Mostly unsung. And with a one year lag, allowing for Netflix availability. If you're a follower of this Blog, chances are you're sub-clinically addicted to that Mail-Order Miracle, and likely, moreover, to enjoy my favorites of 2008.Hamlet 2 British very-funny-guy Steve Coogan as down-and-out expatriot H.S. drama coach directing his irreverent time-traveling take on the Bard. (Jesus C. in cast of play-within-a-movie.) Comedic trouble both political and domestic ensues. Formidable Catherine Keener and reliable Amy Poehler in support.
Burn After Reading Dark but hilarious Coen Brothers' spy-thriller-turned-upside-down. Gold-standard cast includes Clooney, Pitt, Malkovich, McDormand, Swinton. Enough said.
Tropic Thunder Offensive to the brink of off-putting, Ben Stiller's satire of Vietnam movies of Stone and Kubrick, and Hollywood every-which-way. Downey in black-face, Cruise unrecognizable. Jack Black, McConaughey, Coogan (again) in support. Nick Nolte almost steals the show.
Ghost Town If you can temporarily buy-into a Casper-friendly mis en scene, a warm-hearted story of misanthropic schlub Ricky Gervais' redemption with comic-cosmic implications. But down-to-earth funny. Always-believable Tia Leoni co-stars. Greg Kinnear and forever-under-used Kristen Wiig in fine support.
Yes Man Jim Carrey vehicle underrated because too much like an inverted Liar, Liar, his very best work. So what. Call it a sequel. Another self-absorbed schlub, Carrey "yesses" of himself into social an romantic salvation. Restrained-funny-Carrey movie with true-story-based depth. Worth watching if only for Zooey Deschanel's multi-tasked performance. Veteran Terence Stamp plays the "Yes"-Guru to perfection.
Vicky Christina Barcelona Woody Allen's best since Match Point, which had similar romantic complications, but here the filmmaker must set a record for sexual permutations/combinations thereof, only adding to the somewhat numb-inducing comic effect. (Sorry to say this, but it helps, too, that neither the Woodman himself or a surrogate, like Larry David, have any need to be in this film.) Melancholy-funny. Fresh, exotic/foreign venue, beautifully shot. Charismatic Javier Bardem and incandescent Penelope Cruz appropriately Allen-ized.
Satisfaction guaranteed. If you don't like any one of them, please feel free to send back by return mail.
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