The staff at
Relevant Magazine joined together with some of Relevant's writers, including myself, to compile a list of
Relevant's Top 10 Films of 2008. I was happy to contribute to this because as a film addict, I have been disappointed in recent years with the hype-to-reality ratio of many films. This year, however, was an exceptional year for good movies. "Amidst a year of economic turmoil and political history, the film industry kept a steady hand on America's imagination," Relevant's list introduction declares. "Some of the most creative, innovative and compelling films ever made were released in 2008."
However, I must add something of a disclaimer. First, I have never seen the 8th, 9th or 10th movie on this list. If you hated those movies, don't vent to me because they weren't my picks. Second, there were a couple of movie that I lobbied for which didn't make it. I definitely would have included
Ghost Town, the best movie of 2008 that you probably didn't see. I also suggested
Son of Rambo, which never had a chance to make a list like this because of its Indy release, and
Hellboy II, which was a brilliant movie visually and artistically despite its tragically cheesy name. I also listed
The Fall as a runner-up simply because of it's breathtaking cinematography and visual effects.
So there you have it folks. It was a crowded pack this year with so many good flicks, but those are my selections. Between the list itself and this appendix, did I miss anything? Is there something that you think is a must-watch that didn't get mentioned? Let's chat about it.
Recently, I had the opportunity to screen Disneynature's debut film, Earth. I was so impressed by the movie that I wrote a review for Relevant. The movie is narrated by James Earl Jones and follows the lives of three animal families as they overcome amazing circumstances. The film is replete with life lessons and redemptive elements that uncover the grandeur of God's creation. In fact, Flourish's Rusty Pritchard has produced an Earth discussion guide in cooperation with Disneynature that is incredible tool that could be used by pastors, small groups and families as they engage this movie.
