The Critics: Steve's Best of 2007

A massively beautiful, moving epic on the waste--the waste of youth, the waste of war, the waste of waiting too long to do the right thing, the waste of improper communication.

Wright masterfully directs one of the most astonishing films of the decade, chooses the perfect cast and assembles the perfect crew to adapt and deliver a magnificent story.

Oh that we could rewrite our lives to give others and ourselves the love and happiness we deserved.

Far and away the best film of one of the best years for film in a long time!

Brilliant. Brilliantly acted, brilliantly written, brilliantly directed, and brilliantly filmed. Once in a while there is nothing else to say because you risk overhyping or lessening the quality of a film by critiquing, analyzing, and summarizing it. This is that film.

An emotionally moving film that is genuine, heartfelt and laugh-out-loud funny. This film works largely because of the bold (and risky) acting choices that create identifiable characters, as well as Hedges' direction- a man who understands what life really is like and what makes it so enjoyable.

Call this one 'Pieces of April' meets 'Little Miss Sunshine.'

'Happiness must be shared.' I may has misquoted this, but the theme of this movie is a powerful harrowing one, that we are forced to discover as Chris does. And as the movie hurdles toward its inevitable conclusion, you can't help but pray that this kid realizes it before the end.

The characters are real, the acting is genuine, and the story actually made me hope for a different ending, knowing the entire time what must happen. As the credits rolled, I heard a woman say "There is no way--that was based on a true story?" Krakauer and Penn and everyone involved have mined the depths of an extraordinary tale of discovery, survival, and redemption.

A phenomenally powerful film of loyalty, betrayal, and the human spirit. I could carry on about the political conversations that will inevitably arise because of this movie, but suffice it to say that they all center around the commitment to an ideal which is torn, in this case by magnificent acting and a strong screenplay, when political intelligence discovers that by painting those ideals a different color they can get the masses to control themselves.

This movie has implications to every people and all principles that anyone in this world has and it reaches deep within the soul by avoiding being preachy politics and focusing on raw character development. Undoubtedly one of the best films of 2007.

Pure magical delight. A story of heroism, love, adventure, and fantasy, told with wit, humor, suspense, and intrigue. The cast is wonderful, the story and screenplay are magnificent. At the risk of sounding cliched, this film literally captured my imagination.

'The Fugitive' of the decade, the final chapter in the Bourne Trilogy raises the bar for action films by infusing a strong story, fascinating character development and arc and some of the most exciting action scenes put on film. I have to admit that I did not love the first movie- it was the worst miscast movie I had seen, was filled with underdeveloped characters, and a mediocre story. The second and third films not only improved on these "flaws" but returned to those purely intentional cinematic choices and shows that intentionally beginning raw with the whole picture in mind makes for stronger story and character arcs than beginning great and trying to sustain (The Matrix and Pirates come readily to mind).

Damon has crafted a wonderfully complex character filled with moral strife and personal obligation. Paul Greengrass has woven this character into a masterful story using fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat direction and style. The result is astounding.

Preposterous and profound. Preposterous because this film and the characters in it are more human than most of us could ever hope to be. Profound because we should all be this human.

The script walks a fine line between innocence and charm, and ridiculousness, and it always comes through with the wit and charm and sweet innocence.

The acting is also very good and the cast knows how to delicately handle this piece to make it one of the most endearing films of the year.

Contains all of the mystery, magic, and imagination of 'Pan's Labyrinth,' but it's themes and message apply to a much broader audience. There are just enough visual effects to inspire, and enough heart to connect. Absolutely timeless!

Here is a story worth telling, emotions worth investing in, and lives worth caring for.

Eastwood's directorial debut gained a lot from her father's talent, and fortunately used two of his best stars in roles that require an outward expression of complex, internalized emotion.

This is a quietly great film of letting down your guard and embracing the seemingly impossible in order to make you a better person.

Simply magnificent.