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Top Ten lists of movies (best and worst) are a dime a dozen (ugh, did I say that?). Since more than enough appear (by reviewers, organizations, newspapers, magazines, etc.) with more agreement than not (I’ll no doubt overlap, too), I’m just going to mention some of the films I particularly enjoyed this year. Meaning, I wouldn’t mind, and probably will, see them again somewhere along the way. Also, only movies that succeeded as closely as possible in total will be cited skipping those that included one or two sterling elements (e.g., acting, script, direction, cinematography) that likely will be featured in award categories. Lastly, it should be obvious what follows is not meant to be a comprehensive yearly review since, as noted above, there are plenty of lists in that regard. The title of this article says it all. So, to begin, and in random order:
ONCE – A small movie with a big heart about a Dublin busker (street musician) and the Czech pianist he meets. Their romance is natural and low key and the music they share (amplifying/enlarging their emotions) is appealing and easy listening. It’s hard to imagine anyone not liking this movie. A round of applause to writer/director John Carney.
EASTERN PROMISES – A film that demands your participation since much of the dialogue (by Steve Knight) is uncaptioned Russian so you’ve got to pay attention, and puzzle out the whatalls, as Viggo Mortensen very capably weaves his way into and among a gang of (believably portrayed) thugs. It is violent (this is Cronenberg directing after all) but intriguing nonetheless.
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN – Okay, I’ll break my previous blather and admit I thought this the best film of the year because, in every way, it excelled. Joel and Ethan Cohen adapted Cormac McCarthy’s novel and then directed it to, well, seeming perfection with both sweeping and claustrophobic cinematography, exceptional performances by Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem, and a focus on the randomness of violence in our current society. Much to think about.
BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD – Sidney Lumet presents a well-crafted New York based story (he’s one of the best directors at capturing this city) of the plan by two brothers (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke, equally good) to pull a supposedly easy robbery of their parent’s jewelry store. Yeah, it all goes wrong. The how/whys/resolution (with time jumping narrative) is set forth intelligently with able input from Marisa Tomei (wife and mistress) and Albert Finney (father).
JUNO – Another independent with lots of feeling. Although the named main character (Ellen Page has arrived) and everyone else takes her pregnancy a bit too casually (thus slightly blunting some of the impact at the end), Juno is an irresistible girl/woman alternating youthfulness and maturity in dialogue that is clever and insightful (Diablo Cody, a first-time script no less). Excellent performances by all and finely directed by Jason Reitman.
GONE BABY GONE – Time to attach “director” to Ben Affleck’s name and rightly so with his work on this Boston-based tale of a kidnapped child whose mother (Amy Adams, excellent) hires Casey Affleck (thoroughly convincing), a freelance detective who grew up in the neighborhood. But this knowledge (and a tough-guy demeanor when necessary) can’t forestall betrayal and double cross by a cast of site-perfect characters. Ben and Casey both seem, variously, on a roll and one hopes they’ll work together again.
TRANSFORMERS – Why not? Good, old-fashioned, sheer entertainment and enjoyment. The sequel is (any bets?) already in the works.
That’s a respectable seven, I think. Should you be inclined or partial to ten, the other three spots are yours. Charles Zio
Again, skipping top ten good and bad lists, these are some of the movies that made me wonder - how did they get the financing for this "stuff"? These are not films that, though obnoxious, are true to their genre, like slasher movies. No, these are movies that insult my (our?) intelligence. In no particular order, here we go:
GOOD LUCK CHUCK - Stupid, inane, and degrading to women, this "comedy/romance" is not only not funny, it's sworn me off grapefruits (don't ask). A dentist sleeps with women who then find their true love since he is some sort of good luck charm. Eeeeeck.
I KNOW WHO KILLED ME - This has to be the worst of the year. Lindsay Lohan plays a smart, demure high school girl who gets caught, mutulated, then escapes from a serial killer, except, she swears she's not that person, but someone else. Huh? Could it be that old lost twin thing again? You know this kind of movie is in serious, serious trouble when the audience is laughing by the end.
DELTA FARCE - Redneck reservists get lost and think Mexico is Iraq. Offensive to our soldiers, and anyone with a brain.
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY - Two firefighters pretend to be gay so they can get benefits. Offensive to our firefighters, gays, and anyone with a brain. (This one made money, though - go figure.)
LICENSE TO WED - Robin Williams as a minister who "tests" couples before marriage to make sure they're ready. Please...
That's five. But for those who love the movies, thankfully, in 2007 the good far outweighed the bad and the ugly. Ann Marie Oliva