With the holidays behind us (thank goodness), I’d like to reflect on some films
that have come out in 2007.
- American Gangster – A gritty, simmering gangster film that almost reaches
epic levels, but doesn’t quite make it. It’s tough to have two of the biggest
stars in Hollywood NOT be in a scene together until the end. - Golden Compass – There’s one McGuffin to bind us all, or something. I call it the Golden Exposition.
- Charlie Wilson’s War – I think I saw boobs, yep, I did. Is there conflict in this movie? I couldn’t find any.
- Eastern Promises – Cronenberg brings it again with this near-classic Russian
gangster film set in London. Viggo chews the scenery, as they say. - Bourne Ultimatum – A little convuluted, but still satisfying.
- Ratatouille – Perfect.
- 3:10 to Yuma – Nice to see a Western again.
- Babel – Heart-wrenching.
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Good adaptation of the book.
- Hot Fuzz – Fun send-up of Hollywood Buddy Cop movies. Hilarious. “By the power of Greyskull!”
- Knocked Up – Best Comedy of the year.
- Last King of Scotland – Is this Idi Amin waiting for me behind that corner,
in that alley? I’m scared. - Sherry Baby – b-o-r-i-n-g.
- This Is England – skinheads (good and bad), rude boys/girls, the Balkan War,
great kid actor, and stellar soundtrack. A must see. - Zodiac – Jake, Mark, and Robert are men in this movie.
- 28 Weeks Later – Quite possibly better than the original, which is hard to do.
- Blades of Glory – I started laughing BEFORE the movie started. Very very
awkward/funny. - Shrek The 3rd – Shrek has kids, goes on a quest. Still funny.
- Pirates 3/Spiderman 3 – What the hell is going on here? Too many characters,
too many subplots, good actors used badly. - Die Hard 4.0 – John McClean has still got it. Bruce Willis and Justin Long
(Apple kid) are a good team. Kevin Smith was a nice touch. Some overacting,
but mostly kept me smiling. - Death Proof/Planet Terror – Quentin Tarantino tires. Robert Rodriguez inspires.
It’s lame that he left his wife for Rose McGowan. - Rocky Balboa – I forgot how endearing this character is. Along with Milo V (from Heroes) there is a lot of stellar acting going on here. Story is beautifully told.
- Breach – Never heats up. I love CC and LL, but they are pretty underutilized.
- Hostel 2 – Some call it torture porn. I actually like these kinds of movies for some reason.
- The Number 23 – Could have been cool. Some good acting here, but story kind of meanders.
- The Host – A fun, fast thriller/horror!
- Hannibal Rising – I liked It. Shoot me.
Movies I still need to see:
No Country For Old Men,
Sicko,
The Simpsons Movie,
Sunshine,
There Will Be Blood
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,
Juno,
Once,
Michael Clayton,
Waitress
