Best of 2007

My hubby Nick Frost in a send up of buddy cop movies. I'm in.

To say I love this film is an understatement. Well before it came out, I knew it was something that I would like and longed to see, so as soon as it rolled into town, I was there. Not only has Paul Thomas Anderson well exceeded my expectations, he has proven that he has matured even further as a filmmaker. There isn't a frame out of place in this film, not a performance that isn't spot on. This, my friends, this is epic film making that will stand the test of time.

One of the Coen Bros. best to date. A perfect blend of almost unbearable tension and offbeat humor set amongst the backdrop of the southwest. Javier Bardem is ruthless in his role; a chilling portrait of a man without a conscience.

Heartfelt and hilarious, this is one of the best films of 2007, hands down. Each player is solid in their role, and no role is too small in this engaging comedy.

Outstanding, chilling portrait of a young boy finding his 'family' with a group of skinheads in 1983 England. Excellent blend of cinematic touches amidst the almost documentary feel of the rest of the film. A true gem of a movie.

Amazing, though by no means easy to watch. Harrowing documentary that equally balances all sides, and is as infuriating as it is fascinating. A must see for anyone with an opinion on the abortion debate.

Christian Bale once again pushes his body to its limits (see the Machinist for reference) in this story based on the captivity of Lt. Deiter Dengler, previously the subject of director Herzog's 'Little Deiter Wants to Fly.' I highly recommend both films.

Wonderful representation of the 1970s, and Fincher's most mature work to date. Outstanding performances throughout, especially a strung out Robert Downey, Jr.

I really don't understand what's wrong with people. This film was critically lambasted, yet it's the first decent thing Robert Redford has directed in YEARS. Granted, Tom Cruise is out of his league as far as the rest of the cast is concerned. Granted, Robert Redford is pretty much coasting through his role here. Yet, it tackles many important issues and is a seriously thought provoking film for those willing to spend a moment or two to think about it. Some typically 'Hollywood' moments are the only thing keeping me from giving this 5 stars. This was a truly engaging film.

Gripping, engaging and compelling legal drama with outstanding performances all around. One of the year's best.

This film, coupled with the short companion piece 'Hotel Chevalier,' comprise some of Wes Anderson's most appealing work to date, running the gamut from heartbreaking to downright slapstick.

If I were a bigger Bob Dylan fan, this would have 5 stars.

A unique vision of the mind of a man prisoner in his own skin. Marred only by moments of pretension, Julian Schnabel creates a film tempered with humor and thoughtfulness that helps buoy the otherwise melancholy material. Highly recommended.

William Friedkin's claustrophobic thriller is one of the best films of the year.

Seth Rogen's adorable, the movie is hilarious, what else do you need to know?

One of the funniest comedies of the year.

Every bit as good as 'The Simpsons Movie,' and, from what I hear, they're going to make 3 more of these direct-to-DVD Futurama gems.

Not too over the top, but not just a long episode either, the Simpsons movie was well worth the 20 year wait.

One of the best creature features to come along in quite a long while, though it's so much more than just a movie about a giant mutant tadpole...

Though some segments were certainly better than others, the sum of the whole was a wonderful experience. Some standouts: Christopher Doyle's Fellini-esque segment, the Coen Bros. funny little snippet, Vincenzo Natali's vampire love story, Tom Tykwer's epic short and Alexander Payne's closing piece. Highly Recommended for those looking for something a little different.

An interesting look at Roky Erickson. Being that I like his music and work in the mental health field, this one really hit home for me.

Wildly imaginative and jaw-droppingly good.

A genuinely creepy, atmospheric ghost story in the vein of 'The Others' and 'The Devil's Backbone.'

An intense and funny horror-comedy that includes strippers firing machine guns. Need I say more?

I'm just loving Joseph Gordon-Levitt and the films he's choosing to do. This is no exception.

Great music, touching story, great direction, etc.

Cronenberg continues with the organized crime theme started in 'A History of Violence.' Excellent performances by Watts, Mortensen and Cassel.

Though this movie was lambasted upon release, I thought it was a thought provoking ad intense study of human nature and the relationship between instinct and faith. I may be one of the only folks out there who saw the brilliance in this film, and that's okay.

A very engaging, almost claustrophobic sensual thriller that has an 'In the Mood for Love' atmosphere, if that film was bleak and unfeeling. Great performances all around. Ang Lee really stepped up to the plate with this one.

Paul Verhoven going back to Dutch language cinema was a good idea on his part: This is an engaging portrait of a woman's struggle for survival in the face of adversity. Recommended.

The first viewing would have warranted this film 3 1/2 stars, but after watching it again, something clicked with me and I truly enjoyed this film. Though it helps if you like the music of the Beatles, some of the arresting visuals alone make this movie worth a viewing or two. Despite everything, I did think it suffered a bit from over-length, but I guess this is the cut that Julie Taymor fought to get released, so more power to her. I still think there could have been some second act snipping.

A steamy, sleazy southern gothic tale ripe with sex and melodrama for a satisfying foray into excess.

A far better film from Tim Burton than 'Big Fish' or 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' though by no means a perfect take on the Sondheim musical. Helena Bonham Carter really shines among the excellent cast.

My god, a movie about mutant killer sheep? Sign me up!

Performances and subtext are the shining stars in Ben Affleck's directorial debut. Overlength, heavy-handedness and some tangential bits were some of its glaring weaknesses for me: Nonetheless, I found it engaging and intriguing enough to overlook the lesser elements. I look forward to seeing what other choices Ben makes as a director in the future.

After some initial pacing issues, this Stephen King adaptation unfolds into a truly engaging character study masked by the monster movie formula. What's more, it unfolds in a frighteningly realistic manner. The performances are all spot-on, especially Marcia Gay Harden, who deserves more attention than she got for this role. Word of advice: On the 2-Disc special edition, the entire film is featured in black and white, the way Frank Darabont had originally intended to release it. I rank it 1/2 star higher (4 stars) for this much preferred presentation of the film.

Not necessarily 'good,' but it sure is a hell of a lot of fun! Matthew Vaughn's follow up to 'Layer Cake' is a very different film experience, which crams elements of fantasy, comedy, sci-fi, romance and fairy tale all into one easy to swallow package. Michelle Pfeiffer is a standout and Robert De Niro has a unique turn in this entertaining, enjoyable celluloid comfort food.

The superior of Clint Eastwood's two WWII films, told from the Japanese side of the battle. Better pacing, a more human story and some truly haunting imagery made this a unique film experience. Not without its flaws, but a fine effort from Eastwood, who is not without his flaws as a director himself.