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Eight fads from the movies of 2008
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"Twilight"
Sure, I could have made a list of the Best Movies of 2008 (Slumdogs, Buttons and Dark Nights) or of the Worst (remember Hottie and the Nottie?) but that’s too easy, people. While the films of ’08 will most likely fade into the mist, their effect on pop culture will remain, and who knows for how long.
Here’s my list of the eight fads that stuck, all thanks to the movies that made them.
8. Vampires are cool (and sexy?) again.
Last time I checked, movies like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” didn’t do much in the realm of PR for those bloodsuckers. But with the huge success of “Twilight,” our fanged friends are back to the popularity they once had in Brad Pitt’s “Interview” days.
7. Beautiful Barcelona.
Sure, you are guaranteed to meet a gorgeous, complicated vixen like Penelope Cruise’s character in “Vicky Christina Barcelona,” but after seeing the film, you may just have wanted to visit—at least for a while. The city, as intense and provocative as the actors in this film is calling to us all: “Explore, and live!”
6. Films as get-out-of-jail free cards.
When the documentary “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired” hit Sundance, it was an instant sensation. Little did we know that Polanski’s lawyers would use the film as evidence that Polanski’s case was mishandled, and ask for the charges to be dropped so the director could come back to the U.S. Now that’s film imitating art imitating life, or something like that.
5. Robots have feelings too.
That hunk o’ metal melted the hearts of jaded critics and skeptical viewers across the nation. Adorable, sweet and with a heart of gold, Wall-E beat out the penguins, pandas and possums to nab the cutest animated thingy around.
4. Super superheroes
“The Dark Knight” and “Ironman” kicked theatrical but this year, spawning madness from fans, and praise from critics. More than just “blow-up-stuff” action films, these stories had heart and character, and were stuffed with talented actors, to boot.
3. Wrestling is wrestled with.
“Bigger, Stronger, Faster,” the documentary about the controversial subject of steroids was an honest look through the hearts and minds of some real, complicated men. “The Wrestler” stars Mickey Rourke as “The Ram,” a man so intricate and intriguing, he would—if he were real—have been a perfect story for the documentary. Both gave us a look at the pitfalls of these physical sports, often played just to feel superhuman for just a moment.
2. Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte will never get old.
Sure, the TV show has been off the air for years now, and people said the movie would never get made. But it did. And women came out in droves (often dressing up) to see their favorite New Yorkers on the big screen. They may have been nearing 50 in the film, but these ladies will never go out of style.
1. Faith surprisingly restored in film
Sure, there were some major flops this year. Moreover, films that could have been good really blew it (“Vantage Point", anyone?). But there were some surprising gems in 2008—films that no one expected, or even saw coming that blew audiences away. Topping the list, of course, would be “Slumdog Millionaire” for it’s complete package of the tale of a boy from the slums. The actors may have been unknown, but the film shines above the rest. Other notable surprises include “In Bruges,” and “Role Models.” There’s a lot to be said for a movie that just feels right. It’s a lot harder than it looks.
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