Best Movies of 2007

Top 8 Movies of 2007 (not in any particular order).  There are only eight because I spent four months in London forgoing movies because they were to expensive and thus didn't see some that potentially could make the list, such as Eastern Promises, 3:10 to Yuma, Rescue Dawn, Once, etc.  I guess I'll just have to wait until they come out on DVD and then revise this.

1. Deathproof- As much as film critics have hemmed and hawed over Grindhouse, I truly enjoyed every second of Tarantino and Rodreguiz's B-movie masterpiece.  While Planet Teror was amazing and the trailers were hilarious, Death Proof really stood out to me.  The movie had the same atmospheric quality to it as a David Lynch movie, and in certain parts, I really felt that Tarantino was able to see into my nightmares and reflected them on screen.  It doesn't hurt that the movie features one of the best stunt sequences I have seen (with no help of CGI or wires!) and probably the funniest ending ever.  

 

2. Juno- Probably my favorite movie of the year.  Adorable, hilarious and heart-wrenching.  I love Michael Cera and Ellen Page!  Watch Arrested Development, watch Hard Candy because in Juno they're just carrying on the fantastic performances from these movies.  

3. Mr. Brooks- Bryan and I watched this thriller not too long ago, and we both agreed that we'd like to own the DVD.  One of those movies that actually creeped me out to the point where I kept on having to open my eyes at night to make sure the title character wasn't standing over my bed.  If you liked No Country for Old Men, I think you'll like this movie... possibly even more.  

4. Zodiac- Seven and The Game are two of my favorite movies, so I entered Zodiac with high expectations.  David Fincher did not disappoint.  Elusive and atmospheric, Zodiac (much like Day Night Day NIght) kept me tense and on the edge of my chair the entire movie, solely relying on suspense and atmosphere to keep me there.  

5. Into the Wild- One of those movies that stuck with me long after it was over.  I have yet to read the book, but John Krakuer also wrote Under the Banner of Heaven, which is a really informative depiction of Fundamental Latter Day Saints.  Emile Hirsh is fantastic and Eddie Vedder's score was a pleasure to listen to.  The only issue I had with this movie were its overtly symbolic shots of nature, which were a My Own Private Idaho rip-off if I've ever seen one.  

6. Eagle vs. Shark- This movie is worth seeing regardless of your opinion of Napoleon Dynamite.  While it certainly bears similarities, Lilly and Jarred make Napoleon and Pedro look like George Clooney and Brad Pitt in comparison.  Beautifully indie without being pretentious.  Additionally, I must say this movie quite resembles my awkward love life. 

   

7. Day Night Day Night- Follows the course of a young suicide bomber in NYC over the course of two days.  This movie had me at the edge of my seat, my hands sweaty and heart pounding, without anything "really" happening.  The best acting performance of the year from Luisa Williams.    

8. Black Snake Moan- Samuel L. Jackson chaining a half naked Christina Ricci to a radiator in an attempt to cure her nymphomania makes a great movie.  The fact that it is well-shot and acted are simply an added bonus.