==FILM==
Best Movie of 2008
'Slumdog Millionaire' (directed by Danny Boyle)
Now I know I may be contradicting myself here as this is a small indie film, but this is by far the best film of the year, and I'm even going as far to say that this is my favourite film since Rent in 2005/6 (for those who know me even remotely will know that this is quite a feat!). It is just such a passionate, heartbreaking, uplifting and visually beautiful film that I'm still dwelling on two weeks after I saw it. Definitely go and see it while you still can. I'm hoping this will get the Best Picture Oscar and Golden Globe, just so more people are able to see this masterpiece.
Honourable Mentions: Across The Universe (technically '07, but I saw it in 2008 so whatever), Australia, High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Most Disappointing Movie of 2008
'The Dark Knight' (directed by Christopher Nolan)
You'd think that with all the hype surrounding this movie that it was the greatest film ever to hit cinemas. Everytime Batman was onscreen I had to stop myself from bursting into fits of laughter, it was just so over the top - it was distracting. Also, a key element that makes a superhero theme work is making the audience root for the hero. I saw no reason for wanting Batman to prevail, there was not one endearing character trait, even when it was simply Bruce Wayne onscreen. I know Heath was good and all, but honestly people, you must have been so blinded by his death to think that this was all it was hyped up to be. What a wank of a film!
Dishonourable Mentions: Burn After Reading, Tropic Thunder
==MUSIC==
Best Album of 2008
808s And Heartbreaks - Kanye West
I never thought I'd say this, but this album was pure genius. Most artists who have tried the autotune style of music have failed, and failed miserably. There is just something about this album that makes it work. The album is honest, emotional, and (surprisingly) unpretentious. A good album to me is when my favourite song off of the album changes regularly, and with this one I find myself having a new favourite everyday. Standout tracks include Welcome To Heartbreak, RoboCop and See You In My Nightmares.
Honourable Mentions: Day and Age - The Killers, Funhouse - P!nk, The Quilt - Gym Class Heroes, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. - Jason Mraz
Most Disappointing Album of 2008
Songs For You, Truths For Me - James Morrison
Now I'm sure there were worse albums, but I'm basing my list on the CDs I actually bought, so ones I thought I would like. Now I can't say much about this album because I could only manage to listen to it a few times, but I can say it was incredibly bland. It was like sitting in a monotone lecture for 45 minutes. Is it too early to call him a one-hit wonder??
Dishonourable Mentions: I can't say I have any - I have really enjoyed every other album I purchased in 2008.
Best Concert of 2008
P!nk - The Metro Theatre, Sydney
What can I say? Simply an incredible night. After seeing her 5 times in a huge arena setting, seeing her in an 1000 person capacity theatre, with just her and her band, no massive stage setup or special effects was amazing. It felt like a friend getting up to play some songs at your birthday party. So intimate and interactive. I can only hope I get to experience something like this again.
Honourable Mentions: Kanye West - Acer Arena, Sydney, Jason Mraz - Enmore Theatre, Sydney, Panic At The Disco/The Academy Is.../Cobra Starship - Acer Arena, Sydney.
Dishonourable Mentions: The whole Big Day Out 2008.
==TELEVISION==
I have a habit of being a bit slow with television and having to wait for the DVDs to come out to watch them, so my list is going to feature mostly older shows.
BEST SHOWS I DISCOVERED IN 2008
- Friday Night Lights
- How I Met Your Mother
- Eli Stone
- Skins
- Smallville
- Gossip Girl
==EVENTS==
BEST EVENT OF 2008
Equal winners: Kevin Rudd's 'Sorry Day' & The Election of Barack Obama
Two political events that have paved the way for incredible change within our country and throughout the world.
Kevin Rudd apologising to the stolen generations and their families was incredibly simple, but meant so much to so many people and was a major step to making this country a true democracy.
Similarly, Barack Obama's election is a major step towards equality not only for USA, but for the whole world. He epitomises the concept of 'hope' for so many people at a time when it is needed most. Early tip for Best Event of 2009 - George Bush finally losing power in a couple of weeks!
WORST EVENT OF 2008
The passing of Proposition 8 in California
The same day that Obama was representing hope and equality with his election, Proposition 8 being passed in California represented the exact opposite. This overturned legislation that allowed same-sex marriages to occur and therefore was a huge step backwards. If one of the most liberal and progressive places in the world can't accept equality, what hope does the rest of the world have.
Well there you have it. I can't think of anything more to write, so Happy New Year, hope it is eventful, hopeful, worthwhile, and most of all, enjoyable. Until next time...
