My Two Favorite Film Critics: Best of 2007

Roger Ebert is the premeire film critic...and Pete Travers (of RollingStone magazine) is the guy I most often agree with...

I'm always interested in their Top Ten Films of the Year and here they are for 2007:

Roger Ebert's Top Ten
1. Juno
2. No Country for Old Men
3. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
4. Atonement
5. The Kite Runner
6. Away From Her
7. Across the Universe
8. La Vie En Rose
9. The Great Debaters
10. Into the Wild

Pete Travers Top Ten
1. No Country For Old Men
2. Atonement
3. Into The Wild
4. Eastern Promises
5. Sweeney Todd
6. American Gangster
7. There Will Be Blood
8. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
9. I'm Not There
10. TIE: Knocked Up & Juno

hs

Atonement

Flawless comes to mind. Seldom are films put together as flawlessly as this one: Cinematography, acting, story lines, creativity, mystery, intrigue, beauty, horror, joy, sorrow, love, hatred, trust, betrayal, desire, coldness, truth, deception...wow, what a movie. Keira Knightly and James McAvoy team up to perform spendidly. Joe Wright (I love his first name) turns in an outstanding directing job....Go see it... 5 of 5. If I could give more than a 5 I would! Joe

BROKEN ENGLISH

Parker Posey is one of the more underrated actresses in Hollywood. I first took notice of her in the 1990's classic DAZED AND CONFUSED, and have enjoyed following her career ever since. Despite many terrific performances she rarely gets much recognition...and despite another great performance in BROKEN ENGLISH that's not likely to change. Posey plays a lonely thrity-something who desperately wants to meet Mr. Right, but unfortunately keeps meeting a string of Mr. Wrongs. The movie is just average, and slow at times, but Posey's facial expressions and body language are the stuff of a big time talent. Parker Posey is an independent film icon, and proves it here in her usual way. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

ROCKET SCIENCE

ROCKET SCIENCE reminded me of THUMBSUCKER...a movie from 2005 that I loved. Although I prefer the later...ROCKET SCIENCE is a worthy partner -I highly recommend both films be added to your rental lists. Here's the story of a stuttering, shy, high school cast-off who finds himself on a championship contending debate team. Its always refreshing when a coming-of-age high school comedy/drama is actually thoughtful and smart. The characters in ROCKET SCIENCE are all like the "characters" you remember from your high school days. Whether being nice, or mean, caring, or selfish...everyone in the movie acts as they would in real life. Its that key element that makes ROCKET SCIENCE so much fun to watch. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

TALK TO ME

The true story of Washington DC disc jocky Petey Green...an ex-con who sky-rocketed to fame in the 1960's...is brought to Hollywood in TALK TO ME. The movie is solid...but every so often an average film can be greatly elevated by its cast - TALK TO ME is that kind of film. The two central performances of the movie are magnificently delivered by Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Cheadle (CRASH, HOTEL RWANDA, TRAFFIC, BOOGIE NIGHTS) and Ejiofor (CHILDREN OF MEN, AMERICAN GANGSTER, KINKY BOOTS, DIRTY PRETTY THINGS) are both absolutely sensational. This is definitely a movie worth renting...not becuase of the script or direction or originatlity or any of that...but because you get two of the year's best performances for the price of one! 3 of 5 hs

YOU KILL ME

Ben Kingsley is one of the greatest actors of the past 25 years. Its a testament to his talent that he can excel even when he feels miscast - as he does here in YOU KILL ME. Kingsley plays Frank, a hitman who is loses his edge as he loses his battle with alcoholism. A plot centering on an alcoholic on the road to recovery so he can return to his job as a hired assassin is certainly not your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy...but that's exactly what YOU KILL ME gives you. The movie certainly isn't great, but its not bad either...and virtually anything with Ben Kingsely is worth your time! 2 1/2 of 5 hs

KNOCKED UP

Judd Apatow, along the rest of his entourage from the brilliant yet tragically underappreciated FREAKS AND GEEKS television series, is the current king of cinematic comedy. These are the folks who gave us THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN...and then KNOCKED UP, which was released a few months before another summer comedy sensation SUPERBAD. While SUPERBAD is a near flawless teenage comedy and one of the year's best films...KNOCKED UP isn't too far behind. The secret to all this success??? WRITING! The comedy resonates because of the wit, because of the familar, and becuase of the honesty. Although the premise of KNOCKED UP may be a bit much...and the 130+ running time is way too long...its heart is in the perfect place. Smart, funny, personal, and downright good! 3 1/2 of 5 hs

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL

Now here's a one-of-a-kind movie premise...
Lonely guy finally finds himself a girlfriend...he brings her to his small town and parades her everywhere he goes (weekend parties, sunday morning church, and the family's house for dinner) introducing her to all of his friends.

Only thing is...she's a blow-up doll.

Ryan Gosling gives one of the year's better performances as the troubled young LARS who genuinely believes his new found love is a REAL GIRL. The plot may be a bit far-fetched, but its written, directed and acted with such sincerity and swetness that its impossible not to enjoy this instant independent classic. The outstanding cast is highlighted by stellar supporting performances by Emily Motimer and Patricia Clarkson. LARS AND THE REAL girl is a terrific romanatic comedy rental with a fresh and original flavor. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

THE LAST MIMZY

First of all...to answer your question..."What the hell is THE LAST MIMZY?"...the answer is- an "ET-esque" B-movie for kids...and not a very good one. Although my 7 year old boy, who has yet to dislike any movie (I'll teach him soon enough), enjoyed it. But even he, at age seven mind you, quickly forgot this one. THE LAST MIMZY doesn't inspire much, not even from a seven year old. About the best I can say about this one is that there really isn't anything bad about it...there's just nothing particularly good either. 2 of 5 hs

The Kingdom

This COULD have been a tremendous movie. It offered glimpses of greatness in the contrasts between "cowboy" Americans and right wing Islam extremists. The producer/director Peter Berg finally lived up to his reputation in the final 30 minutes, with a huge message at the end. Unfortunately, this all happened at least an hour and twenty minutes late. This movie had so much potential that I paused and rewound it a hundred times just to keep the logistics straight. How can you have Jennifer Garner in a movie and only give her grunts and groans for lines? 2 out of 5 (only because of the last 30 minutes). Joe

(P.S. I just read Harold's review. Looks like we agree 100% on this one!!)

Entertainment Weekly - Top 10 Movies of 2007

EW has two excellent film critics...here are their choices for the best films of 2007:

Owen Gleiberman
1. I'm Not There (I need to see it)
2. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (my review coming soon)
3. Michael Clayton (terrific movie with terrific acting all around)
4. Superbad (Hooray! Brave and well-deserving choice!)
5. The Lives of Others (foreign film from 2006)
6. Grindhouse (Although it won't make my top ten another daring and deserving choice!)
7. Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis (even I haven't heard of this one)
8. Once (in my top 10 for sure!)
9. No End in Sight (one of the best documentaries of the year)
10. Zodiac (Like Superbad, Michael Clayton, and Once will probably be in my top 10 too)

Lisa Schwarzbaum
1. There Will Be Blood (the movie I am most excited to see)
2. No Country for Old Men (undeniably great!)
3. I'm Not There
4. Persepolis (foreign and animated...should be interesting)
5. No End in Sight
6. Zodiac
7. Lady Chatterley
8. 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days (another cool looking foreign film)
9. The Assassination of Jesse James by the CowardRobert Ford (solid...not great)
10. Knocked Up (Sorry Joe - Superbad was much better!)

Merry Christmas - HS!

Black Snake Moan...update

A while back I watched Black Snake Moan, pointed out logical flaws in the movie, and rated it just a 3. Knowing that Harold really liked it, I watched it again. I can see why Harold really liked it. The movie used extremes in a brilliant way. In normal life, these extremes usually would not happen. When they happen in a film, the film becomes unique and often attracts a following. I up my score to a 4 on Black Snake Moan. I do still stand by my comment that I enjoyed Snakes on a Plane more...Joe

Superbad

What better time to write a review on Superbad than after Harold's review of White Light Black Rain. Sorry, bad joke.

Superbad was funny but not as good as Knocked Up. Judd Apatow produced both of them. Both had "Animal Houseistic," silly, adolescent, raw, and crude humor, but Knocked Up had a better story line AND Katherine Heigl.

I thought it disturbing that my daughter scored a 10 out of 10 on a Superbad quiz. I scored 4 out of 10. I also score the movie a 4 out of 5. Joe

WHITE LIGHT, BLACK RAIN

One of the 15 finalists for the Best Docuementary Oscar...this is a must see. The movie opens with the camera asking Japanese teenagers on the streets of Hiroshima and Nagasaki if they know what significant event took place in August of 1945. None of them know the answer. There's a haunting reality in the thought that anyone could ever begin to forget about those bombings...especially on those very city streets. This movie reminds us all of the horror of atomic weapons and begs us all to never let such a thing happen again. To its credit the film is not condemning of the actions the US took on Auguast 6th and 9th, 1945...but it also vividly described the horrors of what happened in the aftermath of those warheads falling from the Enola Gay. A searing documentary that's only flaw is in not going even deeper. 4 of 5 hs

COLMA: THE MUSICAL

Here's one for ya...a low-budget, independent musical. The screenplay...and all of the music and lyrics in this extreme low budget movie were written by young twenty-something H.P. Mendoza. The movie is raw...but wildly original. Although at times it admittedly plays like little more than a hip high school musical...-the music is terrific...and its actually effective that the voices of the singers are ordinary...it further adds to the unique charm of this truly independent endeavor. It's no classic, but such an impressive "homemade movie". This is the kind of movie I wish there were more of...its the kind of movie that makes watching movies enjoyable. Bravo to the young filmmakers and actors - hopefully someone will give them a budget next time...it will be fun to see what they can do with some support. 3 of 5 hs

Bug

I love Ashley Judd at all times in all ways in all movies. That being said, the only thing good about this movie was Ms. Judd. 2 of 5. Joe

HAIRSPRAY

HAIRSPRAY has a lot going for it...
1 - Brilliant casting - John Travolta, Christopher Walker, Michelle Pfeiffer, and the movie stealing Allison Janey!
2 - A look all it's own - rarley has color been so vibrant in a movie...reminds me of the colorful EDWARD SCISSORHANDS times 10.
3 - A seemingly endless supply of hilarious over-the-top one-liners like "your pork is ready"..."now I've tasted chocolate"..."you're never gonna see that bee-hived harlet again"..."you will live on a diet of saltines and tang") and absolutely classic catch-phrases like "negro-day"..."miss teen hairspray"..."devil child". This is seriously funny stuff.

BUT

Between the great lines of dialogue delivered by the excellent cast we're left with a series of like sounding musical numbers that all seem to run together. They all look and sound exactly the same, and it doesn't take long for them to become just plain boring. More than anything this film reminds me of GREASE...and I could see it catching on as a cult classic in much the same way. It even features a host of young up-and-coming actors who are destined for bigger things (Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, and James Marsden to name a few). We'll see how time and moviegoers treat HAIRSPRAY. As for me I love the cast and dialogue...but not the song and dance. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

REIGN OVER ME

At this point I think its obvious that the very presence of Don Cheadle in a film makes it worth watching. He's piling up the outstanding performances (CRASH, HOTEL RWANDA, TRAFFIC, BOOGIE NIGHTS, TALK TO ME...and even back to his early days with roles in COLORS, HAMBURGER HILL and DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS), and may be the most unsung actor in Hollywood today. REIGN OVER ME is a "so-so" movie featuring Adam Sandler (who is trying very hard here, but comes off too whiny) and Don Cheadle (who is excellent while looking as if he isn't trying at all). The movie does cover unique territory with Sandler playing a man trying to survive on his own after losing his wife and daughters on 911...it just doesn't tackle this subject with the depth it deserves. A worthy effort...and it has Don Cheadle. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

THE BRAVE ONE

Two time Oscar winner Jodie Foster plays the title role in this well intentioned, but inconsistent study of violence in society. Echoes of older classics ring loud - Foster's voice-over commentary on her beloved New York city quickly bring TAXI DRIVER to mind...and the obvious DEATH WISH comparisons come with the storyline. On its own THE BRAVE ONE is a bit of a mess, but it does have a few bright spots that make it worth watching. For starters there's Foster and her co-star Terrance Howard. Despite being handicapped by a weak script, Howard delivers his usual excellence. There's also a touch of suspense, and a thought provoking (although far-fetched) stroy and ending. Is that enough to recommend this one...you decide. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

BREACH

Before writing this I read Joe's review from several months back, and he's got it just about right (despite the ridiculous comment posted by "BD"). The strength of the film is Chris Cooper who is sensational as Robert Hanssen, the CIA agent who was convivted of spying for the Soviets for over twenty years. The film is above average spy drama, but misses its chance to really soar. The movie gets lost paying too much attention to the Ryan Phillippe character Eric O'Neill. O'Neill was certainly one of many key figures assisting in the capture of Hanssen, but his story is only mildly interesting compared to Hanssen's. This movie would have been far more fascinating had it dug deeper into the Hanssen psyche and documented more of his treasonous activities. Good...but certainly not great. 3 of 5 hs

EASTERN PROMISES

This is a good movie with a few terrific scenes including a thriller of an opening. The movie is driven by strong performances from Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, and especially Armin Muehller-Stahl whose cold-heartedness ispure evil. That opening scene will stick with you...as will the unforgettable bath-house fight scene...but the movie as a whole needs a restructuring. It's good for sure...but the more I reflect on it...the more I realize there could have been something great made from this material. 3 of 5 hs

AWAY FROM HER

This is a terrific directing debut from the young, yet wise beyond her years, Sarah Polley. The film documents the story of Grant and Fiona, a married couple that like all married couples have seen their marriage deal with its fair share of challenges. Now, as they enter their "golden years", their marriage faces a new challenge as Fiona begins to suffer from early stages of alzheimers. Julie Christie proves once again she's one of the finest actresses of the last thirty years with her terrific portrayal of Fiona. This is a well acted, well written, well made film. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

RESCUE DAWN

RESCUE DAWN is based on the true story of US military pilot Dieter Dengler whose plane was shot down in SE Asia during the earliest days of the VietNam conflict. Struggling to survive both a brutal POW camp as well as the unforgiving jungle, Dieter's story is nothng short of amazing. The movie, however, doesn't quite capture all that it should. It feels like "just another war movie" when the story is much more than that. There are times during the film when the cinematography looks "off" somehow and you're left feeling like your watching actors on a set rather than soldiers in the jungle. Luckily for us Christian Bale is in the movie so you know you get another sensational performance in the lead role! 3 of 5 hs

A MIGHTY HEART

This movie is all about Anjelina Jolie's excellent portrayal of Marianne Pearl, wife of Wall Street Journal bureau chief Daniel Pearl who went missing in Pakistan in 1992. The movie is good...the story is both spellbinding and infuriating...but Jolie is the reason to watch. She is certainly on the short list of possible best actress nominees and deservedly so. Although the film is very good you wish it was better. The direction has a "distant" feel to it, and only Jolie's performance provides attachment for the viewer. 3 of 5 hs

THE LOOKOUT

THE LOOKOUT has its moments...just not enough of them. There are too many times when that "straight to video / B-movie" feel had me rolling my eyes. I'm all for quirky characters...but c'mon...a mentally delayed young guy rooming with a blind middle-aged guy both getting wrapped up in a bank robbery scheme? It's actually not a bad flick, but there's been a heap of critical praise for THE LOOKOUT and I don't get it. A good rental if there's nothing on TV and you want to lose yourself in a off-beat thriller...but that's about it. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

DISTURBIA

I love the premise...a modern day teen-version remake of the Hitchcock classic REAR WINDOW (one of the best thrillers of all-time). And...I loved (well at least liked) the movie too...for about 2/3rds of it. The movies starts out well...builds suspense and interest...gets a fine performance from the young Shia LeBeouf...and then crumbles with a ridiculous last chapter. DISTURBIA frustrated me because it could have been...and should have been...so much better. I've thought about a few different paths this script could have gone, and I can't decide which one is best...but I do know that anything is better than we got. Too bad. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

3:10 TO YUMA

There was one indisputable thought going through my mind as I left the theater after seeing 3:10 TO YUMA...Christian Bale and Russell Crowe are two of the very best actors working today. For Crowe, I submit THE INSIDER, MASTER & COMMANDER, CINDERELLA MAN, and AMERICAN GANGSTER (not too mention his Oscar nominated performances in GLADIATOR and A BEAUTIFUL MIND)...for Bale I submit AMERICAN PSYCHO, THE MACHINIST, THE PRESTIGE, and RESCUE DAWN. You can add 3:10 TO YUMA to both lists - these guys are awesome! This movie is a good one too...full of fine performances including two from Peter Fonda and Ben Foster. I have a few issues with the plot in 3:10 TO YUMA, but overall its a very good movie with a hanful of absolutlely fantastic scenes. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

DAN IN REAL LIFE

Will the filmakers of earlier 2007 releases like CATCH AND RELEASE and FEAST OF LOVE please take notice of DAN IN REAL LIFE...here's a romance/comedy/drama that works. DAN IN REAL LIFE is a funny, heartwarming, tear-jerking, romance with characters that you care about because you can relate to them. Peter Hedges is quitely becoming one of the better writer/directors in Hollywood today. All five of his screenplays are excellent...and his two directorial efforts are both pitch-perfect (check out his first film PIECES OF APRIL). As for DAN IN REAL LIFE...its a winner. Although by no means a perfect movie it sure is an enjoyable one...and full of terrific moments including one of the year's better scenes featuring Steve Carell performing Pete Townsend's "Let My Love Open The Door". If you miss it in theaters do yourself a favor and rent it as soon as its available. 4 of 5 hs

SPIDER MAN 3

My oh my...there sure is a lot going on in Peter Parker's life these days. Mary Jane's mad, Harry's mad, and two new villians are on the loose...Sandman and Scorpio. Of course...its not too much for Spider Man to handle...but it is too much for the viewer. There are four different storylines playing out here...and none of them get enough attention to become interesting. Yeah...the effects are cool as always, and the first two movies keep you interested enough in the characters and the plot - but all in all this one doesn't leave much to love. In fact, despite the abundance of plotlines...the movie actually drags...especially during one virtually unwatchable jazz club scene where spidey turns into a "rebel rousing, crowd pleasing, nightclub performer"...yuck. 2 of 5 hs

THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK

I haven't seen but a handful of documentaries this year...but this one is easily the best. This film tells the story of Brian Steidle, a US Marine who accepts an "observers" assignment in the Sudan. That assignment coincides with the rising of conflict in Darfur and changes Brian's life forever. The movie is outstanding in its restraint...there is no need to sensationalize the atrocities that have occurred, and continue to occur, in Darfur and the filmakers are smart enough to understand exactly how to edit their footage. THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK will both bring you to tears and fill you with hope. The only failure here is on the part of the Academy who failed to include this film among the 15 finalists for Best Documentary. 4.5 of 5 hs