Movie angst

News of the Year | In 2008, blockbusters turned to the dark side | The Editors

Summit Entertainment

A few lighthearted exceptions like Mama Mia notwithstanding, 2008 brought dreary days to the local Cineplex, not only in earnings but in tone. As the Golden Globes proved in December, the industry loves to reward downers. But this year it wasn't just critically acclaimed art-house flicks; blockbusters turned to the dark side as well. James Bond became a tortured renegade. In Cloverfield the monster won. And the year's biggest earner, The Dark Knight, offered up perhaps the most disturbing comic-based villain of all time—a psychopath with no aims beyond wanting the world to burn. Valid cultural insight in a world beleaguered by the specter of terrorism? Yes. Escapist popcorn fantasy? Hardly. Even the teenage romance took a bleak turn, as Twilight's leading lady did not dance with the quarterback but exchanged few words in a wintry gray forest with an undead suitor longing to drink her blood.

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December 27, 2008, Vol. 23, No. 26

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