The 2008 Gonch Awards

Yes it's that time again, a new year is upon us, but let us not forget last year. So without further ado, I give you, the 2008 Gonch Awards!

Best Picture - The Dark Knight
- Without question THE best movie of the year. It's as simple as that, but I'll elaborate anyway. While I failed to review this movie so far (and yes I've been bad about that in general), I can say with great authority that this is one of the best films I've ever seen and easily the best comic book film. Ledger's Joker was haunting while everyone else and everything was completely captivating. The movie doesn't let go until the credits roll, now that's what I call a movie.

Best Superhero/Comic Book Film - The Dark Knight
See above.

Best Special Effects - Iron Man
While I'm tempted to give this to TDK as well for their effects without almost any CGI, I still have to hand it to the IM crew for making an incredible suit on film.

Most Anticipated Film - Star Trek/X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Ok, so on one hand we have a storied franchise that sounds good on paper, but in execution, often bores the hell of people on the big screen, myself included. Honestly, Star Trek seems interesting, but too often it's slow, methodical and weak against much better Sci-Fi fare. This time though, JJ Abrams may have something that will bring back audiences. Only time will tell, as I've never been obsessed over either this or Star Wars, so I'm easily swayed to whatever. For the latter, we have another Xmen film amazingly, a Wolverine prequel. I'm all for it, and I bet it'll be hard to make another one of these that'll be anywhere near as intriguing, but the many mutants who didn't make it on screen last time get to be there. Should be fun.

Best Returning TV Show - Smallville
Call me crazy, but firing the old writers has breathed new and great life into this once-thought-dead show. Season 8 should have come sooner, but the wait has been worth it. Even though Lana has returned for a short bit, her absence has made the show better by subtraction, while the dialogue between Clark and Lois has been better than ever. Green Arrow being permanent helps, while villainy rises to an all time high with Tess Mercer, Doomsday, and the return of the unstoppable Brainiac.

Best New TV Show - ???
Sadly I failed to see almost any new show this year. Something tells me Fringe may deserve this, but I still don't know, I haven't seen a single episode yet.

Most Anticipated Returning Show - Smallville/Lost
Smallville because of how well it has done this season, minus the Lana. Lost is on a roll from last year and in its 2nd to last season, could make more heads turn as more and more must be revealed.

Most Anticipated New Show - Dollhouse
We're still waiting for this one to come on the air. Please bring Whedon back, ASAP.

Best Song - Afterlife by Avenged Sevenfold
This rocking song has an interesting intro and becomes an awesome rock anthem, plus it lasts for a good while.

Best Album - Rise and Fall, Patience and Grace by The Offspring
Great to have this band back as always, but this is a return to some really great music, one of their best efforts in several years.

Best Book - Me Of Little Faith by Lewis Black
My favorite comedian finally wrote another book. I listened to it on a long drive and it was very interesting. At times funny, but definitely an insightlful look about religion. However, the ending "play" didn't really work for me.

That's how I feel about 2008, let's see if 2009 can even come close.