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Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

usesoap — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:49:07 GMT

Here's my list of my favorites that were released in my little beach community, as we are not always privy to some of the more indie releases, so this is by no means complete (I have also eliminted the ones previously discussed):

“The Simpsons Movie” – In a time where two-dimensional animation was considered dead and buried, our omnipresent family rose from the ashes like a yellow-skinned phoenix and demonstrated that whip-smart writing trumps technology any day. Let’s see those flaccid phonies over at “Family Guy” do that two decades from now.

“Breach” – Chris Cooper will be completely overlooked at awards season for his riveting role as former FBI senior agent Robert Hanssen, which is just as criminal as Hanssen himself. Pious, manipulative and ultimately tragic, Cooper keeps up captivated on his every move to elude his colleagues as he secretly feeds information about his agency overseas. Even though the film’s conclusion had been played out in papers throughout Hanssen’s trial, the film manages to hold the audience captive through every twist of his labyrinth of lies.

“Ratatouille” – After the stale exhaust of “Cars” cleared, Pixar returned to form with perhaps one of its most accomplished, nuanced works. With visuals as sumptuous as the meals it describes, “Ratatouille” is yet another feast offered from the Iron Chefs of animation.

“Michael Clayton” – George Clooney gives his finest performance without having to lose a fingernail to pliers. It’s slow and steady, which hypothetically should win a race or two. But it’s diminutive box office will unfortunately leave it behind for future generations to deem it classic.

“Grindhouse” – I know it’s two films. I know that one (“Planet Terror”) is inferior. But this was the single-most loving tribute to the actual long-lost art of watching movies as a communal experience. And while “Terror’s” director, Robert Rodriguez got all the superficial elements of the era right (the missing reel, the grainy, choppy print), it was Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof” that gave us the authentic rush of watching a loving homage to the genre. Now that they have been severed and sold separately for their DVD release, they would not appear on the list. But for the time that they both shared the screen with a handful of mock exploitation trailers, it was pure geek bliss.

“Into the Wild” – One of those Halley’s Comet moments where the film exceeds the book, “Wild” follows a clueless little rich boy on his self-absorbed nature walk into the harsh Alaskan terrain. While director Sean Penn’s lens may incite viewers to answer their own call of the wild, Emile Hirsch’s heartbreaking performance may have them readjusting their travel agendas.

“Eastern Promises” – Sorry, but director David Cronenberg’s “A History of Violence” has nothing on this layered Eastern Bloc crime drama. “Promises” got lots of notoriety for star Viggo Mortensen exposing his little hobbit in a bathhouse sequence, but his performance is equally naked. He’s a man trapped in a world of violence, but who also appreciates the beauty of life on the other side. It’s a film that blossoms wider the more it is examined.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

JimBell — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:14:16 GMT

Gone Baby Gone keeps popping up. It combines suspense/mystery with a social issue so well that you are racing though the movie bouyed by the suspense until, with some force, you find yourself involved in a social issue that, for me anyways, was a tough one to figure out. The concluding image (I think) of our protagonist/hero siting on the couch babysitting stays with you.

La Vie en Rose--When so many movies have trouble making us believe in their world--Would a girl really talk like Juno? Hey, that part must be CGI! A true drover would never fall in love with a stuck up English aristocrat like her!--the thing that really got me about La Vie en Rose was how believable it was. It had me, hook line and sinker. Quite a feat.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

Risselada — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:11:18 GMT

csprague:

Risselada:

csprague:

1. Evidently the longest movie title is: Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 2: In Shocking 2-D

This one is longer:

Fontane - Effi Briest oder: Viele, die eine Ahnung haben von ihren Möglichkeiten und Bedürfnissen und dennoch das herrschende System in ihrem Kopf akzeptieren durch ihre Taten und es somit festigen und durchaus bestätigen

Spout doesn't list the full title. Check it out here.

hmmm. Well, actually, your title has more words, but mine technically has more characters (with or without spaces). I checked.... in MS word.... because I'm a nerd.

I checked it too, and it's actually the other way arround. YOURS has more words. MINE has more characters, with or without spaces.

You know those Germans and their long words

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

csprague — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:00:55 GMT

Risselada:

csprague:

1. Evidently the longest movie title is: Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 2: In Shocking 2-D

This one is longer:

Fontane - Effi Briest oder: Viele, die eine Ahnung haben von ihren Möglichkeiten und Bedürfnissen und dennoch das herrschende System in ihrem Kopf akzeptieren durch ihre Taten und es somit festigen und durchaus bestätigen

Spout doesn't list the full title. Check it out here.

hmmm. Well, actually, your title has more words, but mine technically has more characters (with or without spaces). I checked.... in MS word.... because I'm a nerd.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

Risselada — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:15:02 GMT

seely:

Risselada:

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters - almost as long of a title as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

The first five minutes of the Aqua Teen film alone are worth a nod for 2007. The concession ad spoof was one of the only things I have ever seen in the theatre that left me crying and out of breath from laughing so hard. Be forewarned, its hilarious and a bit vulgar.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Movie Opening - Click here for more blooper videos

You are correct that the movie does blow it's proverbial wad in the first five minutes with the absolute funniest moment of the whole film, and one of the funniest bits of movie ever.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

seely — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:17:50 GMT

Risselada:

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters - almost as long of a title as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

The first five minutes of the Aqua Teen film alone are worth a nod for 2007. The concession ad spoof was one of the only things I have ever seen in the theatre that left me crying and out of breath from laughing so hard. Be forewarned, its hilarious and a bit vulgar.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Movie Opening - Click here for more blooper videos

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

Risselada — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:13:16 GMT

csprague:

1. Evidently the longest movie title is: Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 2: In Shocking 2-D

This one is longer:

Fontane - Effi Briest oder: Viele, die eine Ahnung haben von ihren Möglichkeiten und Bedürfnissen und dennoch das herrschende System in ihrem Kopf akzeptieren durch ihre Taten und es somit festigen und durchaus bestätigen

Spout doesn't list the full title. Check it out here.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

Risselada — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:09:19 GMT

So here are my favorites, with my most favorites at the top:

No Country for Old Men

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

For the Bible Tells Me So - pretty great documentary. Surprised I've never heard anyone mention it on any of the discussions here.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters - almost as long of a title as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Grindhouse

Paris, je t'aime - this one made the film festival rounds in 2006 but didn't really get a wider theatrical release in the US until 2007

Rescue Dawn - same case as Paris, je t'aime

Fay Grim - also the same case

Honerable mention - Election Day - a lot of you probably haven't seen this but my girlfriend knows one of the producers and I saw a screening of it at the Gene Siskel center. Worth checking out.

BTW, I have yet to see There Will Be Blood, but I can't doubt it will make my list.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

dibot — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:36:01 GMT

Many good films have been listed. My ulitmate favorite for 2007 is There Will Be Blood. But I have a few others:

3. Breach

7. No Country for Old Men

8. Sunshine

9. The Mist

10. Waitress

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

JimBell — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:55:57 GMT

I enjoyed Waitress while I was watching it, but afterwards my brain kicked into gear and I slowly realized why it should not be on my top ten list, to put it mildly. If interested, see the review on my blog:

http://www.spout.com/blogs/jimbell/archive/2008/10.aspx

Great to see SkyPilot's great picks like Gone Baby Gone--I agree the moral dilemma at the end is powerful and leaves me torn. Hot Fuzz--it took a lot of talent to make that movie excellent instead of corny. Even though I'm not a western fan, 3:10 to Yuma makes you a believer, doesn't it?

Great to see mciocco's picks. I agree with everything mciocco says about Zodiac. It took some excellent film maker to pull that off when most people know how it ended in real life.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:24:02 GMT

triage685:

my top 3

Bourne Ultimatum- its the best ending? to a trilogy. it had action and finally answered who he was.

300- it was different but still awesome. It covered a lot of genres while still keeping the story

Hot Fuzz- it was a comedy showing the comedy of a skilled police officer. i thought it could be based on bourne if he was on the other side but comically

Your love of action flicks is shared. I liked 300, despite it being one of the most graphic movies I've seen in a long time (of course coming from the Sin City style I expected it).

Out of the three though I'd probably pick Bourne Ultimatum, but maybe I just have a thing for the whole assassin line of work. :p

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

triage685 — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:55:51 GMT

my top 3

Bourne Ultimatum- its the best ending? to a trilogy. it had action and finally answered who he was.

300- it was different but still awesome. It covered a lot of genres while still keeping the story

Hot Fuzz- it was a comedy showing the comedy of a skilled police officer. i thought it could be based on bourne if he was on the other side but comically

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:39:48 GMT

csprague:

Two things:

1. Evidently the longest movie title is: Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 2: In Shocking 2-D

2. Maybe we can do a best of 2007 poll like Rizzo is doing in the polls group.

When we get a comprehensive list of films from more folks then we'll start to narrow our results down to a final top 10. Then we can do 2008!!!!!! WOOOOO!

Perhaps once I get a finalized list I will start doing some polls, if only we had polls incorporated into our posting tools (like many other forums I've used, cough).

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

mciocco — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:04:55 GMT

I had a little trouble compiling this list last year, but overall I'm pretty happy with it. The only one that I thought about changing in retrospect was Zodiac, which I'd take off the list in favor of Black Book, which has grown on my in hindsight. But for now, I'll leave it the way it is.

My top 10 films of 2007
...in roughly reverse order (i.e. with the best at the bottom of this list) :

Zodiac: This one barely makes it on this list. It's one of the few early year releases that has made it on the list, and as such, it's something I actually want to revisit. But of all the early year films I saw, I remember this being the most interesting and best made. If you know about the Zodiac killer, you know the ending won't provide any real explanations (nor should it) as the killer was never caught in real life. As such, this does diminish some of the tension from the film. Still, director David Fincher has made an impeccable film. It's not as showy or spectacular as his previous efforts. Stylistically, it's rather straightforward, and yet, it's a gorgeous film to look at, and Fincher does manage to imbue some tension throughout the film, which focuses more on the obsession of those trying to find the Zodiac than the Zodiac himself.

Gone Baby Gone: It basically starts out as a straightforward crime thriller and mystery and those elements are very well done. But the ending introduces a moral dilemma that has no good answers. You can't help but put yourself into the movie and think about what you would do in such a case, and to be honest, I don't know what I'd do. I suppose I should mention that this is Ben Affleck's directing debut, and he proves shockingly adept at doing so.

The Bourne Ultimatum: A fantastic action film, and one of the few sequels worth it's salt in a year of particularly bad sequels. Paul Greengrass' infamous shaky camera is actually put to good use here, and the film also features good performances and great stuntwork. Some may be put off by the camera work, but when you look at a film like this, and then you look at a film like Transformers, you can see a huge difference in style and talent.

Superbad: Hands down, the funniest movie of the year. I'm a sucker for raunchy humor with a heart, and this movie has that in spades. Great performances by Jonah Hill and the deadpan Michael Cera, as well as just about everyone else. Of all the movies on this list, this one probably has the most replay value, and is also probably the most quotable.

Stardust: This might the most thoroughly enjoyable movie of the year. A great adventure film that evokes The Princess Bride (perhaps unfairly leading to comparisons) while asserting an identity of its own. In a year filled with dark, heavy-hitting dramas, it was nice to sit down to a well done fantasy film. Well directed with good performances (including an unusual turn by Robert DeNiro as a flamboyant pirate) and nice visuals, the real strength of this film is the story, which retains the fun feeling of a fantasy while skirting darker, edgier material.

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters: Documentary films don't generally find much of an audience in theaters, but The King of Kong should be in every video game enthusiast's Netflix queue. It delves into the rough and tumble world of competitive video gaming for classic games, particularly Donkey Kong, but it does so kinda like an inspirational sports film. You've got your lovable underdog who has never won anything in his life, and of course the villainous champion who looks down on the underdog and seeks to steal his thunder. There's some controversy over the film, which perhaps takes some liberties with the facts, but it's still a great movie and highly recommended for video game fans.

The Orphanage: Certainly the creepiest movie of the year. Though perhaps not exactly a horror film, it establishes a high level of tension all throughout the film, and the story, while a little odd, works pretty well too. A spanish language film that gets unfairly compaired to Pan's Labyrinth, it is nonetheless worth watching for any fan of ghost stories.

The Lives of Others: This film actually won the Oscar for best foreign-language film last year (beating out Pan's Labyrinth - a surprise to me), so I might be cheating a bit, but it didn't really have a theatrical release in the U.S. until 2007, so I'm putting it on this list. Set in East Germany during the Cold War, this film follows a Stasi agent who begins to feel for the subjects he's surveiling. It doesn't sound like much, and it's not exactly action-packed, but it is quite compelling and one of the most powerful films of the year. All of the technical aspects of the film are brilliant, especially the script and the nuanced acting by Ulrich Mühe. This film would be amongst the top of any year's list

Grindhouse: I'm referring, of course, to the theatrical release of this film. I say this because a lot of critics like to separate the two features and heap praise on Tarantino's Death Proof (which I'll grant, is probably the better of the two, if I were forced to chose), but to me, nothing beats the full experience of the theatrical version. It starts out with a hilarious "fake" trailer, then moves into Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror, an over=the-top zombie action film done in true grindhouse style (missing reels and all). Following that we get three more absolutely brilliant fake trailers and Tarantino's wonderful Death Proof. The films are dark, they're edgy, and they're probably not for everyone. In attempting to emulate 70s grindhouse cinema, the filmmakers have lovingly reproduced the tropes, some of which may bother audiences (particularly the awkward pacing of both features, which is actuall brilliance in disguise). It's a crime that the theatrical version is not available on DVD. The double-billing was poorly advertised, so it looks like the studio opted to split the films up and give longer cuts of each their own DVD. Supposedly, a 6 disc boxed set containing everything is in the works.

No Country for Old Men: The Coen brothers have outdone themselves. This is perhaps a boring pick, as this film is at or near the top of most top 10 lists, but that happened for a reason. It's a great damn film. Gorgeous photography, tension-filled action, and that rare brand of dark humor that the Coens are so good at. It also features the most memorable and terrifying villain in years. The ending is uncompromising and ambiguous (which may turn some viewers off), but I found it quite appropriate. Of all the films this year, this one is best made and most entertaining (if a little dark), a combo that's certainly difficult to pull off.

Blatant link whoring: I have a whole slew of honorable mentions, and every year I do a set of awards at my blog, if you're interested...

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

seely — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:46:41 GMT

Thanks for reminding me about Michael Clayton--I forgot that was '07. I really enjoyed Clooney's performance, and the movie dealt with ethics in a very deep, real way without making everything obtusely black and white. But... Ocean's 13? Really? I liked the Ocean's series and the Rat Pack/heist flicks they harkened back to, but I thought this to be the weakest of the bunch with a scattered plot and what seemed like endless inside jokes delivered at a pace that left the audience trying to catch up through the entire film, and further obscured any attempts at humor or storyline. Maybe I'm just too slow for it :-)

SkyPilot:

I agree with a lot of picks from the other people. In no specific order, these are my favorites:

1. Ocean's 13 A heist film with a conscience.

2. Michael Clayton Deceit, courage, human connection, mission.

3. Eastern Promises A frightening gangster film that made London feel like a separate, exotic country.

4. Gone Baby Gone A private detective movie with a conscience.

5. Hot Fuzz Like Leeroy, I liked this one even more than Shaun of the Dead.

6. The Orphanage The closest I've ever come to screaming in the theater.

7. 3:10 to Yuma This really made me soul-search, and the ending leaves me breathless.

8. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Like falling asleep from a flavorful and slow-acting poison.

9. No Country for Old Men Looks like 2007 was Year of the Western.

10. American Gangster Not perfect, but I thought it was intense and affecting.

I'd like to include The Fall, This Is England, and Rescue Dawn,but Spout says they were made in 2006. Maybe they were released in the US in 2007, but I'm not sure.

Movies that didn't quite make my Top 10: Persepolis, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and There Will Be Blood. The last one in particular is great, but after seeing it 3 times I won't need to see it again for a loooong time.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

csprague — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:41:09 GMT

Two things:

1. Evidently the longest movie title is: Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 2: In Shocking 2-D

2. Maybe we can do a best of 2007 poll like Rizzo is doing in the polls group.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

csprague — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:20:49 GMT

SkyPilot:

I agree with a lot of picks from the other people. In no specific order, these are my favorites:

1. Ocean's 13 A heist film with a conscience.

2. Michael Clayton Deceit, courage, human connection, mission.

3. Eastern Promises A frightening gangster film that made London feel like a separate, exotic country.

4. Gone Baby Gone A private detective movie with a conscience.

5. Hot Fuzz Like Leeroy, I liked this one even more than Shaun of the Dead.

6. The Orphanage The closest I've ever come to screaming in the theater.

7. 3:10 to Yuma This really made me soul-search, and the ending leaves me breathless.

8. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Like falling asleep from a flavorful and slow-acting poison.

9. No Country for Old Men Looks like 2007 was Year of the Western.

10. American Gangster Not perfect, but I thought it was intense and affecting.

I'd like to include The Fall, This Is England, and Rescue Dawn,but Spout says they were made in 2006. Maybe they were released in the US in 2007, but I'm not sure.

Movies that didn't quite make my Top 10: Persepolis, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and There Will Be Blood. The last one in particular is great, but after seeing it 3 times I won't need to see it again for a loooong time.

There Will Be Blood was great, but I don't really want to see it again if you know what I mean. It's not like a good friday night movie at all, unless you are feeling in a particularly dark mood, and maybe it's a terrible idea then too. I'm not sure what the proper mood or motivation to watch this movie would be. I eventually just bit the bullet and watched it. When it was over, I was tired and felt like a crazy person, but I loved it. So hard to explain.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is the longest movie title in the world (I would actually really like to know what the longest movie title is). It's so hard to spit it out when people are like "what's good movie you've seen recently?" But, nonetheless, I do spit it out because it was beautiful and interesting and I loved the characters.

Skypilot, how on earth did Hot Fuzz beat The Diving Bell and the Butterfly for your top ten? Were you just trying to be diverse in genre? I only say this because I think making a movie about a guy who can only communicate with one eye is incredibly difficult. I expected it to be the most arts, boring piece of crap I have ever seen. Ya know, the sterotypical french new wave kind of stuff that ends with "fin". But it wasn't, it was surprisingly human and colorful and full of life. It fits with something I read recently that "your plight is also your redemption". Good times.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

SkyPilot — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:01:28 GMT

I agree with a lot of picks from the other people. In no specific order, these are my favorites:

1. Ocean's 13 A heist film with a conscience.

2. Michael Clayton Deceit, courage, human connection, mission.

3. Eastern Promises A frightening gangster film that made London feel like a separate, exotic country.

4. Gone Baby Gone A private detective movie with a conscience.

5. Hot Fuzz Like Leeroy, I liked this one even more than Shaun of the Dead.

6. The Orphanage The closest I've ever come to screaming in the theater.

7. 3:10 to Yuma This really made me soul-search, and the ending leaves me breathless.

8. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Like falling asleep from a flavorful and slow-acting poison.

9. No Country for Old Men Looks like 2007 was Year of the Western.

10. American Gangster Not perfect, but I thought it was intense and affecting.

I'd like to include The Fall, This Is England, and Rescue Dawn,but Spout says they were made in 2006. Maybe they were released in the US in 2007, but I'm not sure.

Movies that didn't quite make my Top 10: Persepolis, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and There Will Be Blood. The last one in particular is great, but after seeing it 3 times I won't need to see it again for a loooong time.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

SkyPilot — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:22:55 GMT

indieabby88:

My picks of 2007:

The Fall (forgive me here, I'm going to gush): A movie that was years in the making, and completely wonderful. The story is adorable, the cinematography is breathtaking and (though some disagree) the relationship between Lee Pace and Catinca Untaru is heartbreaking and sweet. Remember those movies you used to watch as a kid? Those crazy fantasies like "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" and "Labyrinth" and "Legend" that sort of passed into obscurity? Well, "The Fall" is that movie for a new generation.

Hey, nicely said indieabby. I loved The Fall. Now I need to see The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:02:06 GMT

Good call on Persepolis Mercurial. That movie was really well done, and it opens up a world that is very much an unknown to the average american audience.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

Tenenbaums — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:38:28 GMT

Direct from December 2007!!!

Zodiac

A film that came out so long ago that I’m not convinced it was actually 2007 still manages to stick with me more than titles I saw last week. David Fincher and his crew (most notably screenwriter James Vanderbilt and cinematographer Harris Savides) take the notorious unsolved case and let it play out in a manner that pulls us in the same way that magnetically attracted those obsessed by the mystery. Instead of taking the unrealistic approach that many Zodiac films employ of only following the killer, Fincher’s film shows how three San Francisco men’s lives were forever altered by their unrelenting quest for truth and closure. The wise narrative choice allows Boy Scout cartoonist Robert Graysmith, Inspector Dave Toschi, and investigative reporter Paul Avery’s characters to grow in remarkable depth as they continue to pursue the case after everyone else has attempted to forget about it. An understated Jake Gyllenhaal as Graysmith leads a perfect cast of “I know that face”s that effortlessly embrace their respective real-life 60s/70s personas. Each shot and piece of dialogue feels so consciously precise and full of importance that 2.5 hours of screen time have rarely passed with such smoothness and intrigue. I highly anticipate the Director’s Cut DVD (I know where $25 of my Christmas money is going) as no other film this year is more worthy of a director’s commentary. Fincher’s meticulous attention to detail made for such a tight film considering the magnitude of the project that it will be priceless to hear his take on the process.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

leeroy711 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:22:26 GMT

mercurial:

8.) Angel-A - Luc Besson is the shit. In a non-stinky poo kind of way. Great movie.

Totally forgot about that one. Good call.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

mercurial — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:13:53 GMT

In no particular order:

1.) Persepolis - I really enjoyed this animated bildungsroman.

2.) 300 - I know it got a lot of flack, but damn if it wasn't one of the coolest looking movies. Nudity, blood, gore, and violence to the umpteenth degree. No extraneous thought necessary and I liked it.

3.) Year of the Dog - Molly Shannon in an amazing role for her. The vegan, PETA freak subject matter turned a good amount of people off this film but definitely worth a look.

4.) Waitress - Keri Russel is just so darn lovable in this flick it's practically unbearable.

5.) Grindhouse - Again, lots of divided people with this one. Some loved just one of the two films or hated it with a passion. I loved the whole thing (especially the faux trailers during intermission).

6.) Southland Tales - The convoluted plot and army of bizarre characters made this one unwatchable for some . . . but not for me.

7.) Margot at the Wedding - Just a great little emotional romper-stomper screwball comedy.

8.) Angel-A - Luc Besson is the shit. In a non-stinky poo kind of way. Great movie.

9.) Smiley Face - Completely unlike Gregg Araki's other films, but Anna Faris is unbelievably hilarious in this film.

10.) Ira & Abby - Quirky romantic comedy. I'm a sucker for those.

Some family flicks that were also pretty good:

Hairspray - Nothing like the original, but decent nonetheless.

The Last Mimzy - Adorable little sci-fi flick for kids.

Shrek the Third - I actually thought I would despise this considering the second film in the series annoyed me considerably, but I actually enjoyed it.

Enchanted - Amy Adams carried this live-action fairy tale.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

leeroy711 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:15:10 GMT

rjsprague:

Much to my shame I have not watched The Darjeeling Limited yet.

I think this was a Wes Anderson film for Wes Anderson fans but it could also very well be the one that tips the scales for someone on the fence. I may actually be my favorite of his films.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:49:10 GMT

Much to my shame I have not watched The Darjeeling Limited yet. In fact I've not seen a number of these films. I suck at this. I watched Juno, and while I enjoyed it, I also felt it lacked... candor.

I still need to see No Country for Old Men, but something's been holding me back, and also There Will Be Blood seems to continue to escape my radar. I have heard great things about both of these films.

Thanks for the picks Leeroy. It looks like we've got some work to do to figure out what films to keep and which to leave out. :)

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

leeroy711 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:24:33 GMT

I've decided to list some movies from 2007 that not only should you see but that you might have otherwise missed.

1. The Darjeeling Limited - Wes Anderson's newest and probably my favorite of his. He did some great work with color pallets in this one. Not to be missed.

2. Eastern Promises - I'm not really a big Cronenberg fan, but this one was quite exceptional.

3. Hot Fuzz - I actually like this one a bit more than Shuan of the Dead. I thought the story was a bit more fun and the action sequences at the end were really cool.

4. This is England - Shane Meadows is on his way to big things, I loved his 2004 film, Dead Man's Shoes and this one is a great period piece that probably gives a more accurate depiction of England in the 80s than you are used to.

5. The Orphanage - I have to admit that I didn't really love this film as a whole. But the final "one two three.......knock on the door." scene was incredible.

6. Lars and the Real Girl - This one was everything I wanted Juno to be. I was a very status-quo indy flick with quirky characters. But I think it actually took a bigger risk with the subject matter.......... and I think the cast was better as well.

7. War Dance - This is one of those docs that Americans are supposed to watch and be challenged by. It totally works, there are some incredibly tragic stories told in here. Watch it.... now.

8. Black Snake Moan - I'm not even sure why I loved this movie as much as I did. The cast is fantastic (Justin Timberlake included) and I really liked how the music and the backdrop set the unbreaking tone for the entirety of the film.

9. Reno 911!: Miami/Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon.... - I laughed..... a lot.

10. The Host - It's a Korean monster movie with a badass monster. And somewhat of a screwball comedy at the same time. Definitely worth a look.

So, it should go without saying that y'all should see No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood & The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. These are some of the best of the year. The Fall was another of my personall favorites but I refrained from including it on this list because it has allready been mentioned and it was made in quite a bit before it's release date so I'm not really sure what year it's supposed to be. Anyways - check these ones out and I'd love feedback - tell me what you thought.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:03:10 GMT

seely:

I think my top pick would have to be 3:10 to Yuma. I don't really like Russell Crowe a whole lot, and I'm a bit indifferent to Christian Bale. However, together with the rest of the cast I couldn't imagine more perfect roles for any of the actors there. Phenomenal casting, stuck true to the original short story and drove the point of the story home without convoluting it under layers of special effects or added action scenes. I saw it in the theatre no less than four times. Last movie I saw more than once in the theatre was one of the LOTR films.

I haven't seen it yet, but now I MUST! And of course Jim Bell said it was good, so it must be. :)

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

seely — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:18:14 GMT

I think my top pick would have to be 3:10 to Yuma. I don't really like Russell Crowe a whole lot, and I'm a bit indifferent to Christian Bale. However, together with the rest of the cast I couldn't imagine more perfect roles for any of the actors there. Phenomenal casting, stuck true to the original short story and drove the point of the story home without convoluting it under layers of special effects or added action scenes. I saw it in the theatre no less than four times. Last movie I saw more than once in the theatre was one of the LOTR films.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:28:54 GMT

indieabby88:

My picks of 2007:

The Fall (forgive me here, I'm going to gush): A movie that was years in the making, and completely wonderful. The story is adorable, the cinematography is breathtaking and (though some disagree) the relationship between Lee Pace and Catinca Untaru is heartbreaking and sweet.

I agree with your sentiments concerning The Fall. While our database claims it was a 2006 film we all know better. :)

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:25:14 GMT

tadiv:

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - my review is here.

I will second your pick for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Great film! :)

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

tadiv — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:31:08 GMT

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - my review is here.

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

JimBell — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:43:53 GMT

I saw about 35 movies released in 2007. Here are the 10 best I saw (in alphabetical order).

3:10 to Yuma--wonderful ensemble acting

Black Book--over the top, gritty, WWII stays with you

Charlie Wilson’s War--great scenes, comedy of real life

Gone Baby Gone--suspense with a serious question

La Vie en Rose--no holds barred look at a great singer

Once--talk about a warm, grass-roots movie

Starting Out in the Evening--so intelligent, an intellectual treat

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly--it could be you, right?

The Kite Runner--a great story that "tells itself"

Zodiac--gripping docu-drama--tantalizingly close to catching the killer

Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

indieabby88 — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:23:12 GMT

My picks of 2007:

The Fall (forgive me here, I'm going to gush): A movie that was years in the making, and completely wonderful. The story is adorable, the cinematography is breathtaking and (though some disagree) the relationship between Lee Pace and Catinca Untaru is heartbreaking and sweet. Remember those movies you used to watch as a kid? Those crazy fantasies like "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" and "Labyrinth" and "Legend" that sort of passed into obscurity? Well, "The Fall" is that movie for a new generation.

Wall-e: I love dystopia and post-apocalyptic future movies. Also, I love Pixar. Who ever thought the two of them could come together in such a great way?

Collaboration - Best Films of 2007

rjsprague — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:03:44 GMT

I want to get a list going of what everyone's favorite film is from 2007. Once everyone's posted their in here I'll start a list up we can share with folks. It doesn't have to be genre specific, and feel free to list the same film more than once if someone beat you to it. I'd like to keep the list to about 10 or 20 films anyway. :)

These would all be films that we might recommend if someone asked us to recommend a good film from 2007. (obviously... :)

My Pick: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Feel free to disagree, but I really enjoyed this film. The characters were especially interesting, and it didn't play off like a western.