With the summer movie season upon us, I figured it was time to remove the Best of 2007 sword that has been dangling over my head for over two months. I have been very slow getting this out for a couple reasons. There was that whole get-married-and-move-across-the-country thing, which was and is wonderfully time-consuming. Equally causing the delay, though, was the overall mediocrity of movies in 2007. There were a few potentially list-worthy movies I wish I had seen (notable exclusions might include Across the Universe and Into the Wild), but I still took in all five Best Picture nominees and saw a similar number of movies, my usual assortment of blockbusters and indie flicks.
As I slowly compiled this list, I realized that I could make a legitimate case that NONE of these ten movies would find a place on last year’s Top Ten. That’s not quite an argument I fully believe, but the mere fact that the case is close enough to be considered speaks volumes about my tepidity toward the movies of 2007. Most years, I have to whittle down fifteen to twenty movies to my final Top Ten. This year, I had a legitimate five or six movies that I wanted to include, then had to reluctantly fill in the holes. Even the top of the list didn’t feel as grand as in recent years. When I put together my Top Ten of the Decade in a couple years (and don’t think I haven’t started already), 2007 may not be represented at all.
So although I was tempted to leave a big empty spot in the middle of the list, I trudged through and came up with a final cut. Here’s to a better 2008. Without further ado, here (finally) are my Top Ten Movies of 2007. (I guess.)
Honorable Mention: There Will Be Blood. This may have been the finest crafted film of 2007. Everything about the movie was done phenomenally: directing, acting, music, cinematography...everything. But I didn't like it at all. This will be a prime example used when I divulge my newly tweaked rating system. On with the show...
10. Live Free or Die Hard. As the latest in one of my favorite movie series, this one had the inside track to be the year’s best movie. But it still had to deliver, and did so in fine style. Following Bruce Willis’ cue, humor was naturally woven into the movie, not forced like too many movies do. The action was big and physical, even a little over-the-top, but the whole thing was so much fun that it didn’t matter. This is as good as popcorn flicks get. Best movie of the year.
9. The Mist. I didn’t particularly like this horror movie, which was adapted from a Stephen King novel, but I cannot deny its craftsmanship. It effectively executes staples of the genre such as suspense and things attacking. What separates Mist from most of its tripe-infested relatives is its psychological side. King has long been a master at invading the human mind in print, but that aspect has not always made the journey to screen. Director and screenwriter Frank Darabont incisively translates King’s material, adding an edge that is simultaneously fascinating and disturbing. This is NOT a movie I strongly recommend, and please don't show it ANY kids. But I was riveted by its tense dive into the human psyche.
8. Away From Her. An interesting study of what happens when half of an older couple gets Alzheimer’s. The leads are quite good, and it’s a fascinating observation of love and what one does for it in extreme circumstances. The movie feels like a ridiculously well done educational film, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s not a light movie, and tears may very well flow, but it will make you think about life and love like few other movies will.
7. Once. To be honest, when I first saw this movie about a street musician who finds his muse, I thought it was okay, a nice indie film propelled by enjoyable indie music. Since then, I’ve been swayed by numerous friends who have loved it, and by the infectious songs that carry the delightful movie. It’s not a great piece of cinema, but it does avoid the pitfalls that likely would have derailed a mainstream movie. The largely untrained actors mesh well with the movie’s budget-induced style, producing a sweet, watchable story that plays extremely well on DVD.
6. Atonement. This is a somewhat speculative placement for this love story stretched across class and war. Although I only saw the movie once, I believe that a second viewing, with a few things known, would make the film even more powerful. The typewriter-laced score is the best film music of the year and actually plays a role in the plot as well. The rest of the film’s technical aspects are solid too, particularly a massive and lengthy single shot that reminds of last year’s Children of Men work. Although the romantic angle struggles at times, once the entirety of the picture is seen, the whole can be appreciated as well as its parts.
5. The Bourne Ultimatum. While Live Free or Die Hard is a better movie, this is a better film, the best action-powered one of the year. From the breakneck pace of the opening scene to the series’ trademark fight and chase scenes, the third installment of Bourne is nearly as good as the original. Strong supporting turns from veterans like David Straithairn and Joan Allen buttress Damon’s underappreciated work and help shape the solid plot that plays the role of backseat driver, pushing the movie along via the various exhilarating action scenes. This probably won’t be the end of the Bourne saga, but it would be a worthy close to a very good trilogy.
4. Sunshine. This movie was almost completely ignored, which is an utter shame, because it is the best sci-fi movie since 2002’s Minority Report. It’s the story of an eight-person crew on a dangerous space mission (is there any other kind?) to reignite the sun, and the various physical and mental effects of their journey. The characters are well-rounded enough to be very likable and engaging, and a pervasive element of mystery drives the movie forward for its entirety. If you want a good ride of a DVD, you won’t find much better from last year.
3. Ratatouille. Although it is not an action movie in the vein of The Incredibles, this latest Pixar accomplishment is an amazingly kinetic movie. Focusing on the adventures of a rat named Remy with a culinary flair, the movie traverses the French countryside and cityscape. from Remy’s perspective. Pixar’s trademark sense of humor and morality is everywhere, as is a European flavor. The movie expertly incorporates clever dialogue, slapstick comedy, and visual jokes that take advantage of the gorgeous animation. Pixar keeps setting the bar extremely high, but they keep also clearing it easily. Ratatouille might not be quite as kid-friendly as some of their movies, and it's almost boring to put it so high, but it is that good.
2. No Country for Old Men. I went back and forth on the order of these top two for a long time. Ultimately it settled here, even though this is the best made film of the year, deserving of its Best Picture Oscar, and may have a better chance of making a best of the 2000s list. For an old-fashioned, slow motion chase movie set along the Texas-Mexico border, the movie possesses perfect pacing and sublime acting performances. The characters, both primary and secondary, are fantastic. Aside from the nebulous finale, which didn’t bother me that much, the only drawback is that while the film is enjoyable, it isn’t easy to like. It lacks a soul, despite Tommy Lee Jones’ best efforts. That’s what sets it apart from…
1. The Kingdom. While it may not be the year’s best-made film, I liked it more than any other, and that affinity pushed this story of Middle East conflict to the top of my list. I love the way that it combines white-knuckle action with social exploration and human drama. Played by familiar actors in unique roles, the characters are much deeper than most, with real emotions pouring out of protagonists, antagonists, and those in between. Kingdom raises many questions and answers enough of them to result in a satisfying movie experience. The end is not neat or convenient, but still manages to leave a small smile on your face, and the subtle music captures the story’s poignancy in hauntingly fine style, allowing the film to linger long after the credits roll.
A few miscellaneous awards...
So there it is, finally. Iron Man and Prince Caspian have 2008 off to a good start. Let's hope it continues.
As I slowly compiled this list, I realized that I could make a legitimate case that NONE of these ten movies would find a place on last year’s Top Ten. That’s not quite an argument I fully believe, but the mere fact that the case is close enough to be considered speaks volumes about my tepidity toward the movies of 2007. Most years, I have to whittle down fifteen to twenty movies to my final Top Ten. This year, I had a legitimate five or six movies that I wanted to include, then had to reluctantly fill in the holes. Even the top of the list didn’t feel as grand as in recent years. When I put together my Top Ten of the Decade in a couple years (and don’t think I haven’t started already), 2007 may not be represented at all.
So although I was tempted to leave a big empty spot in the middle of the list, I trudged through and came up with a final cut. Here’s to a better 2008. Without further ado, here (finally) are my Top Ten Movies of 2007. (I guess.)
Honorable Mention: There Will Be Blood. This may have been the finest crafted film of 2007. Everything about the movie was done phenomenally: directing, acting, music, cinematography...everything. But I didn't like it at all. This will be a prime example used when I divulge my newly tweaked rating system. On with the show...
10. Live Free or Die Hard. As the latest in one of my favorite movie series, this one had the inside track to be the year’s best movie. But it still had to deliver, and did so in fine style. Following Bruce Willis’ cue, humor was naturally woven into the movie, not forced like too many movies do. The action was big and physical, even a little over-the-top, but the whole thing was so much fun that it didn’t matter. This is as good as popcorn flicks get. Best movie of the year.
9. The Mist. I didn’t particularly like this horror movie, which was adapted from a Stephen King novel, but I cannot deny its craftsmanship. It effectively executes staples of the genre such as suspense and things attacking. What separates Mist from most of its tripe-infested relatives is its psychological side. King has long been a master at invading the human mind in print, but that aspect has not always made the journey to screen. Director and screenwriter Frank Darabont incisively translates King’s material, adding an edge that is simultaneously fascinating and disturbing. This is NOT a movie I strongly recommend, and please don't show it ANY kids. But I was riveted by its tense dive into the human psyche.
8. Away From Her. An interesting study of what happens when half of an older couple gets Alzheimer’s. The leads are quite good, and it’s a fascinating observation of love and what one does for it in extreme circumstances. The movie feels like a ridiculously well done educational film, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s not a light movie, and tears may very well flow, but it will make you think about life and love like few other movies will.
7. Once. To be honest, when I first saw this movie about a street musician who finds his muse, I thought it was okay, a nice indie film propelled by enjoyable indie music. Since then, I’ve been swayed by numerous friends who have loved it, and by the infectious songs that carry the delightful movie. It’s not a great piece of cinema, but it does avoid the pitfalls that likely would have derailed a mainstream movie. The largely untrained actors mesh well with the movie’s budget-induced style, producing a sweet, watchable story that plays extremely well on DVD.
6. Atonement. This is a somewhat speculative placement for this love story stretched across class and war. Although I only saw the movie once, I believe that a second viewing, with a few things known, would make the film even more powerful. The typewriter-laced score is the best film music of the year and actually plays a role in the plot as well. The rest of the film’s technical aspects are solid too, particularly a massive and lengthy single shot that reminds of last year’s Children of Men work. Although the romantic angle struggles at times, once the entirety of the picture is seen, the whole can be appreciated as well as its parts.
5. The Bourne Ultimatum. While Live Free or Die Hard is a better movie, this is a better film, the best action-powered one of the year. From the breakneck pace of the opening scene to the series’ trademark fight and chase scenes, the third installment of Bourne is nearly as good as the original. Strong supporting turns from veterans like David Straithairn and Joan Allen buttress Damon’s underappreciated work and help shape the solid plot that plays the role of backseat driver, pushing the movie along via the various exhilarating action scenes. This probably won’t be the end of the Bourne saga, but it would be a worthy close to a very good trilogy.
4. Sunshine. This movie was almost completely ignored, which is an utter shame, because it is the best sci-fi movie since 2002’s Minority Report. It’s the story of an eight-person crew on a dangerous space mission (is there any other kind?) to reignite the sun, and the various physical and mental effects of their journey. The characters are well-rounded enough to be very likable and engaging, and a pervasive element of mystery drives the movie forward for its entirety. If you want a good ride of a DVD, you won’t find much better from last year.
3. Ratatouille. Although it is not an action movie in the vein of The Incredibles, this latest Pixar accomplishment is an amazingly kinetic movie. Focusing on the adventures of a rat named Remy with a culinary flair, the movie traverses the French countryside and cityscape. from Remy’s perspective. Pixar’s trademark sense of humor and morality is everywhere, as is a European flavor. The movie expertly incorporates clever dialogue, slapstick comedy, and visual jokes that take advantage of the gorgeous animation. Pixar keeps setting the bar extremely high, but they keep also clearing it easily. Ratatouille might not be quite as kid-friendly as some of their movies, and it's almost boring to put it so high, but it is that good.
2. No Country for Old Men. I went back and forth on the order of these top two for a long time. Ultimately it settled here, even though this is the best made film of the year, deserving of its Best Picture Oscar, and may have a better chance of making a best of the 2000s list. For an old-fashioned, slow motion chase movie set along the Texas-Mexico border, the movie possesses perfect pacing and sublime acting performances. The characters, both primary and secondary, are fantastic. Aside from the nebulous finale, which didn’t bother me that much, the only drawback is that while the film is enjoyable, it isn’t easy to like. It lacks a soul, despite Tommy Lee Jones’ best efforts. That’s what sets it apart from…
1. The Kingdom. While it may not be the year’s best-made film, I liked it more than any other, and that affinity pushed this story of Middle East conflict to the top of my list. I love the way that it combines white-knuckle action with social exploration and human drama. Played by familiar actors in unique roles, the characters are much deeper than most, with real emotions pouring out of protagonists, antagonists, and those in between. Kingdom raises many questions and answers enough of them to result in a satisfying movie experience. The end is not neat or convenient, but still manages to leave a small smile on your face, and the subtle music captures the story’s poignancy in hauntingly fine style, allowing the film to linger long after the credits roll.
A few miscellaneous awards...
Worst Movie: Transformers. I say this with no exaggeration: Transformers is the worst movie that I’ve ever seen in a theater, a movie by which all future bad movies will be measured. From the melodramatic opening voiceover, it was sliding down a slippery slope to failure. Not even impressive special effects could salvage the catastrophic script.
Batman & Robin Award (
Unbreakable Award (Best Trailer): I Am Legend. This was the definition of a fantastic trailer. It showed the situation the main character was in, but didn’t explain how he got to be there or what happened next, piquing interest without revealing ANYTHING. Well done, and it would ordinarily be the best trailer of the year, were it not for…1-18-08, which elevated the trailer art form to a new high. Too bad the movie wasn't that great.
Catch Me If You Can Award (Best Opening Credits): The Kingdom, where superb and necessary background information was provided in entertaining fashion through maps and timelines. They properly set the stage for a great movie.
Snake Eyes Award (movie that took a dive in the last act): 3:10 to
The Interpreter Award (movie that did the least with the most pedigree): Charlie Wilson’s War. Somehow a movie written by Aaron Sorkin, starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, and featuring a stellar supporting turn by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, all as larger than life characters, failed to engage much at all. I still haven't figured this one out.
So there it is, finally. Iron Man and Prince Caspian have 2008 off to a good start. Let's hope it continues.
7 comments:
I make (3) arguments which you should consider and do with what you will (which is probably NOTHING!):
1. Not including Juno in your top 10, while having a movie like "The Mist" make your list discredits it to some degree. Juno, and it's director Jason Reitman, managed to shoot a heart felt and somewhat unbiased portrayal of teen pregnancy that ended in an uplifting and appropriate way. While it did not take into account the true consequence(s) of pre-marital sex, it was a superior movie to previous indie darlings such as Garden State and Little Miss Sunshine in that it addressed a topic and saw it through (whereas most indie flicks simply just try to stay cool).
2. Giving the "Worse Sequel Of The Year Award" to Pirates over Spiderman 3 is preposterous. Spiderman 3 absolutely killed a franchise, whereas Pirates was already going downhill the moment the credits rolled after the first installment.
3. I can't believe you didn't find a way to put a M. Night Shyamalan movie on your list. What, did he not at least put something out on DVD?
1. I hear you on this one. I didn't love Juno, but I liked it. I thought it was unique and well done. Maybe I should have put it in at 8 or 9. But I think I got burned out on it due to the massive amount of praise lavished upon it by critics like Roger Ebert, who named it his top film of last year. Perhaps I overreacted too much. If you want to adjust your version of my list and slide it in there, that's okay.
2. True. From a how-it-affected-the-franchise perspective, I can buy that. Re-thinking things, I probably enjoyed Pirates 3 more, in a "Wow, this is awful" sort of way. I suppose Spidey 3 coasted through my radar on the merits of its predecessors, which I wasn't in love with anyway. I maintain that Pirates 3 was a worse movie, but point given.
3. I wanted to, and I actually thought about doing something silly, but in the end, I didn't. Every one of his movies has made my top ten though, so go ahead and pencil in The Happening for a spot next year.
Mine:
10. Live Free or Die Hard
9. I'm Not There
8. Hot Fuzz
7. Into the Wild
6. The Orphanage
5. No Country for Old Men
4. Ratatouille
3. The Mist
2. Zodiac
1. There Will Be Blood
That gap represents how much better it was than anything else this year.
And I can't believe you'd take 2006 over 2007, 2007 was one of the best years in music and movies. And oh man, I'll be surprised if that stripper/writer isn't a one hit wonder.
Actually, I wholeheartedly agree that 2007 was not a wonderful year for film. In fact, I came back and read this list again, and while I maintain that some of your choices don't make a ton of sense, I realized as I was making my own list below that 2007 sucked and you're doing good just making a top ten:
My own list:
10.Dan In Real Life
09.Waitress
08.The Darjeeling Ltd.
07.No Country For Old Men
06.Once
05.Ratatouille
04.Into the Wild
03.The Bourne Ultimatum
02.Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
01.Juno
Lists are a funny beast to begin with. I present the list above as movies in which I enjoyed the build up, the payoff, and the memory of. Which, in the end is what the movie experience is at least, in part, supposed to be about. You can certainly appreciate good filmmaking (i.e. There Will Be Blood), but that doesn't mean, as I believe you alluded to, that it was enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the movies on my list.
man, i forgot juno was last year. HARRY POTTER!
Hot Fuzz sucked :). And i couldn't understand the dialogue
Ben/Jasien, I missed out on 4 of each of your lists, so maybe that was part of the reason I didn't think 2007 was so great. Or maybe you're both just weird.
Jasien, I like what you said about the movie experience. I can say that about only six movies on my list (1-5 and 10), and that's part of the reason I wasn't excited about compiling it.
Maybe I could have put Potter on the list too. I liked it, I really did. I think my problem is that I compare all the Potters to the phenomenal Azkaban, which isn't fair.
Meh. I don't like the middle part of my list. Maybe I'll revise it sometime after I see a few more movies. Stupid ESPN taking up all my time.
I know it's a little late, but I would definitely have to agree that 2007 was a much better year in film than 2006. And 2006 had Children of Men, Pan's Labyrinth, Little Miss Sunshine, and the Prestige, all of which I loved.
I'm sad that I finally have to disagree substantially with you on your opinion about certain movies, Paul.
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