(sar on) I usally poke a small hole in the filter with a sharp nail while on
the car to let the oil drain out first. That way it is lighter and can be
taken out from the top. (sar off)

Truth is, I cannot afford a 2008, and would rather drive a '93 with 8#s,
(sar on) without the throttle lag and drone from the pipes. (sar off)

Well, truth is the '93 has an oil cooler on the filter that links over to
the radiator, this is an old cop car, but that takes about 1 1/2 inch away
from the height of the stock oil filter, and I havent found any good oil
filters that fit and get stuck with what the oil changing places stick on
it.  From the bottom is very easy.

regarding the OP, I would try removing from the top first, you may want to
do this when engine is cold.
(I use cardboard on the ground to lay on, and change it that way too on
the'93 (sar on) which dosent apply to a '08)