Summer 2008 in review.

[KangConquers]

Now that Summer 2008 is basically over, it's time for the lists!


01. Wall-E (*****): Pixar's best imo. Possibly the greatest animated movie of all time. Who would think such life could be breathed into a little grungy robot? If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor. If you have, see it again. Truly a motion picture classice.

02. The Dark Knight (**** 1/2: I'm not one of those huge fans of the "God-Damn" Batman, and Nolan's trilogy continues to steer away from the unlikeably gruff anti-hero that Frank Miller tends to write; great integration of elements of the Long Halloween, The Man Who Laughs, and The Killing Joke. Best comic book movie ever? why not.

03. Iron Man (****): Though I found this movie incredibly predictable and linear, the actors really saved it from being a by the numbers comic book film; Robert Downey Jr is easily the best leading man in comic book movie history. I can't wait for the sequel, which will hopefully be a little more than a routine origins film.

04. Tropic Thunder (****): I'll be honest; I hadn't laughed in a long time before this movie; Not hahaha laugh, but that kind of gut busting laugh that you have to take advil for to prevent your head from exploding afterwards; this was that kind of movie. Is it a great movie? I don't know. When it comes to comedies, I only care about how much I laugh.

05. Hellboy 2 (*** 1/2): I was never totally about Hellboy 1. It had great lived in characters, but to me, nothing special happened in the movie. This is the type of epic that Hellboy 1 wanted to be but couldn't. Del Torro is one of those directors that will suck you into his head, and let you see things through his eyes.

06. The Incredible Hulk (*** 1/2): Hulk Smash! Kang like Hulk! Hulk finally offer up right amount of action; Hulk make fun movie. Kang wish Hulk had a little more plot, but still. Fun movie.

07. Indiana Jones 4 (***): So the plot twist was terrible; this was still a lot of fun, just a straight up bangin' movie. It had a lot of really fun action that was comparable to the old indy movies. I had fun.

08. Pineapple Express (***): Hillarious Stoner comedy. Don't really have much to say beyond that, but it was pretty damn funny; not gut busting funny, but funny regardless.

09. Wanted (***): Bang Bang! Mark Millar! This was a fun movie. Nothing revolutionary, but I always found Millar overrated anyway. A good popcorn flick.



I didn't like: Hancock or The Mummy 3
I never saw: Love Guru, Zohan, The Happening, Speedracer, Caspian or Kung Fu Panda (Though I want to see Panda).

 

[Nirvana]

All the films I saw this summer in Chronological Order of release date.

1. Iron Man- 10/10
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian- 8/10
3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull- 10/10
4. The Incredible Hulk- 10/10
5. The Happening- 7/10
6. Get Smart- 9/10
7. The Love Guru- 4/10
8. Wall-E- 10/10
9. Wanted- 8/10
10. Hancock- 2/10
11. The Dark Knight- 10/10
12. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor- 4/10
13. Pineapple Express- 9/10
14. Tropic Thunder- 10/10
15. Star Wars: The Clone Wars- 6/10

Totally regret missing Kung Fu Panda, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and Step Brothers

 

[Poetic Chaos]

Now that Summer 2008 is basically over, it's time for the lists!


01. Wall-E (*****): Pixar's best imo. Possibly the greatest animated movie of all time. Who would think such life could be breathed into a little grungy robot?

02. The Dark Knight (**** 1/2: I'm not one of those huge fans of the "God-Damn" Batman, and Nolan's trilogy continues to steer away from the unlikeably gruff anti-hero that Frank Miller tends to right; great integration of elements of the Long Halloween, The Man Who Laughs, and The Killing Joke? Best comic book movie ever? why not.

03. Iron Man (****): Though I found this movie incredibly predictable and linear, the actors really saved it from being a by the numbers comic book film; Robert Downey Jr is easily the best leading man in comic book movie history. I can't wait for the sequel, which will hopefully be a little more than a routine origins film.

completely agree with the order and opinions on each.

 

[SPIDERMAN117]

May: Iron Man set up for what was a summer of really good superhero movies.
June: The Incredible Hulk was a real great step up in the right direction from the "Hulk", Wanted was not faithful at all the comics but it was a good movie,
July: Hancock I thought was like 7 out of 10 but it was a good movie at the most...Hellboy 2 is very undderated IMO. Doesnt get the credits it should. The Dark Knigh basically ended the Summer BlockBusters with a bang.
August. Tropic Thunder was the most hilarious film I have seen in a while and So was Pineapple Express

 

[chaseter]

1. The Dark Knight - 9.8/10
Easily the best Summer movie and I dare to say the best movie of 2008 period. This blockbuster was more than a superhero action flick and the audience and critics agreed that it was a beautiful work of art. It did have a tiny bit of excess that could have made this film even better if at all possible.

2. Iron Man - 9.0/10
This movie started off a great Summer season with this unconventional superhero origin story. The plot was a bit linear and a few of the action sequences weren't overly spectacular. However, the performances by the cast, especially the now reverred method actor Robert Downey Jr., were pitch perfect and made this movie good.

3. Tropic Thunder - 9.0/10
This Hollywood satirical comedy was a smash hit and surprisingly funny. What a great cast that gelled with each other incredibly. Robert Downey Jr. was again the highlight of the movie but other cameos and stand out actors extending their comedy chops made this movie a great ride. The story lulled a bit in the middle but this was an excellent start directing wise and a revitalization into the career of Ben Stiller.

4. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army - 8.5/10
Del Toro is back again with the great cast from the first movie continuing the quirky story of the sylized demon hero. This movie is beautiful and really shows Del Toro's amazing ability to make jaw dropping characters and set peices. With a modest budget, this award winner made a good sequel to a now cult classic character.

5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 8.0/10
Harrison Ford returns with Lucas and Spielberg once again helming the story. Although a step away from the first 3 visually and plot wise, this was still a good popcorn summer blockbuster. Although Indy is getting old, his newly found son as well as Cate's performance as an oddly sexy Russian make this movie wonderful. It did have the feel of an Indiana Jones movie but missed some of the magic that Lucas once had.

These were in my opinion Summer 2008 at its finest. Although Hulk tried to re-boot the franchise it still was a modest approach to a character everyone loves. The plot, the effects, the cameos, and some of the cheesy one liners really hurt this movie but it was a step in a better direction. In behind Hulk was the could have been great Hancock. Hancock had great potential with a unique plot but got derailed 1/3 of the way through. With studio chops and cuts along the way, a few odd and obvios plot twists hurt, and a plethora of corny moments hurt what could have been a great new franchise. Step Brothers was the re-formation of the comedy duo of Farrel and Reilley and they did great together. Although this is a pretty flat comedy that showcases no talent, it was still pretty funny. The last of the pack is easily Pineapple Express. If you love stoner comedies and nothing more but cheap jokes...this is it. If you love Apatow and Rogen's comedic yet smart writing to make a funny movie...this is not it.

I am sad that I missed out on Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, Wanted, and Narnia: Prince Caspian. I am not however sad to any degree on purposely skipping The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor or Star Wars: Clone Wars.

 

[PWN3R]

Since barely any of you are mentioning it....KUNG FU PANDA.
It's like a tator tot in your fries. Sooo good.

 

[Downhere]

Iron Man - 9.5/10
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - 9/10
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 8/10
The Incredible Hulk - 8.2/10
Get Smart - 8/10
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army - 9/10
.
.
.
The Dark Knight - 10/10​

 

[Fanticon]

in a nutshell
Dark Knight
Iron Man
Indy 4
TIH
Pineapple Express and Tropic Thunder....

movie i did not see...but wanted to Narnia, Speed Racer, Wanted.

 

[StarkTheProdigy]

i am very pleased with this summer's movies
imo, this is the best summer of movies that have come out in a while
i am very pleased by what we got
im super sad now that i have to wait a whole other year before next summer movies

 

[chaseter]

i am very pleased with this summer's movies
imo, this is the best summer of movies that have come out in a while
i am very pleased by what we got
im super sad now that i have to wait a whole other year before next summer movies

I agree...next summer is also jam packed with Harry Potter 6, Transformers 2, Wolverine, and a few other power houses. Next summer will also be pretty interesting. But yes, this summer was one of the best summers we have had in a while...if not the best.

 

[StorminNorman]

I don't see how this summer can be topped, really. It hits in almost ever demographic with great success.

 

[Nirvana]

Agreed. In my opinion, this was definitely the best Summer in recent years. The big four I anticipated (IM, TIH, KotCS, and TDK) didn't disappoint me at all.

Last summer was terrible, and so was summer of 06. Kind of strange, but I've noticed how every summer there are four big movies I anticipate...

08: The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones, Iron Man, Hulk
07: Spider-Man 3, Pirates 3, Transformers, Rise of the Silver Surfer
06: Da Vinci Code, Superman Returns, Pirates 2, X3
05: Star Wars, Batman Begins, Fantastic Four, War of the Worlds

Upcoming 09: Terminator, Transformers 2, Angels & Demons, Wolverine

 

[DieSmiling]

1. The Dark Knight -- 10/10
2. Iron Man -- 9/10
3. The Incredible Hulk -- 8/10
4. Wanted -- 8/10
5. Pineapple Express -- 8/10
6. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian -- 8/10
7. Step Brothers -- 7.5/10
8. Hellboy II: The Golden Army -- 7.5/10
9. Tropic Thunder -- 7/10
10. Kung Fu Panda -- 6.5/10
11. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- 6.5/10
12. The Strangers -- 6/10
13. Speed Racer -- 3/10

Movies I didn't see but will eventually: Wall-E, Hancock, Get Smart, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

 

[StarkTheProdigy]

I agree...next summer is also jam packed with Harry Potter 6, Transformers 2, Wolverine, and a few other power houses. Next summer will also be pretty interesting. But yes, this summer was one of the best summers we have had in a while...if not the best.

yep
now my expectations are going too be higher for summer movies
but im pretty sure those movies will reach them

 

[danoyse]

This is the summer I feel like I missed a lot of stuff, which is unusual for me.

I was on vacation when Narnia was released, and I had my wisdom teeth pulled around the time Hancock and Hellboy 2 came out. I didn't even see TDK until a week after it opened...and I've only seen it once!

But of the movies I did see, my list would be:

Tied for 1st: WALL*E and The Dark Knight
Tied for 2nd: Iron Man and Indiana Jones
3rd: Tropic Thunder
4th: Sex and the City
5th: The Incredible Hulk
6th: Get Smart

I'm actually quite excited for the fall movies now.

 

[the a1ant]

The Dark Knight 9/10 - Joker really made the film for me. No offense, Bats.

Hancock 7.5/10 - Reviews were mixed, but I thought it was a great effort from the cast and crew. I really enjoyed the film, and the dramatic aspects of it.

Hellboy 0/10 - I really hated this film. Which is weird, considering I LOVED the first! IDK what they were smoking when they made this.

The Incredible Hulk 7.5/10 - Fun film! The villain could've been better though.

Iron Man 10/10 - I thought it was solid as a rock. I never liked Iron Man in the comics, but the film was damn good.

The Strangers 6/10 - This was good for the most part, but had a really bad ending. The scares are scary though.

Wanted 7/10 - A fun film with faults. Better than I expected though.

The X-Files: I Want To Believe 3/10 - This was like a bad tv episode.

 

[Gotham]

Wanted - 9/10. I loved it.

Hancock - 7/10. Didn't see the twist coming, but it didn't make the film better for me.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army - 8/10. The visuals in this film were outstanding. The story was okay, but I think I liked the first one a little more.

The Incredible Hulk - 9/10. A lot of fun to watch.

The Dark Knight - 10/10. The best film of the summer for me.

Iron Man - 10/10. Great film.

 

[boydston_14]

Well I'm lazy so here's my top 10:

1) The Dark Knight
2) Tropic Thunder
3) Iron Man
4) Wall-E
5) Pineapple Express
6) Hellboy II: The Golden Army
7) The Incredible Hulk
8) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
9) Step Brothers
10) Speed Racer

 

[Cmill216]

The Dark Knight
Wall-E
Iron Man
The Incredible Hulk
Wanted

 

[Harry Goblin]

1. The Dark Knight
2. Wall-E
3. Speed Racer
4. The Incredible Hulk
5. Kung Fu Panda
6. Get Smart
7. Hellboy 2
8. Iron Man
9. Wanted
10. You Don' Mess With the Zohan
11. Hancock
12. Journey to the Center of the Earth
13. Indiana Jones
14. Sex and the City
15. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
16. The Mummy
17. The Love Guru

 

[superhero]

My favorite are:
the dark night 10/10
Iron man 9/10
The iNCDABILE HULK 9/10 Saw IT twice
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 9/10
Wall e 7/10
Hancok 8/10
Meet david 8/10
Mims island 6/10
Hellboy two the gloden army 6/10
The forbbiean kingdom 7/10

wOUld like to see: speed racer waiting for dvd,The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian , get smart the mummy 3 and Kung Fu Panda. waiting to them to come to the cheap theter.
.

 

[The Chris]

1. The Dark Knight
2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
3. Iron Man
4. The Incredible Hulk
5. Tropic Thunder
6. Pineapple Express
7. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
8. Wall-E
9. Speed Racer
10. Get Smart
11. Step Brothers
12. Wanted
13. Hancock
14. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
15. The X-Files: I Want to Believe
16. Journey to the Center of the Earth
17. You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
18. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
19. The Happening

 

[S.A.A.D.]

1)Hellboy: The Golden Army-10/10
2)Iron Man/Tropic Thunder-9/10
3)The Dark Knight -8.5/10
4)The Incredible Hulk -8/10
5)The Strangers -8.5/10
6)Mirrors -8/10
7)Wanted -7/10

 

[luke1234]

I don't see how this summer can be topped, really. It hits in almost ever demographic with great success.

yeah same

you got the comic book

the action

the pixar film

the comedies

this summer has been perfect

 

[thejon93]

#1) 'WALL-E' - *****/*****
Now, when I first saw this film, I felt it was a great film, I enjoyed it a lot. But, it was after viewing 'The Dark Knight' for a second time that I realized this was not only the best Pixar/CGI/animated film ever made. I realized that this was the most astonishing film of the year, period. This film grabbed my heart and made it beat. The first half-hour at first was kinda dull, but you realize afterwards that, that's the feeling they're going for. I feel for the little guy, we all feel for him and we want him to be free. This film didn't even have to immerse comedy in here to make a straight 5/5 on my list because this film, this truly a work of art worth much more than the Mona Lisa.

#2) 'The Dark Knight' - ****1/2/*****
When I walked out of the theatre with my friends, and we were talking about this film, never had any of them informed me, or each other, that this was a "comic-book adaption". And that's the power of 'The Dark Knight', never have I seen a "comic-book adaption" that made you feel it was just simply put, a fantastic film, not a "fantastic comic-book adaption". The characters are rich and relatable, the cinemotography was spectacular, the action sequences were incredible(more "incredible" than Hulk vs. Abomination, "incredible"... where it wasn't that "incredible", but I'm just sayin'), the story was well-planned and played out smoothly, the acting was phenomenal(Glyenhaal made me care for Rachel Dawes, at a time when the character needed it the most), the setting was great, the dark/frightening feel(mainly caused by The Joker) made the movie an unexpected tension-builder; which is why it caught most audiences by surprise. That's pretty much majority of the film that was great... but then comes the bad: the rushed ending/final-fight, the editing, and other minor tidbits. Of course, every film has it's flaws, but 'The Dark Knight' more than makes up for it and is sure to be big at the 'Oscars' this year, and is virtually guarenteed to do two-times better than the 'Oscars' from 2005 where 'Batman Begins' was in with the crowd.

Others:

3. 'Iron Man' - ****/*****
4. 'Wanted' - ***/*****
5. 'The Incredible Hulk' - ***/*****
6. 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' - **1/2/*****
7. 'The Happening' - 1/2/*****