Top 10 Films of 2007

I love this time of year. Not only is it the Holiday Season, but it is also a time for reflection on the past year, and of course, a time for the year's best lists. So, to kick things off, here is my top ten list of 2007's best films. I tried to include a little something for everyone. With that in my mind, you will find comedies, family films, dramas, action movies, animation, blockbusters as well as little known cinema releases.

So without further ado I give you the top 10 movies of 2007:

10 - Blades of Glory

I know this is an odd way to kick off the list, but Blades of Glory was definitely the funniest movie I saw this year. With Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as its stars you knew going in that this was not exactly going to be cinematic magic, but what you did get was an extremely well written spoof. Will Ferrell is at his comedic best and Jon Heder is equally as brilliant playing the sidekick. Released in late March, Blades of Glory grossed close to $120 million in the U.S. and proved ridiculous sophomoric humor, when done well, can be a recipe for success.

9 - 300

I have to be honest in that I was not as enamored with this film as so many others were. If you tossed The Matrix and Braveheart into a blender and hit frappe, what you would get is 300. I had to put this movie on my list however for its pure artistic genius. Based on the Frank Miller graphic novel, 300 is as close to a snuff film you will see come out of Hollywood. With its vibrant colors and stunning violence not to mention a surprisingly good performance from Gerard butler 300 is more of an experience than simply a movie.

8 - Black Snake Moan

Black Snake Moan is probably the best movie released in 2007 that nobody saw. Starring the ultra cool Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci, Black Snake Moan is a dirty, gritty, sexy, and sometimes violent look at redemption. The critics liked this movie, but I believe it was a little too "in your face" for the casual moviegoer. The film barely cleared $9 million, but director and writer Craig Brewer has nothing to be ashamed about as this is as memorable film as there was in 2007.

7 - The Simpsons Movie

The long awaited movie based on The Simpsons television series was well worth the wait. This film was basically a longer version of the television show, but it provided enough laughs while maintaining its charm to appease even the most hardcore fans. The movie added yet another successful chapter for The Simpsons franchise.

6 - Ratatouille

The most recent endeavor from the animation juggernaut that is PIXAR Studios, Ratatouille is easily the best family film of the year. PIXAR shows once again why they are masters of the animated film. With such classics as Toy Story and Cars already under their respective belt, you expect nothing short of brilliance, and this is exactly what you get with the charming and very likeable film Ratatouille.

5 - Transformers

Easily the most fun I had at the movies this year was seeing this movie. Director Michael Bay took an 80's toy fad and cult classic cartoon and turned it into an action packed special effect filled blockbuster. Starring Hollywood "it" guy, Shia LeBeouf, Transformers was pure entertainment. I did not have high expectations going in to seeing this film, but I was happily proven wrong. Transformers was a thrill ride from start to finish.

4 - The Brave One

This was another film that was not a huge hit, but is well worth the time investment to watch. With a cast featuring Hollywood heavyweight Jodie Foster and the extremely talented Terence Howard The Brave One is a suspenseful tale of reclaiming one's life. It does not have the most original plotline, but the story does suck you in and is handled very well by director Neil Jordan. The Brave One is what it is which is in my opinion the best thriller released this year.

3 - American Gangster

In any other year, this would probably garner the number slot as best film. American Gangster is the true story of infamous Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas played magnificently by Denzel Washington who is probably the greatest American actor in the business today. The film also stars Russell Crowe as the Detective trying to put Lucas away. What is nice about this movie is that though it deals with violent subject matter it does not get lost in gratuitous shoot outs filled with blood and gore, but instead focuses on the story. The interplay between Washington and Crowe is fantastic. You get exactly what you think you should from two Oscar winners. I would not be surprised if Washington picked up another nomination this year and would be even less surprised to see American Gangster get an Oscar nod for best film. This is the best gangster film since Road to Perdition. It was an absolute pleasure watching two masters of their craft in Washington and Crowe do what they do best.

2 - No Country for Old Men

This is another triumph for the Coen brothers. Based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize winner Cormac McCarthy No Country for Old Men is an extremely violent and bloody movie and makes no excuses for it. At the core of this film is the absolutely brilliant writing from Ethan and Joel Coen. This movie will no doubt dominate the Oscar nominations, and will almost assuredly walk home with more than one of the golden statues. With Tommy Lee Jones, a career best performance from Josh Brolin and rising star Javier Bardem No Country for Old Men is a can't miss film. The sheer violence will turn some off, but if you can see past that and into the pure genius behind the film, then this movie is about as good as it gets.

1 - I Am Legend

This may be a surprise number one pick for some, but it was an easy choice for me. Based on the highly acclaimed novel by Richard Matheson I Am Legend is a fantastic film. The screen play, written by Akiva Goldsman and Mark Protosevich, is flawless. Will Smith is at his absolute best as Robert Neville the last human survivor of a man-made plague. This film has it all. It is a brilliant mix of action, horror, and science fiction that will leave not just hopeful fans of the novel, but all fans speechless. It is films like I Am Legend that is definitely what is right about the film industry.