Top Ten Best Movies of 2007
It’s that time of season where every critic names his or her best films of the year. Unlike many critics, I wasn’t able to see every movie that came out this year. The lack of funds and the necessity of school prohibited me from seeing as many as I would’ve liked. But I feel like I saw enough movies to create a top 10 list of the ones I thought were outstanding.
Starting at No. 10 and working my way up to No. 1, here’s my list of the best movies of 2007:
10. “Shoot ‘Em Up”: Critics either loved it or hated it. I loved it. Some critics lambasted it because of its senseless violence. When a guy gets a carrot shoved through his head, it tends to turn some people off. But “Shoot ‘Em Up” works very well as a social comment on every action movie that’s ever been made. It never takes itself seriously. Like I said in my original review, “Here is a movie so self-aware it makes fun of its own plot,” which more action movies should do. Because, let’s face it, the only point for a plot in most action movies is to simply move the story forward from one shoot out/explosion scene to the next.
9. “Sicko”: No, I didn’t pick this documentary by Michael Moore to be on my top 10 list because I’m some “bleeding heart liberal.” As a matter of fact, I detest politics and politicians (on both sides of the aisle) more every day. So, if you’re like me and want to see what politicians have done to our healthcare system, this is the movie for you. Moore is a master of editing and making people feel what he wants them to feel, I know that. But you can’t argue with the fact that the way our healthcare system is set up is ridiculous. Maybe, just maybe, socialized medicine would work here. That’s right, I said it. Now I’m going to run and hide so I don’t get stoned.
8. “No Country for Old Men”: Don’t ask me what the title of this movie actually has to do with the movie, because I wouldn’t be able to tell you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a movie you definitely haven’t seen before, this is the movie for you. “No Country for Old Men” is one of the most suspenseful, engaging movies I’ve seen in a long time, not to mention it has a villain (Anton Chigurh) that rivals only Hannibal Lecter in the great Hollywood Villain hall of fame.
7. “Across the Universe”: Another movie that seemed to be blasted left and right by critics was one of the most enjoyable musicals I’ve ever seen. I’m not even a Beatles fan, but “Across the Universe” is a journey through the psychedelic and turbulent ’60s. It’s beautiful to look at and is a must see even for people who don’t care for the Beatles.
6. “300”: Like the above movie, “300” is a visual feast. Like “Sin City,” the entire film was filmed digitally with a blue-screen technique. The only word that can be used to describe this movie is surreal. One of the reasons “300” is totally unique is because it stays away from the vast fields covered in CGI armies (i.e. “Lord of the Rings”) and instead focuses on intense close combat with real actors. “300” has some of the most eye-popping battle scenes ever created.
5. “Knocked Up”: As far as I’m concerned, this was the surprise of the summer. I didn’t go into this movie expecting much more than a gross-out comedy like “American Pie.” But I was absolutely thrilled when I found out “Knocked Up” wasn’t only a clever comedy, but at its heart it was a true love story that made the audience care about the characters.
4. “American Gangster”: This epic biopic starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe was a force to be reckoned with at the box office, and it will also be a force come Oscar time. But the best part is that it deserves every bit of praise it gets. This was an amazing movie about an insanely genius gangster named Frank Lucas and how he built, and eventually destroyed, his drug empire. It shows the uncaring attitude that exists in the world of drugs and crime. It’s well worth seeing.
3. “Hot Fuzz”: I may be going out on a limb here, but to me “Hot Fuzz” is quite possibly the best comedy ever made. Sure, I loved “Shaun of the Dead” (which was created by the same guys), but “Hot Fuzz” is leagues ahead of it. “Hot Fuzz” is a satire/spoof of every “buddy action” movie that’s ever been made. It references a ton of movies, and it even has more than one (yes, more than one) reference for “Point Break.” It’s comedy gold.
2. “3:10 to Yuma”: Now here is a show so marvelous it redefined a genre, the modern Western. There haven’t been many well-made modern Westerns, but “3:10” showed us all they can still be made. With a cast including Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Ben Foster, how can it go wrong? It’s everything a Western should be. It shows that even in a lawless land like the Old West, there were still good, honorable men willing to risk everything to do the right thing for themselves and their families.
1. “Ratatouille”: It’s true, there were so many fantastic movies this year, but for me the movie that takes the cake is Pixar’s “Ratatouille.” It seems Pixar can do no wrong. Along with creating visually stunning animated features, it is still able to create movies with a heart and characters that demand our love and attention. “Ratatouille” is a masterpiece. Every time I watch it, I get a little choked up at the end. It’s well deserving of best movie of the year in my book.