Its a tradition of mine to make a showreel every year, summing up all the works I have done in the past years. It has been a very interesting year and many things have been accomplished. I would like to thank everyone who have been supporting me and I'm looking forward to new works and opportunities.
Music:
"On Fire" by Hey Fever
myspace.com/heyfeversounds
(Check these guys out. They ROCK!!!)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
My Top Ten: Best Films of 2008
2008 has been a very momentous year and this year's line of films fared a lot better than last year. Some films met expectations, some films came with disastrous results and a few brought high quality to the film industry. Overall it has been a great year for films. Now even though I have seen a lot of films this year, there are still a lot more to see. And its really hard to build this month's top ten list because there were a lot of great movies this year. Everybody has their own opinions of which movies is the best, so this is MY list of best movies of 2008 and I'm happy to share it with you, the readers!
Before we go on to the Top Ten, I'll give you over the list of Honorable Mentions. These are films that I enjoy watching, but not enough to be on the top list.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Get Smart
10.
CLOVERFIELD
9.
HORTON HEARS A WHO!
Dr. Seuss is part of my childhood and I'm so glad to find so many elements, reminiscing of his weird, quirky and imaginative style in this movie. This is a great animated film for all ages and a good appetizer to the upcoming feature animations. Even behind the microphone, Jim Carrey proves to be so funny and so is Steve Carrel. There are so many great absurb and child-like humor that appeals to both fans and non-fans of Dr. Seuss. I would have take points for the inclusion of Jesse McCarthney, but points gain to get him to play as a silent goth kid. God I hate that guy....
8.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE
I f*ckin love Casino Royale. After that film, I got back taking interested in the James Bond franchise. I love the new look, the new feel, the new format and even the new Bond. Daniel Craig was so f*ckin awesome as James Bond. So the sequel arrived and the ride was still enjoyable. I would say that it is not as great as Casino Royale, but its a fun and ass-kicking James Bond movie. The espionage plot isn't that heavy around and goes more into favor of the action element. Some characters aren't fully developed, but the build-up of the new James Bond's enemy, Quantum gets real interesting.
Before we go on to the Top Ten, I'll give you over the list of Honorable Mentions. These are films that I enjoy watching, but not enough to be on the top list.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Get Smart
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
The Incredible Hulk
The Orphanage
Slumdog Millionaire
The Forbidden Kingdom
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Speed Racer
Semi Pro
Pineapple Express
Bolt
The Incredible Hulk
The Orphanage
Slumdog Millionaire
The Forbidden Kingdom
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Speed Racer
Semi Pro
Pineapple Express
Bolt
Now onto the Top Ten!
10.
CLOVERFIELD
Mr. Mysterious, J.J Abram was able to get us all hyped for this film since last year with a very mysterious concept and no title. Then later we found out it was Cloverfield. The viral marketing got every Internet geek to come up with stupid and lame conspiracies and messages that may or may not be related to the movie. What resulted is a giant monster movie narrated direct-cinema style through the lens of a digital camera, held by a jock frat boy. Sure the characters seemed one-dimensional and the payoff doesn't come until the near-end of the film, but man it was an different experience. Overall if you can hold your stomach for 90 minutes, its a very fun and exciting film to watch.
9.
HORTON HEARS A WHO!
Dr. Seuss is part of my childhood and I'm so glad to find so many elements, reminiscing of his weird, quirky and imaginative style in this movie. This is a great animated film for all ages and a good appetizer to the upcoming feature animations. Even behind the microphone, Jim Carrey proves to be so funny and so is Steve Carrel. There are so many great absurb and child-like humor that appeals to both fans and non-fans of Dr. Seuss. I would have take points for the inclusion of Jesse McCarthney, but points gain to get him to play as a silent goth kid. God I hate that guy....
8.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE
I f*ckin love Casino Royale. After that film, I got back taking interested in the James Bond franchise. I love the new look, the new feel, the new format and even the new Bond. Daniel Craig was so f*ckin awesome as James Bond. So the sequel arrived and the ride was still enjoyable. I would say that it is not as great as Casino Royale, but its a fun and ass-kicking James Bond movie. The espionage plot isn't that heavy around and goes more into favor of the action element. Some characters aren't fully developed, but the build-up of the new James Bond's enemy, Quantum gets real interesting.
7.
KUNG-FU PANDA
After Shrek 3, I knew Dreamworks can't rely on the big green orge forever to produce their same old magic and this is what they need. Yeah I thought any Dreamworks movie without the green orge wouldn't bring me entertainment, but this one with with great visuals, good voice acting and the most important element: kung-fu. Po the Panda is likable enough. The Shaolin Five is good to look at, even though their characteristics and backstory are not fully developed enough. Of course the biggest feature that won the audience over in the film is the kung-fu action. For something that is animated and not Asian-produced, this film really did display spectacular and breathtaking kung-fu fighting sequences. One biggest gripe I had with this film is [RANT MODE] they didn't use enough of f*ckin JACKIE CHAN! I know he's not the main focus of the film and I'm glad he was casted already in the first place, but come on!!! He's JACKIE CHAN, the biggest influence of Kung Fu to the Western Audience! More so than Bruce Lee! I f*ckin grew up watching all of his films! In fact, he's the only reason why I came to see this movie! And if you gonna pay tribute to Kung Fu and have Jackie Chan in it, better use him f*ckin wisely! Geez I was soooo disappointed when they didn't use him enough! He's f*ckin way important than Jack Black or Angelina Jolie!! There wouldn't be Kung Fu in the US with Jackie Chan! GEEZ!!! [RANT MODE OFF] Sorry about that... on to the next entry...
KUNG-FU PANDA
After Shrek 3, I knew Dreamworks can't rely on the big green orge forever to produce their same old magic and this is what they need. Yeah I thought any Dreamworks movie without the green orge wouldn't bring me entertainment, but this one with with great visuals, good voice acting and the most important element: kung-fu. Po the Panda is likable enough. The Shaolin Five is good to look at, even though their characteristics and backstory are not fully developed enough. Of course the biggest feature that won the audience over in the film is the kung-fu action. For something that is animated and not Asian-produced, this film really did display spectacular and breathtaking kung-fu fighting sequences. One biggest gripe I had with this film is [RANT MODE] they didn't use enough of f*ckin JACKIE CHAN! I know he's not the main focus of the film and I'm glad he was casted already in the first place, but come on!!! He's JACKIE CHAN, the biggest influence of Kung Fu to the Western Audience! More so than Bruce Lee! I f*ckin grew up watching all of his films! In fact, he's the only reason why I came to see this movie! And if you gonna pay tribute to Kung Fu and have Jackie Chan in it, better use him f*ckin wisely! Geez I was soooo disappointed when they didn't use him enough! He's f*ckin way important than Jack Black or Angelina Jolie!! There wouldn't be Kung Fu in the US with Jackie Chan! GEEZ!!! [RANT MODE OFF] Sorry about that... on to the next entry...
6.
IRON MAN
I wasn't expecting this to do good, mainly because of last year's line of superhero movies that delivered sub par results like Ghost Rider, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and heck even Spider-man 3 featuring MY favorite superhero. Thankfully I was proven wrong and was treated to a fast-ride high-life "kick ass first and party later" world of Tony Stark and Iron Man. Though its not the suited ego that is the star of the movie, but the man who is wearing the suit as he is presented as the secret alias we don't get to see very often in many superhero movies. We get to see an alter ego having fun and living carefree without any problems to resolve (until he has that thing with drinking). But this film is one of the good comic book films I have seen in recent times and has made me look forward to whatever Robert Downey Jr is doing next. Which leads me to...
IRON MAN
I wasn't expecting this to do good, mainly because of last year's line of superhero movies that delivered sub par results like Ghost Rider, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and heck even Spider-man 3 featuring MY favorite superhero. Thankfully I was proven wrong and was treated to a fast-ride high-life "kick ass first and party later" world of Tony Stark and Iron Man. Though its not the suited ego that is the star of the movie, but the man who is wearing the suit as he is presented as the secret alias we don't get to see very often in many superhero movies. We get to see an alter ego having fun and living carefree without any problems to resolve (until he has that thing with drinking). But this film is one of the good comic book films I have seen in recent times and has made me look forward to whatever Robert Downey Jr is doing next. Which leads me to...
5.
TROPIC THUNDER
Yeah the first teaser didn't hold much promise to this film. Then later on it got interesting. Then when I finally saw it, I was laughing my ass off from my seat to all the way home. I never thought I would have another funny Ben Stiller movie after Zoolander and this came along. This is pretty much the satire of Hollywood nowadays from angry producers to method actors to product placements. Two stars that made the movie are two of the biggest comebacks, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. It takes a great artist like Robert to act as a black man without offending any black audience and to bring comedy gold to the screen. And Tom Cruise as a foul-mouthed pissed off producer can make me forget him as a Scientology-preaching looney. While there are some plot hole and inconsistency, the hilarious performance from most of the cast is enough to make this film enjoyable.
TROPIC THUNDER
Yeah the first teaser didn't hold much promise to this film. Then later on it got interesting. Then when I finally saw it, I was laughing my ass off from my seat to all the way home. I never thought I would have another funny Ben Stiller movie after Zoolander and this came along. This is pretty much the satire of Hollywood nowadays from angry producers to method actors to product placements. Two stars that made the movie are two of the biggest comebacks, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. It takes a great artist like Robert to act as a black man without offending any black audience and to bring comedy gold to the screen. And Tom Cruise as a foul-mouthed pissed off producer can make me forget him as a Scientology-preaching looney. While there are some plot hole and inconsistency, the hilarious performance from most of the cast is enough to make this film enjoyable.
4.
INDIANA JONES
AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
I don't care what people said, it was still awesome to see Indiana Jones again after nearly 20 years! Sure Indy doesn't have the looks and physiques back then. Sure the Russians wasn't a stronger enemy than the Nazis. Sure there were many improbable moments in the film like monkeys and fridges. And sure the mystics of the aliens doesn't match the interest that the mystics of Christianity and Hinduism possess. But I expected a big grand adventure from good old Indy and the movie delivered. Yes sir, this movie didn't "rape" my childhood (you whiny bitches). Although I could say its the 2nd weakest in the series, I have no problem with watching this again as the same as watching the weakest (Temple of Doom) again.
INDIANA JONES
AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
I don't care what people said, it was still awesome to see Indiana Jones again after nearly 20 years! Sure Indy doesn't have the looks and physiques back then. Sure the Russians wasn't a stronger enemy than the Nazis. Sure there were many improbable moments in the film like monkeys and fridges. And sure the mystics of the aliens doesn't match the interest that the mystics of Christianity and Hinduism possess. But I expected a big grand adventure from good old Indy and the movie delivered. Yes sir, this movie didn't "rape" my childhood (you whiny bitches). Although I could say its the 2nd weakest in the series, I have no problem with watching this again as the same as watching the weakest (Temple of Doom) again.
3.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
This is something that is both beautiful and haunting at the same time. The fact that these characters are portrayed by young children age 12, creates a kind of deadly innocence among the evil things surrounds them. Unlike Twilight, this is a love story between a human and a vampire that doesn't appeal to a certain demographic and involves so many adult and heavy situations. And we are never treated to two characters that are bland and ordinary, but those that are really tortured, yet stoic. This is probably the most original vampire story I have seen in years. Like what everyone have said, this is not for the faint of heart. This really takes a lot of guts to actually sit down and see this.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
This is something that is both beautiful and haunting at the same time. The fact that these characters are portrayed by young children age 12, creates a kind of deadly innocence among the evil things surrounds them. Unlike Twilight, this is a love story between a human and a vampire that doesn't appeal to a certain demographic and involves so many adult and heavy situations. And we are never treated to two characters that are bland and ordinary, but those that are really tortured, yet stoic. This is probably the most original vampire story I have seen in years. Like what everyone have said, this is not for the faint of heart. This really takes a lot of guts to actually sit down and see this.
2.
BE KIND REWIND
I don't see anything wrong with this movie. This was the most whimsical and heartfelt movie I've seen this year. Probably the most important factor of my result is that I walked out the theater with a feeling full of wonder and awe. As a film student, it was touching and refreshing to see so many innovative, yet simple filmmaking techniques without the use of computer and big budget effects. The message really gets across that anyone can make a good movie if they are determined and hardworking enough (except for Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer). Of course I would except this much magic from my favorite director, Michel Gondry and the performances from actor Mos Def and Jack Black were very fun to look at. Honestly this really inspires to actually go out there and make some quirky films. Not really an Oscar contender, but its one of my personal favorites of the year.
And the no.1 of 2008 goes to........
(drum roll)
BE KIND REWIND
I don't see anything wrong with this movie. This was the most whimsical and heartfelt movie I've seen this year. Probably the most important factor of my result is that I walked out the theater with a feeling full of wonder and awe. As a film student, it was touching and refreshing to see so many innovative, yet simple filmmaking techniques without the use of computer and big budget effects. The message really gets across that anyone can make a good movie if they are determined and hardworking enough (except for Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer). Of course I would except this much magic from my favorite director, Michel Gondry and the performances from actor Mos Def and Jack Black were very fun to look at. Honestly this really inspires to actually go out there and make some quirky films. Not really an Oscar contender, but its one of my personal favorites of the year.
And the no.1 of 2008 goes to........
(drum roll)
1.
(tied)
WALL-E and THE DARK KNIGHT
To choose out of these two films I love so much to be placed #1 is like choosing out of your two children who treat you like king everyday your ultimate favorite. Even though one is a younger angelic role model and the other is an older rebellious punk with issues, I love them both so much! These two are not only the best films I have seen this year, but they are now considered among the list of my most favorite films ever. Not only that, they brought a huge and important influence in the movie industry and even has a social and moral message to the audience. And ALSO, each of them break the mold of their own particular genre. WALL-E raises the bar of art in animation and narrates the film mostly through movement and sound instead of dialouge, reminiscing of the silent film era featuring Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. And The Dark Knight shows to the whole world that a film with a comic book as its source material can be much much more than the standard comic book movie that Hollywood usually produces. I could start with similarities. Both of them presents a great story filled with wonderful and interesting characters, beautiful music, unforgettable performance and action, good direction and both leave a huge impact on you. The difference is that one leaves you awestruck by something that is so beautiful and the other struck you with horror and darkness and leaves you shaken to the core. These two films became the biggest movie theater experiences of the year.
I'll first start off with WALL-E. I have been anticipating since I saw the first teaser and that first appearance of that robot made me go gaga. It was such a long and torturous wait in Australia and boy it was such a payoff to me! After being treated to the awesome short film Presto!, the song "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" boomed across the theater and we were taken into space. And I knew we were treated to something very special. This year, I studied about silent films for my film Masters and read everything about Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton and grew to love their works especially City Lights. And it was such a film student's treat to witness something so similar to the works of Chaplin. Every expression and emotion was portrayed from humor to sadness to love and drama, all communicated without the use of dialogue. Not only that, it expresses a deep social message about the state of humanity and the planet, echoing the problems of today. Though these messages weren't the main focus and were pulled off with clever and observational humor. The characters were developed beautifully well and it is so entertaining and charming from the start to the end of the ending credits.
The Dark Knight was a different story for me since I wasn't anticipating from the start and I was on the Indy train. At that point, I was still hurt by the atrocity of Batman and Robin and Batman Begins was able to shake off a few wounds of me. What really intrigue me was the casting of Health Ledger as the Joker. I was neither pleased nor disgust by the decision and I was looking forward what he could bring to the Batman legacy. The trailer brought forth the most interesting Joker I have ever seen and the film became part of my must-see list. Finally the day came to see the film and this is what was my experience like. Opening Title. Cool bank robbery scene, conducted by the Joker. Then we see shots of Batman, James Gordon, Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes being happy and proud and doing what they love to do with smiles on their face. Seems like its just gonna be a fine drama. Then..... the Jokers comes in and BAM!!! with the pencil! From there, everything changes as you see the Joker f*cking everyone up! And as the movie progress, it gets darker and darker. Health Ledger has brought to the comic book world the best Joker period! He's more cunning, deceitful, psychotic and more evil than any incarnation of the Joker I have seen, more than Jack's and Mark's incarnation and they were good. As soon the ending credit starts to roll, I sat in my seat frozen and eye-widen, unable to move for 5 whole minutes. Damn!
I hope that either one of them gets nominated or even win for Best Picture for the Oscars because these two are so deserving to be importantly recognized in the film industry. And if the Academy doesn't recognized these film, then there is really really something wrong with those guys.
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
(tied)
WALL-E and THE DARK KNIGHT
To choose out of these two films I love so much to be placed #1 is like choosing out of your two children who treat you like king everyday your ultimate favorite. Even though one is a younger angelic role model and the other is an older rebellious punk with issues, I love them both so much! These two are not only the best films I have seen this year, but they are now considered among the list of my most favorite films ever. Not only that, they brought a huge and important influence in the movie industry and even has a social and moral message to the audience. And ALSO, each of them break the mold of their own particular genre. WALL-E raises the bar of art in animation and narrates the film mostly through movement and sound instead of dialouge, reminiscing of the silent film era featuring Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. And The Dark Knight shows to the whole world that a film with a comic book as its source material can be much much more than the standard comic book movie that Hollywood usually produces. I could start with similarities. Both of them presents a great story filled with wonderful and interesting characters, beautiful music, unforgettable performance and action, good direction and both leave a huge impact on you. The difference is that one leaves you awestruck by something that is so beautiful and the other struck you with horror and darkness and leaves you shaken to the core. These two films became the biggest movie theater experiences of the year.
I'll first start off with WALL-E. I have been anticipating since I saw the first teaser and that first appearance of that robot made me go gaga. It was such a long and torturous wait in Australia and boy it was such a payoff to me! After being treated to the awesome short film Presto!, the song "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" boomed across the theater and we were taken into space. And I knew we were treated to something very special. This year, I studied about silent films for my film Masters and read everything about Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton and grew to love their works especially City Lights. And it was such a film student's treat to witness something so similar to the works of Chaplin. Every expression and emotion was portrayed from humor to sadness to love and drama, all communicated without the use of dialogue. Not only that, it expresses a deep social message about the state of humanity and the planet, echoing the problems of today. Though these messages weren't the main focus and were pulled off with clever and observational humor. The characters were developed beautifully well and it is so entertaining and charming from the start to the end of the ending credits.
The Dark Knight was a different story for me since I wasn't anticipating from the start and I was on the Indy train. At that point, I was still hurt by the atrocity of Batman and Robin and Batman Begins was able to shake off a few wounds of me. What really intrigue me was the casting of Health Ledger as the Joker. I was neither pleased nor disgust by the decision and I was looking forward what he could bring to the Batman legacy. The trailer brought forth the most interesting Joker I have ever seen and the film became part of my must-see list. Finally the day came to see the film and this is what was my experience like. Opening Title. Cool bank robbery scene, conducted by the Joker. Then we see shots of Batman, James Gordon, Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes being happy and proud and doing what they love to do with smiles on their face. Seems like its just gonna be a fine drama. Then..... the Jokers comes in and BAM!!! with the pencil! From there, everything changes as you see the Joker f*cking everyone up! And as the movie progress, it gets darker and darker. Health Ledger has brought to the comic book world the best Joker period! He's more cunning, deceitful, psychotic and more evil than any incarnation of the Joker I have seen, more than Jack's and Mark's incarnation and they were good. As soon the ending credit starts to roll, I sat in my seat frozen and eye-widen, unable to move for 5 whole minutes. Damn!
I hope that either one of them gets nominated or even win for Best Picture for the Oscars because these two are so deserving to be importantly recognized in the film industry. And if the Academy doesn't recognized these film, then there is really really something wrong with those guys.
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
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