Best Films 2007

I just watched the video from my last post and cracked up yet again. Good stuff.

I now present to you the annual best films blog. This, of course, being the best films of 2007. It's a little late, I know. But, better late than never! Right? Right?!!


10. 3:10 To Yuma

I went and saw this film on a recommendation. I've never been a huge fan of the western genre. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood's western epic that took the genre to a whole new level, This film, being a remake, continues the tradition of having a western with poignant parallels on the realities of life, love, family, and simple morality. Great performances and cinematography add to the films already sensational, yet unique, script.

9. Superbad

It's crass, it has no tact, and it's possibly the most offensive film of the year. It completely reflects the humor of the new generation. The generation who grew up with South Park and Family Guy and when they went to the movies with friends they snuck in to see American Pie and Scary Movie. Can you imagine your mother seeing this movie with you? Neither can I.

8. Enchanted

What a clever movie. Catchy tunes, witty dialogue, and another sensational performance by Amy Adams make this film so effective. The film had its weak moments. Susan Sarandon was pretty thankless and her role in the movie just made things awkward at times. But it was one of the most original films of the year and who could resist the charms of Disney essentially making fun of itself? Not me.

7. Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix

These films just progressively get better and better. I remember reading the 5th book immediately upon its release a few years ago and being somewhat indifferent about it. It was long, too long. The movie, however, was almost too short. If not, then it was certainly "just right." This is the only film I saw twice in the theatres this year. And with that being said, it is one of only maybe 5 or 6 movies I've ever seen more than once in a theatre. I guess that speaks volumes on how much I enjoyed it, even though the second time I saw it it was in 3D. So cool. So very, very cool. Imelda Staunton gave the years best Supporting Actress performance. Perfect Umbridge.

6. No End In Sight

This is a compelling documentary about the beginning of the war in Iraq. How did it happen? What went wrong? How did this all get out of hand and who's to blame? The answers to all these questions, and many more, are provided within this suprisingly unbiased film. It just states the facts. This is what happened. Whether you are Left or Right, Up or Down, or Black or Blue you can't argue with this film. I'm going to stop now before I start to write stuff that may be a little bias. See this documentary. Have viewing parties.

5. Eastern Promises

Another Cronenberg success. After falling in love with "History of Violence" a couple years ago, I knew that this film was a must-see. Not quite the masterpiece that "History" was, this film still manages to hold it's own. Whether you're distracted by Viggo and his penis or the grotesque slashing of throats that happens throughout, you can't get past the fact that this is one hell of a story with great performances. Sure, you could just call it another mafia movie, but then you'd just be an idiot. Speaking of, why are movies about the mob always so good?

4. No Country For Old Men

This movie could have been number one. It really, really could have been. Then I saw it. Well, I loved the first 80 percent and then, like about everybody else, I hated the ending. I DON'T CARE how poignant you thought it was or how profound or how non-linear or "against the grain" or original or whatever you want to call it...it sucked. What the hell was Tommy Lee Jones talking about? Who the f*** was that old man he was talking to? What the hell happened to Josh Brolin? God knows we didn't see him get killed and the shot of his body was vague to say the least. I didn't even know it was his body until after the movie was over! Ok, ok...I know what you are thinking. I certainly seem to be trashing this movie that I'm putting so high on my list. Well, like I said, the first 80 percent of the film was fantasic. It had so much tension and suspense, I was on the edge of my seat. Also, I love the Coen brothers, Fargo is my favorite movie of all time. It's a perfect film. This movie, well, it's flawed but still pretty damn good...for about 90 minutes.

3. There Will Be Blood

Every year I seem to really fall for a movie based on a performance. This movie could very well possibly be the one this year. However, there were other things I loved about it. I thoroughly enjoyed the cinematography. The direction was quite good as well. PT Anderson is very good at what he does, if not a little pretentious. I hate Magnolia. I also hate Punch Drunk Love. Those movies trigger something in my brain that makes me want to never watch another movie again. BUT, I love Boogie Nights. It's probably my number 2 film of all time. It's definitely up there. TOp 5 at least.

2. Sweeney Todd

I didn't know what to expect with this film. Movie musicals are truly hit or miss with me. But this film did something entirely unexpected: it improved upon the already near perfect stage production. I didn't miss the chorus, I didn't miss any songs, I didn't mind that the leads weren't the strongest singers. In the end it all turned out to be the perfect film adaptation. Toby being an actual child (unlike the stage version where he is an adult playing a child) added a whole new dynamic to the character that I never appreciated before. Sure there were some flaws, including the awkward "By The Sea" number that all of a sudden transformed the film from Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" to Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd" and Helena Bonham Carter will never live up to the phenomenal performance by Angela Lansbury in the original production. But the movie, especially in its final poignant moments, just continues to prove why Sondheim is a living legend and his legacy will remain for centuries.

1. Grindhouse

Grindhouse?! What?!! Yes, you heard me...GRINDHOUSE! Does anybody remember this fabulous experience? I thoroughly enjoyed it. 2 films for the price of one. Trailers in between films that had me laughing, grimacing, and wishing that they weren't just FAKE trailers and they were advertising movies that might actually be released. The films, with their low quality and campy scripts, were perfectly "B". The first film, "Planet Terror", was by far the superior of the two films, but I didn't see this as two separate films. I saw this as a unique and entertaining film-going experience. If I were to judge these films separately then I'm not sure that either film would make this top 10 list but together they somehow manage to make it to the top. Go figure.



Honorable Mentions: Hairspray, Sicko, Oceans 13, Stardust, Juno, Ratatoille

Worst Films of the Year: Bug, Next, Norbit