Hey Everybody,

Here are my top films of the year 2007.

It is by no means a complete list but it's the top films that I have seen this year.

Hope you concur:

10. In the Valley of Elah

This film was a quiet meditation on the "War" in Iraq. It tries to show the effects this "war" is having on our soldiers via the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Tommy Lee Jones' son. His performance in this film bookends his amazing work in No Country for Old Men; two different characters facing the same changing world and not knowing how to cope with it.

9. The Lookout

I am a huge fan of the Film Noir genre and I tend to appreciate it in all forms. This is Joseph Gordon-Levitt's second film in a row (as the lead) that is entrenched in the genre (the other being Brick). It is basically a "bank job" film but with a twist; his character is mentally disabled.

8. Hot Fuzz

I am in love with the Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost trifecta. Shaun of the Dead is one of the best films of 2004, imho. This film is another loving tribute to a genre that they (and I love); the buddy cop film. Pegg is the wind-up, straight laced PO and Frost is his new, dim witted partner. Together, they try to clean up the streets of their extremely quiet village.

7. (Tie) Knocked Up


&
Superbad

What can I say, they are two of the funniest films I have seen in a while. If you are old enough to appreciate the 1980's then Superbad will be right up your alley (as it is a return to the 80's I need to get laid high school comedy). Knocked Up was a bit too long but still enjoyable as a comedy (though lacking the heart of The 40 Year-Old Virgin, imho).

6. (Tie) 3:10 to Yuma


&
I am Legend

3:10 to Yuma is only this far up on my list because I did not care for a part of the ending. Don't get me wrong, the film sets up this ending but the way it was acted made me cringe. Other than that, a beautifully acted, written, and shot film with a great story. Plus it's a Western, and I love Westerns!

I Am Legend is a really good film that is marketed completely wrong. It is not an action film, it is a character study of a very lonely man and the routine he carved out for himself that he could refer to as a "life." Will Smith actually acts for the first time since I can remember and he does it really well. This film is heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Again this film is this high on my list because of an ending that is established but executed poorly.

5. Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton is a film that is basically a character study but not just of the title character. It also focuses on the two other people in his life that are forcing him to examine who he is and what he has done with his life. This film has a very heavy 1970's feel to it and it's damn good.

4. The Bourne Ultimatum

The Bourne Ultimatum is one of the best action films ever; period, end of sentence.

3. Juno

Juno is one of the cutest love stories I have ever seen. Ellen Paige and Michael Cera are the most quirkiest romantic leads which is why the film works. You believe these two characters could wind up in the situation they are in while trying to understand how to deal with it. Aslo, the soundtrack kicks ass. Very cute.

2. No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men has a major event happen and either you accept it and re-immerse yourself in the film or you don't. I had the opportunity to watch the film in succession and was able to deal with the event. Great performances through out the film. Honestly, there is not one misstep in this entire film. It is perfect.

1. Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone is my number one film because it is a straight forward mystery. I realize that as a mystery it cannot be "straight forward" but for what it is, a kidnapping mystery, it is perfect. I think Ben Affleck has created a film that is believable on every level (something Clint Eastwood couldn't do with the similar material in Mystic River). Also, the questions of morality that the film asks of the characters can be the fodder for very heated debates on what truly constitutes "Right" and Wrong" (something the previous film doesn't). I just really enjoyed experiencing this film.

Honorable Mentions:

Grindhouse - Theactrical Version

300

Bladerunner: The Final Cut

Bee Movie

The King of Kong:
A Fistful of Quarters

I STILL need to watch There Will Be Blood.

I also still need to re-watch Sweeny Todd, Eastern Promises, Zodiac, & The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

The Oscars were boring but it was good to see a film win awards that actually deserved it (No Country for Old Men).

On a side note:
I got chills when they showed Heath Ledger during the In Memoriam.