AND THE TOMATO GOES TO…
Welcome to RT’s 2008 Golden Tomato Awards, in which we honor the best-reviewed movies of the year. From action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking documentaries, we’ve got the movies that won the critics’ hearts in 2008 — and probably inspired you as well.
In 2008, major releases like The Dark Knight and WALL-E reigned at the box office, while independent films like The Wrestler and Man on Wire rewarded film fans willing to go off the beaten track of the multiplex. All of these films and many more received high praise from critics in 2008, but which ones were really the best-reviewed movies last year? Which of these films — along with the rest of the pundits’ favorites from 2008 — will go home with our coveted Golden Tomato Award?
Best Wide Release
#1
Adjusted Score: 105641%
Critics Consensus: Wall-E's stellar visuals testify once again to Pixar's ingenuity, while its charming star will captivate younger viewers -- and its timely story offers thought-provoking subtext.
Synopsis: WALL-E, short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying...
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Best Limited Release
#1
Adjusted Score: 106146%
Critics Consensus: James Marsh's doc about artist Phililppe Petit's artful caper brings you every ounce of suspense that can be wrung from a man on a (suspended) wire.
Synopsis: Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's...
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Top UK
#1
Adjusted Score: 106146%
Critics Consensus: James Marsh's doc about artist Phililppe Petit's artful caper brings you every ounce of suspense that can be wrung from a man on a (suspended) wire.
Synopsis: Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's...
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Top AU
#1
Adjusted Score: 85843%
Critics Consensus: A tender and witty portrayal of a family coping with autism, The Black Balloon is heartfelt without being schmaltzy or moralizing.
Synopsis: Thomas struggles with having an autistic brother....
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Moldy
#1
Adjusted Score: 2551%
Critics Consensus: One of the weakest entries in the J-horror remake sweepstakes, One Missed Call is undone by bland performances and shopworn shocks.
Synopsis: When Beth Raymond (Shannyn Sossamon) witnesses the deaths of two friends, she knows there is more at work than just...
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Best Action/Adventure
#1
Adjusted Score: 108416%
Critics Consensus: Dark, complex, and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga.
Synopsis: With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has...
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Best Animation
#1
Adjusted Score: 105641%
Critics Consensus: Wall-E's stellar visuals testify once again to Pixar's ingenuity, while its charming star will captivate younger viewers -- and its timely story offers thought-provoking subtext.
Synopsis: WALL-E, short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying...
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Best Comedy
#1
Adjusted Score: 99236%
Critics Consensus: Mike Leigh's latest partially-improvised film is a light-hearted comedy with moments that bite, and features a brilliant star turn by Sally Hawkins.
Synopsis: Teacher Poppy Cross (Sally Hawkins) is an eternal optimist who lives with her more cynical friend Zoe (Alexis Zegerman). Deciding...
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Best Documentary
#1
Adjusted Score: 106146%
Critics Consensus: James Marsh's doc about artist Phililppe Petit's artful caper brings you every ounce of suspense that can be wrung from a man on a (suspended) wire.
Synopsis: Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's...
[More]
Best Drama
#1
Adjusted Score: 108293%
Critics Consensus: Mickey Rourke gives a performance for the ages in The Wrestler, a richly affecting, heart-wrenching yet ultimately rewarding drama.
Synopsis: Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) is long past his prime but still ready and rarin' to go...
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Best Foreign
#1
Adjusted Score: 102356%
Critics Consensus: The Band's Visit is both a clever, subtle slice-of-life comedy, and poignant cross-cultural exploration.
Synopsis: The eight Egyptian musicians who comprise the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrive by mistake in a small town in Israel's...
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Best Horror
#1
Adjusted Score: 82150%
Critics Consensus: Smart, original, and horrifically funny, Teeth puts a fresh feminist spin on horror movie tropes.
Synopsis: Dawn (Jess Weixler) is an active member of her high-school chastity club but, when she meets Tobey (Hale Appleman), nature...
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Best Kids/Family
#1
Adjusted Score: 83719%
Critics Consensus: Refreshingly sweet and sincere, Kit's doll-and-book-inspired do-good mystery may be geared towards the tween girl but will please audiences of all ages.
Synopsis: Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin), a girl growing up in Depression-era Cincinnati, has a nose for news and a knack for...
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Best Musical
#1
Adjusted Score: 68888%
Critics Consensus: It won't win many converts, but High School Musical 3 is bright, energetic, and well-crafted.
Synopsis: Amid preparations for a basketball championship, prom, and graduation, sweethearts Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) vow...
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Best Romance
#1
Adjusted Score: 92360%
Critics Consensus: Ricky Gervais' consistently sharp performance and beautifully dry execution transform this otherwise mainstream comedy into an endearing, funny, and altogether snappy romantic comedy. With ghosts.
Synopsis: After a near-death experience during a routine colonoscopy, people-hating dentist Bertrum Pincus is shocked to discover that he is suddenly...
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Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
#1
Adjusted Score: 96102%
Critics Consensus: Guillermo del Toro crafts a stellar comic book sequel, boasting visuals that are as imaginative as the characters are endearing.
Synopsis: Hellboy (Ron Perlman), his pyrokinetic girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), and aquatic empath, Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), face their biggest battle...
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Best Thriller
#1
Adjusted Score: 94495%
Critics Consensus: Traditional in form yet effective in execution, this taut thriller updates the "danger on a train" scenario with atmospheric sense.
Synopsis: On their way home from China, married Christian missionaries Roy (Woody Harrelson) and Jessie (Emily Mortimer) take a train from...
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95%
0%
64%
