A stop-motion puppet animation film based on the stories of Etgar Keret, this film is a surreal look at a group of misfits who are drawn together in an apartment complex in Sydney. Dave, an unemployed young man, is drawn into this community when he finds an ad for a pamphlet that costs $9.99 and will explain the meaning of life. Together with a disgruntled old man and his guardian angel, a man who has befriended a group of two-inch tall students, and a boy who frees his piggy bank, he sets forth on his quest. Directed by Tatia Rosenthal. With Geoffrey Rush, Anthony LaPaglia, Samuel Johnson, Joel Edgerton, Claudia Karvan, Leeanna Walsman and Josef Ber. Categories: Animation. Year: 2008.
2008 in $9.99
After a band of mysterious warlords raid his village and kidnap the woman he loves (Camilla Belle), D'Leh (Steven Strait), a young mammoth hunter, assembles a small group of his tribesmen to track them down. Journeying through unknown territory and battling against prehistoric predators, D'Leh's quest leads him into an epic confrontation with the leader of a lost civilization that will decide the fate of his people. Directed by Roland Emmerich. With Cliff Curtis, Tim Barlow and Marco Khan. Categories: Adventure, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in 10,000 B.C.
When Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), a shy, brilliant MIT student looking for a way to pay for med school, is recruited to join a group of the school's most gifted students to learn how to count cards, he gets more than he bargained for. Trained by unorthodox math professor and stats genius Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey), the team heads to Las Vegas armed with fake identities and an unstoppable system for cracking blackjack. Caught up in the money and the Vegas lifestyle, Ben eventually turns his back on his team and pushes his talent to its very limit, while trying to stay one step ahead of the casino's enforcer, Cole Williams (Laurence Fishburne). Directed by Robert Luketic. With Kate Bosworth, Liza Lapira, Aaron Yoo and Jacob Pitts. Categories: Drama, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in 21
After serving as a bridesmaid 27 times, Jane (Katherine Heigl), a hopeless romantic, has finally had enough. Faced with the prospect of watching her sister (Malin Akerman) marry the man she secretly loves (Edward Burns), Jane must overcome her fears and find the bride inside of herself. Directed by Anne Fletcher. With Krysten Ritter, Judy Greer and James Marsden. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in 27 Dresses
This Belgian film tells the story of a Mattie (Barbara Sarafian), a woman in her Forties whose husband is going through a midlife crisis, whose daughter is going through puberty and whose other two children are struggling with different problems. She tries to be there for everyone. She gets into a minor car accident one day, and is stunned to find that the 29-year-old driver of the other car, Johnny (Jurgen Delnaet), finds her attractive. Directed by Christophe Van Rompaey. With Anemone Valcke, Griet van Damme, Sofia Ferri, Johan Heldenbergh and Julian Borsani. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Aanrijding in Moscou
When talk radio host Emma Lloyd (Uma Thurman) advises one of her listeners to break up with her boyfriend, Patrick (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), the jilted ex, takes revenge by filling out a marriage license with both their names on it. The initially harmless prank causes Emma to rethink her engagement and safe life with her fiancé Richard Bratton (Colin Firth) and the world's most unlikely couple becomes drawn to each other. Directed by Griffin Dunne. With Lindsay Sloane, Ajay Naidu and Sam Shepard. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Accidental Husband
For an assignment for his French class, Simon (Devon Bostick) combines his family history with a recent news story involving terrorism. When his fabrication attracts more attention than even he intended, Simon ends up attracting an internet audience wrapped up in the resulting controversy. Directed by Atom Egoyan. With Scott Speedman, Rachel Blanchard, Kenneth Welsh, Katie Boland, Noam Jenkins and Arsinée Khanjian. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Adoration
Directed by Ari Gold. With Ari Gold, Michael McKean, Shoshannah Stern, Travis Johns, Chi Ling Chiu, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jane Lynch, Adrian Grenier and Steven Williams. Categories: Comedy, Music. Year: 2008.
2008 in Adventures of Power
Two Muslim stand-up comics (Azhar Usman and Mohammed Amer) plus a Christian minister (Preacher Moss) take their comedy routine on the road. The three poke gentle fun at each other and their cultural and religious differences. The trio will be familiar from their many appearances of television talk shows. Directed by Andrea Kalin.. Categories: Documentary, Comedy, Talk-Show. Year: 2008.
2008 in Allah Made Me Funny: Live in Concert
Declaring America's history offensive, left-wing filmmaker Michael Malone (Kevin P. Farley) sets out on a campaign to abolish the Fourth of July holiday. With the country's patriotism hanging in the balance, Malone is visited by the ghosts of George Washington (Jon Voight), George S. Patton (Kelsey Grammer) and John F. Kennedy (Chriss Anglin), who try to presuade him to rethink his opinion of the United States. Directed by David Zucker. With Robert Davi, Trace Adkins, James Woods, Bill O'Reilly, Serdar Kalsin, Geoffrey Arend, Dennis Hopper and Leslie Nielsen. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in An American Carol
Based on a true story, American Violet looks at the case of Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie), a young single mother in Texas who was arrested for dealing drugs. Her arrest was part of a sweep by a corrupt district attorney (Michael O'Keefe) who incarcerated people indiscriminately, then pressured them to take plea bargains. Determined to prove her innocence, Dee sued the district attorney, with the help of a lawyer (Tim Blake Nelson) from the American Civil Liberties Union. All the while, she was pressured by her mother (Alfre Woodard) to plead guilty, while her children's abusive father (Xzibit) tried to take custody of the kids. Directed by Tim Disney. With Will Patton. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in American Violet
Renegade rancher Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons) has taken control of the small western town of Appaloosa, hoarding its resources and killing off the marshall and one of his deputies. Two gunmen, Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen), are hired to regain control of the lawless town, and put Bragg in his place. But, when widow Allison French (Renée Zellweger) comes to to town, her arrival complicates Cole and Hitch's mission and puts their lives in danger. Directed by Ed Harris. With Lance Henriksen. Categories: Western, Drama, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in Appaloosa
Josh Hartnett plays the founder of a dot-com who struggles to keep his company afloat the month before the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, just after the high-tech development bubble burst. Rip Torn is his hypercritical father, while Naomie Harris is a girl he lets slip away. David Bowie plays a ruthless venture capitalist who may take over the firm. Directed by Austin Chick. With Andre Royo, Naomie Harris, Robin Tunney and Adam Scott. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in August
During WWII, English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) inherits a large cattle ranch in northern Australia. When local cattle barons plot to steal her land, Sarah reluctantly joins forces with the Drover (Hugh Jackman), a tough Outback cowboy, to drive her 2,000 head of cattle across the country. As they traverse the unforgiving lands of the continent, the Japenese bomb Darwin, engulfing their world in chaos and war. Directed by Baz Luhrmann. With David Wenham. Categories: Adventure, Drama, War, Western. Year: 2008.
2008 in Australia
At 37, Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey), a successful, single career businesswoman, has decided the time is right to have a child. But, when she discovers that she's infertile, Kate is forced to consider other options. Eventually, she finds an unlikely surrogate in Angie Ostrowiski (Amy Poehler), a working class woman from South Philly. Just when Kate thinks she finally has everything figured out, Angie shows up asking for a place to live, and the mismatched pair struggle to coexist as they prepare to become mothers. Directed by Michael McCullers. With Sigourney Weaver, Greg Kinnear, Romany Malco, Dax Shepard and Maura Tierney. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Baby Mama
Toorop (Vin Diesel) is a mercenary tasked with escorting a package from Eastern Europe to New York City, through a crumbling, post-apocalyptic landscape. As it turns out, the package is a woman named Aurora (Mélanie Thierry) who carries a genetically modified organism that could spell doom for humanity. Complcating matters is a dangerous cult that wants the organism so that they can produce the next Messiah. Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. With Michelle Yeoh, Lambert Wilson, Mark Strong and Gérard Depardieu. Categories: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Babylon A.D.
Four actors (Ross Partridge, Steve Zissis, Greta Gerwig and Elise Muller) drive out to an isolated cabin in order write, direct and act in a film that they hope will jumpstart their careers. But, when the main character of their horror movie mysteriously appears and begins to torment them, the four friends must decide who they can trust and just what thye are up against. Directed by: Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass. Categories: Horror, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Baghead
When Joe (Nicolas Cage), a cold-blooded assassin, travels to Bangkok for a series of contract killings, he hires a street punk named Kong (Shahkrit Yamnarm) to run errands, intending to execute him when the job is over. Instead, Joe begins mentoring the young man and falls for Fon (Charlie Yeung), a local shop girl. When the true nature of his latest assignment comes to light, Joe begins to question his isolated existence and must fight for his life when his boss decides it's time to clean house. Directed by Oxide Pang Chun and Danny Pang. With James With and Panward Hemmanee. Categories: Action, Crime, Thriller, Remake. Year: 2008.
2008 in Bangkok Dangerous
When Martine (Saffron Burrows) offers her old friend Terry (Jason Statham) a lead on a foolproof job targeting a London bank, Terry assembles a crew to tunnel into a room containing the safety deposit boxes of some of Great Britain's richest and most powerful people. Terry and his team are after millions in cash and jewelry, but along with the loot they discover a collection of dirty secrets. Realizing that Martine had other motives in organizing the robbery, Terry and his partners are thrust into a storm of corruption and scandal that leads to the highest levels of the British government, and must make a mad dash for freedom and their lives. Directed by Roger Donaldson. With Stephen Campbell Moore, Daniel Mays, Richard Lintern and Peter Bowles. Categories: Crime, Thriller, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Bank Job
After Jerry's (Jack Black) brain becomes magnetized and he accidentally erases all the tapes in his friend Mike's (Mos Def) video store, the odd duo sets out to film their own versions of popular films. Initially, they just want to keep their one dependable customer, an elderly woman (Mia Farrow) who is losing her mind, but when the word gets out they become the stars of their neighborhood. Directed by Michel Gondry. With Danny Glover and Melonie Diaz. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Be Kind Rewind
When hotel handyman Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler) is asked by his sister (Courteney Cox) to watch his niece and nephew, he has no idea what he's getting into. Without warning, the fantastic bedtime stories he tells the two children begin to come true in the real world. Skeeter decides to try to take advantage of the circumstances by incorporating his own wishes into the tall tales, but his niece and nephew's fanciful additions end up turning his life upside down. Directed by Adam Shankman. With Keri Russell, Guy Pearce, Teresa Palmer, Russell Brand and Lucy Lawless. Categories: Comedy, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Bedtime Stories
Chloe (the voice of Drew Barrymore) is a pampered Beverly Hills pet Chihuahua. Her owner is a cosmetics mogul (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Chloe thinks she is too good for the gardener's dog, Papi (the voice of George Lopez). But when her owner's niece (Piper Perabo) takes Chloe on a trip to Mexico and loses her there, only Papi can save her from dognappers. Directed by Raja Gosnell. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Beverly Hills Chihuahua
In this documentary, director Chris Bell explores America's steroid culture and the pressure to be bigger and better than your competition. Following his two brothers, Mark Bell and Mike Bell, who became users of steroids in an effort to achieve their athletic dreams, Chris sheds light on steroid's pervasive presence not only in major sports and body building, but in high schools, colleges and neighborhood gyms. Directed by Chris Bell. With Arnold Schwarzenegger and Hulk Hogan. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in Bigger, Stronger, Faster*
Morris (Matthew Perry) is a teacher living a dull, orderly life with his wife (Lauren Graham). But the calm is shattered when his younger brother, Jay (Ben Foster), and sister, Ida (Ginnifer Goodwin) appear. Morris raised his siblings more or less on his own, and both have turned out to be free-spirited risk-takers. They turn his world upside down, but Morris soon learns to embrace the changes they bring. Directed by Craig Lucas. With Hilary Swank. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Birds of America
After moving with his family and starting at a new school, Thomas (Rhys Wakefield) is put in charge of looking after his autistic brother Charlie (Luke Ford) when their pregnant mother (Toni Collette) is forced to take it easy. All Thomas wants is to be accepted and lead a normal life, but Charlie's antics cause him trouble at every turn. But, despite the constant frustration, Thomas gradually learns to appreciate his brother with help from his new girlfriend, Jackie (Gemma Ward). Directed by Elissa Down. With Erik Thomson, Firass Dirani and Ngoc Phan. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Black Balloon
During WWII, Hungarian poet Hannah Senesh (Meri Roth) leaves the safety of Palenstine to become a resistance fighter and joins a mission to rescue Jews in her native country; the only mission of its kind carried out during the war. After parachuting behind enemy lines, Senesh is captured, torture and executed by the Nazis, while her mother (Marcela Nohynkova) becomes her personal advocate and tries desperately to save her daughter's life. Directed by Roberta Grossman. With Zdenek Kozakovic, Zdenek Astr, Jindrich Hinke and Monika Malacova. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in Blessed Is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh
When a mysterious epidemic of blindness sweeps over a city and panics its citizens, the US Minister of Health (Sandra Oh) responds by placing the afflicted into strict quarantine. Meant to keep the newly blind safe until a cure is developed and order is restored, the plan proves to have unexpected consequences when a renegade patient (Gael García Bernal) proclaims himself ruler of the hospital and his followers take control of the facilities. Amongst the chaos, a woman (Julianne Moore) who followed her afflicted husband (Mark Ruffalo) into quarantine and has kept her health a secret, bands together with a group of strangers to find their way to freedom. Directed by Fernando Meirelles. With Alice Braga and Danny Glover. Categories: Drama, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Blindness
Directed by Russell Brown. With Bryce Johnson, Austin Peck, Karen Black, Roma Maffia and Lauren Stamile. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Blue Tooth Virgin
After uncovering a lead on a major terrorist operating out of Jordan, CIA operative Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) must convince his higher up Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) to back his plan to infiltrate the terrorist's network. While Ferris forms a tenative alliance with Hani (Mark Strong), the head of Jordanian intelligence, he must also deal with the manipulative Hoffman's questionable support. In enemy territory with his life on the line, Ferris must decide if he can trust these men to see that his operation succeeds. Directed by Ridley Scott. With Carice van Houten, Michael Gaston and Golshifteh Farahani. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Action. Year: 2008.
2008 in Body of Lies
Bolt (John Travolta) has spent his entire life as a famous TV superdog. But, when he is accidentally shipped from Hollywood to New York City, he discovers that his powers aren't real and must rely on his new friends Mittens (Susie Essman), a jaded housecat, and Rhino (Mark Walton), a TV-obsessed hamster. As Bolt sets out on a cross-country mission to reunite with his owner Penny (Miley Cyrus), he learns that the only thing you need to be a hero is heart. Directed by Byron Howard and Chris Williams. With Malcolm McDowell, Nick Swardson and Diedrich Bader. Categories: Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Bolt
This film is a dramatization of the 1976 wine-tasting competition that, for the first time, ranked Napa Valley wines from California above the French. Bill Pullman and Chris Pine are the father-and-son duo whose wines triumph, while Alan Rickman is a British wine snob who doesn't think anything good can come from the US. Directed by Randall Miller. With Rachael Taylor, Freddy Rodríguez, Eliza Dushku, and Dennis Farina. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Bottle Shock
During WWII, Bruno (Asa Butterfield), a privileged, 8-year-old German boy, travels with his family from Berlin to Poland when his father (David Thewlis), a high ranking Nazi officer, is given a post at a concentration camp. Isolated and bored, Bruno begins exploring the area surrounding the "farm" behind his new home and eventually meets Schmuel (Jack Scanlon), a Jewish boy living in the camp. Separated by barbed wire, the two boys become friends and eventually come to realize the horrible realities of the war. Directed by Mark Herman. With Vera Farmiga, Amber Beattie, Jim Norton and Rupert Friend. Categories: Drama, Based on a Novel, History. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
While stationed at Brideshead Castle during WWII, Captain Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode) remembers back on his involvement with the Marchmain family, the Catholic, aristocratic owners of the grand estate. Charles is first drawn to Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw), a charming and provocative young man, before falling for his sophisticated sister, Julia (Hayley Atwell). As Charles' ambition draws him deeper and deeper into the Marchmains' world, he discovers that the allure of their secret lives is matched by Lady Marchmain's desire to preserve their way of life. Directed by Julian Jarrold. With Emma Thompson and Michael Gambon. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Brideshead Revisited
After years of ripping off millionaires using elaborate, literary-inspired schemes, Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) and Bloom (Adrien Brody), the world's greatest conmen, decide to take on one final job. Teaming up with a silent weapons expert (Rinko Kikuchi), the Brothers Bloom set their sights on Penelope Stamp (Rachel Weisz), an eccentric heiress who collects hobbies like other people collect stamps. Their plan to swindle Penelope out of $2.5 million during a romantic, around the world adventure is complicated when she and Bloom fall in love. Directed by Rian Johnson. With Robbie Coltrane and Nora Zehetner. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Brothers Bloom
After breaking out of a cancer ward, two terminally ill men (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) head off on a road trip with a list of things they want to do before they die, including racing cars, eating giant plates of caviar and gambling in Monte Carlo. Directed by Rob Reiner. With Sean Hayes and Rob Morrow. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Crime. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Bucket List
After finding a CD containing the memoirs of ex-CIA agent Ozzie Cox (John Malkovich) in the gym where they work, Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt) and Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) formulate a harebrained scheme to blackmail him. Even though the disc contains sensitive data about previous CIA indescretions, Cox, bitter and disgruntled, doesn't simply give in to their demands and sets out to recover his memoirs on his own terms. Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney), a federal marshal who is sleeping with Cox's estranged wife (Tilda Swinton), becomes entangled in the increasingly sticky situation when he witnesses Chad attempting to break into his home. Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen. With J.K. Simmons and Richard Jenkins. Categories: Comedy, Crime. Year: 2008.
2008 in Burn After Reading
Directed by Guillermo Arriaga. With Jos_ Mar_a Yazpik, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lawrence, Joaquim de Almeida and Kim Basinger. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Burning Plain
Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody), founder of Chess Records, scours the South looking for hot new blues talent. After discovering some of the biggest names in music history, including Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), Etta James (Beyoncé Knowles), Chuck Berry (Mos Def) and Willie Dixon (Cedric the Entertainer), Chess sets out to make them famous by selling records out of the trunk of his Cadillac. Directed by Darnell Martin. With Emmanuelle Chriqui, Gabrielle Union, Norman Reedus, Columbus Short, Jay O. Sanders and Eric Bogosian. Categories: Drama, Music, Musical. Year: 2008.
2008 in Cadillac Records
In 1920s Los Angeles, Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie), a single mother and telephone operator, returns home from work to discover that her son Walter (Gattlin Griffith) is missing. After an unsuccessful five month search, police eventually return a boy to her who claims to be he son. When Christine refuses to accept the lie, the police brand her as a delusional, unfit mother. With nowhere left to turn, Christine gets a helping hand from Reverend Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich), who is determined to confront city authorities and expose the corruption in the LAPD. Directed by Clint Eastwood. With Colm Feore, Denis O'Hare and Jeffrey Donovan. Categories: Biography, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in Changeling
After helping to overthrow the dictatorship in Cuba, Ernesto "Che" Guevara (Benicio Del Toro), an Argentine doctor, continues his quest to spread a worldwide peasant revolution through guerrilla warfare. Following a speech at the UN General Assembly, Guevara disappears for a time before re-emerging in Bolivia. Unable to gain the same support he enjoyed in Cuba, Guevara finds that the Bolivian campaign is his undoing, and is eventually killed by CIA backed counterinsurgency forces. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. With Julia Ormond, Rodrigo Santoro, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Joaquim de Almeida. Categories: Biography, Drama, History, War, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in Che
Traveling to China during the Japanese occupation, British journalist George Hogg (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) intends to report on the war from just outside the frontlines. But, after being captured by the Japanese and subsequently rescued by a Chinese resistance fighter (Yun-Fat Chow), George is led to an orphanage where he meets Lee Pearson, (Radha Mitchell), the American nurse who looks after the boys who live there. After gaining the boy's trust, George goes on to lead them through a war zone and across a mountian range in order to seek safety on the edge of the Mongolian Desert. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode. With Michelle Yeoh. Categories: Drama, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Children of Huang Shi
Zen, a young woman with a developmental disorder, born to a Thai woman and a Japanese gangster, has an uncanny talent for martial arts. She puts her skills to good use by tracking down all those who owe money to her ailing mother. Anyone who doesn't pay up promptly gets kicked around by the determined daughter. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew. Categories: Action. Year: 2008.
2008 in Chocolate
After dropping out of medical school, Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell) works as a tour guide at an historical theme park in order to support his mother (Anjelica Huston), who is hospitalized with Alzheimer's. For extra cash, he pretends to choke on pieces of food in upscale restaurants, so that he can leech off of the people who come to his aid. When he's not busy taking advantage of people for money, Victor frequents sexual addiction workshops to find companionship. But, things start to change for Victor when he meets Paige (Kelly Macdonald), a woman who makes him want to go against all his unhealthy tendencies. Directed by Clark Gregg. With Brad William Henke. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in Choke
Junon (Catherine Deneuve) and Abel (Jean-Paul Roussillon) welcome their three grown children home for a crowded family Christmas. Joining them are Elizabeth (Anne Consigny), a melancholic playwright, Ivan (Melvil Poupaud), the young peacemaker, and Henri (Mathieu Amalric), the self-destructive black sheep who was banished from family five years earlier. With a history of leukemia in the family, the disease has returned, further complicating the already uncomfortable reunion. Directed by Arnaud Desplechin. With Chiara Mastroianni and Emmanuelle Devos. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Foreign Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in A Christmas Tale
Finding themselves pulled back into the land of Narnia, where over a thousand years have passed since their last visit, the Pevensie siblings are once again enlisted to help the magical creatures of Narnia fight against an evil king. With Aslan's (Liam Neeson) guidance, the children seek to place the kingdom's rightful heir, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), upon his throne. Directed by Andrew Adamson. With Tilda Swinton, William Moseley, Georgie Henley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Peter Dinklage. Categories: Adventure, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
The City of Ember was built to house a community of humans beneath the Earth's surface for two centuries. As the 200th year approaches, the massive generator that powers the city is beginning to fail and the residents fear they will be trapped in total darkness. To save the people of Ember, Lina Mayfleet (Saoirse Ronan) and Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway), two adventurous teenagers, search for clues that will reveal why the city was created and help their friends and family escape before it is too late. Directed by Gil Kenan. With Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Mackenzie Crook, Toby Jones and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Categories: Adventure, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in City of Ember
To make sure his son Dicky (Min Hun Fung) can attend his private school, Ti (Stephen Chow), a poor widower, leads a grueling life as a construction worker. Despite his father's best efforts, Dicky still sticks out from his wealthier classmates and, with his worn clothes and lack of the coolest new toys, he feels like an outcast. To try and cheer Dicky up, Ti heads to the junk yard, looking for a toy. Instead, he finds an alien with extraordinary powers that changes their lives forever. Directed by Stephen Chow. With Chi Chung Lam and Kitty Zhang Yuqi. Categories: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Foreign Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in CJ7
When a building-sized monster begins to wreak havoc upon New York City, a group of friends flee a going-away party armed with only a handheld camera. As they attempt to avoid the behemoth's path of destruction, the friends record their escape over previously recorded footage. With no time to spare, the group must make the difficult decision whether or not to stray from their course to locate a missing friend. Directed by Matt Reeves. With Michael Stahl-David, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Odette Yustman and Mike Vogel. Categories: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Cloverfield
After hearing about a classmate's (Ryan Pinkston) debaucherous weekend at a college campus, best friends and high school seniors Kevin (Drake Bell), Morris (Kevin Covais) and Carter (Andrew Caldwell) plan a visit to a local university to get in on the action. Prepared for the best weekend of their lives, the boys are recruited as pledges by the rowdiest franternity on campus. But, when the experience turns out to be more about humiliation than partying, Kevin, Morris and Carter decide to fight back with a huge prank that turns the tables on their supposed frat brothers. Directed by Deb Hagan. With Haley Bennett, Nick Zano, Zach Cregger and Gary Owen. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in College
When Melanie Porter (Raven-Symoné), an overachieving high school student, makes plans to travel around the country with her friends to choose the perfect college, Chief James Porter (Martin Lawrence), her overprotective cop father, decides that they should make the trip together instead. Rather than the dream trip she imagined, Melanie finds herself stuck in one embarrassing mishap after the next. But, as father and daughter bicker from campus to campus, they begin to appreciate the special bond they share and realize that both of their lives are about to change forever. Directed by Roger Kumble. With Brenda Song, Margo Harshman and Kym Whitley. Categories: Comedy, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in College Road Trip
Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) is born as an old man and physically ages backwards. Abandoned by his biological parents just after his birth, Benjamin struggles to live in a world where his appearance doesn't quite match up with what's inside of him. At 50, Benjamin falls in love with 30-year-old Daisy (Cate Blanchett). And, as Benjamin grows younger and Daisy grows older, the two must come to terms with the limits of their relationship and the unusual circumstances of Benjamin's life. Directed by David Fincher. With Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond and Elle Fanning. Categories: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Batman (Christian Bale) continues his quest to bring down the criminal organizations that plague the streets of Gotham with the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). But, when mob bosses make an alliance with a psychotic mastermind known as the Joker (Heath Ledger), Batman must use every weapon in his arsenal to put an end to the villain's deadly rampage. Directed by Christopher Nolan. With Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Michael Hall, William Fichtner and Michael Caine. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Based on a Comic. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Dark Knight
Chaz Davenport (Gabriel Mann) is the proprietor of what promises to be the most popular nightclub in town. Although Chaz is surrounded by the music he loves and has his pick of gorgeous women, he also has to deal with the city's constant blackouts and a menacing loan shark, both of which threaten his dream. Making matters worse, Chaz finds himself in a love triangle with Crystal (Bijou Phillips), the club's star performer, and Madelaine (Izabella Miko), a mysterious and seductive new singer. And, when people close to him begin turning up dead, Chaz must decide who he can trust as he's drawn into the city's darkest recesses. Directed by Rachel Samuels. With Elias Koteas, Jarreth J. Merz and Michael Fairman. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Music, Musical. Year: 2008.
2008 in Dark Streets
When the alien Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) lands on earth, he brings a message to the human race. All the world's people must learn to live in peace or they will be destroyed. Dr. Granier (Jon Hamm), a NASA official, recruits microbiologist Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) to join a scientific team investigating Klaatu. But, soon, Benson and her young stepson (Jaden Smith) get caught up in Klaatu's mission, and begin to understand the importance of his arrival. Directed by Scott Derrickson. With John Cleese, Kathy Bates, Brandon T. Jackson and James Hong. Categories: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Remake. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Day the Earth Stood Still
When overcrowding pushes the US penal system to its breaking point, the Weyland Corporation takes over, seeing an opportunity to create new televised sport. Using expendable inmates as drivers, Warden Hennessey (Joan Allen) organizes a violent, high-speed race through a brutal course where only the winner survives. Former NASCAR champion Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) is chosen to headline their main event, but with only six weeks left on his sentence, he wants nothing to do with the race. Backed into a corner, Ames jumps behind the wheel of a monster car outfitted with deadly weapons in a winner take all battle to the death. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. With Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson, Natalie Martinez and Max Ryan. Categories: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Death Race
When Jonathan (Ewan McGregor), a mild-mannered accountant, meets Wyatt (Hugh Jackman), he sees the charismatic, womanizing lawyer as the personification of everything he wishes he could be. Introduced to a mysterious sex club, Jonathan begins to discover an exciting, erotic world he never dreamed of. But, when a woman disappears, Jonathan finds that he is the prime suspect in a plot that involves a million dollar heist. Directed by Marcel Langenegger. With Michelle Williams and Maggie Q. Categories: Action, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Deception
Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), Asael (Jamie Bell) and Aron Bielski (George MacKay), four Jewish brothers, escape Nazi-occupied Poland and join a group of Russian resistance fighters. While building a village deep inside the forest to be a home for other Jewish refugees, the brothers help to save hundreds of lives and prepare to protect themselves from the Nazi's wrath. Directed by Edward Zwick. With Tomas Arana and Alexa Davalos. Categories: Drama, War, Independent Film, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in Defiance
In addition to his pending divorce, thirty-something Manhattan dad Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) must also deal with questions from his 10 year old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), about his life before marriage. Will begins his story as a young, aspiring politician who moves to New York from Wisconsin in order to work on the Clinton campaign. While attempting to deliver a child-friendly version of his romantic escapades and adventures in politics, Will is careful to conceal the names of his three loves, leaving Maya to guess who he ultimately ended up with. As Maya begins to put the pieces together, she learns that love is a complicated thing. Directed by Adam Brooks. With Elizabeth Banks, Derek Luke, Isla Fisher, Kevin Kline and Rachel Weisz. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Definitely, Maybe
In the land of Jhamora, the winged Nohrin and the terrestrial Lockni have a long-standing feud rising from their mutual prejudices. When Delgo (Freddie Prinze Jr.), a rebellious Lockni teenager, forms an unlikely friendship with Kyla (Jennifer Love Hewitt), the spunky Nohrin Princess, hostilities between the two peoples escalate. With war imminent, Sedessa (Anne Bancroft), an exiled Empress, sets out to reclaim her rule with the help of a Raius (Malcolm McDowell), a devious traitor to the throne, and two bumbling servants (Eric Idle). After Empress Sedessa kidnaps Princess Kyla and frames Delgo for the crime, Delgo and his best friend, Filo (Chris Kattan), must put aside their differences to join forces with Bogardus (Val Kilmer), a tough Nohrin General. Directed by Marc F. Adler and Jason Maurer. With Kelly Ripa, Michael Clarke Duncan, Louis Gossett Jr. and Burt Reynolds. Categories: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Delgo
The masters of farce turn their sights on the disaster movie. As a group of friends try to make their way to safety through the most ridiculously dangerous day ever, they must deal with tornadoes, asteroids, earthquakes and every other catastrophy known to man. Along the way, they never pass up an opportunity to lampoon some of the biggest names in film and music, taking aim at Indiana Jones, Iron Man, Amy Winehouse, Miley Cyrus and the cast of High School Musical. Directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. With Matt Lanter, Vanessa Minnillo, G. Thang, Nicole Parker, Crista Flanagan, Kimberly Kardashian and Carmen Electra. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Disaster Movie
Looking for a neverending party, seven British tourists who meet at a Mediterranean nightclub board a luxury yacht and set out into the ocean. But, when a freak accident leaves one of them dead, the survivors must decide who they trust and fight for their lives. Directed by Oliver Blackburn. With Robert Boulter, Sian Breckin, Tom Burke, Nichola Burley, Julian Morris, Jay Taylor and Jaime Winstone. Categories: Thriller, Foreign Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Donkey Punch
Nearly three decades after millions of British citizens infected with a lethal virus were quarantined in Scotland and left to die, the aptly named Reaper virus resurfaces on the streets of London in 2035. After discovering that survivors remain in Scotland, the Department of Domestic Security assembles a team to enter the infected zone and seek out a cure. The elite group of specialists, lead by Major Eden Sinclair (Rhona Mitra), who escaped Scotland as a child, enter the lawless wasteland and must battle against a legion of cannibals, while searching for a way to save the world. Directed by Neil Marshall. With Bob Hoskins, Malcolm McDowell, Craig Conway, MyAnna Buring and David O'Hara. Categories: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Doomsday
In 1964, Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) brings the winds of change to a Catholic school in the Bronx. Already upset with Father Flynn challenging her strict way of running the school, Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep) finds an even greater reason to face off against him when Sister James (Amy Adams) confesses that she suspects that he is abusing Donald Miller (Joseph Foster), the school's first black student. Beginning a crusade to discover the truth and remove Father Flynn from the school, Sister Aloysius moves forward with no proof but her moral certainity and enters a battle of wills that threatens to tear the community apart. Directed by John Patrick Shanley. With Viola Davis and Alice Drummond. Categories: Drama, Mystery. 2008.
2008 in Doubt
A disturbing, provocative movie about Nancy (Maria Bello), a woman in a long-term relationship that bores her. Depressed, she contacts a man (Jason Patric) via the Internet and asks him to kill her. He agrees, but when they meet, they fall in love and become involved in a sado-masochistic relationship. Amy Brenneman is the therapist who tries to counsel Nancy into sanity. Directed by Johan Renck. With Rufus Sewell. Categories: Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Downloading Nancy
On their first day of high school, Ryan (Troy Gentile), Wade (Nate Hartley) and Emmit (David Dorfman) have a run-in with Filkins (Alex Frost) and Ronnie (Josh Peck), the school bullies. Not wanting to deal with their abuse until graduation, the three nerds take out an ad for a bodyguard. Their choice is Drillbit Taylor (Owen Wilson ), a homeless man who poses as a soldier of fortune. Drillbit initially intends to rob their houses, but after becomimg friends with the boys he turns over a new leaf. After some intense training and a few unique pearls of wisdom, Ryan, Wade and Emmit ultimately learn to fend for themselves. Directed by Steven Brill. With Leslie Mann, Lisa Lampanelli and Cedric Yarbrough. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Drillbit Taylor
Georgiana (Keira Knightley), the Duchess of Devonshire, is as famous as much for her extravagant tastes and appetite for gambling as she is for her beauty and charisma. Already caught in a love triangle with her husband (Ralph Fiennes) and his mistress (Hayley Atwell), Georgiana's unquenchable search for love leads her into the arms of Earl Gray (Dominic Cooper), an ambitious young politician. When the Duke discovers Georgiana's affair, the conflict turns bitter and threatens to erupt into scandal. Directed by Saul Dibb. With Charlotte Rampling. Categories: Drama, History. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Duchess
Jerry (Shia LaBeouf) and Rachel (Michelle Monaghan), two strangers, find themselves caught in the middle of a political assassination plot after being deceived by a mysterious woman whom they've never even met. Framed as terrorists and led only by a voice on their cell phones, Jerry and Rachel must work together to stop the plot and outwit the woman on the phone before she has them killed. Directed by D.J. Caruso. With Rosario Dawson, William Sadler, Ethan Embry, Eric Christian Olsen, Michael Chiklis and Billy Bob Thornton. Categories: Thriller, Drama, Action. Year: 2008.
2008 in Eagle Eye
Set in the 1920s, this film tells the story of Larita (Jessica Biel), a glamorous American chorus girl who marries John (Ben Barnes). John is from a family of stuffy British aristocrats. His mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) takes an instant dislike to Larita, but his father (Colin Firth), a World War I veteran still depressed by his combat experiences, sees her as a breath of fresh air and encourages the relationship. Will Larita win over the rest of John's family? Directed by Stephan Elliott. With Kimberley Nixon. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Easy Virtue
A romantic drama based on the life of poet Dylan Thomas, it stars Matthew Rhys as the hard-drinking poet and Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller as the women who compete for his love. Knightley plays Vera, his first love, whom he left behind years ago. They reconnect when she is a singer in London during World War II. But he is married then to the tempestuous Caitlin (Miller), a free spirit who loves him fiercely. Although they are rivals, the two women form a close friendship. Cillian Murphy plays a soldier who falls in love with Vera. Directed by John Maybury. Categories: Biography, Drama, Romance, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Edge of Love
David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley), a charismatic professor and cultural critic, beieves that he is an independent, self-actualized man and as a result keeps his relationships with women brief and casual. All of that changes when Consuela Castillo (Penélope Cruz), a beautiful, confident student, awakens David's sexual possessiveness. Caught in the first serious relationship since his divorce, David's preconceptions about women are shattered by Concuela, but his jealous fantasies drive him to the point of obsession. Directed by Isabel Coixet. With Patricia Clarkson, Dennis Hopper and Peter Sarsgaard. Categories: Drama, Romance, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in Elegy
This drama with a documentary feel was the surprise winner of the top award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2008. Based on the memoirs of François Bégaudeau, a high school teacher in a Paris suburb where most students are minorities, it stars François Bégaudeau himself. He tries to keep order and teach in a school where most students don't feel any connection to the country where they live and rebel against him constantly. Directed by Laurent Cantet. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Entre les murs
Ernie Davis (Clancy Brown), a two-time All-American running back at Syracuse who led his team to the national championship in 1960, becomes the first black player to win the prestigous Heisman Trophy. Raised in poverty, Davis overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to become one of the greatest players in college football history. Under the guidance of his bull-headed coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), Davis refuses to be limited by the racist rules of the day, and eventually goes on to become the first pick in the NFL draft. Directed by Gary Fleder. With Clancy Brown, Charles S. Dutton and Omar Benson Miller. Categories: Biography, Drama, Sports, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Express
After Sydney Wells (Jessica Alba), a beautiful, blind violinist, undergoes a cornea transplant, she struggles to understand a new world that she has not seen since she was a young girl. When Sydney begins to see blurry figures and horrific visions around her, her therapist, Paul Faulkner (Alessandro Nivola) explains that the phenomena are just her mind's way of interpreting the new stimuli. But, as the visions become more real, Sydney sets out to discover whose eyes she has inherited, in order to put an end to the terror that surrounds her. Directed by David Moreau and Xavier Palud. With Parker Posey and Rade Serbedzija. Categories: Horror, Thriller, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Eye
After years of friendship, wealthy socialite Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) and Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodard), a hardworking woman with strong ideals, find their relationship strained by their children's extramarital affairs and suspect business practices. While Alice's self-centered, newly married daughter Andrea (Sanaa Lathan) cheats on her husband (Rockmond Dunbar) with Charlotte's married son William (Cole Hauser), the ambitious William's true aim is to extend his control over his mother's construction company. With greed and infidelity threatening to tear their families apart, Charlotte and Alice take a cross-country roadtrip to clear their minds and find a way to save their families. Directed by Tyler Perry. With KaDee Strickland, Taraji P. Henson, Robin Givens and Tyler Perry. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Family That Preys
Unable to deal with the suspense any longer, Eric (Sam Huntington), Linus (Chris Marquette), Hutch (Dan Fogler), Zoe (Kristen Bell) and Windows (Jay Baruchel), five huge Star Wars fans and best friends, set out on a cross-country road trip in order to infiltrate Skywalker Ranch and steal an early print of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Along the way, they run into William Shatner, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), some obsessed Trekkies and a gang of unruly bikers. Directed by Kyle Newman. With Jaime King, Craig Robinson, Seth Rogen, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Ethan Suplee and Billy Dee Williams. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Fanboys
The story of a bunch of unemployed workers in 1930s Paris banding together to put on a show and save a historic theater, this period musical stars (Gérard Jugnot) as a father who loses custody of his accordion-prodigy son to his cheating wife when the theater closes down. It also features a love triangle involving a Communist stagehand, an ingenue (Nora Arnezeder), and a loan shark. And there's a lonely orchestra conductor and a failed comic who begins performing for the newly popular fascist party. Directed by Christophe Barratier. With Maxence Perrin, Clovis Cornillac, Kad Merad and Pierre Richard. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Faubourg 36
A.K. (Eugene Hutz), a Ukrainian immigrant living in England, moonlights as a cross-dressing dominatrix to fund his dreams of rock superstardom. A self-described poet and philosopher, A.K. believes that his rollicking gypsy punk bank, Gogol Bordello, is destined for greatness and will do whatever it takes to turn his dream into a reality. Joining A.K. in his crazy life are his flatmates, Holly (Holly Weston), an aspiring ballet dancer reduced to working as a stripper, and Juliette (Vicky McClure), a pharmacy assistant who dreams of going to Africa to help starving children. Directed by Madonna. With Ade, Olegar Fedoro, Stephen Graham, Richard E. Grant and Inder Manocha. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Filth and Wisdom
Taylor Peters is a television producer who is just getting used to having his life back on track after years of struggling with alcohol and compulsive gambling. Limiting himself to betting on horses, Taylor's plan works fine until his wife Lorraine (Maura Tierney) discovers evidence that he's been gambling behind her back. To win back his wife and regain her trust, Taylor sets off to Las Vegas to convince his niece Amanda (Brittany Snow), who they've recently learned has been working as a prostitute, to enter rehab. But, when he gets to Vegas, Taylor finds that Amanda is a bigger handful than he expected, and has to deal with his own destructive urges. Directed by Peter Tolan. With Peter Facinelli, Steve Coogan, Bill Fagerbakke and Jack McGee. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Finding Amanda
In 1967, college professor Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear), a middle class father raising six kids with his wife Phyllis (Lauren Graham), invents a working prototype of the world's first intermittent windshield wiper. Succeeding where every automaker in the world has failed, Kearns believes his family will be financially secure for the rest of their lives. But, when the major auto manufacturers steal his invention and refuse to give him credit, Kearns begins a one man crusade to ensure that his life's work is acknowledged. Directed by Marc Abraham. With Dermot Mulroney, Alan Alda and Jake Abel. Categories: Drama, Biography. Year: 2008.
2008 in Flash of Genius
Nat (Trevor Gagnon), I.Q. (Philip Bolden) and Scooter (David Gore), three young houseflies, set out to become the first insects in space. Inspired by Nat's Grandpa's (Christopher Lloyd) stories of sneaking aboard Amelia Earhart's airplane, the best friends stowaway on the Apollo 11 rocket before its flight to the moon. But, when the ship's engine begins to malfunction, it's up to Nat and his pals to fix the problem so the crew can complete its mission. Directed by Ben Stassen. With Tim Curry, Robert Patrick, Kelly Ripa, Buzz Aldrin, Nicollette Sheridan and Ed Begley Jr.. Categories: Animation, Adventure, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in Fly Me to the Moon
Jason (Jesse James) and Kyle (Reiley McClendon) are best friends from very different families. They have the adventure of a lifetime when they sneak aboard an interesting plane parked at a local airport, then are forced to hide onboard when it turns out that it is owned by the Mafia. Soon, they are airborne over the Arizona desert. When they discover a bomb in the luggage hold, they rush out to alert the crew and passengers, but everyone has bailed out. So they have to take the controls themselves, but this is only the beginning of their troubles. Directed by Rocco DeVilliers. With Tom Sizemore, Stephen Baldwin, Jennifer Slimko and J. Todd Adams. Categories: Adventure. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Flyboys
A documentary about the multi-billion dollar food industry and how innovations such as genetically modified food and hormone additives in livestock feed are having an adverse effect on public health. Authors Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser challenge the industry's regulators and go to Washington, DC to try to make some real, lasting changes. Directed by Robert Kenner. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in Food, Inc.
Just as Tess Finnegan (Kate Hudson) believes she has her life back on track after her separation, he estranged, treasure-hunting husband, Ben "Finn" Finnegan (Matthew McConaughey), reappears, revealing that he has discovered a vital clue to the whereabouts of the legendary 18th century Queen's Dowry. By smooth-talking Tess's new boss, billionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Donald Sutherland), and his pampered daughter, Gemma (Alexis Dziena), Finn convinces them to join him in pursuit of the treasure using Honeycutt's yacht. As Tess tries to fight back old feelings, the crew realizes they will have to outmanuever the competition if they hope to secure the ultimate prize. Directed by Andy Tennant. With Ewen Bremner and Ray Winstone. Categories: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Fool's Gold
While hunting down bootleg DVDs in a Chinatown pawnshop, Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager obsessed with kung fu movies, is transported back to ancient China after stumbling upon the stick weapon of the Monkey King, a legendary sage and warrior. Once there, Jason joins up with a band of martial arts masters, including Lu Yan (Jackie Chan) and Silent Monk (Jet Li), in order to free the Monkey King, who has been imprisoned by the evil Jade Warlord (Collin Chou). Directed by Rob Minkoff. With Yifei Liu and Bingbing Li. Categories: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Forbidden Kingdom
After his reckless behavior lands him in jail, talented rugby player Rick Penning (Sean Faris) gets a second chance when prison ward Marcus Tate (Sean Astin) works out an arrangement for him to play for a rival team. Initially reluctant to submit to Coach Gelwix's (Gary Cole) grueling training schedule and strict code of conduct, Rick eventually forms a close bond with his new teammates. But, after Rick is released and allowed to rejoin his old team for the National Championship game, he must decide whether to play for his demanding father (Neal McDonough), or stick with his Coach Gelwix. Directed by Ryan Little. With Penn Badgley, Arielle Kebbel and Julie Warner. Categories: Drama, Sports. Year: 2008.
2008 in Forever Strong
After his beautiful, TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), breaks up with him, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) decides to take a trip to Hawaii to try to leave his troubles behind and start anew. Upon his arrival, Peter, a sensitive, hopeless romantic, is devastated yet again when he learns that Sarah is staying at the same resort with her crass new boyfriend (Russell Brand). Intent on making the most of a very uncomfortable situation, Peter eventually makes a connection with a resort employee named Rachel (Mila Kunis) and begins to put the past behind him. Directed by Nicholas Stoller. With Bill Hader, Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Kate (Reese Witherspoon) and Brad (Vince Vaughn), a happiliy unmarried couple, find their plans for a tropical Christmas getaway ruined when the airport is shutdown by fog. After their familes discover that they'll be in town, Kate and Brad can no longer escape their obligations and must now visit all four of their divorced parents' homes. Forced to endure a host of embarassing relatives and mortifying stories from their past, Kate and Brad eventually gain a new understanding of their parents' choices and reevaluate their own situation. Directed by Seth Gordon. With Jon Favreau, Jon Voight, Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek, Carol Kane, Kristin Chenoweth and Tim McGraw. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Four Christmases
In 1977, after three years of silence, former president Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) agrees to sit down with British talk show host David Frost (Michael Sheen) to discuss his time in office and answer questions about the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. While Nixon intends to take advantage of the situation and use Frost to exonerate himself, Frost is more concerned with getting financial backing and selling the project to major networks. But, once the interviews begin, Frost realizes the importance of the meeting and sets out to deliver the truth. Directed by Ron Howard. With Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell, Toby Jones and Matthew Macfadyen. Categories: Drama, Based on a True Story, Politics. Year: 2008.
2008 in Frost/Nixon
Melissa Leo got a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her performance in this drama. It tells the story of a single mom, desperate for Christmas cash, who starts smuggling immigrant workers across the US-Canada border. Michael O'Keefe plays a state trooper who is hot on her trail and Misty Upham is a native American woman who helps her. Directed by Courtney Hunt. With Charlie McDermott. Categories: Crime, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Frozen River
When the identities of the agents working for the US spy agency CONTROL are compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote over-eager analyst Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell), and hope he can get the job done. Teamed up with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), the only CONTROL operative whose identiy was not exposed, Smart sets out on his mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. Directed by Peter Segal. With Dwayne Johnson, Terence Stamp, Ken Davitian, Bill Murray, Terry Crews and Masi Oka. Categories: Action, Comedy, Crime. Year: 2008.
2008 in Get Smart
When Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais), a prickly dentist with poor people skills, has a near death experience, he awakes to discover that he can now see ghosts. For a man who has enough trouble dealing with the living, enduring the constant pestering of a city full of needy spirits leaves Bertram annoyed and exhausted. Undeterred by his bad attitude, Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear), an especially persistent ghost, convinces Bertram to do whatever's necessary to prevent his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni) from marrying a man he doesn't approve of. Directed by David Koepp. With Aasif Mandvi, Kristen Wiig and Alan Ruck. Categories: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Ghost Town
An insider's look at organized crime in contemporary Italy, Gomorra won the Grand Jury at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Based on a popular book about Italian crime, this movie does not glamorize the gangster life, but shows the violence and chaos that nevertheless attract young people to this underworld. The title refers not only to the Biblical city, but also to "Camorra," a crime organization that rules Naples like an alternate government. Directed by Matteo Garrone. With Salvatore Abruzzese. Categories: Crime, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Gomorra
John Halder (Viggo Mortensen), a German literature professor in the 1930s, is a good, decent man who finds his novel advocating compassionate euthanasia unexpectedly cited by powerful political figures in support of government propaganda. In a climate of prosperity and nationalism, Halder embraces his newfound notoriety in order to advance his career. But, as the Nazis extend their power and agenda, Halder's decisions put people close to him in danger and implicitly involve him in the Nazis' horrible acts against the Jews. Directed by Vicente Amorim. With Jason Isaacs, Mark Strong, Gemma Jones and Steven Elder. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Good
Unable to get along with his grown children or his foreign neighbors, Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a surly, gruff widower set in his ways, passes his time taking care of a 1973 Gran Torino muscle car that he keeps in perfect condition. When Tao (Bee Vang), a young Hmong teenager, tries to steal his prize possession as part of a gang initiation, Kowalski sets out to reform the youth by teaching him the value of hard work. Eventually, Kowalski is begrudgingly drawn into the life of Tao's family and devotes himself to protecting the boy and his sister Sue (Ahney Her) from the dangerous gang. Directed by Clint Eastwood. With Geraldine Hughes, Brian Haley, Chee Thao, Brooke Chia Thao and Sonny Vue. Categories: Action, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Gran Torino
John Malkovich stars as Buck Howard, an aging hypnotist/magician whose career takes a turn for the better when he hires an eager young assistant (Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks). Toby, the assistant, is a law-school dropout, happy to get some life experience, and genuinely impressed by the antics of his temperamental boss. Emily Blunt plays a tough publicist who helps Buck get his name back in the headlines, and also becomes involved in a romance with Toby. Tom Hanks has a brief role as Toby's disapproving father, and several other celebrities have cameos, including Jon Stewart, Martha Stewart, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and George Takei (Star Trek). Directed by Sean McGinly. With Steve Zahn. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Great Buck Howard
After his acting career fizzled out, Dana Marschz (Steve Coogan) took a job as a high school drama teacher in Tucson, AZ. As it turns out, Dana's not much of an educator either, and before long the school tells him that they are closing the drama department. In order to save his job, Dana sets out to write Hamlet 2, a politically incorrect sequel to the Shakespeare play, and ends up causing a big stir in the community. Directed by Andrew Fleming. With David Arquette, Amy Poehler, Catherine Keener and Elisabeth Shue. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Hamlet 2
John Hancock (Will Smith) is a reluctant, sarcastic superhero who falls out of favor with the public when the property damage caused by his heroic deeds begins to outshine the crime he prevents and the lives he saves. Intent on giving him an image makeover, publicist Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) convinces Hancock to turn himself over to the authorities, so the public can realize just how much they really need him. When the city finally calls upon Hancock, he repays their gratitude by becoming the hero he was always meant to be. Directed by Peter Berg. With Charlize Theron. Categories: Action, Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Hancock
Hank (Thomas Michael) and Mike (Paolo Mancini) are two working class guys who make a living playing Easter bunnies in a world where holidays are all owned by a giant corporation. But when this corporation decides to downsize them, they don't know what to do. Suddenly, these two mismatched buddies Hank is a hard-drinking ladies' man while Mike is introspective and insecure discover all they have is their friendship, as they try to build new lives for themselves. Directed by Matthiew Klinck. With Thomas Michael, Paolo Mancini, Kathleen Laskey, Chris Klein and Joe Mantegna. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Hank and Mike
When a epidemic that causes its victims to commit suicide begins sweeping across the Northeast, high school science teacher Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg) flees Philadelphia with his estranged wife (Zooey Deschanel) and the 8-year-old daughter (Ashlyn Sanchez) of his best friend, Julian (John Leguizamo). With the cause of the epidemic unknown, Elliot and his fellow survivors steer clear of highly populated areas and head for the state line. But, when more and more people begin to kill themselves, Elliot begins to suspect that the whole world may be in danger. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. With Betty Buckley, Alan Ruck and Spencer Breslin. Categories: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Happening
Poppy (Sally Hawkins) is a freespirited school teacher who brightens up the lives of everyone she meets and brings unlimited optimism to every situation she encounters. But, when her bike is stolen, Poppy's positive attitude is put to the test. Forced to take driving lessons, Poppy meets her opposite in Scott (Eddie Marsan), an uptight cynic. In addition to her weekly tension-filled meetings with Scott, Poppy must also deal with a fiery flamenco instructor, her bitter pregnant sister (Caroline Martin), a troubled homeless man and a young bully in her class. But, despite in all, Poppy never loses sight of what's really important in life. Directed by Mike Leigh. With Alexis Zegerman, Andrea Riseborough, Samuel Roukin and Sylvestra Le Touzel. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Happy-Go-Lucky
On their way to Amsterdam for a smoke-filled European vacation, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) find themselves mistaken for terrorists when they try to smuggle a bong aboard the flight. Briefly detained at Guantanamo Bay, the friends manage to escape and struggle to outrun the Department of Homeland Security as they make their way home. But, as they travel from Miami to Texas, the pair once again meet up with an out-of-his-mind Neil Patrick Harris and accidentally stumble onto the ranch of President George W. Bush. Directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. With Rob Corddry, Paula Garcés and Ed Helms. Categories: Adventure, Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
With Voldemort's power growing, Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) continues to prepare Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) for the final confrontation that he knows is quickly approaching. To aid in Harry's training and help unlock Voldemort's secret defenses, Dumbledore recruits his old friend Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), whom he belives holds crucial information. Meanwhile, Harry gains possession of a powerful potions book that he discovers once belonged the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. As Harry improves his potions work and learns a few new powerful spells, his friends Ron (Rupert Grint Rupert Grint) and Hermoine (Emma Watson) struggle to maintain their friendship with their hormones pulling them in opposite directions. Directed by David Yates. With Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin. Categories: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Attempting to escape her troubled past, Molly Hartley (Haley Bennett) transfers to a new school to make a fresh start. Things begin to look up when she attracts the attention of Joseph Young (Chace Crawford), one of the most popular boys in school. But, with her 18th birthday approaching, Molly discovers that her parents made a pact with the devil to save her life, and terrible things begin to happen when he comes to collect. Directed by Mickey Liddell. With Shannon Marie Woodward, Nina Siemaszko and AnnaLynne McCord. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Horror. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Haunting of Molly Hartley
When an ancient truce is broken, threatening to bring hell on Earth, Hellboy (Ron Perlman), the tough-talking demon superhero, returns to defend the human race. Together with his team (Selma Blair and Doug Jones), Hellboy must face off against the evil Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) and the grotesque creatures of his undefeatable Golden Army. Directed by Guillermo del Toro. With Jeffrey Tambor, Anna Walton and John Hurt. Categories: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Based on a Comic. Year: 2008.
2008 in Hellboy II: The Golden Army
After learning that he only has six weeks to live, Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) quits his job and leaves his fiancée, determined to spend the rest of his days alone. But, when his neighbor (Adriana Barraza) discovers a stain on the side of his house that looks like the Virgin Mary, Henry's rundown suburban home becomes an attraction for believers. His solitude broken, Henry is initially annoyed by the attention this "miracle" attracts, but eventually he's moved by evidence of faith he witnesses, and his sense of hope begins to return. Directed by Mark Pellington. With Radha Mitchell, George Lopez, Cheryl Hines, Rachel Seiferth and Morgan Lily. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Henry Poole Is Here
Directed by Brian Smrz. With Cuba Gooding Jr., Christa Campbell and Ray Liotta. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Hero Wanted
With college coming up fast, high school seniors Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) begin to realize that they might soon be separated when they head off to different schools. To express their experiences, dreams and concerns for the future, the Wildcats senior class stages an elaborate spring musical. Joining Troy and Gabriella on stage are their friends Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) and Chad (Corbin Bleu). Directed by Kenny Ortega. With Monique Coleman and Olesya Rulin. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Family, Musical, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Inga (Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden), a tormented woman struggling to be a responsible parent, is forced to confront her past. She realizes that unresolved conflicts she had with her own mother are affecting her relationship with her daughter (Eulala Scheel). Now is her chance to put right the wrongs in her past. Directed by Mary Haverstick. With Michael Gaston and Marian Seldes. Year: 2008
2008 in Home
When Horton the Elephant (Jim Carrey) discovers that a tiny speck of dust that he found on a flower is actually home to the miniscule citizens of Whoville, he agrees to help protect the Whos from the dangers of the regular-sized Jungle of Nool. Teaming up with Ned O'Malley (Steve Carell), the Mayor of Whoville, who has 96 daughters and one quiet son (Jesse McCartney), Horton sets out to find the Whos a safe resting place for their little world. But, when Horton's neighbors catch wind of the story, Sour Kangaroo (Carol Burnett) and her evil eagle partner, Vlad Vladikoff (Will Arnett), will stop at nothing to destroy the speck. Directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino. With Seth Rogen, Isla Fisher, Jonah Hill and Amy Poehler. Categories: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in Horton Hears a Who!
After nine years at the Playboy Mansion, former bunny Shelley Darlington (Anna Faris) is kicked out and forced to find a new home. Fate leads her to the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority, where she learns that as the sisters' new housemother her special skills can be put to use by helping them change their nerdy, socially awkward image. But, when the snobby girls at Phi Iota Mu scheme to prevent the unpopular Zetas from recruiting a new class, Shelley and the girls learn that a little individuality might just be what they need to save the day. Directed by Fred Wolf. With Colin Hanks, Emma Stone, Kat Dennings, Beverly D'Angelo, Katharine McPhee, Rumer Willis, Christopher McDonald and Hugh M. Hefner. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The House Bunny
Sidney Young (Simon Pegg), a bumbling, disillusioned British celebrity journalist, leaves his small alternative magazine to take a post at a large, high-profile magazine in New York City that seems to represent everything he despises. Hired by eccentric editor Clayton Harding (Jeff Bridges), Sidney is advised to find a way to impress and charm everyone in the office if he hopes to succeed. Instead, the socially inept writer manages to annoy and offend nearly all of his peers, despite his efforts to the contrary. But, things begin to turn in Sydney's favor when he makes a connection with starlet Sophie Maes (Megan Fox), and eventually his awkward ways begin to melt the heart of fellow writer Alison Olsen (Kirsten Dunst). Directed by Robert B. Weide. With Gillian Anderson and Danny Huston. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in How to Lose Friends & Alienate People
A film about elite soldiers who disarm bombs in Iraq. A new sergeant, James (Jeremy Renner), takes over a highly trained bomb-disposal team during the war in Iraq, he decides to change many of the team's routines. Two of the men under his command, Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Eldridge (Brian Geraghty), are upset by his decision to become involved in what they think is a reckless and deadly game of urban combat. James doesn't seem to care about the dangers he is exposing them to. All the men are changed as the struggles among them heat up. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow. With David Morse. Categories: Action, Drama, Thriller, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Hurt Locker
After serving a 15 year prison sentence during which her family barely visited her, Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) finds herself welcomed into the crowded home of her younger sister Léa (Elsa Zylberstein). Initally uncomfortable with her new living arrangements, Juliette slowly opens up to her sister as she begins to feel a part of the family. Directed by Philippe Claudel. With Serge Hazanavicius, Laurent Grévill, Frédéric Pierrot and Claire Johnston. Categories: Drama, Mystery, Foreign Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in I've Loved You So Long
Igor (John Cusack), a hunchbacked lab assistant for a mad scientist, has big dreams of becoming an inventor himself. Behind the back of his master, Dr. Glickenstein (John Cleese), Igor begins conducting experiments with the help of his friends Brain (Sean Hayes) and Scamper (Steve Buscemi). Despite setback and interference from Glickenstein, Igor won't let anything stop him from reaching his dreams of winning first place at the annual Evil Science Fair. Directed by Anthony Leondis. With Christian Slater, Jennifer Coolidge, Eddie Izzard, Molly Shannon and Jay Leno. Categories: Animation, Comedy, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in Igor
For over 40 years, artist Isaiah Zagar has painted more than 50,000 square feet of Philadelphia with murals. This documentary feature focuses on his work and his relationship with his wife, Julia. It follows the Zagars as their marriage falls apart and explores issues that confront artists trying to mix art and a personal life. Directed by Jeremiah Zagar. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in In a Dream
Stuck in Bruges, Belgium after a botched assignment, two Irish contract hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), try to pass the time amongst the many tourists in town while awaiting instructions from their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Surrounded by eccentric locals, annoying tourists and some fellow criminals, the pair make the best of their situation, until Ken gets word that he is to kill Ray for fouling up their last job. When Ken refuses, Harry makes his way to Bruge intent on taking care of business himself. Directed by Martin McDonagh. With Clémence Poésy, Jordan Prentice, Thekla Reuten. Categories: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in In Bruges
Scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton), cut off from the life he knew and the woman he loves (Liv Tyler), seeks a cure to his unique condition, which causes him to turn into a raging, green giant when he comes under emotional stress. While running from General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt) and the US Army, Banner comes close to a cure, but all is lost when solider Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) volunteers for an experimental procedure that turns him into a powerful, destructive monster. Now, the very same men who hunted for him must rely on Banner to control the creature within him and save the world from Blonsky's reign of terror. Directed by Louis Leterrier. With Tim Blake Nelson and Lou Ferrigno. Categories: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Based on a Comic. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Incredible Hulk
Years after fighting against the Nazis and freeing kidnapped children in India, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) returns to action in order to thwart a Soviet plot intent on utilizing the awesome power of a mysterious set of relics known as the Crystal Skulls. Joining him on his journey deep into South America is Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf), a young, street-tough biker, who informs Indy that his old colleague, Prof. Oxley (John Hurt) has disappeared after discovering a crystal skull in Peru. As Indy and Mutt battle against Col. Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) and a host of Russian soldiers, they must unlock the secret to an ancient force before it falls into the wrong hands. Directed by Steven Spielberg. With Karen Allen, Ray Winstone and Jim Broadbent. Categories: Action, Adventure. Year: 2008.
2008 in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
When his daughter Meggie (Eliza Bennett) was just a baby, Mo Folchart (Brendan Fraser) discovered that he had the power to bring characters from books to life just by reading aloud. After unleashing the evil villain Capricorn (Andy Serkis) from Inkheart, a rare children's fable, and accidentally reading his wife (Sienna Guillory) into the story, Mo swears off reading for good. But, when Capricorn finally discovers Mo's identity, he kidnaps Meggie to lure her father to his mountain hideaway in order to use Mo's power for his own dark means. To rescue his daughter, Mo assembles an unlikely group of real and imaginary friends and embarks on a journey to set things right. Directed by Iain Softley. With Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent, Rafi Gavron and Jamie Foreman. Categories: Adventure, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Inkheart
When billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is kidnapped in Afghanistan and forced to assemble a secret weapon, he instead creates a high-tech metal suit that helps him escape. Forced to wear the armor to stay alive after an accident, Stark redesigns his weaponry upon his return to the US and sets out to stop an evil plot. Directed by Jon Favreau. With Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Samuel L. Jackson. Categories: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Based on a Comic. Year: 2008.
2008 in Iron Man
Set in a seaside town in England in the Eighties, this is a coming-of-age drama about a boy named Edward (Bill Milner) who lives with his parents in the old-age home they run. He is obsessed with ideas about ghosts and afterlife. When Clarence (Michael Caine), a retired magician with an anarchic streak comes to the home, Edward is captivated. The two become friends as Clarence helps Edward cope with his life and Edward helps the older man come to terms with his past. Directed by John Crowley. With Peter Vaughan and Anne-Marie Duff. Year: 2008.
2008 in Is Anybody There?
Three music icons - Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, The Edge of U2 and Jack White of the White Stripes - get together, talk about music and put on a concert/jam session. This documentary was directed by Davis Guggenheim, who made the Oscar-winning film, An Inconvenient Truth. Categories: Documentary, Music. Year: 2008.
2008 in It Might Get Loud
When volcanologist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) receives a book containing mysterious notes belonging to his late brother, he sets out for Iceland with his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) and fellow scientist Hannah Asgeirsson (Anita Briem). While climbing a mountain to investigate a malfunctioning instrument, the three explorers take refuge in a cave only to fall into a deep, deep pit. When they recover from the fall, Trevor, Sean and Hannah, find themselves thrust into a bizarre landscape at the center of the earth and must find a way to the surface before they are fall victim to the strange creatures that surround them. Directed by Eric Brevig. With Seth Meyers. Categories: Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi. Year: 2008.
2008 in Journey to the Center of the Earth
David Rice (Hayden Christensen) belives he is one of a kind. With a genetic anomaly that allows him to teleport anywhere in the world at a moment's notice, David is the master of his own universe. But, when he discovers this gift has existed for centuries and there is a secret society, the Paladins, intent on stopping all "Jumpers," David must team up with a childhood friend (Rachel Bilson) and a fellow Jumper (Jamie Bell) as he enters an ancient war with the leader of the Paladins (Samuel L. Jackson). Directed by Doug Liman. With Diane Lane, Michael Rooker, AnnaSophia Robb and Kristen Stewart. Categories: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Jumper
Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin), an aspiring reporter, lives with her mother Margaret (Julia Ormond) in her family's boarding house during the Great Depression. When her father (Chris O'Donnell) leaves Cincinnati in search of work, Kit and her mother are left to fend for themselves, growing their own food while taking in an assortment of boarders, including young hobos Will (Max Thieriot) and Countee (Willow Smith). When a crime wave spreads over the city, Kit sets out to solve the crime with the help of her friends Stirling (Zach Mills) and Ruthie (Madison Davenport). Directed by Patricia Rozema. With Jane Krakowski, Joan Cusack, Glenne Headly and Stanley Tucci. Categories: Drama, Family, Mystery. Year: 2008.
2008 in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
Po (Jack Black), a lazy, overweight panda, gets to fulfill his dream when he is chosen to leave his family's noodle shop and study kung fu alongside his idols, Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Monkey (Jackie Chan), under the guidance of their guru, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). When the evil snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane) threatens the Valley of Peace, it's up to Po to fulfill an ancient prophesy and learn how to use his apparent weaknesses to help him save the day. Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. With Dan Fogler and Michael Clarke Duncan. Categories: Animation, Action, Comedy, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in Kung Fu Panda
Before her death, Hélène, the niece (Edith Scob) of a famous painter, brings her children together to try to decide what will happen to her art collection when she passes away. Her oldest son, Frederic (Charles Berling) wants the paintings to stay together, while her daughter, Adrienne (Juliette Binoche) and younger son (Jérémie Renier), have other ideas. The struggle over the art collection becomes an occasion for the family to examine the differences that have kept them apart and to grow closer together. Directed by Olivier Assayas. With Isabelle Sadoyan and Emile Berling. Categories: Drama, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in L'heure d'été
A comedy-drama about a lawyer (Fabrice Luchini) hired to defend a widow accused of murdering a mobster. He gets involved with a young weather girl, who is working for the mob, trying to get information about him. Directed by Anne Fontaine. With Roschdy Zem, and Louise Bourgoin. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in La fille de Monaco
After moving into their dream home, Chris (Patrick Wilson) and Lisa Mattson (Kerry Washington), an interracial couple, receive a less than warm welcome from Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson), their new next door neighbor. As Abel's unfriendly behavior becomes outright harrassment, the Mattson's find that they have nowhere to turn since Abel is a powerful police officer. With no other option, the couple decides to fight back, despite their fears that the feud could turn deadly. Directed by Neil LaBute. With Regine Nehy, Jaishon Fisher and Jay Hernandez. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Crime. Year: 2008.
2008 in Lakeview Terrace
Already on the verge of losing his job as a jingle writer, Harvey Shine (Dustin Hoffman) travels to London for his daughter's (Liane Balaban) wedding only to learn that she has asked her stepfather (James Brolin) to walk her down the aisle. Leaving the reception to hide his devastation and make his flight home, Harvey heads to the airport and learns that he has missed his plane anyway. While trying to drown his sorrows at an airport bar, Harvey ends up striking up a conversation with Kate Walker (Emma Thompson), a 40-something workaholic who ends up reinvigorating his lust for life and helps him see what really matters. Directed by Joel Hopkins. With Kathy Baker and Eileen Atkins. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Last Chance Harvey
Lorna (Arta Dobroshi) is an Albanian worker in Belgium who gets Belgian citizenship by paying a drug addict (Jérémie Renier) to marry her. She dreams of opening a snack bar with her boyfriend. But his friend, aspiring gangster Fabio, has other plans: He wants to kill the drug addict and have her marry a Russian, who will pay a lot of cash to get Belgian citizenship. What should she do? Directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. With and. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Le silence de Lorna
In the early days of professional football, when the rules were more suggestion than law, Dodge Connolly (George Clooney), a brash, fast-talking all-star, sees the sports potential for greatness. But, when the league faces financial collapse, Dodge must convince Cater Rutherford (John Krasinski), an Ivy League war hero, to join his ragtag squad, or watch his dream die. After Carter becomes a national sensation, young reporter Lexi Littleton (Renée Zellweger) enters the picture intent on uncovering the truth about his past. Both Dodge and Carter fall for the beautiful journalist, and the two become off the field rivals as the sport they love becomes an American obsession. Directed by George Clooney. With Stephen Root, Wayne Duvall, Jonathan Pryce and Peter Gerety. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sports. Year: 2008.
2008 in Leatherheads
An autobiography by director Agn_s Varda, the film uses walks on the beach as a backdrop to her turbulent life. She was married to celebrated composer Jacques Demy, covered the revolutions in China and Cuba, and fought for women's rights before it was fashionable. A fascinating look at a brilliant filmmaker. Directed by Agn_s Varda. With. Categories: Documentary, Biography. Year: 2008.
2008 in Les plages d'Agnes
Sick of being bullied, Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), a lonely, fragile 12-year-old, dreams of revenge, but can never work up the courage to confront his young tormentors. When Eli (Lina Leandersson), a pale, serious girl of his own age, moves into his apartment complex, Oskar believes that he has at last found a friend. But, when a series of murders, disappearances and attacks begin shortly after Eli's arrival, Oskar begins to suspect that Eli, who only comes out at night and seems unaffected by the freezing temperatures, is behind the killings. Directed by Tomas Alfredson. With Per Ragnar, Mikael Rahm and Pale Olofsson. Categories: Drama, Horror, Foreign Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Let the Right One In
In Madrid in 1922, artist Salvador Dali (Robert Pattinson), filmmaker Luis Buñuel (Matthew McNulty) and writer Federico García Lorca (Javier Beltran) develop a close friendship against the backdrop of Jazz, Freud and the avant-garde. Forming an ultra-modern trio, the three friends embrace the decadence of the time and set out on a jurney of art, inspiration and forbidden love. Directed by Paul Morrison. With Marina Gatell. Categories: Drama, Independent Film, Biography. Year: 2008.
2008 in Little Ashes
When former high school football star Curtis Plummer (Ice Cube) discovers that his 11-year-old niece Jasmine (Keke Palmer) has the arm of an NFL quarterback, he sets out to turn the world of Pop Warner football upside down. As Curtis trains the team and prepares them for the championship, Jasmine excels as the league's first female player and makes some much needed friends. Directed by Fred Durst. With Tasha Smith, Matt Craven. Categories: Drama, Sports, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Longshots
The Guru Pitka (Mike Myers), an American raised at an ashram in India, returns to his home country hoping to become famous using his unique methods of self-help and spirituality. His talents are put to the test when he is asked to cure the romantic troubles of star hockey player Darren Roanoke (Romany Malco), whose game has suffered since his wife (Meagan Good) left him for a rival athlete. Directed by Marco Schnabel. With Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Verne Troyer and Ben Kingsley. Category: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Love Guru
When Colee (Rachel McAdams), TK (Michael Peña) and Cheever (Tim Robbins), three soldiers returning home from Iraq, find that all flights from New York have been canceled, they set out on an unexpected roadtrip. While Colee intends on giving a guitar to the parents of a fallen friend, TK tries to work up the courage to face his wife and Cheever plans to hit the casinos in a desperate attempt to pay for his son's college tuition. Struggling to adjust to life back in the States, these three strangers find an unlikely companionship in their shared experiences and broken dreams. Directed by Neil Burger. With Molly Hagan. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Lucky Ones
When her husband Don (Ted Danson) loses his job, dedicated mother and corporate wife Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) is forced to join the work force for the first time. After finding employment as a janitor at the Federal Reserve Bank, Bridget forms an unlikely bond with her coworkers Nina (Queen Latifah), a hard-working single mom, and Jackie (Katie Holmes) an exuberant free spirit. After a lifetime of playing by the rules, the women hatch a plot to smuggle millions of dollars of currency that is marked to be destroyed, and start a new life where they make the rules. Directed by Callie Khouri. With Christopher McDonald. Categories: Comedy, Crime. Year: 2008.
2008 in Mad Money
Still stranded in Madagascar, Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer) and Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) hatch a plan to try to get home to the Central Park Zoo. After the penguins repair an old airplane, the crew takes off, but only manage to make it to the African plains. There, they encounter members of their own species for the first time, and must decide where their real home is. Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath. With Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac and Andy Richter. Categories: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family. Year: 2008.
2008 in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Just as Tom Bailey (Patrick Dempsey) decides to get over his fear of commitment and come clean about his feelings for his best friend Hannah (Michelle Monaghan), she announces that she is getting married. When she asks him to be her "maid" of honor, Tom accepts, hoping that he will be able to change her mind before the big day. As the date approaches, Tom must assist in all of the uncomfortable prepartions, all the while trying to figure out a way to convince Hannah that he is the man she is looking for. Directed by Paul Weiland. With Beau Garrett, Kadeem Hardison, Sydney Pollack and Kevin McKidd. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Made of Honor
Raised on a Greek island by her doting mother Donna (Meryl Streep), Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfried) sets out to find her father so he can give her away at her upcoming wedding. Based on Donna's diary, Sophie narrows down the field to three men: Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgård). Inviting all three without Donna's knowledge, Sophie creates quite a spectacle, and, as the big day approaches, Sam sets out to make up for lost time. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd. With Rachel McDowall, Ashley Lilley and Dominic Cooper. Categories: Comedy, Musical, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Mamma Mia!
This highly acclaimed documentary tells the story of one of the most famous stunts ever. In 1974, Philippe Petit went for a perilous walk on a high wire he stretched between the towers of the World Trade Center. His spectacular but illegal feat has been dubbed, "the artistic crime of the century." Directed by James Marsh. Categories: Documentary, Crime. Year: 2008.
2008 in Man on Wire
Mike (Steve Zahn) works in parents' motel in a small town. When Sue (Jennifer Aniston), a traveling art saleswoman checks in, he falls for her. Although she is friendly, that's as far as it goes. But he follows her home to Maryland, and tries to convince her to leave her boyfriend (Woody Harrelson), a former punk who makes millions selling yoghurt. Mike has nothing to offer but his love, but he won't give up till he wins Sue's heart. Directed by Stephen Belber. With James Hiroyuki Liao, Margo Martindale and Katie O'Grady. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Management
John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston), two ambitious, recently married reporters, adopt a Yellow Lab named Marley to get a taste of parenthood. Before they know what hit them, the hyperactive puppy wreaks havoc on their lives, embarrassing them in public and even getting kicked out of obedience school. But, over the years, as Marley's behavior continues to rage out of control, he manages to become a rollicking, indespensable part of their growing family. Directed by David Frankel. With Haley Bennett, Eric Dane, Alan Arkin and Nathan Gamble. Categories: Comedy, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in Marley & Me
After his wife and child are slain by the mob and he is framed for killing his partner, undercover DEA agent Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) begins a dangerous investigation in order to seek revenge upon the men responsible. Entering a dark and mysterious underworld, Payne finds an ally in an assassin (Mila Kunis), who seeks to avange her own sister's murder. Hunted by the police, the mob and an evil corporation, a sinister conspiracy unfolds, and Payne must face enemies from beyond this world. Directed by John Moore. With Beau Bridges, Ludacris, Marianthi Evans, Jamie Hector and Amaury Nolasco. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Max Payne
Directed by Richard Linklater. With Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Christian McKay, Alessandro Giuggioli, Shane James Bordas and Leo Bill. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Me and Orson Welles
When Dave (Eddie Murphy) crash lands in New York and sets out into the city, most people assume he's just another guy, but what they don't know is that Dave is actually a spaceship operated by 100 miniture aliens, including the Captain (also Eddie Murphy), No. 3 (Gabrielle Union) and No. 2 (Ed Helms). The aliens come from the planet Nil in search of a special ball that will allow them to drain the salt from the Earth's oceans and solve their energy crisis. After being hit by a car, Dave meets Gina (Elizabeth Banks) and Josh Morrison (Austyn Myers). Smitten with Gina, the Captain begins to neglect their mission and angers No. 3, who is secretly in love with him. Directed by Brian Robbins. With Scott Caan, Kevin Hart, Mike O'Malley, Judah Friedlander and Pat Kilbane. Categories: Comedy, Sci-Fi. Year: 2008.
2008 in Meet Dave
When Brenda (Angela Bassett), a recently unemployed single mother living in inner city Chicago, receives a letter announcing that her father, whom she never met, has passed away, she gathers her three children and sets off for the funeral in Georgia. After struggling for years to make ends meet and keep her kids off the streets, Brenda has begun to lose hope and is desperate for help of any kind. What she gets is a whirlwind introduction to the fun-loving, crass Brown clan, a small-town Southern family who make her feel like she's known them her entire life. Directed by Tyler Perry. With Tyler Perry, Tamela J. Mann, Jenifer Lewis and Chloe Bailey. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Meet the Browns
In this spoof of heroic proportions, the mighty Spartan Leonidas (Sean Maguire) and 13 of his finest warriors must defend their homeland against a hoard of invaders, including Ghost Rider, Rocky Balboa, the Transformers and a hunchbacked Paris Hilton. During the assault, pop culture icons are battered and bruised as their exploits are brutally parodied on the battlefield. Directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. With Carmen Electra, Ken Davitian, Kevin Sorbo, Diedrich Bader and Method Man. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Meet the Spartans
In 1977, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) becomes the nation's first openly gay man to be voted into public office, joining the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Using his victory to champion not only gay rights but human rights as well, Milk unites a diverse group of people from across the political spectrum with his outspoken manner and sense of humor. But, as he gains recognition and increases his public profile, Milk also faces hostility from fellow supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin), the man who would ulitmately take the lives of both Milk and Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber). Directed by Gus Van Sant. With Emile Hirsch, James Franco, Diego Luna, Alison Pill and Lucas Grabeel. Categories: Biography, Drama, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in Milk
When four black soldiers (Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso and Omar Benson Miller) get separated from their unit behind enemy lines in Italy during WWII, they find that they are treated with less respect than the enemy they are fighting. Risking their lives to save an Italian boy, the soldiers have a life-changing experience in a small Tuscan village, come to possess a piece of a rare sculpture. Directed by Spike Lee. With John Turturro, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Leguizamo, Kerry Washington and James Gandolfini. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in Miracle at St. Anna
Ben Carson (Kiefer Sutherland), a troubled ex-cop, works night security at a burned out department store that was once a psychiatric hospital. When the empty store is plagued by a series of unexplained deaths, Ben and his family are haunted by the souls of the patients who died in the hospital. Using mirrors as a gateway back into the living world, the ghosts control the family's reflections to exact their terrifying revenge. Directed by Alexandre Aja. With Paula Patton, Cameron Boyce, Erica Gluck, Amy Smart and Mary Beth Peil. Categories: Horror, Thriller, Remake. Year: 2008.
2008 in Mirrors
Heather Graham stars in this comedy about a 33-year-old successful professional who discovers, to her dismay, that early menopause runs in her family and she has only one month to conceive a child. Unfortunately, she has just broken up with her boyfriend, so she starts a frantic search for a potential father. She looks everywhere she can think of, interrogating club-goers, construction workers and even mourners at a funeral as she races the clock to find Mr. Right Now. Directed by Eric Styles. With Mia Kirshner and Orlando Seale. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Miss Conception
When middle-aged London nanny Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is unfairly dismissed from her job, she uses the opportunity to take a step out of her comfort zone and takes the position of social secretary for Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams), a famous actress and singer. New to the glamorous, fast-paced celebrity lifestyle, Miss Pettigrew must adapt quickly to the demands of high society, while contending with Ms. Lafosse complicated social calendar and lofe life. But, as Miss Pettigrew grows into her new role, she begins to fall for a talented designer (Ciarán Hinds), whose fiancée (Shirley Henderson) sets out to undermine everything she has worked for. Directed by Bharat Nalluri. With Lee Pace, Tom Payne and Mark Strong. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Explorer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) returns in a new adventure, traveling through the Far East to do battle with the resurrected Emperor Han (Jet Li). Joining Rick as he races from the catacombs of ancient China to the snow-covered Himalayas are his son Alex (Luke Ford), his wife Evelyn (Maria Bello) and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah). Released from a 2,000-year-old curse, the Dragon Emperor and his 10,000 soldiers set out to enslave the world, with only the O'Connells standing in their way. Directed by Rob Cohen. With Michelle Yeoh. Categories: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
A futuristic story of a world owned by corporations that control a machine that can transform all humans into mutants, the film is about the leader (Ron Perlman) of an ancient brotherhood. He recruits an army of 20 warriors to save the human race. Led by Major Hunter (Thomas Jane), they include Devon Aoki and Anna Walton. John Malkovich plays an evil corporate executive. Can this small band really save the world? Directed by Simon Hunter. With Shauna Macdonald. Categories: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi. Year: 2008.
2008 in Mutant Chronicles
When Dustin (Jason Biggs) hires his best friend Tank (Dane Cook), a crude lady's man, to take out his ex-girlfriend Alexis (Kate Hudson), he hopes that Tank will be such a lousy date that she will realize what a catch he really is. Dustin's plan falls apart after Tank and Alexis make a connection, forcing Tank to hide his true feelings from his best friend so he can keep seeing Alexis. Directed by Howard Deutch. With Alec Baldwin, Lizzy Caplan and Diora Baird. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year 2008.
2008 in My Best Friend's Girl
A coming-of-age comedy-drama, the film is about Art Bechstein (Jon Foster), a recent college graduate with mixed feelings about his gangster father (Nick Nolte). Art has always kept his family life separate from his friends, but during the summer after he graduates, he meets Cleveland (Peter Sarsgaard), who makes collections for a loan shark buddy of his father's. He also has a romance with a strange girl named Phlox (Mena Suvari) and lusts after Cleveland's girlfriend (Sienna Miller). Based on a novel by Michael Chabon (Wonder Boys). Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. With Jack Baun and Omid Abtahi. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh
After his family moves to Orlando to support his brother's tennis career, rebellious teenager Jake Tyler (Sean Faris) makes an attempt to fit in at his new high school by attending a party at the request of the flirtatious Baja Miller (Amber Heard). But, due to his reputation and his quick temper, Jake finds himself pulled into a fight with local bully Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet). Although Jake is defeated and humiliated in the fight, a classmate named Max (Evan Peters) sees Jake's potential and asks if he can introduce him to his mentor, Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou), a master of Mixed Martial Arts. Taking Jake under his wing, Roqua hones the young man's raw ability and prepares him for battle, but it is up to Jake to find the patience, discipline and drive to become a champion. Directed by Jeff Wadlow. With Leslie Hope. Categories: Action, Drama, Sports. Year: 2008.
2008 in Never Back Down
After being dumped by his girlfriend Tris (Alexis Dziena), Nick (Michael Cera), an amateur bassist, feels that his world is crumbling around him. When he spots Tris with a new guy at one of his gigs, he can barely keep it together. But, after a chance encounter with Norah (Kat Dennings), an indie rock-loving girl with love troubles of her own, Nick sets off with her into the New York night in search of a legendary band's secret show. Directed by Peter Sollett. With Aaron Yoo, Ari Graynor, Rafi Gavron and Jonathan B. Wright. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Music, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Traveling to North Carolina to reconcile with his estranged son, Dr. Paul Flanner (Richard Gere) finds himself at an inn in a small coastal town. Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane), in an effort to escape the chaos of her precarious married life, has retreated to Rodanthe for the weekend to tend to the inn for a friend. When a major storm strike, these two troubled souls make a connection and begin a life-changing romance. Directed by George C. Wolfe. With James Franco, Scott Glenn, Christopher Meloni, Mae Whitman and Viola Davis. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Nights in Rodanthe
Alexandra Rover (Jodie Foster) is a famous adventure novelist who is afraid to leave her own house. Nim (Abigail Breslin), her biggest fan, lives an xciting, carefree life on secret island with her father, Jack (Gerard Butler). When Jack goes missing at sea, Nim contacts her fictional hero, Alex Rover ( also played by Gerard Butler), in the hope that he will help save her island and her father's life. After receiving the message, the reclusive Alexandra must use her imagination to overcome her fears and save the day. Directed by Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin. With Alphonso McAuley. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Nim's Island
After writing a story about a government scandal in which she reveals the name of a covert CIA agent, political journalist Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) finds herself facing a possible jail sentence for refusing to reveal her source. Struggling to defend the principles she has built her career upon, Rachel finds an ally in Alan Burnside (Alan Alda), an attorney who works to win her freedom. Directed by Rod Lurie. With Preston Bailey, Noah Wyle, Angela Bassett, Matt Dillon and Kristen Bough. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Nothing But the Truth
For Christmas, the Rodriguez siblings have returned to their parents' Chicago home for what might be their last holiday together. While the homecoming rekindles feelings for an old flame in Jesse (Freddy Rodríguez) and reminds Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito) that her acting career hasn't gotten anywhere, it provides Mauricio (John Leguizamo), the eldest Rodriguez sibling, an opportunity to introduce his high-powered executive wife (Debra Messing) to his family. In an eventuful week filled with cherished tradions and brutal honesty, the family faces major upheaval when their mother Anna (Elizabeth Peña) reveals that she is divorcing their father Eduardo (Alfred Molina). Directed by Alfredo De Villa. With Jay Hernandez, Luis Guzmán and Melonie Diaz. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Nothing Like the Holidays
This film was the surprise winner of the Oscar this year for Best Foreign Language Film. It stars Masahiro Motoki as Daigo, a cellist who plays in an orchestra that closes down. Looking for a job, he decides to leave the city and answers a classified ad for a business called Departures in his old hometown. He thinks it is a travel agency but it turns out to be a funeral home. Although at first, he doesn't think he will last in this new job, he soon finds a new peace and sense of self in preparing bodies for burial. Directed by Yôjirô Takita. With Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ryoko Hirosue, Takashi Sasano, Tetta Sugimoto and Tôru Minegishi. Categories: Drama, Music. Year: 2008.
2008 in Okuribito
After two of Beth Raymond's (Shannyn Sossamon) friends suffer gruesome deaths, she tells police that before they died her friends received cell phone messages with recordings of their last moments. The calls were received days before they died, but each death occurred precisely when and how the messages foretold. The only person who believes her story is Detective Jack Andrews (Edward Burns), whose own sister was killed in the same terrifying way. Directed by Eric Valette. With Azura Skye and Margaret Cho. Categories: Horror, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in One Missed Call
Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson), two beautiful sisters, are driven by their family's ambition for power and status to compete for the love of King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Leaving their simple country life, the girls find themselves in the dangerous, thrilling world of life in the royal court. While Mary develops genuine feelings for the King, Anne is motivated by an overwhelming desire to become the Queen. Directed by Justin Chadwick. With Jim Sturgess, Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ana Torrent and David Morrissey. Categories: Drama, History, Romance, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Other Boleyn Girl
Kate (Eva Longoria Parker), a type-A perfectionist, is killed during an accident right before her wedding. Her fiancé (Paul Rudd) is bereaved and can't imagine dating anyone else. He consults a psychic (Lake Bell) to try to make contact with his deceased love. But when he finds himself falling for the psychic, Kate appears and tries to sabotage the romance. Directed by Jeff Lowell. With Lindsay Sloane and Jason Biggs. Categories: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Over Her Dead Body
Directed by C_dric Klapisch. With Juliette Binoche, Romain Duris and Fabrice Luchini. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Paris
After a deadly plane crash, Claire (Anne Hathaway), a young therapist, is assigned to counsel the five survivors as they deal with the trauma. Drawn to Eric (Patrick Wilson), one of the passengers who seems to be hiding his true feelings, Claire enters into a romance that goes against her professional resposibilities. When the other passengers begin mysteriously disappearing one by one, Claire sets out with Eric to uncover the truth behind the accident, no matter what the consequences. Directed by Rodrigo García. With Andre Braugher, Dianne Wiest, David Morse and Clea DuVall. Categories: Drama, Horror, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Passengers
Phoebe (Elle Fanning) is a little girl who loses herself completely in fantasies about the book "Alice in Wonderland." She imagines that one of her teachers (Patricia Clarkson) is her guide to a secret world of magic. Her parents (Felicity Huffman and Bill Pullman) can't quite understand her. She begins to exist so much in the fantasy world that they start to worry. Is her obsession with Alice healthy and imaginative, or dangerous? Has she withdrawn so much from the real world that she won't be able to find her way back? Directed by Daniel Barnz. With Campbell Scott and Peter Gerety. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Phoebe in Wonderland
After Dale Denton (Seth Rogen), a lazy stoner, witnesses a crooked cop (Rosie Perez) and a dangerous drug lord (Gary Cole) commit a murder, he heads to his dealer Saul Silver's (James Franco) house to make sure that the rare weed he dropped at the scene can't be traced back to him. When it turns out that the Pineapple Express he left behind will lead the killers straight to Saul, Dale and his permanently stoned dealer go on the run. With their lives in danger, Dale and Saul will have to use every brain cell they have left to outsmart the killers on their trail. Directed by David Gordon Green. With Bill Hader, James Remar, Danny R. McBride, Craig Robinson and Kevin Corrigan. Categories: Comedy, Crime, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Pineapple Express
With four NYPD cops murdered in an ambush and a cop killer on the loose, Chief Francis Tierney, Sr. (Jon Voight) asks his son, Detective Ray Tierney (Edward Norton), to head up the investigation. Even though it looks like a routine drug bust gone wrong, Ray is reluctant to take the case because the fallen officers served under his brother, Francis Tierney, Jr. (Noah Emmerich), and brother-in-law, Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell). As Ray delves deeper into the case, the evidence begins to lead him to unthinkable truths that force the family to choose between loyalty to the force or loyalty to one another. Directed by Gavin O'Connor. With Jennifer Ehle, John Ortiz, Lake Bell, Rick Gonzalez, Frank Grillo and Shea Whigham. Categories: Crime, Drama, New York. Year: 2008.
2008 in Pride and Glory
Donna (Brittany Snow), a beautiful high school senior with a tragic past, looks forward to spending her prom night partying with her best friends. But, when the festivities are interrupted by a bloody murder, Donna realizes that a man, whom she hoped had left her life forever, has returned. As the killer closes in, Donna and her friends must find a way to escape his sadistic plot and survive what was supposed to be the best night of their lives. Directed by Nelson McCormick. With Scott Porter, Jessica Stroup and Dana Davis. Categories: Horror, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Prom Night
Doug (Seann William Scott) and Richard (John C. Reilly), two assistant managers at a corporate grocery store with very different personalities, vie for a coveted promotion. As they battle it out mano a mano in a ruthless battle of wits and interviews, the pair discover that they have more in common than they thought. Directed by Steve Conrad. With Gil Bellows, Fred Armisen and Jenna Fischer. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Promotion
Continuing his relentless vendetta against organized crime, Frank Castle (Ray Stevenson), a dark, ruthless vigilante, tracks down notorious mob boss Billy Russoti (Dominic West). When their confrontation leaves Russoti maimed and disfigured, the evil madman returns as Jigsaw. With a police task force trying to stop his renegade brand of law enforcement, Castle remains committed to putting an end to Jigsaw's reign of terror and taking out his formidable army. Directed by Lexi Alexander. With Julie Benz, Doug Hutchison and Colin Salmon. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Based on a Comic. Year: 2008.
2008 in Punisher: War Zone
Following his lover's death, James Bond (Daniel Craig) starts a relentless search for the truth behind her identity. Together with M (Judi Dench), Bond interrogates Mr. White (Jesper Christensen) and uncovers information about a sinister organization called Quantum. After receiving intelligence that takes him to Haiti, Bond meets Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a Russian-Bolivian agent, who leads him to Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a ruthless businessman bent on overthrowing the Bolivian government to take control of its water supply. To stop Greene and Quantum, 007 must stay one step ahead of his enemies within the terrorist group, the British government and the CIA. Directed by Marc Forster. With Gemma Arterton and Jeffrey Wright. Categories: Action, Adventure, Thriller, James Bond. Year: 2008.
2008 in Quantum of Solace
Assigned to spend a night with a Los Angeles fire station, television reporter Angela Vidal (Jennifer Carpenter) and her cameraman (Steve Harris) follow the firemen on a call to an apartment building where a woman is suffering from an unidentified ailment. When residents begin being vicously attacked, everyone tries to evacuate, but finds that the building has been quarantined by the CDC. Trapped without any form of communication, Angela, the firemen and the remaining residents find that they are being hunted by an unknown evil lurking in the shadows. Directed by John Erick Dowdle. With Jay Hernandez, Columbus Short, Rade Serbedzija, Bernard White and Greg Germann. Categories: Horror, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Quarantine
Kym (Anne Hathaway), a troubled ex-model who has been in and out of rehab for the last decade, returns home for her sister Rachel's (Rosemarie DeWitt) wedding. With a long history of crisis and conflict with her family, Kym's dark humor and tendency for drama brings long standing tensions to the surface on what should be a happy occasion. Directed by Jonathan Demme. With Mather Zickel, Bill Irwin, Debra Winger and Tunde Adebimpe. Categories: Drama, Romance, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Rachel Getting Married
John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is called back into action when a group of Christian aid workers ask for his help in getting medical assistance and supplies to oppressed minorities in Burma. Reluctant to leave his secluded life in rural Thailand, Rambo nevertheless agrees to get them safely to their destination. But, when the aid workers are ambushed and held hostage, Rambo is charged with leading the rescue effort and assembles a team of mercenaries to carry out his most dangerous mission yet. Directed by Sylvester Stallone. With Julie Benz, Paul Schulze, Graham McTavish, Jake La Botz andMaung Maung Khin. Categories: Action, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Rambo
Years after his affair with Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet), an attractive older woman, came to a mysterious end, Michael Berg (David Kross), now a law student, encounters his former love at the Nazi war trials. Hanna is on trial for a horrible crime, but refuses to defend herself. As the proceedings move along, Michael gradually realizes that Hanna is guarding a secret she considers to be more shameful than murder. Directed by Stephen Daldry. With Ralph Fiennes, Jeanette Hain, Hannah Herzsprung and Karoline Herfurth. Categories: Drama, History, Romance, Thriller, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Reader
When his addiction finally catches up to him, Andy Hayes (Jay Baruchel), a nervous, hyperactive gambler, gets a one hour reprieve from Reuben, the hitman sent to kill him. Over the course of sixty minutes, Reuben gives Andy a chance to make up for past regrets and missed opportunities. With time running out, Andy begins to realize just how important life really is, and set out to make the most of what little he has left. Directed by Randall Cole. With Jayne Eastwood. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Real Time
Korean War veteran Avery Ludlow (Brian Cox) lives alone in a small town, running a local hardware store with Red, his faithful dog, as his only companion. After local thugs, led by Danny McCormack (Noel Fisher), rob the old man and shoot and kill Red, Avery sets out for make Danny pay for his actions. When Avery confronts Danny's father (Tom Sizemore), Danny denies the whole thing. When the authorities prove just as unhelpful, Avery is forced to seek justice himself to honor the memory of his best friend. Directed by Trygve Allister Diesen. With Amanda Plummer. Categories: Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Red
Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a Jiu-jitsu master and self-defense instructor, has shunned the professional ring in order to impart his students with the skills need to survive LA's dangerous streets. But, after being conned by a group of Hollywood insiders, including action star Chet Frank (Tim Allen), Terry is forced to fight for profit for the first time in his life in order to pay off his debts. In an unfamiliar, cut-throat world, Terry will have to rely on his pride and years of training to come out on top. Directed by David Mamet. With Alice Braga, Emily Mortimer and Rodrigo Santoro. Categories: Action, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Redbelt
Bill Maher, the consummate skeptic, travels across the world to learn the truth about religion. Maher investigates religion's influence on a variety of cultures and its pervasive presence in the media, from Muslim outrage over cartoons of Muhammad to the question of displaying the Ten Commandments in front of courthouses. Directed by Larry Charles. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in Religulous
In 2056, when a worldwide epidemic devastates the planet and leads to widespread organ failure, GeneCo, a well-positioned biotech company, begins offering transplants at a steep price. Patients who miss their payments find themselves at the mercy of ruthless Repo Men, who track people down and take back their vital organs. Amongst the sickness, death and overly medicated surgery addicts, Shilo Wallace (Alexa Vega), a sheltered young girl, searches for a cure to her deadly disease and information about her family's mysterious past. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. With Paul Sorvino, Paris Hilton, Bill Moseley, Anthony Head, Nivek Ogre and Sarah Brightman. Categories: Fantasy, Horror, Musical. Year: 2008.
2008 in Repo! The Genetic Opera
Settling in a quaint Connecticut suburb, Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet), a young, self-assured married couple, struggle to keep their dreams alive and create a distinction between themselves and their ordinary neighbors. While April raises their children, all the while maintaining aspirations of becoming an actress and moving to Paris, Frank is forced to work a corporate job in New York City that he hates. As Frank turns to alcohol to distract himself from the tedium, the couple's marriage begins to dissolve into a cycle of bitter, jealous arguments. Directed by Sam Mendes. With Kathy Bates, Kathryn Hahn, Michael Shannon and David Harbour. Categories: Drama, Romance, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in Revolutionary Road
With a vigilante serial killer on the loose, Turk (Robert De Niro) and Rooster (Al Pacino), two veteran New York City detectives, work to identify a possible connection between a rash of recent murders and a case they thought was solved years ago. Targetting criminals who have fallen through the cracks of the justice system, the killer leaves notes on the victims justifying his crimes. As the bodies pile up, Turk and Rooster work to track down the man responsible, and must face the fact that an innocent man may have been sent to prison the first time around. Directed by Jon Avnet. With Carla Gugino, John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, 50 Cent, Brian Dennehy and Dan Futterman. Categories: Crime, Drama, Action. Year: 2008.
2008 in Righteous Kill
Matt Gadman (Josh Gad) and his band A.D.D. need a new drummer. In order to play at their high school prom, Matt reluctantly asks his uncle Robert (Rainn Wilson) to join the group. A former drummer for a hit 80s hair band, Robert's outrageous antics are captured on an internet video that helps the band catch the eye of producer David Marshall (Jason Sudeikis), who offers them a chance to take their show on tour. With Robert by their sides to show them the ways of the road, the young band hits the road for the ride of their lives. Directed by Peter Cattaneo. With Christina Applegate, Jeff Garlin, Teddy Geiger and Emma Stone. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Rocker
When One Two (Gerard Butler), a small-time Scottish crook, and his partner Mumbles (Idris Elba) learn that a Russian mobster has set up a real estate scam in London, they set out to get their cut of the action. The only problem is that the rest of London's criminal underworld has the same idea, and One Two and Mumbles find themselves competing with an old school gangster (Tom Wilkinson), a sexy accountant (Thandie Newton) and a drugged out musician (Toby Kebbell) for the millions of dollars that are up for grabs. Directed by Guy Ritchie. With Gemma Arterton, Jeremy Piven, Ludacris, Mark Strong and Karel Roden. Categories: Action, Crime, Gangster. Year: 2008.
2008 in RocknRolla
Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott), two irresponsible energy drink salesmen, find themselves sentenced to 150 hours of community service after wrecking their souped-up company truck at a college campus. Sent to work at a mentor program, Danny and Wheeler struggle to rein in their bad habits and immature humor long enough to keep themselves out of jail. While the recently dumped Danny tries to help Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a bashful 16-year-old obsessed with medieval role play, become a man, the smooth-talking Wheeler must contend with Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson), a foul-mouthed fifth grader with a mind of his own. Directed by David Wain. With Elizabeth Banks and Jane Lynch. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Role Models
Two brothers from a poor town in rural Mexico, Rudo (Diego Luna,) and Cursi (Gael García Bernal) are recruited by a scout and go to play professional soccer in Mexico City. While they enjoy their success, they struggle with rivalries both on and off the field. They have to deal with distractions they never faced at home, including Cursi's chance to make it as a pop star and their attraction to gambling. Directed by Carlos Cuarón. With Guillermo Francella and Jessica Mas. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Sport. Year: 2008.
2008 in Rudo y Cursi
When Amy (Jena Malone) and her friends head to Mexico on vacation, they intend to use their time to party and learn a little bit about a different culture. Instead, while exploring an ancient Mayan temple, they learn that the practice of human sacrifice is very much alive. As the friends try to fight against a group of locals who force them to stay at the ruins, the unsuspecting tourists are overrun by thousands of mysterious, slithering creatures that want to crawl beneath their skin. Directed by Carter Smith. With Jonathan Tucker, Shawn Ashmore and Laura Ramsey. Categories: Horror, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Ruins
With Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) dead, Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) emerges as a hero. But, Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson) suspects there is more to the story and begins looking into Hoffman's past. Sensing that his secret is in danger, Hoffman works to tie up loose ends, while Strahm attempts to uncover his connection to Jigsaw. Meanwhile, five seemingly unconnected people face a series of deadly traps that test their abilities to work as a team. Directed by David Hackl. With Julie Benz, Meagan Good, Mark Rolston, Carlo Rota, Greg Bryk and Laura Gordon. Categories: Action, Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Saw V
Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning), a lonely 14-year-old girl haunted by the memory of her late mother, runs away from home with her caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to escape her abusive father (Paul Bettany). Finding her way to a South Carolina town that she believes holds the secret to her mother's past, Lily is taken in by the Boatwright sisters, August (Queen Latifah), June (Alicia Keys) and May (Sophie Okonedo), three strong, independent women who raise bees. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. With Tristan Wilds and Nate Parker. Categories: Adventure, Drama, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Secret Life of Bees
Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell), a one-time disco star, uses his earnings to buy the ABA's Flint Tropics and installs himself as the team's owner-coach-player-promoter. When word comes down from the league office that a merger with the NBA is in the works, Jackie is elated until he learns that only the top four teams will be making the jump to the big time. With the remaining clubs set to be disbanded, Jackie sets out on a one man crusade to save his team. But, in order for the lowly Tropics to climb out of the bottom of the standings, Jackie will need the help of a washed up former star (Woody Harrelson) and a me-first ball hog (André Benjamin). Directed by Kent Alterman. With Maura Tierney, Andrew Daly, Will Arnett, Andy Richter, David Koechner and Rob Corddry. Categories: Comedy, Sports. Year: 2008.
2008 in Semi-Pro
Ben Thomas (Will Smith), an IRS agent with a painful secret, sets out on a personal mission for redemption. Tracking down seven seemingly disconnected strangers, Thomas uses every means at his disposal to change the circumstances of their lives in order to redeem his past transgressions. Directed by Gabriele Muccino. With Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy, Bill Smitrovich, Robinne Lee and Barry Pepper. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Seven Pounds
Four years after the end of the hit series, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) continue their adventures in life and love amidst the glitz and glamour of Manhattan. As Carrie prepares for her wedding to Mr. Big (Chris Noth), she'll need the help of her best friends to ensure she gets the fairy tale ending she deserves. Directed by Michael Patrick King. With Candice Bergen, Jennifer Hudson, Mario Cantone and Willie Garson. Categories: Comedy, Romance, Based on a TV Series. Year: 2008.
2008 in Sex and the City
Ian (Josh Zuckerman), a nerdy high schooler who works as the mascot for a donut shop, invents a beefy false identity in order to meet girls online. When a beautiful young woman offers to have sex with him, Ian takes off on a roadtrip to Knoxville with his best friend Lance (Clark Duke ) and Felicia (Amanda Crew), the girl he really likes. In order to make a good impression, Ian is coaxed into taking his older brother Rex's (James Marsden) flawless 1969 GTO. Directed by Sean Anders. With Seth Green. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Sex Drive
A documentary about a gay man, Richard Berkowitz, who was one of the first to realize the danger of AIDS and advocate for safe sex. He was ridiculed and ostracized, and accused of self hatred. As events unfolded and hundreds of thousands died from the deadly virus, his crusade began to seem way ahead of its time. Directed by Daryl Wein. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in Sex Positive
In the fall of 2006, Director Martin Scorsese filmed the Rolling Stones during two concerts at New York City's Beacon Theatre. The electric energy of the band's performance is enhanced with archival footage and interviews, as well as news clips which provide context for the band's greatest hits and lesser known gems. Directed by Martin Scorsese. With Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts, Christina Aguilera and Jack White. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in Shine a Light
When Ben (Joshua Jackson), a fashion photographer, and his new wife, Jane (Rachael Taylor), travel to Japan for a shoot in Tokyo, they arrive a few days early for a short, romantic honeymoon. But, their trip is interuppted when a car accident on a dark forest road results in the apparent death of a young local girl. When strange white blurs begin to appear in Ben's photos, Jane believes they are actually images of the girl's spirit, and that she is now following them. As Jane learns more about Ben's past and consults with experts in the field of paranormal photography, she learns that the dead girl may share a connection with her new husband and that Ben may not be the man she thought he was. Directed by Masayuki Ochiai. With Megumi Okina, David Denman, John Hensley and Maya Hazen. Categories: Horror, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Shutter
Tibby (Amber Tamblyn), Lena (Alexis Bledel), Carmen (America Ferrera) and Bridget (Blake Lively), four lifelong friends, set out on separate paths for the first time as they begin college andthat comes after. The girls remain in touch by sharing their experiences with one other with honesty, a sense of humor and a special pair of pants. On their own, the friends discover their individual strengths, fears, and capacity for love, and gain a deeper appreciation for the powerful bond they share. Directed by Sanaa Hamri. With Rachel Nichols, Tom Wisdom and Rachel Ticotin. Categories: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
A complex science fiction film set in the near future, its hero is Memo (Luis Fernando Peña ), a young man from a poor family in rural Mexico who has gotten good tinkering with computers. He taps into an online network which allows Mexicans to work in virtual factory jobs across the border by means of nodes attached to their bodies. When the corporation realizes that Memo has hacked into their network, it sends a drone to bomb their shack. Memo escapes but wants to figure out what is really going on and why his family was targeted. He joins forces with Luz (Leonor Varela) to unravel the mystery. Directed by Alex Rivera. With Jacob Vargas. Categories: Sci-Fi. Year: 2008.
2008 in Sleep Dealer
James Reedy (Nick Stahl) is a simple man lacking direction in his life when his sister Joleen (Charlize Theron) abandons her daughter Tara (AnnaSophia Robb) with him without an explanation. Initially, James doesn't believe that he'll be able to take care of his 12-year-old niece, but, when Tara faces being sent to a foster home, he overcomes his fear and complacency. Setting out on the road, James and Tara slowly bond as Tara comes to terms with her mother's disappearance and James reexamines parts of his own life that he has tried to forget. Directed by Bill Maher. With Dennis Hopper and Woody Harrelson. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Sleepwalking
Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, finds himself on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him for alleged cheating. To prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life, from his adventures with his brother to encounters with gangs, and explains that he wanted to be on the show to find Latika (Freida Pinto), the girl he loved and lost. Directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan. With Anil Kapoor, Irfan Khan and Madhur Mittal. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Slumdog Millionaire
Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid), a brilliant, self-absorbed professor of Victorian literature, has lost the passion in his life after becoming a widower. His teenaged daughter, Venessa (Ellen Page), a motivated, overachiever, intends to follow in her father's all work and no play footsteps. But, when Lawrence ends up in the hospital, his adopted, freeloading brother Chuck (Thomas Haden Church) moves in and shakes up their boring lives. And, after being released from the hospital, Lawrence makes a connection with a former student, Janet (Sarah Jessica Parker), who helps reawaken his emotional coma. Directed by Noam Murro. With Ashton Holmes and Camille Mana. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Smart People
While searching for his next story, LA Times journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) happens upon Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a homeless Julliard trained musician who suffers from schizophrenia. Once a promising musical prodigy, Ayers now supports himself by playing violin and cello on the streets. While Lopez attempts to help Ayers get back on his feet and realize his dreams, the two form an unlikely bond that transforms both of their lives. Directed by Joe Wright. With Catherine Keener, Nelsan Ellis, Stephen Root, Tom Hollander, Justin Martin and Lisa Gay Hamilton. Categories: Drama, Biography, Music. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Soloist
After not speaking to one another for over twenty years, Floyd (Bernie Mac) and Louis (Samuel L. Jackson), two estranged soul legends, agree to reunite to perform at a tribute concert for their former band leader at the Apollo Theater. Setting out on a road trip, Floyd, a boisterous retired businessman, and Louis, a stubborn ex-convict, butt heads every step of the way and find themselves in a series of uncomfortable predicaments. But, while the two can't seem to agree on anything else, they eventually discover that their music will always connect them. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee. With Jennifer Coolidge, Affion Crockett, Sharon Leal, John Legend, Isaac Hayes and Sean Hayes. Categories: Comedy, Music. Year: 2008.
2008 in Soul Men
People remember the legendary so-called Rumble in the Jungle heavyweight championship in Zaire with Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman in 1974, but the concert that preceded it is not as well known. But it was an all-out festival, featuring African acts as well as famed American artists, including James Brown, B.B. King, the Spinners and Bill Withers. Directed by Jeffrey Levy-Hinte. Year: 2008.
2008 in Soul Power
When a NASA probe disappears in deep space, the agency recruits Ham III (Andy Samberg), the loveable, goofy grandson of the first chimp astronaut, to help recover the expensive piece of equipment. Joining the fun-loving Ham on the mission are Luna (Cheryl Hines), a fearless professional, and Titan (Patrick Warburton), their uptight commander. After the crew travels through an intergalactic wormhole, they'll have to risk everything in order to save the peaceful inhabitants of a distant planet from their tyrannical leader (Jeff Daniels). Directed by Kirk De Micco. With Kristin Chenoweth and Kenan Thompson. Categories: Animation, Adventure, Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Space Chimps
Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch), a fearless driver with a natural gift for racing, has one goal in life: to win the cross-country rally that took the life of his older brother. After turning down an offer from the owner of Royalton Industries (Roger Allam), Speed discovers that the corporation has been fixing races for profit. In order to fulfill his dream, Speed will need the help of not only Mom (Susan Sarandon) and Pops Racer (John Goodman) and his girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), but also that of his former rival, Racer X (Matthew Fox). Behind the wheel of the trusty Mach 5, Speed puts the pedal to the floor, chasing the checkered flag to save his family's business and the sport he loves. Directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski. With Benno Fürmann and Richard Roundtree. Categories: Action, Family, Sports, Based on a Cartoon. Year: 2008.
2008 in Speed Racer
When twins Jared and Simon Grace (Freddie Highmore) and their sister, Mallory (Sarah Bolger), move into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother (Mary-Louise Parker), they immediately notice that something is just a bit out of the ordinary. As the children investigate the grounds of the secluded, old mansion owned by their great, great uncle (David Strathairn), they entera magical world full of fairies and other mythical creatures. Directed by Mark Waters. With Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright, Seth Rogen and Martin Short. Categories: Drama, Family, Fantasy, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Spiderwick Chronicles
Returning from the grave, former cop Denny Colt (Gabriel Macht) patrols the shadowy streets of Central City in order to fight crime as The Spirit. Tracking criminals from back alleys to abandoned warehouses, The Spirit's main target is the Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson), a man who kills anyone unfortuante enough to see his face. Along the way, he must navigate his way through a city filled with beautiful women determined to either seduce or kill him. Directed by Frank Miller. With Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes and Jaime King. Categories: Action, Drama, Based on a Comic. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Spirit
In this documentary, filmmakers investigate the events that took place at Abu Ghraib prison, which became global news in 2004. Through pictures and interviews, the unintended consequences of the war in Iraq are shown as members of the US military, who believed they were defending democracy, became vilified after it was revealed that they were torturing and abusing suspected terrorists. Directed by Errol Morris. With Christopher Bradley, Sarah Denning, Joshua Feinman and Jeff L. Green. Categories: Documentary, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in Standard Operating Procedure
During the Clone Wars as the dark side gains control and the Galactic Republic slips further into the control of the Separatists, Anakin Skywalker (Matt Lanter) and his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) set out on a mission that brings them face-to-face with crime lord Jabba the Hutt (Kevin Michael Richardson). And, at every turn, they face interference from Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) and his sinister agent Asajj Ventress (Nika Futterman). Meanwhile, on the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi (James Arnold Taylor) and Master Yoda (Tom Kane) lead a massive clone army in a battle against power of the dark side. Directed by Dave Filoni. With Ian Abercrombie, Catherine Taber, Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Daniels. Categories: Animation, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi. Year: 2008.
2008 in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Brennan (Will Ferrell) and Dale (John C. Reilly), two immature, lazy, middle-aged children, have just become step brothers, and neither one is happy about it. Intent on expressing their displeasure over their new living arrangements and asserting their dominance, the pair face off in an all out battle for supremacy. But, when their antics threaten to split their parents (Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins) apart, Brennan and Dale are forced to team up and find common ground in order to execute an insane plan to keep their family together. Directed by Adam McKay. With Adam Scott and Kathryn Hahn. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Step Brothers
When Andie (Briana Evigan), a rebellious street dancer, lands at the elite Maryland School of the Arts, she struggles to fit in with a different crowd and hold onto her old life. Joining forces with the school's best dancer, Chase (Robert Hoffman), she forms a crew outcasts and prepares to compete in an underground dance battle. As the long hours of practice lead to a budding romance, Andie finds a way to live her dream without forgetting where she came from. Directed by Jon Chu. With Adam G. Sevani, Cassie, Will Kemp and Danielle Polanco. Categories: Drama, Music, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Step Up 2 the Streets
A fact-based drama adapted from a bestseller about the stoning death of an innocent women in Khomeini-era Iran. James Caviezel plays a journalist who works abroad but comes back to his native Iran for a visit. Shohreh Aghdashloo is a woman who was a friend of the woman who was unjustly killed. She risks everything to tell the journalist the true story of how Soraya (Mozhan Marn) died and to reveal the corruption in the village. Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh. With David Diaan and Navid Negahban,. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Stoning of Soraya M.
When Sgt. Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe), a decorated Iraq war veteran, returns home to Texas after his tour of duty, be believes he has fulfilled his contract with the US Army. But, just as he begins to adjust to civilian life and explain his time away to those he left behind, Brandon is ordered back to Iraq. What follows is his struggle to balance his fight against an unjust Army policy with the expectations of his friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers. Directed by Kimberly Peirce. With Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Channing Tatum, Abbie Cornish and Ciarán Hinds. Categories: Drama, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in Stop Loss
After returning from a wedding to their remote vacation home, James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) and Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) find that they are being watched by three eerie, masked individuals. As these wicked strangers begin cutting off their means of communication and destroy their car, James and Kristen realize that their lives are in great danger. When their home is finally invaded, the couple finds themselves in a violent, terrifying struggle with three people they've never met, whose sole purpose is to inflict horror and take innocent lives. Directed by Bryan Bertino. With Gemma Ward, Kip Weeks and Laura Margolis. Categories: Action, Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Strangers
Tom Ludlow (Keanu Reeves), a veteran LAPD cop, has seen his life fall apart following his wife's death. Choosing to bury himself in his work, Ludlow pushes the law to its limit while facing off with some of LA's toughest gangsters. But, when evidence implicates him in the murder of a fellow officer, Ludlow is forced to question the loyalties of those closest to him and face off against the dark police culture he once embraced. Directed by David Ayer. With Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Cedric the Entertainer, Common and The Game. Categories: Crime, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Street Kings
Miguel "Sugar" Santos (Algenis Perez Soto) has grown up dirt poor in the Dominican Republic but his skill as a baseball player is his ticket to a better life. He gets the chance to pitch for an American minor-league team. But his new life offers new distractions. He begins a romance with a young American woman and begins to lose control of his mastery on the playing fielf. Directed by Ryan Fleck. With Rayniel Rufino, Ellary Porterfield, Ann Whitney, Alina Vargas and Richard Bull. Categories: Drama, Sport. Year: 2008.
2008 in Sugar
In high school, Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) was a popular cheerleader, but now, at 30, she finds herself a single mother working as a maid. In order to get her son into a better school, Rose talks her sister Norah (Emily Blunt), who still lives at home with their father Joe (Alan Arkin), to go into business with her cleaning up crime scenes. Up to their necks in murders, suicides and other messy situations, Rose and Norah build a successful business and find a closeness they've always wanted. Directed by Christine Jeffs. With Jason Spevack, Steve Zahn, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Clifton Collins Jr. and Eric Christian Olsen. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
2008 in Sunshine Cleaning
In this spoof of the superhero genre, high school loser Rick Riker (Drake Bell) is bitten by a mutated dragonfly and transformed into a super-strong crime fighter with armored skin and an uncomforatble costume. As "The Dragonfly" attempts to put a stop to the dastardly plans of the supervillian "The Hourglass" (Christopher McDonald), he runs into situations which parody the biggest superhero blockbusters of the last decade. Directed by Craig Mazin. With Leslie Nielsen, Kevin Hart and Marion Ross. Categories: Action, Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Superhero Movie
Two FBI agents, Elizabeth Anderson (Julia Ormond) and Sam Hallaway (Bill Pullman) arrive at a police station in the Santa Fe desert to investigate a series of murders. They interrogate three witnesses: a police officer, a methadone addict, and an eight-year-old girl whose family was murdered by masked men. Directed by Jennifer Chambers Lynch. With Ryan Simpkins, Pell James and French Stewart. Categories: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Surveillance
Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) is a lovable, apatheic loser coasting through life until his intelligent 12-year-old daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll) registers him as a voter and forces him to vote in the presidential election. After a freak accident in the voting booth causes Bud's vote not to be processed, he becomes the center of a media circus when it's discovered that his single vote will determine the race's outcome. With the two candidates (Dennis Hopper and Kelsey Grammer) deadlocked, their managers (Stanley Tucci and Nathan Lane) set out to persuade Bud to lean in their direction, as millions of people wait for him to make the biggest decision of his life. Directed by Joshua Michael Stern. With Paula Patton and George Lopez. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Swing Vote
Theater director Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman) moves from the relative anonymity of upstate New York to the high pressure world of Broadway. Backed with a huge grant, Cotard sets out to create his masterpiece, a brutally honest work staged in a life-size replica of New York City built in a theater district warehouse. While the production grows and its development stretches over years, Cotard struggles with the realities of his life and his difficulties with the women in it, including his ex-wife, Adele (Catherine Keener), his daughter, Olive (Sadie Goldstein), his new wife, Claire (Michelle Williams), and his therapist, Madeleine Gravis (Hope Davis). Directed by Charlie Kaufman. With Tom Noonan, Samantha Morton, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Emily Watson and Dianne Wiest. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Synecdoche, New York
When a criminal organization kidnaps his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace), former government operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) must use the special skills he developed while working as a spy to save her life. Following clues through the darkest reaches of Paris's underworld, as well as the rooms of it's richest mansions, Mills will stop at nothing to end this nightmare and make those responsible pay with their lives. Directed by Pierre Morel. With Xander Berkeley, Radivoje Bukvic, Katie Cassidy, Famke Janssen and Leland Orser. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Taken
Despereaux (Matthew Broderick), a tiny mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, refuses to accept life as a mere mouse, learning how to read and befriending a beautiful princess named Pea (Emma Watson). Banished from Mouseworld for his unconventional ways, Depereaux sets out to rescue Princess Pea when he learns that she has been kidnapped by Roscuro (Dustin Hoffman), a rat whose affections the princess earlier dismissed. Inspired by stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens, Depereaux finds the courage to become a legendary hero. Directed by Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen. With Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline, William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci and Sigourney Weaver. Categories: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Tale of Despereaux
When dedicated FBI agent Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) investigates a dangerous international conspiracy, all clues seem to point to Samir Horn (Don Cheadle), an enigmatic former US Special Operations officer. With multiple connections to terrorist organizations and a propensity for showing up on the scene just as major operations are executed, Horn looks to be the man Clayton has been searching for. But, when contradictoy evidence emerges, Clayton must dig deeper to find out whether Horn is a former military operative with a grudge, or something far more complicated. Directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. With Jeff Daniels, Neal McDonough, Saïd Taghmaoui and Archie Panjabi. Categories: Drama, Action. Year: 2008.
2008 in Traitor
Frank Martin (Jason Statham), an ex-Special Forces operative, returns to complete one of his patented, high-risk deliveries. A mercenary delivery driver who will transport any cargo, no questions asked, Martin is tasked with escorting Valentina (Natalya Rudakova), the kidnapped daughter of Leonid Vasilev (Jeroen Krabbé), the head of the Ukraine's EPA, from Marseilles to Odessa. To make the trip alive, Martin must contend with his bosses, Vasilev's agents and Valentina's cynical disposition. Directed by Olivier Megaton. With François Berléand and Robert Knepper. Categories: Action. Year: 2008.
2008 in Transporter 3
After finishing working as volunteers in China, Americans Roy (Woody Harrelson) and Jessie (Emily Mortimer) take the Trans-siberian Express train from Beijing to Moscow. Along the way, they meet Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and Abby (Kate Mara), two fellow travelers, and make an instant bond. But, when Roy gets separated from the group, Jessie realizes that Carlos and Abby aren't who they seem to be. Trapped in a foreign land, Jessie must fight to escape from a drug conspiracy and reunite with her husband. Directed by Brad Anderson. With Ben Kingsley and Thomas Kretschmann. Categories: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Transsiberian
After heading deep into the jungles of Southeast Asia to film the most expensive war movie of all time, the film's self-absorbed stars, Tug Speedman (Ben Stiller), Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black) and Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.), are abandoned by their frustrated director (Steve Coogan) and find themselves in a real war. Thinking that the gun fire and explosions are just part of the film, Speedman and company play along, eventually becoming the soldiers they are portraying in order to make it out alive. Directed by Ben Stiller. With Brandon T. Jackson, Jay Baruchel, Bill Hader and Nick Nolte. Categories: Action, Comedy, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in Tropic Thunder
When Bella Swan( Kristen Stewart) is sent to live with her father, she meets a mysterious young man named Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson. Unlike anyone she's ever ment, Bella begins a passionate romance with Edward, even though she senses that there is more to his story than Edward is willing to admit. Before long, it is revealed that Edward is a vampire who hasn't aged since 1918, and Bella must come to grips with her love's true identity, even as he faces off with his most evil enemies. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke. With Taylor Lautner, Michael Welch and Justin Chon. Categories: Action, Horror,Romance, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Twilight
After a recent breakup, Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix), an aspiring photographer, moves back to his childhood home in Brooklyn. Concerned fo rhis future, Leonard's parents set him up with Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), the kind, sweet daughter of a close family friend. But, around the same time, Leonard becomes infatuated with Michele (Gwyneth Paltrow), a beautiful woman who is having a self-destructive affair with a married man. Forced to make a choice between the two women, Leonard must decide between love and desire, and risks the possibility that he could end up all alone. Directed by James Gray. With Isabella Rossellini, Elias Koteas and Moni Moshonov. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Two Lovers
Directed by David Siegel. With Lynn Collins, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nelson Landrieu, Assumpta Serna, Ted Oyama and Olivia Thirlby. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Uncertainty
FBI agent Jennifer Marsh (Diane Lane) must track down a serial killer who murders his victims with the help of an untraceable website. The more users log on to watch the gruesome live video of his vicims being tortured, the quicker they die. As Det. Marsh escalates her search, her target makes things personal, forcing her to make a difficult choice. Directed by Gregory Hoblit. With Billy Burke, Colin Hanks and Joseph Cross. Categories: Crime, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Untraceable
At the height of WWII, Col. Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) assembles a group of high-ranking Nazi officers to carry out a plot intent on assassinating Hitler (David Bamber) and seizing control of the military in order to end the war. Codenamed "Valkyrie," after Hitler's own emergency plan to address a revolt against the German government, the operation is seen as the last chance to stop a mad man and bring justice and honor back to Germany. With everything seemingly in place and millions of lives hanging in the balance, von Stauffenberg must take matters into his own hands and accepts the charge of killing Hitler himself. Directed by Bryan Singer. With Carice van Houten, Eddie Izzard, Bill Nighy, Terence Stamp, Tom Wilkinson and Kenneth Branagh. Categories: Biography, Drama, History, Thriller, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
2008 in Valkyrie
Moments after his arrival in Spain for a global anti-terrorism summit, US President Henry Ashton (William Hurt) is shot twice as he steps to the podium to deliver a speech. The events leading up to the assassination attempt and the chaos that follows are shown from eight different perspectives, including that of two secret service agents (Matthew Fox and Dennis Quaid), an American tourist (Forest Whitaker) and a TV news producer (Sigourney Weaver). As each point of view unfolds, it becomes apparent that the assassination attempt is more than what it seems and the President may still be alive. Directed by Pete Travis. With Zoe Saldana. Categories: Drama, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Vantage Point
Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Christina (Scarlett Johansson) are two best friends vacationing in Barcelona. While Vicky is straight-laced and preparing to get married, Christina is free-spirited and sexually adventurous. During their travels they meet flamboyant artist José Antonio (Javier Bardem). After being invited back to his home, Christina immediately throws herself at José. Despite her best efforts, Vicky eventually falls in love with him as well, and when José's beautiful but insane ex-wife Maria (Penélope Cruz) returns, chaos results. Directed by Woody Allen. With Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn and Chris Messina. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
George W. Bush (Josh Brolin) follows in his father's (James Cromwell) footsteps to become the 43rd president of the United States. Overcoming alcoholism and discovering his Christian faith, Bush's eventful and controversial life swings from the triumph of his successful campaign to the tragedy of 9/11 and unpopular war in Iraq. Directed by Oliver Stone. With Elizabeth Banks, Thandie Newton, Ioan Gruffudd, Toby Jones, Jeffrey Wright, Scott Glenn, Ellen Burstyn and Noah Wyle. Categories: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Biography. Year: 2008.
2008 in W.
In the summer of 1994, troubled teenage drug dealer Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck) travels the streets of New York selling pot from an flavored ice cart. When he's not out sweating on the sidewalks, Luke meets up with Dr. Jeffrey Squires (Ben Kingsley), an unorthodox psychiatrist and the step-father of Luke's long-time crush Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby). Working out an agreement to trade therapy sessions for drugs, Luke and Squires explore New York City together and use their unlikely friendship to help them overcome depression and stumble towards maturity. Directed by Jonathan Levine. With Famke Janssen, Mary-Kate Olsen and Method Man. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Wackness
In the year is 2700, WALL-E is the last robot on Earth. With all the humans gone, WALL-E spends his days alone cleaning up all the trash they left behind. But, when EVE, a robot probe sent to recover the last plant on Earth, shows up, WALL-E falls in love, and begins an adventure across the galaxy. Directed by Andrew Stanton. With John Ratzenberger, Sigourney Weaver, Fred Willard and Jeff Garlin. Categories: Animation, Comedy, Family, Romance, Sci-Fi. Year: 2008.
2008 in WALL-E
Discovering that he has no memory of an Israeli Army mission he participated in during the first Lebanon War of the early 1980s, filmmaker Ari Folman sets out on a journey to recover a piece of his life that has been missing for over 20 years. Interviewing old friends and comrades around the world, Folman begins to remember the events as a series of surreal images that lead him deeper and deeper into the mystery of this lost period. Directed by Ari Folman. With Ori Sivan. Categories: Documentary, Animation, Biography, Drama, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in Waltz with Bashir
Stuck in the monotony of a dead end job and routinely ignored by his girlfriend, Wes's (James McAvoy) life is going nowhere fast. Things quickly change when he meets a devastatingly gorgeous woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie). Formerly an apathetic nobody, Wes is recruited into the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins that trains him to avenge his estranged father's death by unlocking his dormant powers. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov. With Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Common and David O'Hara. Categories: Action, Thriller. Year: 2008.
2008 in Wanted
In this black comedy, John Cusack plays a troubled hit man hired by the CEO (Ben Kingsley) of a large corporation that does business in the Middle East. His task is to kill the oil minister of a small gulf state. So the hit man poses as the wedding planner for a Central Asian pop star (Hilary Duff), who is getting married in the oil-rich kingdom. He also attracts the attentions of a left-wing journalist (Marisa Tomei), as the plot gets more complicated. Directed by Joshua Seftel. With Joan Cusack and Dan Aykroyd. Categories: Action, Comedy, Thriller, War. Year: 2008.
2008 in War, Inc.
Successful talk show host RJ Stevens (Martin Lawrence) left behind his modest Southern roots, and his family name, to pursue his Hollywood dream. When his parents (James Earl Jones and Margaret Avery) request that he attend their 50th wedding anniversary, RJ heads home to Georgia with his high maintenance fiancee (Joy Bryant) and his 10-year-old son (Damani Roberts). While RJ plans to show his family that he is no longer the awkward kid they used to pick on, they have other plans. Calling him out on his new superstar attitude, RJ's family help him remember where he came from and ho he really is. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee. With Cedric the Entertainer, Nicole Ari Parker, Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps and Mo'Nique. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins
After a hard night out on the Vegas Strip, strangers Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher) and Joy McNally (Cameron Diaz) awaken to discover that they've gotten married. Neither wants to stay hitched, but when Jack uses Joy's quarter to win a huge slot machine jackpot, they both lay claim to the prize money. After a judge (Dennis Miller) orders them to six months of forced marriage, Jack and Joy decide that the only way to settle their dilemma is to make each other's lives as miserable as possible until one of them admits defeat and signs over the cash in the divorce. Directed by Tom Vaughan. With Rob Corddry, Lake Bell, Queen Latifah, Treat Williams and Zach Galifianakis. Categories: Comedy, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in What Happens in Vegas...
Ben (Robert De Niro), a fading middle-aged Hollywood producer, struggles to balance his troubled homelife with the stresses of his job. Attending marriage counseling with his wife Kelly (Robin Wright Penn) and having trouble getting his new film made, Ben is surrounded by people who need him to be and do more than he already is. Directed by Barry Levinson. With Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Turturro, Kristen Stewart, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener and Michael Wincott. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in What Just Happened?
With a child on the way, documentarian Morgan Spurlock sets out on a one man mission to track down the most wanted man in the world, Osama Bin Laden. After intense weapons and survival training, Spurlock sets out to talk to Arabic people about the war on terror and the outside worls' view on America and Americans. As his investigation deepens, this would-be bounty hunter gains insight on himself, his country and the factors that created a man like Bin Laden in the first place. Directed by Morgan Spurlock. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
2008 in Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden?
Clothing designer Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) spends most of her days at beauty salons, fancy lunches and fashion shows with her gossipy, high-society friends. Her luxurious, happy life is disrupted when she learns that her husband is cheating on her with Crystal Allen (Eva Mendes), a sexy shop girl. No one is more scandalized than Sylvie Fowler (Annette Bening), Mary's supposed best friend. As Mary goes head to head with Crystal, her friendship with Sylvie is put to the test, and their friends Edie (Debra Messing) and Alex (Jada Pinkett Smith) begin to question their romantic relationships as well. Directed by Diane English. With Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher, Debi Mazar and Bette Midler. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Remake. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Women
Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) is a former champion professional wrester whose glory days have passed him by. When the opportunity for a rematch with his former arch rival comes along, Randy begins to hope that the bout will be his ticket back into the big time. But, after suffering a heart attack, Randy is forced to reexamine his life and makes an effort to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and admit his true feelings to an emotionally unavailable stripper (Marisa Tomei). Directed by Darren Aronofsky. With Mark Margolis and Judah Friedlander. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Sports. Year: 2008.
2008 in The Wrestler
When several women, including a young FBI agent, disappear under mysterious circumstances, agent Mosley Drummy (Xzibit) asks Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), who now works as a staff physician at a hospital, to help him locate Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), the fugitive former lead of the the FBI's X-Files division. With Mulder on board, the group sets out to investigate the case along with Father Crissman (Billy Connolly), a disgraced former priest, who claims that God is sending him visions of the crimes, causing him to bleed from the eyes. Directed by Chris Carter. With Amanda Peet. Categories: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Based on a TV Series. Year: 2008.
2008 in The X Files: I Want to Believe
Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) avoids unwanted human interaction and commitments by refusing every favor, request, suggestion and offer he receives. But, after attending a self-help seminar where he is challenged to say "Yes" to any and every opportunity that comes his way, Carl discovers the power of endless possibilities and finds his life changed in amazing, unexpected ways. Directed by Peyton Reed. With Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Danny Masterson, Terence Stamp, John Michael Higgins and Rhys Darby. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in Yes Man
Joe (Chazz Palminteri) is a card sharp from Yonkers. But his comfortable life is disrupted when his 20-year-old son, Joe Jr. (Tom Guiry), who was institutionalized because of Down Syndrome over ten years ago, has to leave his residence because he has become violent. Although Joe's girlfriend, Janice (Christine Lahti), tries to befriend Joe Jr., he's a handful and Joe can't face having to take care of his son in the long run. So he comes up with a scheme to try to introduce rigged dice into a casino so he can make a big score that will give him enough cash to place Joe Jr. in a pricey private hospital. But things don't go quite as he planned. Directed by Robert Celestino. With Michael Lerner and Linus Roache. Categories: Drama. Year: 2008.
2008 in Yonkers Joe
Zohan Dvir (Adam Sandler), an elite Israeli Mossad agent, fakes his own death in order to pursue his dream of becoming a hair stylist in New York City. After gaining employment in a salon owned by Dalia (Emmanuelle Chriqui), a beautiful Palestinian, Zohan makes a name for himself by offering his clients romantic services in the back room. But, when his cover is blown, Zohan is forced out of hiding and must face off with the Phantom (John Turturro), his Palestinian nemisis. Directed by Dennis Dugan. With Nick Swardson and Rob Schneider. Categories: Action, Comedy. Year: 2008.
2008 in You Don't Mess with the Zohan
In order to keep from being evicted from their apartment, longtime friends and roomates Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) come up with an unorthodox plan. Using their friends as actors, the pair decide to film an amateur porn film to make some quick cash. But, once shooting begins, Zack and Miri discover that they might want to be more than friends. Directed by Kevin Smith. With Justin Long, Traci Lords, Jason Mewes, Craig Robinson and Katie Morgan. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2008.
2008 in Zack and Miri Make a Porno