Alphabetically:
THE CLASS Compelling raw drama feels real from the very start. I am surprised at how authentic it was and how it is so uncomfortably relatable. I understand that it is based on an autobiography in which its writer and star Francois Begaudeau based on his own life and slightly fictionalized his film character. How director Laurent Cantet managed to get such naturalistic performances out of his diverse cast of street smart teenagers is beyond remarkable.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON Romantic and epic in scope, while not perfect, it is moving. An ideal holiday movie though that treats its odd subject with grace and dignity. While Brad Pitt is always best when in a character role, and this film certainly serves him to great effect, it is, to me, as gracious a Cate Blanchett film as any. She's simply divine here. Taraji Henson too lands a plum role of a charming and good-hearted soul who finds and takes baby Benjamin into her life and raises him as her own. Director David Fincher, against type, does a fine job putting this difficult story seamlessly together.
THE DARK KNIGHT A film that crawls under your skin. No superhero film has the right to be this subversive, agitating and smart. Scratches at your inner-fears like a rash. Yes, Heath Ledger does deserve the raves. It's not about his legend and absolutely about his performance. But credit must also go the insightful script that manages to affect its audiences worldwide and director Christopher Nolan who knows how to weave a story to its ultimate effect. Aaron Eckhart was grossly under-praised as Harvey Two-Face. In light of a Ledger it is understandable but nevertheless a shame. The rest of the cast headed by Christian Bale as Batman does impressive work in a film well beyond the scope of its genre.
FROST/NIXON A real life dialogue exchange filmed like a pithy thriller, exciting from start to finish with great acting and a glorious Nixon courtesy of Frank Langella. Michael Sheen as his sparring partner David Frost also hits the ballpark in this engrossing drama. Here, thanks to director Ron Howard, nuances and gestures shed light into characters filled with pride, regret and a big time competitive edge. Howard and his technical team have made a proficient work with a heart.
MILK Picture perfect casting highlights an important film that should no doubt serve as a reminder of the men and women who paved their way to make our lives far easier. A top-notch Penn leads this riveting historical drama from a time not too long ago. Unlike BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN which I liken to visual poetry, this stirring portrayal of a lost era does a fantastic job of documenting what we all need to know and never forget no matter how trivial it may seem to many. This film recreates 70's San Francisco as a time capsule you'd want to leap into. It's that real. And in it you'll find the wonderful likes of James Franco, Emile Hirsch and, even, a disturbing Josh Brolin as Milk's colleague turned arch-nemesis/assassin.
RELIGULOUS What it lacks in filmmaking savvy it sure makes up to in chutzpah. Funny as hell until you realize how dangerously close to home this anti-religion documentary hits home. Bill Maher does not care at all and is way too happy to confront the absurd men and women who obligingly take to the camera to prove that their ideology is one that most likely makes most sense. By allowing these usual suspects to turn into fools all their own, Maher sends a precautionary message that anyone of us advocating faith may find themselves prescribing to our world's own self-destruction. And to think that Maher still makes us laugh.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE The perfect blend of storytelling and visual artistry, director Danny Boyle makes this year's best film by virtue of weaving a magical tale of an underdog on his way to winning a million bucks and then through innovative storytelling shows us just how hard he has had to survive in order to get there, in Mumbai, in the slums, no less. It's the film you can't turn away from despite the hardships you witness these kids enduring. As a voyeur you can only hope that they'll make it through and are glad that your own life's this much better. An absolutely wonderful experience at the movies.
TELL NO ONE A taut French suspens thriller that Hitchcock would have killed for. One that perhaps Highsmith or Christie would have written with relish. This story is tight and completely entertaining all the way through. The glorious cast of French vedettes [just as in PARIS and UN CONTE DE NOEL] more than happily shares the screen in this complex mystery that ends up ever so slightly convoluted but not without its payoff. Surprisingly, this is by far one of these most exciting films that Hollywood would only wish to remake with an American cast and perhaps even ruin in the process. In the meantime, it should be viewed and enjoyed. Pure old-fashioned entertainment.
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA Allen's best work in eons, it unfolds intelligently with just enough whimsy and charm. The film not only gives Penelope Cruz another plum role, on the heels of VOLVER but proves that in the hand of the right director, Cruz can give a more than decent performance in her unnatural English. Of course, half her role is fun precisely because she switches from English to Spanish in a split second of rage. Yet, she's not the only one here who's struck gold. All three leads, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson all give wonderful performances in Allen's clever little script of a movie. And then there's Patricia Clarkson under-rated supporting role in which she shines just about every time she enters the screen.
WALTZ WITH BASHIR An Israeli documentary and an animated feature in one. Gripping and disturbing, BASHIR makes for a fascinating watch. It is the kind of film one can discuss for hours. It is also a beautiful piece of work impressive in its innovative spirit and ideas. In terms of substance, it acts as a guilt trip and an apology letter on film tackling a sensitive and controversial subject matter with tact and decorum.
There are other films that impressed me as well for one reason or another. I shall be back to add them to the list but for now go catch these great flicks either on the big screen, always the ideal spot for watching a movie, or on DVD if you have no choice - as long as you experience their impact and wonder.
Eyal
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