Top Ten Best Movies of 2007
2007 was easily one of the best years in movies in a long time
 | Once |
Wonderful dialogue. Wonderful music. Wonderful performances.
I have discussed this film so much to keep on singing its praises is becoming overkill.
 | Michael Clayton |
Tony Gilroy has constructed and directed a film that starts out with a bang and teases you as it slowly moves along until it punches you in the face in the final moments with dialogue carrying a lot of weight behind it. Performances from Clooney, Wilkinson and Swinton are so perfect they demand to be classified as "inspired" choices and it ensures us that Gilroy will soon be known just as much for his directorial outings as he already is for his screenplays.
 | The Assassination of Jesse James |
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an experiment in how a studio can sabotage a fantastic film. Of course, this film was never going to make a killing at the box-office, but why exactly did Warner Bros. even decide to distribute it if they were going to bury it and hardly promote it? Nevertheless, the fact that it was mis-handled by the studio doesn't make it any less spectacular, or perhaps unique is the best way to describe it. I really can't think of a film to compare it to and I wouldn't want to.
 | Atonement |
After I saw Atonement I was positive it would be my #1 film of 2007, and as far as filmmaking goes perhaps it actually is, but on an entertainment level once you see my #1 film you will understand why I decided it was best to leave Atonement in the runner-up position. This film is the first romantic drama I can ever remember having a twist ending as if it were a thriller. The combination of acting, directing, music and cinematography is absolutely brilliant in this film and it shows what truly goes into great filmmaking, and why we watch movies in the first place. The magic of Atonement continues all the way to the final frame, and it isn't often you can watch a movie and pick out a performance such as Vanessa Redgrave's and actually want to give her an Oscar for what turns out to be about five minutes of screen time, but that is what this movie does, it elevates everyone involved to a point that you are no longer simply watching a movie, you are watching art.
I find your pick for #1 interesting. I agree that it was a good movie. However, it took me a bit to realize why I liked it so much. I guess it turns out that while I enjoy various genre's, it's always the fun movies that I end up liking the most.
I guess a lot of people go to movies that move them emotionally, make them cry, examine a moral dilemma, etc. I know a lot of people who like movies that make some sort of intellectual point. I don't know if they really like them, of if they just think it makes them look like a serious student of film.
Frankly, I deal with enough serious issues in my life. I wanna see 'em blow shit up! On that, Bourne delivers.
I didn't get to see very many movies in 2007. Some of your list didn't even have showings where I live. I guess this is a good start on my netflix for the next few months.
Thanks for a great year of news and opinions!
You hit it on the head kettch. I love those cerebral films that make me think, but when it comes to naming my top ten I always look for those films that I will watch over and over again. If they are the thinkers then so be it, but as much as I enjoyed No Country for Old Men I will be watching Bourne Ultimatum far more times on DVD.
Thanks for reading, hopefully '08 will be just as good as '07!
there will be blood
Love your criteria: Films you actually enjoyed and would watch over and over again. Some 2007 movies were indeed excellent, but I wouldn't watch them again for all the money in the world (hello No Country). Others you enjoyed, but uickly forgot (Transformers, Die Hard). As such, I'll keep your number 1, but I have to add:
2) Gone, Baby, Gone- I couldn't stop thinking about it. I hope Ben Affleck NEVER acts again and concentrates in directing instead.
3) Michael Clayton
4) Juno
5) 3:10 to Yuma (Ben Foster was magnificent)
6) Knocked Up
7) Into the Wild
8) Atonement
9) Superbad
10) The Orphanage
my top ten movie's are…
#1 i am legend
#2 hancock
#3 irobot
#4 iron man
#5 twilight
#6 the dark night
#7 drillbit taylor
#8 madagascar 2
#9 cheaper by the dozen
#10 disturbia
thank God someone's giving Reign Over Me some credit. Adam Sandler gave one of hsi best performances and Cheadle always seems to do the job. You're dead on with saying how people assume it has everything to do with 9/11. Frankly its just people reading a book by its cover… and it bugs me. I dig these top 10 lists keep it up.
Very good list. I agree that 2007 was one of the best years for movies in a long time.
10. American Gangster
9. The Darjeeling Limited
8. The Bourne Ultimatum
7. Hot Fuzz
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
5. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
4. Juno
3. 3:10 to Yuma
2. 300
1. Sweeney Todd