My list for the best of 2008 follows:

1. Man on Wire

It's been 34 years since Philippe Petit precariously performed on an illegal tightrope strung between the World Trade Center's twin towers, yet James Marsh finds a way to turn this intimate documentary into suspense-thriller. Deft editing and Petit's unsurpassed animated storytelling abilities render this film the stuff of legends.

2. Slumdog Millionaire

Danny Boyle takes his dynamic digital wizardry to India to re-work the Bollywood formula to craft the most entertaining film of 2008. A total crowd-pleaser, Boyle refrains from overindulging its melodramatic narrative to paint a remarkably vivid cultural portrait along the way.

3. The Dark Knight

Batman movies rely on the strength of their villain, so with that criteria Christopher Nolan's 2008 rendition should rank as the greatest of the genre—thanks to Heath Ledger. His pre-mature death now seems even more tragic given his unforgettable performance here, completely obliterating the raves that Jack Nicolson once received for his Joker. Ledger lends depth to the idea of nihilistic chaos and has an excellent chance of landing a post-humus Oscar laurels.

4. WALL-E

Channeling Chaplin during its first half, Pixar's robotic protagonist ranks among its most brilliant (and daring) work. Unfortunately, the film gives way to more conventional chase scenes during the second half, but it stands up overall—another gem that I've promptly added to my DVD collection.

5. Let the Right One In

THIS is hands-down the best vampire film of 2008 (and the best that could be classified in the horror genre as well). Bullied continuously at school, a twelve-year-old boy dreams of revenge before befriending a strange young neighborhood girl. Minimalist Swedish drama hits all the right notes.

6. Gomorra

A patchwork of vignettes form a gritty expose of contemporary Neapolitan crime families—a work so truthful that writer Robert Saviano currently receives police protection due to the death threats from the Camorra. No operatic treatment or even the flashy camerawork of Scorsese is evident in Matteo Garrone's dynamic and nihilistic portrait.

7. Happy-Go-Lucky

I defy you to dislike this movie. Eternally optimistic Sally Hawkins will put a smile on your face no matter how hard to defy her, yet Mike Leigh doesn't totally desert his trademark portraits of working class Londoners.

8. A Christmas Tale

A dysfunctional family reunion to the extreme makes up a wonderfully authentic feeling "Christmas story." Any work starring Catherine Deneuvre is worth checking out as well, as she portrays a woman dying of a rare liver cancer who can only be saved by a dangerous complicated bone marrow transplant if a compatible donor can be found. Irony fills out the somewhat predictable dilemma since the potential donor turns out to be her most hated offspring, but the strength of the film lies with character revelations along the journey.

9. Tuya's Marriage

Using non-actors in Mongolia location lends tremendous authenticity to Quanan Wang's tale of loyalty and survival. It additionally illustrates cultural insights and how traditional Mongolian lifestyle is coming under attack from modern capitalism.

10. I.O.U.S.A.

Given the horrendous state of the economy during 2008, give this documentary credit for skillfully educating viewers about the U.S. Federal deficit—something that most of us are only vaguely familiar with for good reason. Obfuscated by overly intellectual economics experts, the reality of the deficit remains forbidden territory for politicians since an increase in taxes inevitably must be enlisted to bring it back into control. Seeing that President-elect Obama is enlisting the help of some competent advisors who take part in I.O.U.S.A. (including Paul Volker and Warren Buffet) made me feel a bit more optimistic about 2009 and beyond.

Honorable Mention: Other worthy films that missed my top ten, listed alphabetically:

Cadillac Records — Decent introduction to the history of Chess Records and Chicago blues

Che (both parts) — Although the slow pace through the Cuban jungle may be off-putting, this enhances the film's documentary feel. Del Toro inhabits the title character so completely, it would be criminal to deny him an Oscar nod.

Doubt — An actor's vehicle that Viola Davis ends up dominating in her one scene.

Encounters at the End of the World — Herzog’s films are always worth checking out, and this ranks among his best.

The Exiles — Milestone Films once again plucks a previously unreleased film from obscurity and preserves it for posterity, revealing an intimate documentary style drama about urban Indian life in 1961 Los Angeles.

Frost/Nixon — A relief that Ron Howard doesn’t destroy the screenplay; Langella's Nixon makes the film worth seeing.

Gonzo: The Life & Work Of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson — Fascinating study of a unique literary icon.

In Bruges — Witty, suspenseful and highly entertaining character study.

Iron-Man — I was expecting mediocrity, but Robert Downey Jr. made this worthwhile.

Milk — Although the content has been better covered in the 1984 documentary The Times of Harvey Milk, the intentions behind the film remain noble and the acting is superb!

Mongol — First section of developing epic, the location photography makes this essential viewing.

The Order of Myths — Well done film composed in Robert Drew tradition captures historic change in Mobile's racial relationships.

Religulous — Bill Maher's irreverent treatment may piss you off, but the film's provocative nature makes it a "must see"

Son of Rambow — A charmer that film buffs will enjoy.

Synecdoche, New York — Creativity counts for something; Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut is unlike all other 2008 releases.

Tropic Thunder — The most original comedy of the year.

Under the Same Moon — Timely film that puts a melodramatic face on the illegal immigrant issue.

Up the Yangtze — Anyone who's visited China (or wants to) will appreciate this provocative study of a society in transition.

The Visitor — Richard Jenkins shows off his everyman acting skills.

Wendy and Lucy — Michelle Williams literally carries this character driven story in every scene.

The Wrestler — Mickey Rourke should secure an Oscar nod in this comeback role.

Young @ Heart — Poignant portrait of a most unique chorus that teaches how to live (and die) with verve and dignity.

Major disappointments: Films that can be safely avoided and should lie dormant in video rental locations.

The Boy in Striped Pajamas — Amateurish Holocaust melodrama

Australia — Had Lurmann chopped his movie at the two-hour mark, it would have been watchable.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons — Pointless exercise in tedium.

Vicky Christina Barcelona — Woody going through the motions (though Penelope Cruz makes this film bearable)

W. — Forgettable throw-away tripe by Oliver Stone

Quantum of Solace — Now in competition with The Man with the Golden Gun as the worst Bond ever