In a word, “hoo-ahhh!”

Wait. Is that one word or two?

Al Pacino leads the list of 2008’s worst offenders, starring in a film that almost demolished his long and illustrious film career.

Here’s Al’s cinematic crime and four others which made watching movies this year a torture.

1. “88 Minutes” – If you’re not thinking, “what were they thinking?” during every scene of this misbegotten crime thriller, then your brain may not be connected to the rest of your body. Pacino’s hair deserves special mention for defying both age and gravity.
2. “Jumper” – Are movie scripts still landing on Hayden Christensen’s desk? Really? After this unholy mess? As Don King might say, “only in America!”
3. “The Happening” – Let’s call it, folks. Time of M. Night Shyamalan’s career death – June 13, 2008.
4. “Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?” – Morally and creatively bankrupt follow-up from “Super Size Me’s” one trick pony, Morgan Spurlock.
5. “10,000 B.C.” – Who knew prehistoric man had such great dental plans? Just one of a hundred reasons why this silly actioner stunk up theaters.

Note: Here are some films that weren’t nearly as awful as advertised: “Speed Racer,” “The Women,” “The Love Guru.” And some movies I suspect would have made the list but I was fortunate enough not to have seen them – “The Hottie and the Nottie” and “Mad Money.”

Update: Here’s what CNN.com visitors voted for their best and worst films of the year.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

WWTW ‘88 Minutes’ review

WWTW ‘The Happening’ review

(Photo: Al Pacino whacks his screen reputation playing a criminal psychologist in the beyond awful film “88 Minutes.”)

Related posts:

1. ‘Star Wars’ – Worst character names
2. The Year in Movies – 2008’s Best
3. ‘Righteous’ letdown?