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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?

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