2007: Runners Up (Top 11-25)
Check back Tuesday for my Top 10.
Before I get into my 11-20, I wanted to give special mention to the films that just missed the cut. They’re all hidden gems for the more adventurous movie watcher.
25. DAY WATCH
This big, loud, visual stunner contains many entertaining set pieces, plus it accomplishes the rare feat of being a sequel (in this case to NIGHT WATCH) that makes the original better.
24. STARDUST
Engaging PRINCESS BRIDE style comedic fantasy with a delightful performance by Michelle Pfeiffer, and a story that often goes where you don’t expect.
23. PAPRIKA
Japanese animation brimming with creativity, intrigue and intelligence. A Miyazaki for grown ups.
22. BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD
A smart script that turns on itself in exciting ways, raising the moral ante with each revelation.
21. THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY
Irish political drama…three words that usually keep me away. However, this one comes from the heart, was made with passion and guts, and it quickly burrows right into you.
20. GONE, BABY, GONE
Extremely promising directorial debut from Ben Affleck, this classic style detective thriller crackles with great dialogue and performances. The ultimate dilemma is carefully handled without giving pat, easy answers. You walk out conflicted over who made the right decision.
19. ONCE
For some ONCE may seem slight and a bit overpraised. The story is little more than two people who share some time and make some great music. But like BEFORE SUNRISE, this isn’t a film about story so much as time spent with two really likable people. It never tries to push your buttons and it never steers from its delicate tone.
18. AWAY FROM HER
The achievement of AWAY FROM HER is that it’s not about the disease of Alzheimer’s, but about how the condition changes social dynamics. The story could have been mishandled so many different ways. Like JUNO, the characters’ actions of are not what you expect, but feel absolutely real.
17. HAIRSPRAY
Don’t be put off that this is from the director of THE PACIFER and BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, and that it stars John Travolta in drag. The cast put on a great show, and the film is full of energy, humor and catchy tunes. ENCHANTED is fun…this is even better.
16. THIS IS ENGLAND
British film about skinheads in the 80’s, when the movement was transformed from being punk and outcast by the politics of hate. The script easily melds a personal story with a more socio-political angle and 14yr-old Thomas Turgoose is remarkable in the difficult lead role.
15. ALPHA DOG
Opening to mixed reviews and no box office, I thought ALPHA DOG was a very compelling true life look at the sliding morality of some of today’s youth. The performances are outstanding, and help get you through as you watch a terrible situation move towards its only possible outcome. The Larry Clark film for people who can’t stomach Larry Clark.
14. ATONEMENT
Closer to MEMENTO than ENGLISH PATIENT, this film isn’t about a young couple torn apart by war and misunderstanding, but about the sister, whose imagination and confusion attempts to separate and unite our lovers. The pieces fall into place with exceptional skill and artistic flair by director Joe Wright.
13. THE SIMPSONS MOVIE
While very successful, I was surprised how many fans were unsatisfied by this long-awaited trip to the big screen. It’s like they were hoping for something better, but how much better could it be? That being said, I’ve never felt the emotional jeopardy more than when Marge was ready to leave Homer. Plus Bart Simpson’s naked skateboarding (a classic take on the Austin Powers gag.)
12. THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
Picking up right on the heels of the last Bourne outing, I think this one contains the series greatest set-pieces. Waterloo Station and the chase in Tangier are two of the greatest cat and mouse sequences ever filmed. If the film added up to something, and wasn’t hampered by a weak emotional climax, this would be much, much higher on my list.
11. SWEENEY TODD
Tim Burton stays surprisingly serious and delivers his best work since ED WOOD. Depp wisely eschews belting it to the back of the theatre and creates a Sweeney whose singing often quietly aches. Production Values are all top notch, and the sung dialogue and abundant blood add to the flavor of this very original enterprise.
Before I get into my 11-20, I wanted to give special mention to the films that just missed the cut. They’re all hidden gems for the more adventurous movie watcher.
25. DAY WATCH
This big, loud, visual stunner contains many entertaining set pieces, plus it accomplishes the rare feat of being a sequel (in this case to NIGHT WATCH) that makes the original better.
24. STARDUST
Engaging PRINCESS BRIDE style comedic fantasy with a delightful performance by Michelle Pfeiffer, and a story that often goes where you don’t expect.
23. PAPRIKA
Japanese animation brimming with creativity, intrigue and intelligence. A Miyazaki for grown ups.
22. BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD
A smart script that turns on itself in exciting ways, raising the moral ante with each revelation.
21. THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY
Irish political drama…three words that usually keep me away. However, this one comes from the heart, was made with passion and guts, and it quickly burrows right into you.
20. GONE, BABY, GONE
Extremely promising directorial debut from Ben Affleck, this classic style detective thriller crackles with great dialogue and performances. The ultimate dilemma is carefully handled without giving pat, easy answers. You walk out conflicted over who made the right decision.19. ONCE
For some ONCE may seem slight and a bit overpraised. The story is little more than two people who share some time and make some great music. But like BEFORE SUNRISE, this isn’t a film about story so much as time spent with two really likable people. It never tries to push your buttons and it never steers from its delicate tone. 18. AWAY FROM HER
The achievement of AWAY FROM HER is that it’s not about the disease of Alzheimer’s, but about how the condition changes social dynamics. The story could have been mishandled so many different ways. Like JUNO, the characters’ actions of are not what you expect, but feel absolutely real.17. HAIRSPRAY
Don’t be put off that this is from the director of THE PACIFER and BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, and that it stars John Travolta in drag. The cast put on a great show, and the film is full of energy, humor and catchy tunes. ENCHANTED is fun…this is even better.16. THIS IS ENGLAND
British film about skinheads in the 80’s, when the movement was transformed from being punk and outcast by the politics of hate. The script easily melds a personal story with a more socio-political angle and 14yr-old Thomas Turgoose is remarkable in the difficult lead role.15. ALPHA DOG
Opening to mixed reviews and no box office, I thought ALPHA DOG was a very compelling true life look at the sliding morality of some of today’s youth. The performances are outstanding, and help get you through as you watch a terrible situation move towards its only possible outcome. The Larry Clark film for people who can’t stomach Larry Clark.14. ATONEMENT
Closer to MEMENTO than ENGLISH PATIENT, this film isn’t about a young couple torn apart by war and misunderstanding, but about the sister, whose imagination and confusion attempts to separate and unite our lovers. The pieces fall into place with exceptional skill and artistic flair by director Joe Wright.13. THE SIMPSONS MOVIE
While very successful, I was surprised how many fans were unsatisfied by this long-awaited trip to the big screen. It’s like they were hoping for something better, but how much better could it be? That being said, I’ve never felt the emotional jeopardy more than when Marge was ready to leave Homer. Plus Bart Simpson’s naked skateboarding (a classic take on the Austin Powers gag.)12. THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
Picking up right on the heels of the last Bourne outing, I think this one contains the series greatest set-pieces. Waterloo Station and the chase in Tangier are two of the greatest cat and mouse sequences ever filmed. If the film added up to something, and wasn’t hampered by a weak emotional climax, this would be much, much higher on my list.11. SWEENEY TODD
Tim Burton stays surprisingly serious and delivers his best work since ED WOOD. Depp wisely eschews belting it to the back of the theatre and creates a Sweeney whose singing often quietly aches. Production Values are all top notch, and the sung dialogue and abundant blood add to the flavor of this very original enterprise.
posted by Cutshaw at 1/06/2008
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home