2008 was certainly a great year for movies! The theme of the year, as with previous years was centered around the super-hero blockbuster. We saw two films from the Marvel Universe, one from DC Comics and another off the wall super hero movie that was not very super. We had Robert Downey Jr. jump back on the scene as Iron Man and a black man! We had Jack Black as a Kung Fu Panda and a heroin junkie. The year also saw one of the best performances by an actor in recent history. So…what was the best movie of 2008? Let’s count ‘em down.

#10. Speed Racer
I know that many people didn’t like this movie and found it too “cartoony”, but I loved it! Well, maybe not loved but I did thoroughly enjoy the movie. The special effects were very cool, and the new technology used on the colors was brilliant. The story had a typical kids movie script, but it was decent enough to get me through the whole movie. Overall, it was good enough to get the number ten spot on my list.

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In honor of my trip to Sin City, I have compiled what I believe are the TOP 10 Vegas Movies. These movies either take place in Vegas, are related to Vegas or were filmed in/around Las Vegas. Without further ado, I give you my TOP 10 Vegas Movies.

10. Showgirls

The original concept of seeing Jessie Spano (oh wait, this isn’t Saved By the Bell) topless, was a great idea. Then we all realized that it was a crap movie and not really worth to itty bitties we saw. That’s why Showgirls gets my #10 spot.

9. Cool World

The tagline for this movie “Holli Would if She Could…and She Will” leaves a lot to the imagination. Not since Jessica Rabbit have we seen such a sexy and seductive cartoon character. The animation was very good and the mix with live acting was cool for its time.

8. Diamonds Are Forever

You can’t go wrong with classic James Bond and Diamonds are Forever delivers on the action with Sean Connery playing the martini drinking secret agent.

7. Leaving Las Vegas

The movie that won Nicolas Cage the Oscar for Best Actor. The idea of watching a movie where a human being methodically drinks himself to death is very surreal, and his co-star Elisabeth Shue doesn’t have an easy life either. I’ve only managed to see the movie once and that was enough. I couldn’t bare to watch twice…

6. Very Bad Things

There’s only one word that can describe this movie DISTURBING. The movie follows a few friends through a bachelor party in Vegas where things go terribly wrong when Jeremy Piven (Entourage) accidentally murders a hooker in their hotel room. After that it goes downhill quick for the party bunch…excellent, crazy movie.

5. Casino

Epic movie with some big time stars. The movie follows through the building of Vegas and how it was built with its ties to the mob. If you have three hours to spare, definitely watch this movie…you won’t be sorry.

4. Honeymoon in Vegas

I know…two Nicolas Cage movies in one Top 10 is crazy, but this movie was great. Usually, I would frown upon a movie with Elvis or an impersonator, but multiple Flying Elvis’ you have to admit is a bit funny. 

3. Ocean’s Eleven

Remake of the classic movie with an all-star cast, and yet another Brad Pitt movie. All of the characters in the movie were great…my favorite was Frank Catton (Bernie Mac). The scene where he’s buying the vans was classic. Excellent movie…bad sequels. I highly recommend skipping out on Ocean’s 12 and 13…don’t rent them.

2. Swingers

“You’re money!” The Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau classic film that follows single guys our partying on a mission to take down “beautiful babies”. I’ve seen this movie so many times, I can’t even guess at the number. This is where Vince Vaughn started it all…if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out.

1. National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation

The misadventures of Clark W. Griswold are always entertaining and this is no exception. I know I’m not the only person who loves this movie…eh, Mr. Pappagiorgio!

~ GrandmasterB