Sally Potter's jolly, short little stab of a chamber piece black comedy isn't as smart of a political commentary as it wants to be, but it's great fun nonetheless.
May's titles include the fourth films in two aging franchises, more Pixar perfection, and the reboot of a TV series from 40 years ago. And they say there are no new ideas.
Like the gladiators of old, 2008 resembles a battle of formidable acting gods, especially when looking over the 20 choices presented below. Indeed, if anything, choosing a winner requires more of a leap of faith than any amount of critical skill - they all were that good.
Twenty talented ladies, 20 performances worthy of multiple little gold men. Unfortunately, as in all years, someone has to come out on top. But after looking over this impressive list, picking the preeminent turn of 2008 seems almost impossible.
Like the heroes of several of Paul Schrader's other films -- American Gigolo, Light Sleeper, and, to an extent, Auto Focus -- Carter moves among women as if visiting an alien planet.
The most enjoyable portions of the film mock Mary Poppins-style children's literature, whereby a goodhearted but lost family is set aright by a no-nonsense nanny.