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The best movie of 2008: Batman vs. Robot

Time and E!’s top 10 movies of 2008 could not be more different. E! went with The Dark Knight as its No. 1, while Time took the wiser path and chose the movie that stole my heart, WALL-E.

I still marvel at the way WALL-E managed to convey such a range of emotions without a face and, for the most part, without words. The L.A. Film Critics Association apparently agrees, awarding WALL-E the best picture of the year — the first time the organization has given the top spot to an animated movie.

The Dark Knight was indeed the best Batman movie yet. Heath Ledger’s chilling Joker is the stuff of nightmares, and Gary Oldman and Aaron Eckhart turned in outstanding performances as well. Plus, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes made me forget my disappointment that Katie Holmes didn’t keep the role.

Coming in second on E!’s list is Sex and the City. (WALL-E was third.)

Seriously? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bashing SATC. I love those girls, despite their complete disregard for the Bechdel Rule, but the film was like an extended TV episode, not even close to being the No. 2 movie of 2008.

I’m not sure if Time’s No. 2, Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York, deserves its slot, since it hasn’t been to a theater near me yet. I love what Time said about the movie, though: “… so human you’ll want to argue with it, spank it, take it home or give it some Xanax …” And Catherine Keener’s presence in the film is enough to make me a believer, sight unseen.

The only other film that made both lists is Iron Man. I can live with that, mainly because I heart Robert Downey, Jr. And I covet his flying suit.

Surprisingly omitted from both publications is the movie that proved Anne Hathawayis more than a princess, Rachel Getting Married.

Rachel is a hard movie to watch — and harder to forget. On my list, only WALL-E ranks higher. Certainly, it’s one of the year’s best films.

Take a look at both lists (here are direct links to E! and Time) and let us know what you think. Which films should or shouldn’t be on a Top 10 list? What tops your personal list as the best movie of 2008?

  • the linster's blog
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  • anytime_now's picture

    Waalllll-E..........Eeeeevvveeee-ah?

    I LOVE WALL-E

    I spent, quite literally, the entire movie commenting on how cute Wall-e was. (: . The deeper issues were surprisngly well conveyed through this blast of an animation. Definitely on the top of my list.

    - Rachel Getting Married.. The ads haven't even hit our screens yet ... unless this film's title is our equivalent of "Bride Wars".. (Highly doubt it though)

     

    http://anytimenow-exposed.blogspot.com/

    Chantal's picture

    I adore Wall-E

    Everytime there was that Waalll-Eeee/Eeeeeevvvveeee ah moments I just couldn't stop smirking and telling how cute it was.  

     

    The Way The Cookie Crumbles

    No Borders Allowed
    Renee's picture

    Wall-E is the best by FAR

    There is seriously no comparison...it sounds like the EW list chose the most commercially successful films or something.

    Batman was horrid...the only good thing about it was Heath Ledger.

    Wall-E is a film for a generation...it's poignant, artistic, heartfelt and beautiful.

    And I agree...SATC?? #2 of the year??? It was entertaining for those who love the show, but it was no where NEAR being as good as some of the films I saw this year.

    ~Renée

    jacey82's picture

    Wall-E is amazing

    Wall-e is an amazing movie, Pixar does it again.

    Not surprised by Rachel Getting Married being omitted. Great performance by Anne Hathaway but my film class was more impressed by Rosemarie DeWitt(Rachel). The movie overall was poorly executed. Great premise, poor execution. Great acting by those two ladies, poor overall film.

    Just my opinion feel free to disagree.

    SubtextRules's picture

    WALL-E is a winner!

    There are no words to express how fantastic WALL-E was! I'm with thelinster on this one, that movie should be number 1 on everyone's list. If you haven't seen it, GO SEE IT!

    Ace's picture

    The Visitor

    This was an oddly light movie year for me, but The Visitor definitely tops my list.

    http://www.thevisitorfilm.com/

    I would also rate Rachel Getting Married and Milk up there. And, although I wouldn't include it in a Top 10 list, I loved Mamma Mia.

    nixawme's picture

    correction

    just to say that both EW and time links to the time page.

     

    the linster's picture

    Thanks

    I messed up, but faithful blog editor Trish fixed it.
    Christa  O'malley's picture

    The best movie of 2008: Batman vs. Robot

    Wall-e is an amazing movie!
    ysubassoon's picture

    WALL-E

    This is the most incredible animated film I have ever seen.  It is also one of the best films of any kind that I have ever seen.  What I love most about Pixar movies is that they aren't flashy--you don't spend all of your time thinking about how great the graphics are.  The stories and characters are as well-developed as anything the computer does, so you can just sit back and focus on the storyline.

    The best thing about WALL-E is that it reminded me of the awkward foolish sweetness of first love, how unexpected it can be.  How lucky we are if we have the chance to be that awkward sweet fool, even if only once.

    "Brains grow love."--H. H. the Dalai Lama