10 films

Despite the fascination with exploitation cinema for the past year (something you can never get in SG), I have easily put together my 10 favourite films (in no particular order) of the year that went past so quickly, I can hardly realize it.

10. Cloverfield (Matt Reeves)
Such a commercial premise, but yet more engaging than any 'disaster' movies that I have ever watched.

9. The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan)
So long, but such long good fun.

8. Tropic Thunder (Ben Stiller)
oh,ridiculously funny and was never intended to be smart, which is what makes me applaud for it.

7. Help Me Eros (Lee Kang-Sheng)
Like frogs falling from the sky in Magnolia, the last scene never got off my mind and brought me on the verge of tears from its cinematic beauty.

6. Juno (Jason Reitman)
Teenage pregnancy never seemed more cool.

5. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Julian Schnabel)
Superb storytelling and perspective. It's amazing and great how it never became a melodrama.

4. Rumba (Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy)
Awkward and offbeat. A comic that came literally from tragedy.

3. Wendy & Lucy (Kelly Reichardt)
Tour de force performances. And it's just about a woman looking for her dog!

2. Flower in the Pocket (Liew Seng Tat)
It's rare to see something so simple and so full of heart. So many flaws but yet so endearing.

1. Tout est parfait (Yves Christian Fournier)
Wow.

best.of.2008.

2008 is a year of reminiscence for the sights and sounds.
the discovery of Demy, Ozu and Lubitsch.
and a year which the music of The Who has never been more relevant.
a year (possibly the only year) that the often-underrated Aussie albums played an integral part, in my listening experience.

Sort of in a particular order, but it all depends on the mood.

10. Chairlift - Does You Inspire You?
Sort of like a homage to the 1980's retro pop. A lot of fun and introspection. If '1234' was the anthem for the 3rd Generation of the ipod Nano, then 'Bruises' certainly displays the bittersweet relationship (of the 4th Gen Nanochromatic and its consumers?) :P


9. New Buffalo - Somewhere, Anywhere.
Sally Seltmann doesn't have a voice as ethereal as Feist though they have similar styles, but the album has the right amount of quirks, darkness and intimacy that matches The Reminder.


8. Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things.
There is very little to complain really. The good songs are really, really good. A reliable album, as always. I'm Yours is a little overplayed around here though, not including the fact that my housemate plays it at least 30 times a day.


7. Jakob Dylan - Seeing Things
The songwriting never did surpass his own dad. (at least methinks he never intend to do so) But I think he stands firmly on his own ground, with an acoustic, mellow masterpiece, or rather a modern take in the style and attitude of Bob. Definitely a sexier voice though.


6. Kimya Dawson - Alphabutt
Essentially an album for kids, (and their parents) and yet never losing her anti-folk roots. Might come across as pretty self-indulgent in style for some (like Jack Johnson, but much less annoying.) but it never fails to put a smile on my face every time I listen to it.


5. Bitter:Sweet - Drama
Probably a guilty indulgence, and the closest to a 'dance' album I ever liked. So playful, so flirtatious, so drama!


4. Adele - 19
Only started listening to the album after watching her sing "Make You Feel My Love" on Jools Holland.That blew me away and I was pleased with the rest of the album. Emotive and melts my heart.


3. The Panics - Cruel Guards
Like Coldplay, but with an overly-nasal voice from the lead. Quite a trait though.A wonderful, wonderful album nonetheless. The first single 'Don't Fight It' is absolutely, the best song I've heard this year.


2. Little Red- Little to Litte Red
I don't know, how do you exactly categorize this seemingly nostalgic piece (like The Beach Boys), but yet it's so young, hip and refreshing. Happy music? They are great on record and better live.


1. Rachael Yamagata - Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart
Yes, I forgive you for taking so long to put out a second album, for it surpassed all my expectations. I was ignorant to think you wouldn't be able to top the first one. Once again, you've given me sleepless nights. Love you. Come back and see me soon.

2008

2008.A year full of sweet, and bittersweet moments.
Along with an anxiety that's different from any past year's.
Faces to remember as I depart. lots.
The Swanston Street and the Bowen Lane.
The Kemp. The chain smoking of A.J.T.
Leaving Me. The ranga tango and the public art.

and then home.

oh russ, u r so notti.

In the same week, two different movies made me groaned, for very different reasons.

Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

Never have I had a more enjoyable cinematic experience.
Karate chops, men getting bashed up and ran over by a Porsche.
Oversexed, big breasted women, incest and screaming racism, Russ Meyer is sexploitation cinema at its best.
Oh just remake any of it, QT.




On the other hand, this adaptation of a teen soapy novel is an absolute, serious contender for the worst picture of the year. IMMHO.

Thank heavens for the free tix.