Top 10 Movies of 2007

With the Academy Awards bearing down on us (February 24th, for those not "in the know") I thought I would give you what I believe were the best cinematic efforts of 2007, and which ones they thought were pretty good too.

10. Atonement
One of the few love stories I actually enjoyed. I think the only other one may have been Chocolat. Interesting conclusion. Exceptional direction. Nominated for Achievement in Cinematography, Music, Best Picture, & Adapted Screenplay.
3.5/5 Stars

9. Sicko
If you know me, you know I am a complete sucker for Documentaries, and Moore just makes them that much more enjoyable with his witty commentary. oh lolz, I'm so funny. The social commentary this guy spits, rad to the max. Nominated for Best Documentary Feature.
4/5 Stars

8. No Country for Old Men
The most disturbing performance I've seen in a long time. So many underlying subtleties. Great story. The Coens redeem themselves, big time. Nominated for Achievement in Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Sound, Adapted Screenplay & Best Picture
4/5 Stars

7. There Will Be Blood
Excellent storytelling, magnificent cinematography. Very engrossing film overall, I loved the last scene. Glorious. Daniel Day Lewis is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for this, he should win it I think. Nominated for Achievement in Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Sound, Adapted Screenplay & Best Picture.
4/5 Stars

6. Death Sentence
What I think is the highlight of Kevin Bacon's career. So extremely entertaining it almost hurts. Such raw intensity that has been absent in film since Taxi Driver. Death Sentence escapes the awards without a single nomination. Guess I was the only one who really liked this movie.
4/5 Stars

5. Lars and the Real Girl
This would be the second of Ryan Goslings amazing performances this year (the first being in Fracture). The character development in this movie for Lars is superb. I loved this movie. However, if you are the people that sat in the theater with me and thought that it was supposed to be a funny slapstick comedy you were wrong, wrong, wrong. You laughed at completely inappropriate moments and made me want to strangle you. Please go enjoy Meet the Spartans. Nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
4/5 Stars

4. 3:10 to Yuma
Amazing performances from Russel Crowe and Christian Bale. Not to mention the menacing demoniacally exceptional portrayal of Charlie Price by Ben Foster (where is the best supporting actor nomination here Academy?). Although it is a remake, I never saw the original. Extremely entertaining. Nominated for Achievement in Music & Sound
4/5 Stars

3. Alpha Dog
Oh but Trevo, J Tim is so lame, you are such a gay for liking him in this movie. Shut up you. This was such a great movie that if you are missing it because you too coo for the Tim, then you da gay my friend, you da gay. Also includes great Ben Foster and Emile Hirsch performances. Probably the most intense ending of the year. Sundance Film Festival Winner from '06. Excellence. Pure Excellence. Alpha Dog did not receive any nomination from this years awards, but it is likely because it did not premiere in 2007, but that is when I saw it in theaters so I include it with 2007 releases.
4.5/5 Stars

2. Juno
If Ellen Page does not win best actress for this I will cry. Spectacular writing. I want to see this movie 5 more times in the theaters before I buy the DVD and watch it 10 more times. Very unique soundtrack. "The most fun I had at the movies this year." Nominated for Achievement in Direction, Best Picture & Original Screenplay.
4.5/5 Stars

1. Into The Wild
I don't think this movie got anywhere near the credit it well deserved this year. Emile Hirsch has solidified his position in my heart as one of the greatest young American talents (but don't take that as an endorsement for the upcoming Speed Racer). Stunning Cinematography. Excellent directing by Sean Penn. Amazing soundtrack by Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder. Nominated for Achievement in Film Editing.
4.5/5 Stars