My Top 20 Films Of 2007

I watched this film over the course of two weeks. The first time I watched it I really liked it but there were certain things about it that I didn't quite understand and it left me a little unsatisfied as a result. The second time I watched it I got a lot more out of it but there were still some things I wasn't clear on (mostly to do with the themes and plot-points of the story). After a some much needed research I watched it again...this time I absolutely loved it (especially the ending). The Coen brothers have created a complex, intense and thought provoking film that deserved the Oscar for Best Picture. Their direction and script are both outstanding in everyway. The entire cast are give terrific performances: Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin (in a star-making turn), Kelly Macdonald and Woody Harrelson are great but the stand-out of this film, of course, Javier Bardem for his frighting and chilling performance as "Anton Chigurh". Also what I loved about this film is that there is hardly any music in at all, which makes it a much more intense film. It won't be for everyone but this is a film that everybody should see. This is without a doubt the best film of 2007.

I have said on many occasions that "westerns" are my least favourite types of films but at same time I admit that I have seen some excellent films within that genre, after watching this I would count this as one of the westerns I have ever seen. What I really loved about this film is that even though it looks and acts like a western but it don?t feel like one. In reality this is superbly made psychological character-study on the legendary outlaw Jesse James, his gang and, of course, his young fan-turn-assassin Robert Ford. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck (in his well-deserved Oscar nominated turn) both give career best performances as the two title characters, they are both exceptional in everyway and the entire supporting cast are also strong in their roles. Aussie writer/director Andrew Dominik (who's last was the brilliant Aussie crime drama "Chopper", which brought Eric Bana to the world's attention) is first-rate in both his script and direction, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' score is sublime and, most importantly, Roger Deakin's is just fantastic. This would have to be up there as one of the most beautifully shot films I have ever seen. While it does have it flaws (I can only think of two at the moment but I won't go into them) and it is really slow-paced, which some people will find it boring, but it is truly an excellent film that everyone should see. Plus it is my pick as the second best film of 2007 (after "No Country For Old Men" of course).

Daniel Day-Lewis absoltuely deserved his Best Actor Oscar for his powerful, compelling and highly memorable performance in this epic period drama about greed, religion, family and oil. Day-Lewis is just brilliant as oil prospector Daniel Plainview, he inhabits the character flawlessly. Even though it would a been a challage for any young actor to be up against one of todays greatest actors but Paul Dano (who starred in "The Girl Next Door" and "Little Miss Sunshine") successfully stands his ground and is terrific in his role as Eli Sunday (he also plays his twin brother Paul), an young preacher who becomes a nemesis of Plainview. Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson does an outstanding job, he brings a lot authenticity to the period and the story is one those kind that will stick to you and have you thinking about it of days on end and Jonny Greenwood's score, while unusual, is great and its makes the film even more compelling. The production/cotume are superb, the Oscar winning cinematography is well done and there are some fantastic scenes. This won't be for everyone (mostly due to the film's length and also that it is very slow-paced) but it is another excellent film that should be seen.

David Fincher's latest film is a brilliant, compelling and detailed look at the investigation of the hunt for the Zodiac killer. Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. all give terrific performances as three central characters and the all-star supporting cast are also equally good. Fincher's direction (while not as flashy as his previous films) is subtlety mesmerizing and effectively brings a lot of tension to the crime scenes and he also transports us to a world that we feel like we are apart of. The script is beautifully layered and the attention to the details to both the investigation and the period of where this takes place are perfect. While the almost three hour running time and slow pace may bore some people but it never did to me, instead it took me on a excellent and engaging journey. The best film of 2007 so far!

One the surface of this period romance you would think that this was just another Merchant/Ivory-esque costume drama (I do admit that there is a bit of that in here) but underneath it is a much more complex and engaging story that you wouldn?t expect to find in a film like this. James McAvoy and Keria Knightley both strong turns in the lead roles but it's the three actresses who play the character of "Briony" (Romola Garai, young Oscar nomiee Saoirse Ronan and Vanessa Redgrave) all each give stellar performances. Joe Wright's direction is beautifully crafted, the script is terrific, the cinematogrpahy is superb (the 5 mintue one-take scene at Dunkirk was well done), the production/costume design is first rate and I must admit that the ending almost made me cry. Another great excellent film that will definitely be in my top 10 for 2007.

Director Ridley Scott triumphs yet again with this superb crime drama that has fanatastic performances by Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, who both at the top of their game. Scott's direction was terrifc, the supporting all gave strong turns (Josh Brolin and Ruby Dee were the stand-outs) and the script was perfect. A must see for everyone and definitely on of the best films of 2007.

An excellent indie comedy that is full of both wit and heart. Ellen Page is great in the title role, the all-star supporting cast are first rate, the direction is solid and the Oscar winning script from first-time screen writer Diablo Cody is terrific as features a lot of originality, insight, honesty and, of course, some hilarious moments and dialogue. Overall this is a film that everyone will love and enjoy.

Australian actor Richard Roxburgh's directorial debut is a beautifully crafted and very rich adaptation of Raimond Gaita's autobiographical novel (which I haven't read myself) about his childhood growing up in the Australian outback with his separated immigrant parents (who each suffer from either mental illness and depression). Not only is this the best Australian film I have seen this year this but without a doubt would also be one of the films of the year as well, it is absolutely perfect in everyway. The entire cast is excellent: Eric Bana, Franka Potente and Marton Csokas each deliver flawless, pitch-perfect performances but the best performance belongs to young Kodi Smit-McPhee who plays Gaita as a young boy, he gives one of the best performances I have seen from a child actor in a long time (its no surprised that he won the role of young version of "Logan" in the upcoming "X-Men" spin-off "Wolverine"). Roxburgh's direction is terrific, the script is superb and the production/costume design is beautifully detailed. It could have easily have become a cheesy sentimental "T.V. movie of the week" if it were put in the wrong hands but Roxburgh brings a much subtle approach which works beautifully. Overall this is an excellent and very moving Aussie film that I highly recommend everyone to watch. Again, one of the best films of the year!

I have been anticipating this double feature from both Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino since I first heard about it and I can tell you that I wasn't disappointed. This is the most fun I have had watching a film in a while and I loved everything second of it! Here are my individual reviews of each of the film and fake trailers:

...the films...

"Planet Terror" - Rodriguez' gory zombie opus is a highly entertaining and rocking-good time from start to finish. The cast are all great in their roles (Rose McGowan and Freddy Rodriguez were terrific in the lead roles and it is nice to see Michael Biehn back on the screen again), the John Carpenter-esque score was right on the money, the humour was twisted but hilarious, the zombies were great and the action scenes were well staged. The only thing that slightly annoyed me was the ending but that was no biggy.

"Death Proof" - Tarantino's segment while little bit slow is still a fun romp that had me through out. The mostly female cast were very good in their well developed roles (Rosario Dawson, Syndey Tamia Poitier, Traci Thoms, Vanessa Ferlito were the stand-outs but the biggest props go to real life stuntwoman Zoe Bell, who gives both a charming and confident performance in her frirst acting role), Tarantino's direction was great and his script is well written (some of the dialogue seemed a bit forced but it didn't bother me too much), the soundtrack is great and the car chases/crashes were awesome (Bell's stuntwork was amazing in some of these scenes). Despite all that the film really belongs to Kurt Russell who is excellent as the villian "Stuntman Mike", while he isn't in it as much as I thought he would but he is great when he is onscreen. Some people probably won't like this one but I really enjoyed it.

...the fake trailers...

"Machete" - This is a very entertaining action-packed trailer from Rodriguez that I can't wait to see this made into a film. Danny Trejo is great in it and it features some great lines: If you want Machete yo kill the bad guy, you better make damn sure that the bad guy isn't you!" LOL

"Werewolf Women Of The SS" - While Rob Zombie's tariler may not the best of the lot but it is well made and I also wouldn't mind seeing this expanded into a film as well. What makes this a stand-out is Nicolas Cage's awesome and hilarious cameo.

"Don't"- Not as good as I thought it was going to be but Edgar Wright's haunted house trailer was pretty amusing and all the cameos made it really fun.

"Thanksgiving" - Eli Roth's slasher film trailer would have to be my favourtie of the lot. It has a exact look and feel of what slashers were like during the late 70's/early 80's. It's nicely gory and funny.

Overall this is a fun ride all round and I recommend for everyone to check out!

Its funny this indie drama/musical would have more heart, soul and romance than anything that has come out of Hollywood in the last couple years, for anyone watching this it?s not hard to see why. Real-life singer/songwriter/musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are wonderful in their first lead roles. The direction is solid and script is beautifully written but it is the songs that are featured here are fatantastic, I loved every single one of these songs (I need to buy the soundtrack now!) and I was also actually moved by the ending as well . I guarantee you that after watching this film, you?ll fall in love with it too.

While Pixar film have been half & half with me ("Toy Story" 1 & 2 (both 5/5), "Monsters, Inc." (5/5) and "The Incredibles" (5/5) have all excellent but "A Bug's Life" (3/5), "Finding Nemo" (3/5) and "Cars" (3/5) were good but they were completely overrated. Luckily this latest offering definitely belongs in the former. This is a beautifully animated and uplifting film that well crafted in everyway. The vocal performances by cast were great (Peter O'Toole stole the show) and Brad Bird's script and direction were first rate. One of the best animated films I have senn in a while and it deservely takes a place as one of 2007's best films.

Writer/director Judd Apatow's follow-up to his terrific and very funny debut "The 40 Year Old Virgin" is highly hilarious and original comedy that is perfect in every way. Just like his previous film he successfully combines LOL frat boy humour with heartfelt moments to great effect. I must admit that this would have to be the most honest and real look at relationships that I have seen in a film in quite a while, especially in a comedy. Lead stars Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl both deliver wonderful performances but they are almost out-shined by the supporting cast, most notably Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd who are also both terrific. The script is extremely well written in both its humour and insight. It might be a bit overlong but didn't bother me too much. Overall this is a great comedy that I guarantee that everyone will enjoy. Definitely one of the best films of 2007 so far.

While most film series always seem to go down in quality with each sequel, but the Bourne trilogy has been one of the very few series that just get better and better with each film. "The Bourne Identity" (4/5) was great and "The Bourne Supremacy " (4.5/5) was even better, but IMHO this third instalment in the franchise would have to be the best one of the lot and its a perfect action film in everyway. Matt Damon gives yet another stellar performance, the supporting cast were great, the script is well written and Paul Greenglass' direction is great as usual (some might annoyed by his use of the "shaky-cam technique" buy it never bothered me). I was really suprised how riveting this film was, from the opening scene it had me hook from beginning to end beucase of its great story. Overall this is an excellent sequel that is fitting farewell to the series.

After making a big splash with his debut, the terrific remake of "Dawn Of The Dead", Zach Snyder turns his attention to "Sin City" creator Frank Miller's epic graphic novel with excellent results. The cast all do a great job: Gerard Butler gives a star-making performance as ?King Leonidas? and Lena Headley, David Wenham and Dominic West are also solid in support. Snyder's direction is visually fantastic and beautiful, the special effects were awesome, the battle scenes were deliciously bloody, the score was extremely well done and it's pretty damn entertaining too. While doesn't have much in terms of story or substance but it made for by being a superbly made action period epic from beginning to end.

After 18 years on small screen everyone's favourite cartoon family finally make it to the big screen and it was worth the wait. Having been a big fan of the show since I was 6 years old (I'll be 23 this year!) I looking forward to this film and now after watching it I wasn't disappointed, in fact I loved it! Sure it is pretty much an extended episode of the show but who cares. This is a beautifully animated and hilariously funny film that I enjoyed from beginning to end. There were a lot of great gags and lines that had me laughing (even after when I left the cinema) and there is some great satire as well. The show's original vocal cast are terrific as usual and the score by Hans Zimmer was right on the money. Was there anything I didn't like about it? Not much really although I did think that some of supporting characters were a bit underused but other than that I have no complaints. If you are huge fan of show you have to check this out and if you are not, see anyway because it is excellent fun!

Director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp re-team for sixth this terrific big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's classic musical. Johnny Depp does a great the lead role and his singing is pretty good as well. Also Helena Borham Cater, Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron Cohen and the rest of the supporting cast all do a great job. Burton's is visually stylish as always, the production/costume design is top-notch, the songs are fantastic and it's really entertaining. Fans of musicals (or of Burton and Depp) will definitely get a kick out of it!

Without a doubt this is one of the most unusual biopics I have ever seen but I absolutley loved it and I'm not even a big Bob Dylan fan (I do dig his tunes thougth) ! The entire all gave strong performances but it is Cate Blanchett who stands out with a amazing turn. The direction is fantastic, each segment were beautiflly done (although the Richard Gere and Ben Whishaw segments were the weakest parts) and both the originals and cover versions of Dylan's songs were amazing. Also I have to give kudos to Heath Ledger who is great here, its really both weird and sad to watch his performance knowing that he is no longer with us. This film won't be for everyone (it will be too art-house of some people) but I do recommend to check it out.

You know that feeling that you got after you either watched "Star Wars", "Jurassic Park", "Independence Day" or even "The Matrix" for the first time that you know that you had seen a blockbuster film that pretty much blew your mind? Well I can say that I definitely had it with this big screen adaptation of the beloved 80's cartoon. As an actually fan of the show since I was a kid, I can say that this had lived up to my expectations in a big way. This is an action-packed, loud, over-the-top but highly entertaining film that hooked from the very beginning and didn't let up until the closing credits. All credit must go to executive producer Steven Spielberg for hiring Michael Bay to direct this baby. Love him or hate him (personally I like him), to me he was a great choice to direct this film. When I first heard that he had signed on, I knew that he was perfect for this because the idea of Bay and Transformers was a great fit (although some people out there will definitely disagree with me on that). His direction for this film was visually spectacular. Also for a Bay, the acting here was really good! Shia LaBeouf is terrific in his very likable and believable performance, Megan Fox is great eye-candy and the supporting cast also give solid turns as well (although John Turturro's performance was a bit too over-the-top, it felt like he had just walked in from another movie). However the real stars of the film are the robots themselves, who are awe-inspiring whenever they are on-screen. ILM have done an amazing job of bringing them all to life, shit at lest 95% of time I didn't think of the words 'CGI character' in any scene that they are in. They are so life-like in each of their details that you think they were real (if this film doesn't the special effects Oscar at next years awards then there is no justice). Also the film is also surprising funny, which I didn't expect it to be. Despite all those great things, the film does have a lot of flaws: the story and script are thin; the plot-holes are huge, some sub-plots go nowhere and the dialogue was cheesy (however some it was directly from the show itself, as fan still made feel pretty gitty whenever I heard it) but they didn't really bother me at all, honestly who gives a shit. It is a movie about giant robots beating the shit out of each other not bloody "Citizen Kane". In the end while some people will hate it and call it a mess but I loved it and to me this is the definition of a 'blockbuster', leave your brain at the door and you will have a great time!