The Imagination of Fantasy

Year in Review: What Was Your Favorite Fantasy of 2008?

We still have a couple of weeks ago, but it's time for our annual discussion (which never gets very far, but I'm an optimist) about which fantasy movies from the past year were our favorites!  For reference, as a refresher, use the Fantasy to Look Forward to (2008) list, because this list will disappear once the year does.

I realize that some of the entries on that list actually have later release dates.  When I take the list away, I'll shuffle some of those around, even if the listed year isn't correct, and research their impending release dates and put them in the appropriate upcoming list.

I think I saw maybe four of these this year because I haven't had much time to go to the movie theater.  I've mostly been using Netflix and haven't been watching too much fantasy.  I gotta say, though, that it's hard to beat Wall-E and The Dark Knight this year.  Both films took my breath away in some form or another.  What would your picks be?  The only rule is that they have to be fantasy!  And.....go! :-D

Re:Year in Review: What Was Your Favorite Fantasy of 2008?

I'm inclined to go with Wall-E or Kung Fu Panda. Although I still kind of want to see the Tale of Despereaux and I've heard some good things about Inkheart so far. Is that coming out this year? I believe it's already been released in England.

Re:Year in Review: What Was Your Favorite Fantasy of 2008?

indieabby88:

I'm inclined to go with Wall-E or Kung Fu Panda. Although I still kind of want to see the Tale of Despereaux and I've heard some good things about Inkheart so far. Is that coming out this year? I believe it's already been released in England.

Nope, Inkheart has a 2009 release date for the US.

Tale of Despereaux is getting mixed reviews...but it does look cute.

Re:Year in Review: What Was Your Favorite Fantasy of 2008?

I thought Speed Racer was pretty fun.  Do you consider that Fantasy??

Re:Year in Review: What Was Your Favorite Fantasy of 2008?

Risselada:

I thought Speed Racer was pretty fun.  Do you consider that Fantasy??

Hm....I don't know.  Do you consider it fantasy?  I haven't seen it, and I don't remember the cartoon very much, so what do you think? 

Also, group, the 2008 list is no more.  It has now been divested into appropriate groups (in a quick type way), and the 2009 list is the focus.  To the extent that I had information, I put it in the movie's list entry, if it was meant to be a 2008 release.

Any 2009 releases you look forward to seeing? 

I gotta say that the 6th Harry Potter movie (the Half-Blood Prince) is highly anticipated by yours truly because the even numbered Potter flicks have been the better adaptations in my opinion, so that bodes well, and frankly, I don't have any destination movies left!  Some artsier options and the Star Trek prequel look fun, but nothing else is making me salivate over an opening day like movies used to.  Any commentary on that?  The state of the destination film - which is particularly kind to fantasy fans what with our Harry Potters and Lord of the Rings and Star Wars...?  Hello? <cricket>

Re:Year in Review: What Was Your Favorite Fantasy of 2008?

pippin06:

Any 2009 releases you look forward to seeing? 

Well The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus looks like a fantasy movie.  It's Terry Gilliam so that always makes it interesting if not great.  And I'm sure lots of people will see it soley on the fact that it will be Heath Ledger's final movie.  Of course it's very sad that he passed away, but I am always fascinated to see multiple actors play the same character as well.