10 Best Movies of 2007

[Pro A.]

Ahhh... another year come and gone. Amazing, isn't it? Well, overall it was probably a better year than 2006, but that ain't saying much because overall 2006 was a cesspool. There were gems to be found, particularly at the top, but that top peters off in a hurry. I doubt I saw everything, but this list is pretty close to a final cut. The top 5, I'm sure, will not be changing anytime soon.

Feel free to share your own lists. I'd love to (and I'm sure others would too) see them.

10. The Bourne Ultimatum; The shaky camera notwithstanding, Greengrass knows how to keep his foot on the gas and his screenwriters are very sharp and clever. Damon remains the American James Bond with some great moves and some amazing driving skills. I hope they make a fourth (even though there were only three Ludlum books). Just less ADD on the camera, okay?
9. Eastern Promises; If it had been an hour longer, it would be the best crime movie in twenty years. Instead, Cronenberg once again plays outside the box with this strange, tense movie about life and death involving the Russian Mafia in London that still delivers a strong resonance. Expect nods for Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts.
8. Knocked Up; Judd Apatow is the best comedic director since a guy named Mel Brooks. Vulgar, crude, raunchy, and very smart and sweet. Apatow is hitting on all cylinders right now. Katherine Heigl is certainly too good for Seth Rogen, but no one's really going to pay that close attention.
7. Zodiac; David Fincher's most mature and accomplished work following an obsessive hunt to find the Zodiac. Fincher is known for Fight Club, but he shows unexpected range with this fascinating 160-minute detective story. Has an obvious slant, but that's okay. The acting (especially by Downey) and the writing/directing will keep you hooked.
6. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead; Most directors fold by the time they reach 80. Sidney Lumet, the best director alive to never win an Oscar, is still clicking on all cylinders in this bizarre, but wonderful film. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's best performance this year is here. He might get two nominations this year, which ain't too shabby.
5. Gone Baby Gone; Huh... Ben Affleck is a better director than an actor. Who knew? Maybe it was the terse, moving novel, or the first-rate performances by his brother Casey, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, and Amy Ryan. Or, what the hell, maybe it is his talent at the helm. Just a thought.
4. Juno; Virtual lock for Best Actress (Page) and Original Screenplay, better known as the consolation prize for the independent movie (and a very good one, at that). Jason Reitman, in two movies, has already proved he's better than his old man Ivan.
3. The Lives of Others (technically released in 06, but not in the states until 07); Masterful spy drama that focuses on the spy rather than the people being spied on in this slow-burning thriller that takes quite a few turns.
2. Atonement; Joe Wright is also two-for-two with this jaw-dropping historical drama that will leave you breathless even if you've read the book. Keira Knightley proves she really can act (Pirates might have left you skeptical). Young Saoirse Ronan will probably be the first child actress to win an Oscar since some chick named Anna Paquin.
1. No Country for Old Men; The Coens mix their two best movies (Blood Simple and Fargo) with some Cormac McCarthy and this is the result: The best movie of 2007. Oscar nods for all the male leads, but Bardem will be hoisting the trophy for creating the scariest character since Hannibal Lecter. The ending is a bone of contention for some, but that's because they're idiots used to happy endings. Its the Coens. You should know better.

Honorable Mentions:
300; Michael Clayton; Into the Wild; Charlie Wilson's War; Sweeney Todd.

[Ch1cago88]

He, he, recent threads in this forum have been great lately. Here are my top 10...


10. Ratatouille
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808490293/video/2691896/20070410/150/2691896-10300-qtv-s.35569606-,2691896-300-qtv-s.35569598-,2691896-100-wmv-s.35569608-,2691896-700-qtv-s.35569599-,2691896-1000-wmv-s.35569617-,2691896-300-wmv-s.35569609-,2691896-300-flash-s.35569590-,2691896-1000-qtv-s.35569600-,2691896-700-flash-s.35569592-,2691896-700-wmv-s.35569610-,2691896-2700-qtv-s.35569603-,2691896-1000-flash-s.35569594-,2691896-100-qtv-s.35569595-,2691896-6800-qtv-s.35569605-,2691896-100-flash-s.35569588-

9. Atonement
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809714841/video/4097502/20070914/151/4097502-300-wmv-s.43721498-,4097502-100-wmv-s.43721378-,4097502-300-flash-s.43721654-,4097502-1000-flash-s.43721695-,4097502-100-flash-s.43721633-,4097502-700-wmv-s.43721562-,4097502-1000-wmv-s.43721604-,4097501-6800-qtv-s.43711524-,4097501-2700-qtv-s.43711516-,4097501-10300-qtv-s.43711541-

8. The Hoax
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809233016/video/1879254/20070213/150/1879254-1000-wmv-s.33572288-183963,1879254-300-wmv-s.33572256-183963,1879254-100-wmv-s.33572248-183963,1879254-700-wmv-s.33572261-183963,2952533-10300-qtv-s.33610016-,2952533-2700-qtv-s.33610003-,2952533-6800-qtv-s.33610012-

7. 3:10 to Yuma
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809781728/info

6. Look
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809423614/video/5129213/20071121/103/5129213-1000-flash-s.49776225-,5129213-100-wmv-s.49776209-,5129213-300-wmv-s.49776211-,5129213-1000-wmv-s.49776220-,5129213-100-flash-s.49776222-,5129213-300-flash-s.49776223-,5129213-700-flash-s.49776224-,5129213-700-wmv-s.49776216-

5. The Savages
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809426410/video/2280762/20070403/151/2280762-1000-wmv-s.35307135-187146,2280762-100-wmv-s.35307039-187146,2280762-700-wmv-s.35307087-187146,2280762-300-wmv-s.35307049-187146

4. Eastern Promises
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809794102/video/4003779/20070907/119/4003779-1000-flash-s.43142393-,4003779-300-wmv-s.43142288-,4003779-1000-wmv-s.43142307-,4003779-100-flash-s.43142340-,4003779-700-wmv-s.43142292-,4003779-100-wmv-s.43142269-,4003779-300-flash-s.43142359-,4003779-700-flash-s.43142367-,4003778-6800-qtv-s.43142174-,4003778-2700-qtv-s.43142069-,4003778-10300-qtv-s.43142201-

3. No Country For Old Men
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809701422/video/3129059/20070622/152/3129059-100-flash-s.38640269-,3129059-100-wmv-s.38640252-,3129059-1000-flash-s.38640280-,3129059-300-wmv-s.38640256-,3129059-300-flash-s.38640272-,3129059-1000-wmv-s.38640265-,3129059-700-wmv-s.38640259-,3129059-700-flash-s.38640276-,3462660-6800-qtv-s.39787631-,3462660-10300-qtv-s.39787633-,3462660-2700-qtv-s.39787626-

2. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809723548/video/4250459/20070926/119/4250459-700-flash-s.44968035-,4250459-300-flash-s.44968028-,4250459-700-wmv-s.44968023-,4250459-300-wmv-s.44967989-,4250459-100-wmv-s.44967965-,4250459-1000-wmv-s.44968025-,4250459-1000-flash-s.44968042-,4250459-100-flash-s.44968026-

1. There Will Be Blood
trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809720590/video/5099340/20071119/134/5099340-100-flash-s.49599990-,5099340-300-flash-s.49599991-,5099340-700-flash-s.49599992-,5099340-300-wmv-s.49599984-,5099340-700-wmv-s.49599985-,5099340-100-wmv-s.49599978-,5099340-1000-flash-s.49599996-,5099340-1000-wmv-s.49599988-

[r33hash]

I do agree that "Juno" deserves a Top 10 spot. Her acting in that movie was wonderful.

I do disagree with the "Zodiac" plug though. I despised that movie. Its sad when more people in the theater are sleeping than actually watching the movie.

I need to check out a number of those movies though. Like "Look" and "No Country for Old Men".

[Pro A.]

I do agree that "Juno" deserves a Top 10 spot. Her acting in that movie was wonderful.

I do disagree with the "Zodiac" plug though. I despised that movie. Its sad when more people in the theater are sleeping than actually watching the movie.

I need to check out a number of those movies though. Like "Look" and "No Country for Old Men".

Well, I attribute their boredom more to movie ADD than anything. Not their fault. Today's audiences are raised to enjoy movies that don't have much subtlety in their approach (a classic like "Psycho" probably would bore a horror fan today), but in the end, I suppose, goes to taste. Not right or wrong, but I do think the idea that audiences having very short attention spans has some merit. Just look at the general pacing of movies thirty-five years ago to now. Quite different.

[Gummy]

No Country for old Men and Eastern Promises.

[the poe collector]

3:10 to Yuma
There Will Be Blood
Eastern Promises
The Bourne Ultimatum
Hot Fuzz
Sunshine
American Gangster
Knocked Up
Superbad
300

I didn't get to the theater enough this year :/

[<3frosty]

Well, I attribute their boredom more to movie ADD than anything. Not their fault. Today's audiences are raised to enjoy movies that don't have much subtlety in their approach (a classic like "Psycho" probably would bore a horror fan today), but in the end, I suppose, goes to taste. Not right or wrong, but I do think the idea that audiences having very short attention spans has some merit. Just look at the general pacing of movies thirty-five years ago to now. Quite different.

I think its quite sad that someone would disregard a movie because it didnt have enough action to keep people awake because they cant enjoy plot lines and dramatic sequences. Zodiac was easily a top 10 candidate and easily places within my own top 10.

It was one of the rare movies that could KEEP my interest without having alot of action. It was extremely well acted, there were true moments of suspense throughout, and the plot was very good.


btw, i am actually diagnosed with ADD. So if i can sit still and watch this movie, there really is no excuse for someone to go into this movie and fall asleep. In fact, i dont think i have EVER fallen asleep in a movie theater due to the movie being boring, ever.

Im surprised Michael Clayton didnt make it in there somewhere, though i cant disagree with any of the choices despite me not seeing a few of them. Juno was amazing btw.

[Ihsiin]

I don't know, I quite liked American Gangster.
I don't remember what came out this year and what came out before.

[Pro A.]

I would have liked American Gangster better if they focused more on Denzel. Crowe's storyline comes off as boring and cliched by comparison. But, at least we know Cuba Gooding Jr. really can act. Ditto Armand Assante.

Michael Clayton was quite interesting, but I think the writers made a serious mistake by telling the movie out of order chronologically. A lot of intended suspense is kinda thrown out the window.

[Crow]

forgive my englishness but we got Persuit of Happyness last year, i take it you got that in late 2006? that would definately be in my top 5. Also been meaning to see the 3:10 remake, looks like a good one

[r33hash]

I dug Mr. Brooks a whole lot.

[Pro A.]

Yes, Pursuit was an 06 release in the States, and I didn't think it was very good. Really hard to like a movie when you know how its going to end without fail.

[Crow]

yeah you knew that it would end well at the start but i still liked the storytelling, it just seemed like a breathe of fresh air compared to the "blockbusters" i had seen previously

[Ch1cago88]

yeah you knew that it would end well at the start but i still liked the storytelling, it just seemed like a breathe of fresh air compared to the "blockbusters" i had seen previously

Have you tried There Will Be Blood? I saw an early screening and I think it just came out this week. It really is a wonderful film about about religion, power, and the fight for oil.

[Travis]

Aaaaaah I want to see Eastern Promises so bad.

I'm not going to make a list but No Country was by far the best movie of the year.

[Jonny Royal]

Juno was a great movie. I saw it the other day and plan to see it again tomorrow.

[Mirai]

Well, I attribute their boredom more to movie ADD than anything. Not their fault. Today's audiences are raised to enjoy movies that don't have much subtlety in their approach (a classic like "Psycho" probably would bore a horror fan today), but in the end, I suppose, goes to taste. Not right or wrong, but I do think the idea that audiences having very short attention spans has some merit. Just look at the general pacing of movies thirty-five years ago to now. Quite different.

I found the movie boring too. It was long and drawn out, despite some well written dialogue. I just found it kind of pointless.

You can't attribute that to movie ADD either, as in the same year I watched and fell in love with Citizen Kane and The Rules of the Game. Shit, I'd sit through Battleship Potemkin again before this.

Still, one of the better movies made this year.

[<3frosty]

You found what kinda pointless about Zodiac? I was genuinely intrigued throughout the entire movie. Of course, i went in with NO knowledge of the Zodiac killer besides the fact that he was never found (and even that is a bit murky as i think back to the ending). And even then, i never knew how close they were or werent (not to say they were as close as they seemed in the movie, obviously that is fictionalized from my understanding) to catching him.


So, the movie was pretty intense because everything was brought to me in a great package with suspense for the various characters involved.

[Fillibuster]

I saw Juno twice in 24 hours. Fantastic. Brilliant writing. Great acting by Page. I wish Cera had more time in it, but what we do see of him is awesome. He reminds me of myself, because I'm awkward like that. I didn't see a whole lot of movies this year, but from what I did see it is Juno and Bourne Ultimatum. Superbad gets the nod for funniest movie I've seen in a while.

[haunted leg]

1. grindhouse
2. there will be blood
3. juno
4. no country for old men
5. once
6. 3:10 to yuma
7. ratatouille
8. zodiac
9. the bourne ultimatum
10. superbad

i haven't seen everything and if you want to get technical and call grindhouse two movies then go ahead and take that off the list and put death proof at 5. but as a movie-going experience, i think grindhouse needs to be taken in as it was originally conceived, even if you're only judging one movie at a time it still makes them both more enjoyable.

[SuperLuigiBros]

Hmm its hard to remember... But in no particular order:

-Shoot 'Em Up. If you havnt seen this I highly recommend it. Dont take it too seriously though, because it definitely doesnt take itself seriously.
-Ratatouille. Anything by Pixar is the best thing ever if you ask me.
-The Bourne Ultimatum. I liked the first one, but the second wasnt that great for me. This one surpassed all my expectations though. Not my favorite movie ever, but still pretty damn good.
-Superbad. I actually felt like I was at a party.
-Disturbia. That movie was tits. And I rarely like these thriller types.
-Transformers. This is now the movie for action.

There are movies I enjoyed more than some of these, but I cant really remember.

[<3frosty]

They really fudged up Death Proof on the DVD. Made it extra long, as if the dialogue setting up the movie wasnt long enough in theaters, and didnt give you a option to keep the extra dialogue out of your viewing. Ugh at that. And the faux trailers all missing besides Machete. :|

[r33hash]

Well I saw Atonement yesterday, with high hopes thanks to the nods it got by a few people in this thread.

While I did love certain aspects of the movie, such as the sound effects-to-music and the one camera moments where they used the same camera angle for five minutes or longer (such as when the soldiers approach the beach). I also enjoyed the way the director would give us an angle of an occurance, and then rewind without telling us so to provide a different angle of motivation, and different angle of truth. I also enjoyed the twist of betrayal being played by the young girl. But there were moments that contained drawn out camera switches that were un-needed. I found myself yearning for the end of the movie.

As for "Shoot Em Up", loved it. 100% over the top, as it was meant to be.

[Harmony]

1. grindhouse
2. there will be blood
3. juno
4. no country for old men
5. once
6. 3:10 to yuma
7. ratatouille
8. zodiac
9. the bourne ultimatum
10. superbad

i haven't seen everything and if you want to get technical and call grindhouse two movies then go ahead and take that off the list and put death proof at 5. but as a movie-going experience, i think grindhouse needs to be taken in as it was originally conceived, even if you're only judging one movie at a time it still makes them both more enjoyable. Grindhouse was, amazing! It doesn't matter if you count it as one or two, though I think one is more appropriate. The feature lenght just made it even better, and the trailors... Machete, you couldn't get any better!

I didn't see that many movies this year but Planet Terror/Death Proof was definately the best. I also enjoyed Transformers and 300. Simpsons was a let down and well, that's about all...

[Cofey]

I don't remember everything I've seen this year. I loved Transformers and Pirates. I think Superbad was by far the funniest movie of the year (much more so than Knocked Up).

[<3frosty]

I saw Eastern Promises today, and think it cracks my top 10. I enjoyed the movie alot.

[Mirai]

You found what kinda pointless about Zodiac? I was genuinely intrigued throughout the entire movie. Of course, i went in with NO knowledge of the Zodiac killer besides the fact that he was never found (and even that is a bit murky as i think back to the ending). And even then, i never knew how close they were or werent (not to say they were as close as they seemed in the movie, obviously that is fictionalized from my understanding) to catching him.


So, the movie was pretty intense because everything was brought to me in a great package with suspense for the various characters involved.

Pointless was the wrong word, the one I'm looking for escapes me. I just don't think it was terribly well made film, which is a shame, because I'm a huge fan of Fincher's work. The direction and acting were great, but the script and pacing were a bit all over the place. With a bit more focus, it could have been a really good film, and it was definitely a very bold film, but taking big bold steps and trying to do something a little different doesn't mean it's going to turn out great in the end.

[r33hash]

I simply expected "Zodiac" to revolve more around the killer instead of revolving around other characters. I expected to learn more about the Zodiac Killer.

[<3frosty]

I simply expected "Zodiac" to revolve more around the killer instead of revolving around other characters. I expected to learn more about the Zodiac Killer.

More? There isnt all that much known about him because we never CAUGHT him. I thought it was pretty cool that we learned about the characters chasing him because that is something that alot of people DONT learn from watching most documentaries or things about the Zodiac. And, i thought i learned quite a bit regardless.

[IEatFriedPikmin]

I didn't see any absolutely amazing movies in 2007. Transformers, Pirates, Ratatouille, etc....

My favorite was Live Free or Die Hard.... and Disturbia.

[SuperLuigiBros]

Oh of course, Die Hard 4!

[<3frosty]

I didn't see any absolutely amazing movies in 2007. Transformers, Pirates, Ratatouille, etc....

My favorite was Live Free or Die Hard.... and Disturbia.

Sounds like a personal problem if you didnt see any amazing movies this year. I dont think any of the movies you mentioned would make my top 10... not that they are enjoyable though.

[IEatFriedPikmin]

oh yah... sweeney todd! I saw it in 2008 though.

[FoeHammer]

hmm....
Sunshine
3:10 to Yuma
Transformers
Bourne Ultimatum
Superbad

[Gummy]

Oh yeah, Die Hard 4 was fucking awesome, and especially on uncensored. =]
Superbad is hilarious.


I want to see 3:10 to Yuma real bad, I've only seen some part of the old version.

[Dakota Grabowski]

Favorite Films of 2007: (in order)
1. Stardust
2. Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
3. Hot Fuzz
4. Bridge to Terabithia
5. Ratatouille
6. Knocked Up
7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
8. Juno
9. The Bourne Ultimatum
10. Superbad
11. Transformers
12. Reign Over Me
13. Live Free or Die Hard
14. The Golden Compass
15. Black Snake Moan
16. Zodiac
17. Disturbia
18. Surf’s Up
19. Vacancy

I have a huge list of all the movies I need to see from 2007 still located at A Day Late Friend (http://adaylatefriend.blogspot.com/2008/01/movies-of-2007-in-review.html).

Overall, I have seen 48 movies from 2007 by my own records. I have 28 more that I personally want to see that I believe will probably crack my top 10/20 list.

[<3frosty]

Boooooo at Zodiac not being rated higher than that flunk of a movie called The Golden Compass. Btw, the sequel to the book, The Subtle Knife, is awesome so far.

Also, the Stardust book was better, but the movie was surprisingly good. I enjoyed it alot more then i thought i would.

[Negativity]

The acting and transitioning in Stardust were soooooooo bad.

The movie was put together by a three-year old, I'd bet.

[<3frosty]

Eh, it was meant to be pretty sappy. The transitioning, well, i dunno. Didnt take alot of notice of that aspect.

[Gummy]

the zodiac dude.. where the fuck is he now?

[Dakota Grabowski]

Boooooo at Zodiac not being rated higher than that flunk of a movie called The Golden Compass. Btw, the sequel to the book, The Subtle Knife, is awesome so far.

Also, the Stardust book was better, but the movie was surprisingly good. I enjoyed it alot more then i thought i would.

The reason I liked The Golden Compass was for the fact visuals, interesting storyline, etc. The acting was decent, the direction was mediocre, but with it being a fantasy film, it had my attention all the way through. The polar bear fight surprised me and everyone in the film if you know what I am talking about.

And the comment about Stardust, you take that back! Stardust had people crying in the movie theatres, so it did its job well with affecting people's emotions. Claire Danes and Charlie Cox's acting were great, and add in the fact that Michelle Pfeiffer did an amazing job too, Stardust was a film of many surprises from 2007. If you are one of those "macho, I like Transporter and Michael Bay film" guys, then I advise you go back to weight-lifting and comparing penis sizes and avoid watching Stardust since it's light on action.

Now about Zodiac -- I loved the film, but watching it with the g/f didn't help. They needed to cut down and make it more precise, rather than this long enduring film that made me feel like I was watching a 5 hour marathon from America's Most Wanted. Don't get me wrong, it's a great film and that creepy part in the basement was amazing, but so many other things could have been better.

[r33hash]

Stardust was uber surprising. I enjoyed it a lot.

I was very disappointed in Zodiac though.

[LiquidEagle]

hmm....
Sunshine
3:10 to Yuma
Transformers
Bourne Ultimatum
Superbad

Sunshine! Absolutely... that movie was amazing!

I can't really order them but these are my favorites of '07...

Bourne Ultimatum
3:10 to Yuma
Sunshine
Hot Fuzz
300
American Gangster
Ratatouille
Knocked Up
Stardust
28 Weeks Later
and I just saw No Country For Old Men last night, I loved it. I've rarely been more sucked in than I was when that movie ended. It was completely silent in the theater until I just said aloud to my friend, "I don't know what to say." :laugh:

Still haven't seen There Will Be Blood yet, but I will soon, I mainly got interested when I saw Jonny Greenwood did the music :-D