The Best Movies of 2007 - Part Two

(Continued from yesterday's post)

10. JUNO - (A-)

This year's independent movie that got incredible word-of-mouth and made lots of money at the box office (a la last year's LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE) is indeed worth all of the praise that it has been getting. The at-times over-the-top dialogue (Are these real people talking like this?) grows on you as the movie moves along and you really grow to absolutely love these characters. For me, I thought every moment featuring J.K. Simmons' character was pure gold and one worthy of a Supporting Actor nomination for sure. Michael Cera plays the same guy as he did in SUPERBAD, but he still makes it seem different - it's either great acting or the guy is just one awkward force to be reckoned with. Memorable roles from Allison Janney, Jason Bateman, and Jennifer Garner should not go overlooked, but it's the tour de force performance by young Ellen Page that has put her completely on the map as one of those up-and-coming actresses to look out for (along with Amy Adams. . . but we'll get to her shortly).

09. ZODIAC - (A-)

Long, drawn out, and at times severely monotonous. But pure brilliance. David Fincher returns with his first directorial effort since Panic Room and knocks this one out of the park like his films from the past (both masterpieces SEVEN and FIGHT CLUB, as well as the underappreciated THE GAME). I love Robert Downey Jr. as always, but it was Jake Gyllenhaal that really surprised me with his intense performance here. But the real star of the film is the tension that Fincher creates throughout the picture. In the end, you are left to believe that it is eerily possible for the actual Zodiac killer to be sitting right next to you. . . even though it's highly unlikely, Fincher makes it just that plausible. And for a film about a serial killer, the blood level is low, although when it comes, it's heavy. But even the faint of heart should make an effort here as this police procedural is more than just average. It's highly above that.

08. ENCHANTED - (A-)

I know I will get all sorts of crap from men everywhere, but I absolutely dug the Disney film that spoofed, well, Disney films! Amy Adams gives one of the most believable performances in an absolutely unbelievable position. This film would have been completely D.O.A. if it wasn't for the way that Adams makes you believe that this story could very easily be true. She is a princess straight out of the fairy tales of old and her naivety is added up with her innocence and hilarity ensues. I was even willing to deal with Dr. McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey) in the lead male role, although the perfect film for me would have had The Office's John Krasinski (Jim on the show) in the lead role. But that's just me! This one is truly for everyone willing to have an enjoyable 90 minutes! And let's start the Amy Adams for Oscar nomination publicity right now - - she's that good!

07. HOT FUZZ - (A-)

Pretty much forgotten amongst all of the Judd Apatow-produced or directed comedies of the year (one of which is still to come tomorrow), this send-up of buddy cop films by the guys who made the almost-as-funny SHAUN OF THE DEAD is absolutely top notch. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost continue their perfect chemistry (it's amazing what being friends will do for you when you act off of each other!) and Edgar Wright does everything right for a director in this type of movie. There's the right amount of action, comedy, suspense, and just plain entertainment to please anyone who has ever watched BAD BOYS, POINT BREAK, or LETHAL WEAPON and enjoyed the nonsense that those types of film present.

06. I AM LEGEND - (A-)

I had only marginal expectations for this CAST AWAY-like film starring Will Smith as the "Last Man on Earth" so when this film totally blew my mind, it flew to the top of my list for the year. Not only does Smith turn in his best performance since ALI (I was not a fan of last year's sap-fest THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS), but the film never crawls along, which is certainly possible given the plot. And even though many critics are knocking the CGI effects with the zombie-guys, I thought that it was just fine for what was needed, as they were not the story. The graphics are not what is important. That's not what we want to potentially take away from our concentration on the film itself and the passionate performance from the former Fresh Prince. And although there are some questions that, when brought up, potentially derail the film, I for one never even considered them. I thought the ending was perfect too! There was not much at all that I did not like about this one!

That's all for tonight, but don't forget to stop by tomorrow for the top 5 films of 2007!

Until then,