In my opinion, the best movies of 2007...I gave an explanation of each, feel free to debate or call me an idiot or whatever.
1. No Country for Old Men Easily the best film I've seen in 2007...say what you want about the ending, but I think it's one of the most important statements about America ever put onto film. Anton Chigurh is by far the best villain I've seen in a real long time...his face when he's strangling the cop in the beginning still creeps me out when I think about it. The Cohen's have created their masterpiece of a resume of masterpieces. Call it, friendo.
2. There Will Be Blood Yeah, I know these have been the top two films on almost every critic's list this year, but after seeing both of them I definitly understand why. Daniel-Day Lewis is fricken amazing as Daniel Plainview... one of the most explosive, invigorating performances I have ever seen from any actor. P.T. Anderson has outdone himself with this one. And not to mention the haunting score by Johnny Greenwood, which itself is almost a character in the film in the sheer atmosphere that it creates.
(EDIT)2a. Into the Wild An exilirating movie. Sean Penn has created a masterwork of emotion and power. You cannot help but love every character that "Supertramp" meets along his journey...especially amazing are Catherine Keener and Brian Dierker as a hippie couple representing everything that he never had as a family. Every performance was outstanding, and the film itself was just a beautiful experience. I needed to add this in here, as it is easily one of my favorites of the year.
3. Knocked Up This movie was hilarious. I'm a huge fan Apatow's crew, ever since I saw Anchorman in theaters, and this is by far my favorite of his. Seth Rogen is the man, as is the entire cast...how this movie didn't Oscar accolades is beyond me, because the screenplay is one of the best I've seen in a really long time.
4. Eastern Promises It took two viewings for this film to grow on me...when I first saw it, I was really disappointed because of the lack of unbearable tension that was always eminent in Cronenberg's A History of Violence. However, upon second viewing, I picked up on all of the subtleties and technical achievements of the film. Viggo Mortensen is amazing, but I noticed that the first time I watched. A very well-done mob drama.
5. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford I couldn't help but like this movie...it's extremely reflective, extremely deep, and extremely well-shot...not to mention Brad Pitt's the man. Despite its evident crumble after the death of Jesse James with about 40 minutes left, Casey Affleck, Brad Pitt, and Sam Rockwell hold the film together all the way through. Makes you think, and gives some astounding visuals.
6. Sweeney Todd I was hesitant to put this film on here, but I kind of had no choice...it's a great movie. Johnny Depp gives an amazing, sentimental performance and Helena Bonham Carter is awesome, as usual. While the songs get in the way a little, a few of them even add to the drama of the movie, which I rarely see in a musical. Tim Burton was gipped in his lack of consideration as best director.
7. Zodiac David Fincher is one of Hollywood's most underrated directors. His list of films is amazing (Fight Club, Seven, etc.) and his ability to create a creepy atmosphere out of pure style is amazing. The cast all turns out great performances, especially Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo. And the script is amazing, giving you chills consistently throughout.
8. The Bourne Ultimatum This movie was so God damn cool...I had to put it on here. By far the best action I've seen in a really, really long time.
9. 3:10 to Yuma I'm a sucker for westerns, and this has recently neared the top of my list as one of my favorites. Russel Crowe gives an incredible performance (but what else do you expect), and Ben Foster is awesome as well (who would've thought?). There are some very intense scenes and shoot-outs, making an extremely entertaining movie. James Mangold is a director to watch.
10. Sunshine It's very rare that you find good sci-fi, and this is just that. The visuals are amazing, and the closing scenes are some of the most intense and beautiful science fiction sequences I've seen since 2001: A Space Odyssey (and that's really saying something). Danny Boyle is going to make many, many more great movies in the future.
(EDIT)10a. Michael Clayton I really liked this movie. I mean, there was nothing really that amazing about it (except maybe the horse scene on the hill...that was tight), but it was just so solid. The whole movie was just electrifying, and Tom Wilkinson is a marvel. I really wish this had won screenplay from the Academy, because I've read the one for Juno, and it really just isn't as engrossing as this one from Tony Gilroy...its a really good movie.
11. Grindhouse/Superbad There was a tie here for me...both great movies and both extremely culturally influential. Superbad is the new high school movie, and Grindhouse is a hysterical and thrilling tribute to B-movies by a couple of my favorite directors.
I have yet to see Juno, I'm Not There, Diving Bell and the Butterfly...more edits might be on the way.