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The best films of 2007 - so far
Since there’s nothing new to review today (my Potter review is here), I thought this would be a good time to reveal my list of the best films of the year so far.
A note of explanation: When I make these lists, I include movies that came out in the Dayton area in the calendar year in question. So a film that actually came out in 2006 but didn’t arrive here until this year, qualifies. Example: The film that tops my list.
And here’s something interesting: four of these films are in a foreign language - proof that if you shy away from subtitles, you cheat yourself out of some great movies.
For each entry, the title hyperlinks to a full review, if I’ve written one. For DVD info, the links go to Amazon.
1) Pan’s Labyrinth: Guillermo Del Toro’s breathtaking movie is truly one of a kind: part fantasy, part horror story, part war drama. Particularly for this film, don’t worry about subtitles; the power is primarily in its stunning images. (On DVD)
2) Once: Heartbeaking joy in less than 90 minutes. (In theaters).
3) Children of Men: There have been many bleak visions of the future, but few have been as striking, or as well filmed, as the one envisioned by Alfonso Cuaron. (On DVD)
4) Volver: One of the very few films where I truly could not predict the outcome. (On DVD)
5) Ratatouille: Like most Pixar films, this gets better with repeat viewings. Who knew Paris and a rat could be animated with equal beauty? (In theaters)
6) Knocked Up: The funniest live action movie of the year is also one of the most touching, thanks to the strong heart that beats behind the raunchy gags.
7) Letters from Iwo Jima: Clint Eastwood’s look at the World War II battle from the Japanese side was a moving revelation. It trumped the other half of the story, Flags of Our Fathers. (On DVD)
8) Waitress: A love story with Keri Russell, a wonderfully salty Andy Griffith and an assortment of mouth-watering pies. (In second-run theaters)
9) Bridge to Terabithia: One of the best live-action family movies in recent years. (On DVD)
10) The Lives of Others: This look at lives shattered by the intelligence activities of the East German government is frighteningly devastating. (On DVD Aug. 21)
Honorable mentions: Black Book, Hot Fuzz, Little Children, The Namesake, Sicko, 28 Weeks Later
Worst of the Year: Ghost Rider, Perfect Stranger, Smokin’ Aces
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Lists
Comments
By Jcason
July 14, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
Children of Men was an awesome film. It was frightening because it was so plausable. None of the characters acted strangely or outside of human nature. None of the events blindsided you or came out of nowhere. The frightening part of it was not its surprises. but its predictable, unstoppable, inevitability.By Derwood
July 13, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Did no one like The Last Mimzy? The Lewis Carroll references throughout the movie were particularly fun for me.By Sir Critic
July 13, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Al: Death Proof has the best action scene of the year - that final chase with Kurt Russell is incredible. However, Death Proof, and Grindhouse as a whole, lose points for overlength. Had Tarantino cut out more of the Jungle Julia stuff, which was pretty dull, I’d rate it higher.By Zack
July 13, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
I had VOLVER on my ‘06 list, because I restrict my choices to movies that have opened in Cincinnati, Columbus or Dayton, rather than just Dayton. Here’s my list for ‘07 so far: 1. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (Tom Tykwer) 2. Grindhouse (Robert Rodriguez/Rob Zombie/Edgar Wright/Eli Roth/Quentin Tarantino) 3. The Lives of Others (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck) 4. Ratatouille (Brad Bird) 5. Black Book (Paul Verhoeven) 6. Joshua (George Ratliff) 7. Hot Fuzz (Edgar Wright) 8. The Good German (Steven Soderbergh) 9. Pan’s Labyrinth (Guillermo del Toro) 10. Curse of the Golden Flower (Zhang Yimou)By al
July 13, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
jeez, enough about pan’s labyrinth already! no death proof? understadable,but still a tad disappointing.By SRCputt
July 13, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
I love the films by the three amigos, and have both of them (as well as last year’s Babel) on DVD, but my choice for the film that amazed me artistically and filled me with the most joy is the one with the Rat.By Sir Critic
July 13, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Point noted! Maybe I should add two addendums to the list. Worst trend: Torture porn. Best trend: The demise of torture porn.By SRCputt
July 13, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
…and of course that worst of the year list should be amended to note you have skipped the torture porn films such as Hostel II, Captivity, and all that junk. Which are undoubtedly worse that the only one of those three I’ve seen, Smokin’ Aces (although Smokin’ Aces is terrible).