As 2008 draws its final breath, lets take a look back at the year's best in film.
10. "Charlie Bartlett": This was one of those films that perhaps 65 people saw. It starred Robert Downey Jr. (a name you will get familiar with on this list) and introduced us to Anton Yelchkin who will star in the upcoming "Star Trek" film. A traditional story of teen angst mixed with therapy and prescription drug sales, the film is Netflix queue worthy.
9. "Run Fatboy, Run": Featuring another star of the "Star Trek" reboot, Simon Pegg of "Shaun of the Dead" fame, this film revolves around one man's quest to win back the woman he loves by running a grueling marathon also being run by her current beau, played by Hank Azaria. Oh, and he's running the race for erectile dysfunction awareness.
8. "Iron Man": Slightly overshadowed by another superhero film this summer, "Iron Man" should not be overlooked. This film, again with Downey Jr., will probably go down as one of the best films based on comic books of all time. And as boozing womanizer Tony Stark, Downey Jr. plays the part to perfection. I'm guessing he's had some experience.
7. "WALL-E": Put this in the genre of animated film not just for children. "WALL-E" will probably not get much best picture attention come Oscar time but it should. The film is touching, dark and provocative, all without dialogue for a great deal of the picture. Even if you don't have children, watch this movie.
6. "Religulous": So, let's take Bill Maher and send him on a search to understand religion. How can controversy not ensue? Though not a thought provoking "documentary," it's still absolutely hilarious. "Religulous" really shows the potential dangers in taking ones self too seriously.
5. "In Bruges": Again, I think perhaps myself and the director's mother saw this film, but three Golden Globe nominations gives it a little retribution. Starring as two hitmen in hiding, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason are hilarious. And when a war breaks out between the pair and their boss, played by Ralph Fiennes, look out.
4. "Tropic Thunder": The third and final film in the 2008 Downey Jr. trifecta, "Thunder" could be the funniest film of the year. From top to bottom, the cast shines as a group of actors making a movie about a war when a real one breaks out. If you haven't seen or heard about Tom Cruise's cameo brilliance, get out from under your rock and check it out.
3. "Milk": As the first openly gay elected public official, Sean Penn has all but assured himself a best actor nomination. Penn stars as Harvey Milk, a San Francisco city supervisor assassinated along with the mayor of the city in 1978 by a former co-worker.
2. "The Wrestler": You can already give this picture the take-the-movie-world-by-storm award. Rumors of Mickey Rourke's standout performance had leaked for months before the film was finished, and when viewers finally saw it, the rumors proved to be true. As washed up wrestler Randy "The Ram," Rourke truly disappears into the role, making you feel like you were watching the actual erosion of one of your own childhood heroes.
1. "The Dark Knight": How do you argue with $996 billion worldwide? You don't. Is "The Dark Knight" going to take best picture? No. Will it be nominated? Probably not. But as the Joker, look for Heath Ledger to take home the much talked about best supporting actor award he so impressively deserves.
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