Top 5: Summer Films of 2008
5. Iron Man
“Iron Man” was the first superhero movie of the summer, and the first of the Marvel superheros to finally get the proper film treatment. As a film that focused on the humanity of the main character rather than his powers, Iron Man reigns true as one of the few superheros that transfers elegantly onto the screen. With a little help from a powerhouse performance by Robert Downey Jr, “Iron Man” is part of the team of this summer’s superhero films that’s working towards a brighter future of appreciation and award winning recognition.
4. Kung Fu Panda
With an unlikely hero as the central focus of this wacky animation film, “Kung Fu Panda” may have also been looked at as an unlikely contender for one of the best films of the summer. However, with a closer look inside this film’s undeniable humor, there’s an intricacy in the story this film insists on telling. While watching “Kung Fu Panda,” we’re not only treated with unending laughs, we’re given a timely message that extends upon the traditions of the past.
3. Tropic Thunder
As the second film on this list that features the incredible Robert Downey Jr, “Tropic Thunder” features a diversely talented cast that thrives enormously upon the expressions they exude. Not only is this a fast paced rehash of some of the greatest war films of all time, “Tropic Thunder” is a wave of humor that hits you with unrelenting precision to powerfully topple the poor efforts of comedy that have recently flooded our theaters.
2. Wall-E
The name Pixar has become synonymous with great films. With the release of their latest film “Wall-E,” Pixar Animation Studios showed no signs of ever letting up on that commitment. As a simple story about a lovable little robot, “Wall-E” tells Pixar’s most heartfelt story to date as well as their greatest visual accomplishment. Featuring animation that gives seamless life to an incredibly unique cast of robots, “Wall-E” rests on Pixar’s pedestal of perfection where no other animation film has ever dared to wander.
1. The Dark Knight
It’s no surprise that the most anticipated movie of the summer is also one of the highest grossing movies of all time. With a dynamite final performance from the late Heath Ledger as Batman’s ultimate nemesis, The Joker, “The Dark Knight” will be the topic of box office talk for decades to come. With help from an immensely talented cast that is never overshadowed, director and co-writer Christopher Nolan finally fuses a connection between the visually artistic poetry of sophisticated dramas and the under appreciated qualities of superhero films. This film is more than just a superhero film; it’s a definitive piece of cinematic history.
