The (Almost) Year in Movies

Try as I might, being a working Dad cut heavily into my movie-going experience in 2008. Especially at year-end, when most of the Oscar-bait comes roaring out of the gate, either in wide-release or limited to New York/L.A. Time was I could head out to the city of the local indie movie house to catch some of the smaller films, but those times are, sadly, gone.

Thank Goodness, then, for a vigorous DVD release schedule, combined with a nice home theater experience. I was able to catch most of the early stuff I wanted to see, and have only a handful of films that I regret not being able to see before the end of the year. I'm planning on making 2009 a more robust movie year, both in the theater and here on the site.

In the meantime, here are a handful of films I did NOT get to see yet, and thus won't be making the Top 10 List:

1. THE WRESTLER

2. DOUBT

3. THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

4. LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

5. JCVD

6. VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA

7. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

8. MAN ON WIRE

9. SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK

10.  A CHRISTMAS TALE

Without a doubt THE WRESTLER is probably my biggest disappointment, and the one I'll remedy the fastest (excepting VCB, which comes out on DVD next week).  And after reading and hearing so much positive word of mouth about it, A CHRISTMAS TALE is my biggest surprise expectation so far this year.

Up next, my favorite films of 2008 (HINT: One of them is the new banner background image).