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Best Movies Of 2007: Kathryn Durfee

by Kathryn Durfee
01/09/2008

As the year draws to a close, I look at my frighteningly large stack of movie stubs in hopes that the majority of it is made up of movies that were worth the eight bucks. As usual, not many were (am I the only one out there that didn't like Knocked Up?). From rats to sex dolls, 2007 was a year of variety.

First, some runners up:

Gone Baby Gone
We all know Ben Affleck can't act, but who knew he could direct? His adaptation of Mystic River author Dennis Lehane's story about Boston P.I.s Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro is a thriller worthy of a place on the shelf next to Clint Eastwood's 2003 award winner. Casey Affleck deserves a nod as sensitive but stern Kenzie. Along with his portrayal as Robert Ford in Jesse James, Affleck is coming into his own as a leading man. A realistic look at the slums of Boston, Gone Baby Gone is about the investigation of a kidnapped little girl and so much more.

The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
Long? Yes. Slow? Yes. Beautiful? Undeniably. This painterly portrayal of the infamous Jesse James and his friend and later assassin Robert Ford plays like a collection of memories. The film definitely concludes with far too many fade-to-blacks, but James is nonetheless one of the most memorable films of the year. Too bad Warner Bros. didn't widely distribute it.

Talk to Me
A well-done period piece about an ex-con who becomes a popular but controversial African American radio host around the time of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination. Don Cheadle is quite the chameleon, seamlessly transitioning from his successful dentist in Reign Over Me, the nearly intelligible Basher in the Ocean's series to this outspoken and troubled man.

The Simpsons Movie
I had given up on Matt Groening's series long ago, but this movie really delivered. I did not laugh as hard as I did in the theater at this movie at any other film this year, and that says a lot. Absurd, goofy, but overall sharp-witted and intelligent, The Simpsons Movie is a must-see for anyone with a sense of humor.

And now, here are my picks for the ten best/most memorable of 2007 (in no particular order):

3:10 to Yuma
This film, starring Russel Crowe and Christian Bale, is everything a Western should be. Reminiscent of both more recent attempts at the genre like The Quick and the Dead and older classics such as The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly, 3:10 to Yuma has beautiful cinematography, endearing characters (even the bad guy isn't so bad), and a race against the clock that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

American Gangster
Another triumph for Russel Crowe, American Gangster is his most recent collaboration with director Ridley Scott (see also Gladiator and A Good Year). He plays the good cop trying to track down the infamous Frank Lucas, played by fellow acting giant Denzel Washington. A long film, yes, but one well worth the time. Like most of Scott's films, American Gangster is not only an action-drama but a meticulously-exectued character study and powerful challenge to the notions of right and wrong.

The Darjeeling Limited
The latest quirky family study by director Wes Anderson, The Darjeeling Limited follows three brothers on a spiritual quest through India. Anderson's impeccable attention to detail is present, along with his eccentric blends of dry humor and slapstick. Bill Murray also makes a short appearance.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Sidney Lumet is 83 years old and has just made his best film. Devil depicts human behavior at its cruelest. Perhaps, sadly, this is also one of the most honest looks at human nature. Brothers Andy and Hank (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke, respectively) attempt to pull off what they believe to be a victimless crime. It of course goes horribly wrong, and they spiral into a horrifying pattern of theft and murder as they try to cover their tracks and pick up the pieces of their broken families.

Ratatouille
The complete opposite of almost everything on this list, Ratatouille was easily one of the most enjoyable films of the year. As a fan of Pixar films, I was drawn to it from the very first preview. Indeed, it follows the basic Pixar formula. But if it ain't broke.... Almost unbearably cute, Ratatouille is charming, heartwarming, and a triumph of computer animation.

King of California
This independent gem suffered from a lack of publicity and limited marketing. A new twist on an old tale, California portrays Michael Douglas as a father, just released from a mental hospital, who believes he has an ancient Spanish treasure map leading to a chest of gold. The catch? It's buried under the local Costco. This is his quest for the American Dream and proof to his daughter that he's not a worthless old man. Excellent acting and a great story made California one of the most enjoyable surprises of the year.

Atonement
A sweeping war epic combined with a whirlwind romance and a little girl's big lie make this adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling novel an emotional roller coaster. Great acting, great direction, and beautiful cinematography all collide, resulting in a triumph of both the art of filmmaking and the difficult craft of adapting a novel for the screen. You don't have to have read the book to enjoy this film.

Lars and the Real Girl
If you're looking for quirky, look no further than Lars. This charming little film starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Watson depicts a socially-challenged man who copes with his inability to interact with people through a sex doll purchased online. Bianca becomes the vehicle for the entire community to come together to show their support for Lars and help him grow out of his problems. Lars deserves an award for managing to avoid anything risqué despite the constant present of a sex doll purchased online.

No Country for Old Men
Another dark look at people you never want to encounter, the Cohen Brothers' No Country stars Josh Brolin as a man who happens upon a drug deal gone wrong and goes on the run with a suitcase full of cash, and Javier Bardem as an emotionless killer who will stop at nothing to reclaim his suitcase. Tommy Lee Jones and Garret Dillahunt also star as the local sheriff and deputy. They manage to add a welcome bit of humor to this violent tale.

Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street
This may not be Tim Burton's best film, nor may it be Sondheim's best musical, but Sweeney Todd certainly makes for bloody good fun. Not your traditional musical, Todd is the story of a barber out for revenge in Gothic London. This film is a must-see for admirers of art direction and costume design. A bit of advice: this film is worthy of two viewings. The first time I saw Todd, I spent the duration of the film in wonder of the visuals. The second time around, I paid closer attention to the lyrics, finally appreciating the whole of the work. And it stars Johnny Depp.

NOTE: There are many films that were technically released in 2007, but we in little old Athens (and even Atlanta) never got them! So keep an eye out for films such as Persepolis, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and other notables either at Athens Ciné or on DVD.

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