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Staff Selections: 2008 The Year in Review

Andrew (The Honcho)

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
  1. The Diving Bell and the ButterflyDaring, original, and perspective-changing, this extraordinary film scores extra points for ‘degree of difficulty’.
  2. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert FordA revisionist Western for our times - gorgeously cinematic, thematically complex and crafted without compromise (no we will not cut the title!). The biggest Oscar snubbing in recent memory.
  3. RatatouilleThe amazing Pixar studio at its very best, this also contains the best movie ‘moment’ of the year. Their finest since Toy Story.
  4. This is EnglandShane Meadows culminates his talent with this punk anthem shot through with the wisdom of hindsight. Almost a model youth film, and recommended to all.
  5. Eagle vs SharkThe tortoise that ambles past Goodbye Pork Pie’s hare for NZ’s best ever comedy.
  6. Conversation(s) with Other WomenA dialogue-driven two-hander transformed into a genuinely cinematic experience through the innovative use of split-screen.
  7. The Dead GirlSerious independent drama on the subject of grief, unusually heightened by a strong gothic aesthetic, and a fantastic set of performances.
  8. CloverfieldA blockbuster with a defiantly edgy independent spirit, this knocked my business socks off.
  9. Sleeping Dogs LieUnforgettable indie black comedy that dared make an astute relationship film out of the most outrageously grubby premise.
  10. Tropic ThunderI’m a sucker for Hollywood satires, especially ones this savage and funny. Ben, Jack, and Robert - clever bastards all!

Also running: Be Kind Rewind, I’m Not There, La Vie En Rose, The Orphanage, Rescue Dawn, Stardust, Silent Light, Sweeney Todd, Otis, plus docs Manufactured Landscapes, Deep Water, Stranded, Scott Walker…

Tim (The Critic)

Silent Light
  1. Silent LightHeaven-sent cinema through which Carlos Reygadas transcends Dreyer’s Ordet and his own bombastic former glories.
  2. Three TimesHou’s sensuous triptych of restless youth glides between silent adoration and yearning jukebox nostalgia. Rapturous filmmaking.
  3. Linda Linda LindaThe year’s catchiest number: a slumberous high school melancholy of girlhood, karaoke punk rock, and the gawky charisma of Bae Doona.
  4. There Will Be BloodThis slow-burn interior epic eschews pyromania and the conventional movie crescendo with a lust for blood and dust. Not about oil or religion, but the belligerent human nature.
  5. Flight of the Red BalloonContinuing my infatuation with the films of Hou Hsiao-hsien is this ecstatic Parisian sojourn, elevated by the freestyling Juliette Binoche.
  6. No Country for Old MenA savage and humourless realisation of McCarthy’s fatalistic prose, in which the Coens are virtually invisible as directors.
  7. Black BookVerhoeven’s latest titillating guilty pleasure. Flesh, blood, sexism, feminism, pulp fiction, anti-realism, and moral ambiguity in spades.
  8. We Own the NightA sophisticated, soft-boiled thriller concluded by one of the most aching declarations of love in recent memory.
  9. WhiskyMonumental brow lines and forlorn compositions distinguish this wonderfully solemn and perceptive farce on loneliness.
  10. Speed RacerCoin-operated Japonism from the camp Wachowskis, not to be written off for its migraine-inducing visual effects.

Well-loved: Duck Season, Eastern Promises, Deep Water, Teeth, Gone Baby Gone, Ratatouille, 30 Rock, The Wire: Seasons 3 & 4, Summer Heights High; Mishima, All About Lily Chou-Chou, Ace in the Hole (Back Catalogue)…

Rob (The Contrarian)

No Country for Old Men
  1. No Country for Old MenNormally the Coen brothers leave me cold but I can’t deny this one.
  2. The Death of Mr LazarescuAs black as black comedy gets.
  3. I’m Not ThereTotal bliss. Todd Haynes avoids making another worthy Oscar-baiting biopic. An utter hoot for Dylan nuts.
  4. RedactedAs agitprop goes it’s ferociously effective and a welcome return to form for one of American Cinema’s true radicals.
  5. Silent LightDaring in the way it flirts with cliche but the most suprising thing given who made it is just how sweetly old fashioned it is.
  6. Shoot em’ UpClive Owen plays Bugs Bunny. Paul Giamatti plays Elmer Fudd. Death by carrots and novel birthing scenes ensue.
  7. Romance and CigarettesBawdy and bonkers in equal measure. A future cult movie.
  8. Duck SeasonThe year’s best youth movie. The joys of cheesewhip and video games.
  9. Sleeping Dogs LieOn the face of it a sloppily made routine taboo flaunting film. Underneath was one of the years most heartfelt little gems.
  10. They Came Back“Existential” Zombie movie. Brains and nothingness?

Highly Commended: Bamako, Black Book, Garage, In My Skin, Lake of Fire, Nim’s Island, Prague, Reprise, Why We Fight, Workingman’s Death…

Andrea (The Net Nanny)

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
  1. The Diving Bell and the ButterflyCertainly the most involving film of the year with an opening 20 minutes that will leave you gasping for air.
  2. Eagle vs SharkGeeky love story that has wormed its way onto my top NZ film list with its perfect blend of off-kilter humour, Kiwi culture and adorability.
  3. The Secret Life Of WordsClaustrophobic pressure cooker of human power play and anxiety, once again proving that a Coixet/Polley production can do no wrong.
  4. I’m Not ThereThis is how a biopic should be done - a schizophrenically absorbing character study of Dylan portrayed by actors at the top of their game.
  5. Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a LensCaptivating documentary about a woman whose influence and importance in the celebrity and art worlds is nothing short of inspirational.
  6. No Country for Old MenSun-scorched Coen Brother brutality meshing a variety of styles and featuring the most chilling villain and murder weapon of recent memory.
  7. TeethWins the award for most original teen movie premise in forever and plays like a post-feminist anthem for the disenchanted youth.
  8. Sweeney ToddA musical that Burton was born to adapt. What’s not to love about Victorian depravity highlighted by droll lyrics in grimy London Town?
  9. The Kite RunnerSpot-on film adaptation of the Afghanistan-based novel that hugely benefits from an amateur cast and made-for-cinema imagery that lingers long after viewing.
  10. My Boy JackOne of the more accurate portrayals of the futility of war powerfully brought to life by Kipling’s own words in the devastating final moments.

Waiting in the wings: Summer Heights High, La Vie en Rose, Surfwise, Inland Empire, Suburban Mayhem, Drowned Out, Flight of the Red Balloon…

Basil (The Linguist)

The Wire - Season 3
  1. The Wire - Season 3Critics’ve been flipping thesauri like crazy over this show, but they’re missing the point: words can’t do it justice. Splendiferous.
  2. Three TimesSpecifically for the first act’s pitch-perfect romantic melancholy. ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ never sounded so good!
  3. Black BookSay what you will; Verhoeven’s WWII melodrama, for all its lacquered veneer, engaged me more than most ‘serious’ fare.
  4. Silent LightNot without its moments of complacency, but at least someone’s attempting to expand their cinematic scope.
  5. Linda Linda LindaUnderstated, genuine and very amusing, with an infectious title tune and the deadpan brilliance of Bae Doona.
  6. Mister LonelyA risky, flawed surprise, parts of which set off my bullshit detector as it dared cynicism in the face of some breathtaking shots.
  7. RepriseA playful, perceptive and witty debut with an intuitive understanding of twenty-something friendships.
  8. Forgetting Sarah MarshallIn the face of an Apatow backlash this brought back some charm to the franchise, thanks chiefly to Jason Segel - a great geeky lead.
  9. DoomsdayA B-grade blast that lifts half its ideas from other films and does so with impish glee.
  10. An Old MistressIn which Catherine Breillat sates her period jones and delivers seething, downright sexy cinema.

Hot on their heels: Flight of the Red Balloon, No Country for Old Men, Mad Men: Season 1, Pusher III, Lust Caution, Surfwise, Billy the Kid, Iron Man, Darjeeling Limited, Ex-Drummer…

Lucy (The Gamer)

There Will Be Blood
  1. There Will Be BloodThis beautifully shot life saga tops my list. Day-Lewis' oil mogul devastates with his decline into self-destruction – epic, endlessly quotable, shattering.
  2. CloverfieldAs close to a theme park ride as a film can get, this handicam monster flick is exhilarating, nauseating and terrifying in equal measure.
  3. Linda Linda LindaAn uplifting high school comedy illustrating teenage awkwardness with complete accuracy – its delightfully oddball schoolgirls remind us we're the same dorks the world over.
  4. This Is EnglandGrim tale of listless skinheads never feels preachy; instead draws empathy with its vulnerable characters and pitch perfect performances.
  5. No Country for Old MenTrademark Coen quirkiness gives us one of the finest characters in recent years: Jarvier Bardem's volatile villain owns this film. A tense, riveting experience.
  6. Flight of the Red BalloonGloriously shot; a slice of frantic modern life and a slow burning, fantastical poem – an ode to childhood. I am now finally in love with Juliette Binoche.
  7. Happy-Go-LuckyNarrative takes a back seat in Mike Leigh's 'comedy'. The results are completely joyous, although this is not for the viewer who regularly indulges in raising one eyebrow.
  8. Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet StreetIgnore the dodgy vocals and lose yourself instead in Burton's Grand Guignol freak-show complete with leering psychopaths, frightening haircuts and enough crimson blood to make you feel giddy.
  9. Summer Heights HighChris Lilley's mockumentary is a crippling watch; its cynical humour and unflinchingly realistic characters are an unsettling but genius mix. Worth it for the 'musical' in the last episode alone.
  10. The King of KongThe misguided bravado of the true geek is held up for brutal scrutiny. Typical underdog vs champion stuff, but their obsessive drive to win makes for a compelling, hilarious watch.

Honourable mentions: Once, Atonement, Dark Knight, Iron Man, Hellboy 2, Away From Her, Battlestar Galactica: Season 4, 30 Rock, Rogue, Annie Lebowitz: Life Through A Lens…

Svenda (The Dark Horse)

In My Skin
  1. In My SkinPersonal, believable, highly detailed story of a woman attempting to reconcile her body with her self.
  2. Silent LightA film that intrigued me with its naturalistic portrayal of religious life and an excruciatingly responsible exploration of the moral and physical struggle of infidelity.
  3. Lake of FireEpic examination of abortion and related social movements in America . See also: 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.
  4. Wild ZeroViolently satisfying low budget zombie flick, with rock‘n’roll as its gloriously cheesy central premise.
  5. Zizek!Rewardingly informative! Furiously entertaining! Portrait of Slovenian cultural philosopher Slavoj Zizek.
  6. An Old MistressGender subverting story of human lust and loyalty set within the oppressively class based society of 19th Century France. Asia Argento as Vellini rendered me dumbstruck.
  7. No Country for Old MenA violent meditation on consequence. Javiar Bardem stars.
  8. Global MetalA passionate exploration of the burgeoning heavy metal communities in South America, Asia and Israel. Will reward those who harbour the (internationally felt!) propensity to rock.
  9. Linda Linda LindaTriumphant tale of four girls in a Japanese High School who have three days to form a band and prepare three songs for a school festival.
  10. Workingman’s DeathFive stark but humane portraits of workers worldwide whose daily jobs challenge them physically in ways most of us can only imagine.

Bubbling under: Flight of the Red Balloon, Teeth; Killer of Sheep (Back Catalogue)…

Sherry (The Kid)

Billy the Kid
  1. Billy the KidI found myself cheering and feeling heartbroken along with Billy. Go the underdog!
  2. The Diving Bell and the ButterflyDespite the premise, this film told from a paralysed man's perspective is captivating and beautiful. I haven't read the book but I'm sure the film is just as good.
  3. Sleeping Dogs LieThe lessons here: some secrets are best kept, and don't judge a DVD by its cover.
  4. Linda Linda LindaSimply four girls who want to rock out. You'll still enjoy the song by show time.
  5. The King of KongBest paired with popcorn. It's amusing to watch people take something too seriously and the good guy triumph over the guy with bad hair.
  6. Lake of FireAn interesting and informed exploration of the abortion debate. Stunningly shot in shades of grey. Not for the faint hearted.
  7. Across the UniverseI'm a sucker for musicals that I know the words to... plus Sturgess is kinda cute.
  8. Eagle vs SharkFunny, sweet and roily New Zillund. Tu meke!
  9. Death ProofAction, gore, grainy film and babes. The final minutes are oh-so-satisfying (for females at least).
  10. There Will Be BloodDaniel Day-Lewis deserved the Oscar for this metaphor-filled period piece.

Further faves: Death at a Funeral, Horton Hears a Who!, No Country for Old Men, Once, This is England…

Simon (The Vet)

The Happening
  1. The HappeningProbably the most enjoyable film experience this year, but for the wrong reasons! Can’t wait for M.Night’s new film to see if it’s more ridiculous. (Close second in guilty pleasures was Southland Tales.)
  2. StardustA fairytale for grownups, not seen by many grownups, as it’s in the family section!
  3. RogueAt last, a decent giant crocodile movie! Filled with humour, tension and an unpredictable plot.
  4. Iron ManEnjoyable superhero spectacle that lived up to the hype.
  5. In the Valley of ElahTommy Lee Jones is amazing to watch. Check out his back catalogue.
  6. Sleeping Dogs LieUncomfortable but enjoyable. A staff favourite, but hard to convince customers to watch it!
  7. RenditionDonnie Darko gets political and serious.
  8. Mr. BrooksI’m sure Kevin Costner had a blast playing a looney schitzo.
  9. No Country for Old MenHopefully everyone has seen this by now…
  10. Michael ClaytonI didn’t think I’d enjoy a “legal thriller” with George Clooney in… but I did

Afterthoughts: Hancock (Biggest Disappointment); Devil at your Heels, The King of Kong (Best Docos); Doomsday (Best Mad Max ripoff); Perfect Creature (Best NZ film providing employment for actors who usually survive by doing ads)…

Ian (The Diplomat)

Into the Wild
  1. Into the WildAs a longtime lover of travel and one-time hitcher, I felt this captured the thrill and complexity of being on the road like no movie I have yet seen.
  2. Red RoadA tale of surveillance and damaged humans that starts quietly, then surprises with its secrets and its emotional force. The largely Scottish cast are truly cracking.
  3. After the WeddingThis Danish film makes riveting and emotional (melo)drama of some big topics - love, death, family, power, and the ways that flawed people can try to do good.
  4. The Diving Bell and the ButterflyA film which stretches the norms of mainstream cinema in order to pull us inside the world of its main character. Poetic, original, sublime… all those good things.
  5. In the Shadow of the MoonLikable ex-astronauts recall extraordinary adventures, while extraordinary footage of Apollo missions plays to a sublime soundtrack. One of those reinvigorate your sense of wonder affairs. And we need more of them these days.
  6. Across the UniverseStylist Julie Taymor uses the music of the Beatles (sung by a talented cast) to sweep us up in an ambitious portrait of the forces raging through the sixties - including student radicalism, Vietnam, creativity and disillusionment. My fave musical to date, bar none.
  7. The Dark KnightA blockbuster that caught on bigger than anything this decade, partly because of one actor’s death, and partly because it is so very good. In fact by the end of that over-ambitious final set-piece, a little too much of a good thing.
  8. Eagle vs SharkA love story which seems funny and pathetic until you realize how human its main characters really are. Overall I found it courageous, insightful and winning.
  9. Michael ClaytonA terrifying exploration of the idea that a large law firm might actually leave morality behind in its efforts to win the case, and protect its face. Terrifying because it played largely like reality, not an escapist Hollywood thriller.
  10. OnceA mood movie about music and special times. And a worthy inspiration to all those no-budget filmmakers, yearning for that pot of gold.

Also pretty damn good: There will be Blood, The Boss of it All (Hilarious!), The Secret Life of Words, Tropic Thunder, Atonement, Charlie Wilson’s War, Shine a Light, Stardust, Juno, Be Kind Rewind (Warning: those last two titles tend to divide viewers).…

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