The best films of 2007
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, December 28, 2007
Judd Apatow dominated the movie world throughout much of 2007. Bringing his "Freaks and Geeks" sensibilities to films like "Knocked Up," "Superbad" and "Walk Hard," he changed the face of film comedies, elevating the little guy and finding humor in situations moviegoers had long dismissed.
His heavy hand, however, didn't silence other voices. Newcomer Diablo Cody put her stamp on "Juno" and created a comic shorthand that should have the same kind of impact as "Napoleon Dynamite."
Westerns staged a solid comeback (witness: "3:10 to Yuma" and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"), political dramas scored ("Michael Clayton") and romances ("Atonement") proved there's always room for a hefty mix of genres in any list of the year's best films.
In order of preference, 2007's best:
1. Atonement -- Recalling the finest of Merchant/Ivory, this sprawling romance shows the impact of a lie and one woman's attempt to recall it. Three actresses play an author over the course of a lifetime. As a young girl, she makes an outrageous claim that separates one of those golden couples (Keira Knightley and James McAvoy) for a period of years. As a celebrated novelist, she tries to rewrite history and tell the story that should have happened. The cinematography and music pull you in, the story keeps you riveted. Watch as Vanessa Redgrave tells the truth and see if you aren't moved.
2. Michael Clayton -- George Clooney isn't a product of his publicity. He's the real deal -- a movie star who can make compelling films. As a lawyer charged with cleaning up a big corporate mess, he galvanizes this drama like few can, holding his own opposite Tom Wilkinson (as an attorney in melt-down mode) and Tilda Swinton (as a controlling corporate goon). Director Tony Gilroy adds his own flourish to a drama that seems predictable but never is.
3. Juno -- "Knocked Up" almost cornered the market on unexpected pregnancy, then "Juno" showed up. A touching, always funny slice of life, it tackles difficult issues in a way everyone can appreciate. As the pregnant teen eager to do the right thing, Ellen Page shows great maturity and common sense. She's surrounded, however, by people who have their own agendas. Based on Cody's original screenplay, "Juno" presses the refresh button on just about everything written about the subject. Setting it in Minnesota only adds to the enjoyment. Another "Fargo"? Another "Napoleon Dynamite"? Nope, "Juno's" in a state of her own.
4. No Country for Old Men -- Those Coen Brothers (the ones behind "Fargo") have created so many original works, it's surprising to see them adapt someone else's. Yet Cormac McCarthy's novel crackles to life in their steady hands. Josh Brolin comes out from under his father's shadow, too, as a good ol' boy who comes across a drug deal gone bad and makes away with the money that was supposed to exchange hands. Determined to get the money back, Javier Bardem tracks him like a wild animal and creates the year's most tense scenes. Tommy Lee Jones then checks in as a lawman hoping to stop both. While the film's end will have you scratching your head for days, its powerful story (and metaphors) won't. This is drama that makes you think. Thankfully, the Coen Brothers are the masterminds behind it.
5. The Savages -- If there's an actor of the year, it's Philip Seymour Hoffman. He stole three films -- "Charlie Wilson's War," "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" and "The Savages." In the third, he's a theater professor who, with his sister, has to deal with an aging father. Trying to juggle a failing career, a failed relationship and a lost family, he shows just how specific (and moving) a performer can be. Laura Linney and Philip Bosco deliver fine performances, too, as the sister and father who only serve to complicate his life.
6. Lust, Caution -- Ang Lee made "Brokeback Mountain" an unforgettable film two years ago. Now, his "Lust, Caution" lingers, too. Set in Shanghai during World War II, the drama shows what happens when a group of rebels try to trap a powerful government official. Drawing upon her acting skills, a young student infiltrates the man's world, then pretends to be his lover. Tony Leung and newcomer Tang Wei are wonderful as the two caught in a trap of their own making. Lee unfolds his story deliberately but delivers such a strong message it never lags. It's a graphic (it's rated NC-17) but worthy film. Easily, it's the best foreign film of the year.
7. Ratatouille -- Those Pixar folks cooked up another winner. This one is set in France. It tells the story of a rat who would just love to be a chef but can't quite overcome the, um, rodent factor. He teams with an awkward busboy and, together, they make culinary history. Sweet and charming, the animated adventure doesn't have the usual quota of laughs but it does boast some great characters (we love the food critic), some delicious-looking food and that great tale of unlikely friendship.
8. Hairspray -- Sure, "Sweeney Todd" is destined to make a big killing over the holidays, but "Hairspray" is the musical with holding power. Based on the hit Broadway show (which was based on the edgy John Waters film), it popped to life with great songs, fun visuals and a smashing debut performance by Nikki Blonsky. She bounces down the street as a chubby high schooler who longs to be on an "American Bandstand"-like TV show. When she gets the chance, she sees the racism that fuels it and tries to make a difference. John Travolta plays her mother but he's nothing more than a gimmick. Blonsky's the star and she doesn't waste a watt. Adam Shankman's direction is pretty cute, too.
9. Superbad -- Of the Judd Apatow products (he produced this one), "Superbad" is best. Sweet and not-so-innocent, it follows two high schoolers during their last weeks before graduation. Naturally, they're eager to catch up with some of the "faster" members of their class, but the way they go about it is all wrong. Seth Rogen based the story on his own life; Jonah Hill does him justice. Michael Cera is good, too, as the geeky friend (a role he also plays in "Juno") who realizes life has to come at its own pace. Best of all? Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fogell, the kid just looking for a fake ID.
10. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead -- Thirty years ago, Sidney Lumet dominated Top 10 lists. Now, he's back with a vengeance as the man behind a robbery gone horribly wrong. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play brothers who orchestrate a two-bit heist that winds up with plenty of regret and some incredibly strong performances. Albert Finney is great as the dad and Marisa Tomei proves the Oscar she won wasn't a fluke. The film is dark, but shaded with the kind of nuance that never disappears.
Also: "In the Valley of Elah," "The King of Kong," "The Assassination of Jesse James," "3:10 to Yuma" and "Into the Wild."
His heavy hand, however, didn't silence other voices. Newcomer Diablo Cody put her stamp on "Juno" and created a comic shorthand that should have the same kind of impact as "Napoleon Dynamite."
Westerns staged a solid comeback (witness: "3:10 to Yuma" and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"), political dramas scored ("Michael Clayton") and romances ("Atonement") proved there's always room for a hefty mix of genres in any list of the year's best films.
In order of preference, 2007's best:
1. Atonement -- Recalling the finest of Merchant/Ivory, this sprawling romance shows the impact of a lie and one woman's attempt to recall it. Three actresses play an author over the course of a lifetime. As a young girl, she makes an outrageous claim that separates one of those golden couples (Keira Knightley and James McAvoy) for a period of years. As a celebrated novelist, she tries to rewrite history and tell the story that should have happened. The cinematography and music pull you in, the story keeps you riveted. Watch as Vanessa Redgrave tells the truth and see if you aren't moved.
2. Michael Clayton -- George Clooney isn't a product of his publicity. He's the real deal -- a movie star who can make compelling films. As a lawyer charged with cleaning up a big corporate mess, he galvanizes this drama like few can, holding his own opposite Tom Wilkinson (as an attorney in melt-down mode) and Tilda Swinton (as a controlling corporate goon). Director Tony Gilroy adds his own flourish to a drama that seems predictable but never is.
3. Juno -- "Knocked Up" almost cornered the market on unexpected pregnancy, then "Juno" showed up. A touching, always funny slice of life, it tackles difficult issues in a way everyone can appreciate. As the pregnant teen eager to do the right thing, Ellen Page shows great maturity and common sense. She's surrounded, however, by people who have their own agendas. Based on Cody's original screenplay, "Juno" presses the refresh button on just about everything written about the subject. Setting it in Minnesota only adds to the enjoyment. Another "Fargo"? Another "Napoleon Dynamite"? Nope, "Juno's" in a state of her own.
4. No Country for Old Men -- Those Coen Brothers (the ones behind "Fargo") have created so many original works, it's surprising to see them adapt someone else's. Yet Cormac McCarthy's novel crackles to life in their steady hands. Josh Brolin comes out from under his father's shadow, too, as a good ol' boy who comes across a drug deal gone bad and makes away with the money that was supposed to exchange hands. Determined to get the money back, Javier Bardem tracks him like a wild animal and creates the year's most tense scenes. Tommy Lee Jones then checks in as a lawman hoping to stop both. While the film's end will have you scratching your head for days, its powerful story (and metaphors) won't. This is drama that makes you think. Thankfully, the Coen Brothers are the masterminds behind it.
5. The Savages -- If there's an actor of the year, it's Philip Seymour Hoffman. He stole three films -- "Charlie Wilson's War," "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" and "The Savages." In the third, he's a theater professor who, with his sister, has to deal with an aging father. Trying to juggle a failing career, a failed relationship and a lost family, he shows just how specific (and moving) a performer can be. Laura Linney and Philip Bosco deliver fine performances, too, as the sister and father who only serve to complicate his life.
6. Lust, Caution -- Ang Lee made "Brokeback Mountain" an unforgettable film two years ago. Now, his "Lust, Caution" lingers, too. Set in Shanghai during World War II, the drama shows what happens when a group of rebels try to trap a powerful government official. Drawing upon her acting skills, a young student infiltrates the man's world, then pretends to be his lover. Tony Leung and newcomer Tang Wei are wonderful as the two caught in a trap of their own making. Lee unfolds his story deliberately but delivers such a strong message it never lags. It's a graphic (it's rated NC-17) but worthy film. Easily, it's the best foreign film of the year.
7. Ratatouille -- Those Pixar folks cooked up another winner. This one is set in France. It tells the story of a rat who would just love to be a chef but can't quite overcome the, um, rodent factor. He teams with an awkward busboy and, together, they make culinary history. Sweet and charming, the animated adventure doesn't have the usual quota of laughs but it does boast some great characters (we love the food critic), some delicious-looking food and that great tale of unlikely friendship.
8. Hairspray -- Sure, "Sweeney Todd" is destined to make a big killing over the holidays, but "Hairspray" is the musical with holding power. Based on the hit Broadway show (which was based on the edgy John Waters film), it popped to life with great songs, fun visuals and a smashing debut performance by Nikki Blonsky. She bounces down the street as a chubby high schooler who longs to be on an "American Bandstand"-like TV show. When she gets the chance, she sees the racism that fuels it and tries to make a difference. John Travolta plays her mother but he's nothing more than a gimmick. Blonsky's the star and she doesn't waste a watt. Adam Shankman's direction is pretty cute, too.
9. Superbad -- Of the Judd Apatow products (he produced this one), "Superbad" is best. Sweet and not-so-innocent, it follows two high schoolers during their last weeks before graduation. Naturally, they're eager to catch up with some of the "faster" members of their class, but the way they go about it is all wrong. Seth Rogen based the story on his own life; Jonah Hill does him justice. Michael Cera is good, too, as the geeky friend (a role he also plays in "Juno") who realizes life has to come at its own pace. Best of all? Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fogell, the kid just looking for a fake ID.
10. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead -- Thirty years ago, Sidney Lumet dominated Top 10 lists. Now, he's back with a vengeance as the man behind a robbery gone horribly wrong. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play brothers who orchestrate a two-bit heist that winds up with plenty of regret and some incredibly strong performances. Albert Finney is great as the dad and Marisa Tomei proves the Oscar she won wasn't a fluke. The film is dark, but shaded with the kind of nuance that never disappears.
Also: "In the Valley of Elah," "The King of Kong," "The Assassination of Jesse James," "3:10 to Yuma" and "Into the Wild."
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