Monday, December 31, 2007

Best and only 2007 Movies

Here is the definitive list of films I saw in the theatre during the 2007 calendar year, with a (very) short review of each. A keen person may be able to glean a top five list from this, but you shouldn't strain yourself.

  • Zodiac
Very good by-the-numbers retelling of one of the most interesting unsolved cases in US history.
  • TMNT
Good kiddie fare. Makes sly references to the previous (live action) films. Kind of repetitive from an adult perspective.
  • Grindhouse
Gritty. Violent. Machine Gun Leg.
  • Spiderman 3
Dancing Emo Spiderman limps out of the franchise with a mediocre showing. Love Bruce Campbell.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's end
Disappointing and derivative ending to what could have been a great series.
  • Ocean's Thirteen
Makes up for a weak "Ocean's Twelve" with a great heist flick, dripping in style.
  • Ratatouille
Surprisingly touching, great looking film, though not as rich as some earlier Pixar work.
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Ass whooping wizard-fighting-wizard action. I regret not seeing this more times in IMAX.
  • The Simpsons Movie
Good continuation of the series, nothing earth shattering, but worth it for both new and jaded fans.
  • Stardust
Sexy steampunkish tale, with an awkward ending. Captain Shakespeare for the win.
  • Superbad
I laughed throughout. I'm not proud of that.
  • The Golden Compass
Uneven adaptation of a fine book, thought the set and costume design is worth it.

This is a slight improvement on last year, when I only saw 11 new films. But it looks like I averaged seeing one new film a month, and half the time I went with friends, so I'm doing OK.

It is of some note that I did not see 300 or Transformers, two huge films in fandom this year. I can't explain my absence at either one, and no excuses will be given.

Happy new year everyone!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Stardust was my favourite 'sleeper' hit of the summer. It was not appreciated enough by audiences. But word has gotten out since the DVD release about just how good it is, and much to my delight (and chagrin) I am hardpressed to find a copy anywhere in the city!! Loved Captain Shakepeare!!

Echoseven