2007

Looking back, many critics consider 2007 a great year for the movies and I pretty much agree. The slate of prestigious films released near the end of the year were impressive and helps make up for a particularly dry summer of releases. Being a film snob, I ended up seeing movies I didn't necessarily want to over the summer just because there was nothing else worth watching. I'm going to list my top 5 for the year instead of my top 10 because for one, there are a few films I have yet to see. Also I tend to believe a top 10 list to be misleading: to fill up the last few spots I'd have to list movies I liked but didn't love, aka, nothing "top" about them.

1. There Will Be Blood
I have a feeling that after watching it a second time, it may end up on my top 10 of all time list. I think the best films are the ones that amaze on all levels, and this film did just that. Daniel Day-Lewis turned the amp up to an unheard of 12. The images realistically captured early 20th century California in all of its barrenness. The musical score from that guitarist from Radiohead absolutely blew my mind. Even the most obligatory scenes were racked with tension because of the soundtrack and the dramatic climaxes were equaled in audible dissonance. Apparently there is a lot of disagreement about whether the ending lives up to the rest of the film. I think the ending is the best part and completely fitting.

2. No Country For Old Men
Scary, twisted, and philosophical, thrillers rarely make to these heights. After seeing it 3 times in theaters, the themes and plot became clear but I'm convinced my favorite Coen brother film is still The Man Who Wasn't There.

3. Juno
One of those films that really made me fall in love with the protagonist. Afterwards, I thought about what I'd say to Ellen Page if I saw her on the street.

Okay, maybe I'll limit it to the top 3 because these are the only three that really wowed me but I do have a lot of honorable mentions. Just to point out I don't just go along with critical reception, I despised the critically praised Atonement and Sweeney Todd.