Best Film of 2008

I know all two of you who actually read this have been eagerly awaiting my top theatrical picks for last year. And well, now that it is the last day of the first month of 2009, I figure now is as good a time as any to post them up. Here goes nothing!

5. Hellboy 2

With a bigger budget and more imagination, Hellboy returned to theaters in 2008, with great results. Some may feel that the other creatures in the film overshadowed Big Red, but I feel that the universe that was created in the original movie was greatly expanded for the better in the second one.

4. Iron Man

The forgotten Marvel character won't be forgotten anymore. Some say this is the best comic book film of 2008, but it just ranks fourth on my illustrious list. While the second film is rumored to be more emotional than this one, the overall fun factor of Iron Man earns it a spot on many a list for 2008.

3. Quantum of Solace

Whether or not Quantum was better than Casino Royale or not isn't really relevant. What is relevant is that we finally got a Bond film that was a direct sequel to the last one, and that James Bond once again proved that the soft lover boy days are over. This Bond is actually tough.

2. Cloverfield

All the mystery surrounding this film's release was well warranted, as the drama and intrigue really helped propel Cloverfield to one of 2008's best films. The story of a monster attack on New York City seen through the camcorder of an ordinary guy and his friends was one of the most intense film going experiences I've ever been to. Honestly, my #1 film earned that spot because of its replay value, but upon the first viewing of each movie, I liked Cloverfield better.

1. The Dark Knight

Arguably the best comic book adaptation ever, and defintiely the most hyped one since the original Superman, The Dark Knight added on the universe created in Batman Begins with a hero falling, a maniac with makeup, and a hero who is hated just as much as the criminals he is fighting. With great casting across the board, an epic story, and the drama of one of the stars tragically dying before he saw the final product, The Dark Knight truly shines as one of 2008's best. Now bring on Watchmen!!