of an Average Teenager
by Maggie Evenson
(Illinois, USA)When I heard about the “Best of 2008″ prompt at Word! I was so excited that I decided to do it and sent in an e-mail right away. Of course, looking back on my impulsive decision, I can tell you that I’m nowhere near as qualified as someone you’d expect to write this piece. In fact, you’d rarely see my name and any sort of “pop culture” in the same sentence, but I will still give this list my best shot. You might even find that the opinions of an average media-viewer (if that’s the term) are the opinions that really matter.
I would probably watch movies all the time if I weren’t out living my life (or if I weren’t broke). Unfortunately, some of the movies I’ve seen this year were not worth my money, but some were, so be on the lookout for those special few! Movies are a consistent, normal part of my life, so I wrote about those instead of books or music. The following are chronological by release date.
27 Dresses- Definitely enjoyable. Was it due to the handsome James Marsden who played one of the lead male actors (with plenty of charm, of course)? Or was it because of the interesting, but slightly drab, plot and jokes? A combination of the two, I’d say, gives this movie plenty of laugh-worthy and heart-felt moments. Be warned that it is a romantic comedy, so be ready for the cheesy scenes/lines. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the film.
Hannah Montana- Wow, did I waste 15 dollars on this? Fine, to give it some credit, seeing a concert at a cheap price and seeing the behind-the-scenes parts were pretty neat. Hannah’s voice wasn’t exactly choice listening, though, which is why I wouldn’t have paid the full price myself (my mom paid for my sisters and I to go, and I’m sticking with that).
Definitely, Maybe- This movie had a lot of potential for a good plotline and success in the theaters, but seeing it was a small letdown. If the background had been explained better in the beginning, I would really suggest this movie for any romantics or those looking for a sweet, snuggly movie.
Charlie Bartlett- Although this movie was set in a “normal high school” I just don’t know if I understood the comedy in this movie. I’ve heard many say that you either love it or hate/don’t get it, and I guess I’m between a like it and a confusion state. Overall, it’s a good movie that deserves a watch if you enjoy high school comedies. This movie didn’t make too large of an impression on me, so I don’t think I described the movie very well. Sorry!
21- An exciting, fast-paced movie detailing the lives of a few blackjack card-counters. The main character, Ben, just wants to make some money for college, and is sucked into the world of gambling for being a math wiz. I enjoyed this movie for the action and a decent plot with a twist, but the acting was somewhat phony. If I were a blackjack dealer, I think I could spot the group a mile off, but it’s probably intentionally outrageous so that viewers can tell what’s happening.
Baby Mama- A very hilarious movie with a lot of unexpected surprises along the way. The main appeal of the movie was the two main actresses: SNL’s Tina Fey and Amy Poehler who did a fantastic job of portraying their characters. I was surprised to see anything serious in the movie, but watching Fey and Poehler’s many faces was very fascinating and I really enjoyed it. Everyone go see it if you’re up for a laugh or two!
Made of Honor- Alright, Patrick Dempsey, I don’t know what I wanted from you, but this movie was not it. Yes, *SPOILER* he does get the girl in the end, and yes, there are a few laughs *END SPOILER*, but I just expected more from this movie. If the directors had played up the hilarity of a man as maid of honor more, it would have been a better movie. Made of Honor started strong, but the adding of more serious material ruined what the plot was trying to get across. All I know is that I would’ve cut and pasted a few things to achieve a higher level of laughs and a lower level of dragging drama scenes.
Get Smart- I recently found out that, like other spy movies we know of (James Bond, Charlie’s Angels, etc.), this was adapted from a 60’s film in an attempt to make it more modern-day. Although I’ve never seen the 60’s version, I think that the group succeeded in what they were trying to do: re-make it into a modern-day spy film. The cast is fun and fresh, and I especially enjoyed Steve Carell’s performance. There’s not much more to say of it, except that it doesn’t really hit you in any way. I usually look for some sort of satisfaction after watching a movie, but after this one, I just felt a bit “blah,” so I think you’ll just have to go watch it and decide how it is yourself.
Dark Knight- Watched it, loved it! Watched it again, loved it more! Watched it twice more for a grand total of 4 times in theaters and I still can’t get enough of this movie! Let us all take a moment of silence for Heath Ledger, as this movie would’ve certainly been the highlight of his career. Great performances by the entire cast and I haven’t heard a bad review for this movie to date, so let me know your opinions whether they differ from mine or not.
Mamma Mia!- Simply looking at the title, you can’t help wanting to sing some ABBA (this mostly only applies if you’re a girl). I enjoyed the songs and the plot (the ending was crazy!), but I don’t know if Meryl Streep was a good fit for her character. It’s probably because I’ve never seen her in a not-serious role, but that’s because it’s who she is. She has a serious, sophisticated air about her that I respect and I have never seen her without it. Her acting was impeccable, and her efforts were worth it because this movie was in the top ten highest grossing films of the year.
The House Bunny- A sore disappointment. It could’ve been the next, better Legally Blonde, but the movie was just full of dumb jokes and some crappy acting. I don’t intend to ever watch this movie again, nor do I suggest anyone else does.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist- I’ve read the book that inspired this movie and the book just does not transfer very well into the media. For one thing, the book and the plot is so short, spanning one night of, admittedly, crazy happenings, but nevertheless. Also, a lot of that writing is description and thoughts which, obviously, can’t be brought into film in the case of this particular movie. The lead male actor, Michael Cera, wasn’t who I pictured from the book, and in the movie was generally too quiet and soft-spoken for his part. Overall, an okay movie that teens will enjoy, just not this teen.
Role Models- Pretty dumb. It had too much swearing to make up for a short, but decent, plot. The ending was the best part as far as action and storyline goes.
Quantum of Solace- I didn’t get to see this movie’s predecessor (Casino Royale) and think that that would help tremendously. Much like Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3, Quantum was apparently just an extension of Casino Royale. I didn’t understand the plot very well because it was about James Bond’s revenge for someone who died in Casino, so I’d give the movie credit for action and explosion scenes, but not much for plot.
Twilight- Unfortunately, this was the last movie I’ve seen so far. Don’t get me wrong, I intend to see another movie or two to wrap up 2008, and I just hope that the next one I see is better than this train wreck for a movie. Suffice to say that this movie was made with a low budget and the sole intention of pleasing its undying following of fans. Even if you’re a fan of the book series, Twilight on the big screen was just not meant to be. Make-up was atrocious, acting was horrible, and the cast was… interesting, but yes, okay, it was better than the book. ( To Twilight fans: please don’t kill me. ‘Tis the season, etc., etc. )
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December 24 2008 01:13 am | Uncategorized
December 25th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I feel this year has been lacking of good movies… other than “The Dark Knight” of course
December 25th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Milk looks like it might be amazing.
December 25th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
ooh, and I liked Burn After Reading
December 26th, 2008 at 11:32 am
MILK
IS AMAZING
it’s really fantastic… go see it asap.
james franco is in it too <3
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Agreed Maysen. 2008 in film was just not that impressive. I wish I could’ve seen Burn After Reading, though. George Clooney and Brad Pitt make a great acting team (based on the Ocean’s movies). I heard a radio commercial for Milk, but I still don’t know much about it… Overall, let’s just hope that 2009 brings better movies!
January 3rd, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Hey, Maggie
While I liked and agreed with your reviews for the most part, I think it’d be nice if there was a brief synopsis of each movie. Maybe a couple of lines on who was starring in it and a bit of the plot. Just a thought, because I haven’t seen the majority of these movies, so it would’ve been nice to know more about them, and not just your opinions. Also, while I’m not a fan of the Twilight books, I think calling the movie -shudder- better is overstepping it, just a tad.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Well late of 2008 saw an orgy of good cinema. Slumdog Millionaire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, alongside MILK, as well as In Bruge were all fantabulous. Let us not give the Dark Knight more credit than it really is worth.
January 26th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Huda you’ve got a point, but if I remember correctly those movies (at least in Toronto) didn’t come out until the very end of December. In fact I think Benjamin Button came out in January….
All great movies that you mentioned, though I’ve still to see Slumdog Millionaire
February 21st, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Too bad you hadn’t seen Slumdog Millionaire yet. Fabulous movie. Also, Get Smart was based off a 60s TV show, not film.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Thank you Tori for the correction, we will fix that as soon as we can