Hello, my name is JP Paxton and I love movies. What began in mid 2004 has since became my uncontrollable obsession that can now be considered nothing less than an incurable sickness. Seriously, I probably think of a movie or something movie-related once every ten seconds. Because of this, I am propelled to constantly see, write & talk about movies. Those of you who are my friends or at least know of me already know this. For the ones that don't, now you know. Here it is New Year's Eve which means that yet another year has passed. Of course though that also means I'm here to let you all know what films I consider the best of 2007. This year certainly had its share of disappointments including but not limited to 'Bee Movie', 'Underdog' & 'Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.' I still can't recall what made me even think 'Underdog' might have possibly had a shot at being even half-decent. With the bad though there's always some good. For example 'Once'; the independent musical starring actual musical artists as the films two leads instead of actors resulting in real on-screen emotion. Also this year featured the thrilling crime-drama 'Zodiac' depicting the merciless murderers that started in the 60's by the infamous serial killer of the same name. Then there was the film that would inevitably become my favorite of 2007: 'Grindhouse.' The throwback to the gritty, low-budget exploitation double features of the 70's caused confusion among audiences nationwide due to marketing that didn't quite reveal its true nature. For those of that did understand it though we were able to appreciate it's kick-ass style and utter awesomeness. However, not one of the films I just mentioned are included in the list that follows and neither are 'Michael Clayton', 'Away From Her', 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead' or 'Gone Baby Gone.' They all had some great qualities but just fell short in the end. With that, here they are in all their glory in no particular order, the ten films deemed by yours truly as the best of 2007.
The passionate and troubled life of Paris singer Edith Piaf features one of if not the most captivating performances of the year. Written with her in mind by director Olivier Dahan, Marion Cotillard is flawless. I imagine she'll be a shoe-in for a nomination of best actress at this years Oscars.
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's sixth collaboration together is a "bloody" good Gothic feast for the eyes. It's true, it is repetitious of Burton's previous works in terms of style but it's also a smooth and elegant telling of the macabre brought to life by its great music.
This was actually the final film I saw this year and how glad I am that ended up getting the chance to do so. It is an immensely funny, clever & sweet comedy starring the fantastic Ellen Page. Its greatest strength resides in the smart screenplay written by Diablo Codybest known for memoir titled "Candy Girl: A Year in The Life of an Unlikely Stripper."
One of three book adaptations featured in this best of list 'The Kite Runner' brings to the big screen Khaled Hossenini's gripping novel of friendship and betrayal. While many will argue the exact opposite, I found it to be an amazing story that will touch your heart.
Take one ambitious rat named Remy, an array of astounding visuals that could only be created by Pixar studios and then mix them with the delightful storytelling and directing skills of Brad Bird. Let it simmer for a few years and what do you get? A delicious film that reinforces the fact that even after all these years magic has yet to leave the imaginative Walt Disney Pictures.
Oh, how patriotic Michael Moore is. He returned this year with his documentary voicing the horrors of the healthcare system in America. The surprisingly interesting and entertaining two hours and three minutes and will make you cringe and leave you in complete awe.
The opening film at this year's Venice Film Festival and adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel brought to the table a wondrous tale of longing which featured magnificent cinematography and an equally lovely score composed by Dario Marianelli. It's such a shame it's not playing in more theaters here in the U.S.
Written by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg when they were just thirteen years old 'Superbad' turned out to be super good. The Judd Apatow produced comedy is hands down one the years funniest films that offers a truthful glimpse of teenage anxiety and has a groovy soundtrack to boot including cuts from composer Lyle Workman as well as tracks from The Bar-Kays and Rick James.
The bio-pic formed and executed in a way that resembled one of its subjects own songs 'I'm Not There' gave an interesting look at the life of Bob Dylan. While it wasn't quite what I had envisioned beforehand it still is probably the best put together and creative film of 2007.
The most compelling film of the year is brought to us by The Coen brothers. It gives us a front row seat to the violent game of cat and mouse portrayed by Josh Brolin and a extraordinarily crafty Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh from the bestseller by Cormac McCarthy. There is no doubt in my mind a best picture nomination in store for this flick.
So there you have it. You may agree or disagree with my choices, it doesn't really matter to me. Just be aware that if you don't agree with me you are wrong. DEAD WRONG. Right now I'm typing this as my face sports a disturbingly angry expression... Seriously though, I wish you all a safe and happy new year. Thanks for reading.