Top Ten Movies of 2007

As the year winds down we take a moment to reflect on all we've seen and experienced over the past year. As we all know, with huge hikes in ticket prices, less people are going to see movies than ever before. It's become harder to please audiences and some might say that feature films just aren't what they used to be. Despite that, there were still some very decent films made this past year, so in the spirit of the Top 10 lists, I will cover what I believe to be the Top 10 movies of 2007.

Ten. The Simpsons Movie.

It really was a year for comedy (you'll find three comedies on my list!) and The Simpsons Movie was a great addition to 2007's comedy line up. With all the movies being made from animated TV shows (South Park and Aqua Teen Hunger Force for example) its really amazing to see that the creators of The Simpsons waited 18 seasons to release their first feature length film. But the wait was totally worth it. The premise for this movie is that Homer contaminates Springfield's water supply so the entire town must move into a bio-dome and the Simpsons are declared fugitives! You can only imagine what ensues! This is a must see for any Simpsons lover and for lovers of comedy in general!

Nine. Sicko.

Written and directed by Michael Moore, this documentary takes a look at America's profitable health care system and compares it to health care systems in other nations. In addition Moore explores the world of HMO's and the nightmares that American's in need of health care face on a daily basis. While this documentary can't really be called entertaining, it makes the list because it is an eye opener. There are serious problems with our health care system and if anyone is going to get to the nitty gritty it's Moore. If you haven't seen this yet, rent it. Trust me.

Eight. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

I don't know about you but I get chills every time I sit in the theater and hear the opening music for the newest Harry Potter flick. While I am disappointed to say that this was not my favorite Potter movie thus far, the film was still excellent and a must see of 2007. The 5^th installment of the Potter series delves even deeper into the connection between Harry and Lord Voldemort. Harry learns of a secret order that is intent on protecting him from the dark lord. As the Ministry of Magic infiltrates Hogwarts, the student's rebel and form a secret army to fight Voldemort. As with any Harry Potter movie, I suggest reading the book first, but for some fly by Potter this will always be a good watch.

Seven. Grindhouse.

In this film, two full length feature horror movies titled Planet Terror and Death Proof, co-written by Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez were put together as a two film feature that include fake movie trailers attractions and advertisements that play in between the two movies. The term grindhouse refers to movie houses from the 1970's that used to run B movies; oftentimes back to back. These movies were mostly exploitation films such as kung fu and horror, and that is exactly what Grindhouse is! If you're looking for plot in this movie, sorry to disappoint but you aren't going to find any. On the other hand, the action is second to none! When released, these movies were released separately so if you go to rent, make sure to get both and have your own double feature!

Six. Knocked Up.

From the writers of 40 Year Old Virgin comes one of the great comedies of 2007. I have to admit that going into this movie I was a bit unsure (I wasn't exactly impressed by the previews played on TV) but I left the theater with a stomach ache from laughing so hard! The premise of this hilarious comedy is that Alison and Ben meet out at a bar one night, have a one night stand and then eight weeks later Alison shows up on Ben's doorstep telling him that she's pregnant. Hilarity ensues! The film travels through the awkwardness of two total strangers making the decision to keep a child all the way up to Alison giving birth (definitely not a scene for the squeamish!) But all in all, while this may not be the most realistic of concepts (yes one night stands are realistic, but rearing a child together??) its honest and realistic nature make it a fantastic movie!

Five. American Gangster.

Denzel a bad guy?? What is this world coming to? But in this movie, that's exactly what he is. Denzel plays Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin living in Manhattan who is smuggling drugs into America from the far east. Based on a true story, it takes place in the 1970's and is about a detective (Russell Crowe) who works to bring Lucas down. With a great background story and perfect historical accuracy, this really is a model gangster film. This is a classic rise and fall film that is fantastic at portraying the crime and violence in Lucas' life. If you are a gangster/crime film fan, this is a must see.

Four. Super Bad.

If you thought Knocked Up was funny, wait till you see Super Bad! The premise for this movie is simple, as all great comedies are, two high school seniors making plans for a beer filled party and the plans go awry. This is hands down one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time! The jokes are very in your face but they have you nodding your head. The acting is very fluid and the plot never slackens. It is a truly great comedy because all audiences can relate to it in one way or another. Got anything to do tonight? Go rent Super Bad!

Three. The Bourne Ultimatum.

The third installment of the Bourne series, this is the conclusion to the thrilling trilogy. With the government still after him, in this film, Bourne works to uncover his past while constantly dodging assassins. This film is superbly written, the acting is top rate and the action is simply phenomenal. Not one slow part throughout the entire movie. The unique film style really makes it feel like you are in there and part of the action. With no romantic angle, this film is perfect for any action junkie! If you haven't seen the Bourne series, I recommend starting with the first two before watching The Ultimatum, but this movie is simply fantastic.

Two. No Country for Old Men.

An absolutely exceptional film, No Country for Old Men delves deeply into the world of morality. I was driving home from work one day and heard a DJ on the radio talking about this movie, I had never heard of it before but after listening to the rave of this DJ, I just had to go see it. A simple premise, a lone hunter is out hunting in Texas and comes across dead bodies, heroine and a sack filled with $2 million in cash. He takes the cash not knowing that a psychopath is after him as well as a weathered sheriff. The depth of the characters in this movie is astounding and it really makes you have a serious moral debate with yourself. Definitely a serious film, but definitely worth seeing.

One. Ratatouille.

This had to be my number one because I always have been, currently am and probably always will be a sucker for animated films! Believe it or not, this is probably Pixar's most non-kid friendly film thus far. While children will enjoy it, the story seems to be geared towards an older audience. The premise is a rat named Remy who comes to Paris from the French countryside to discover that his cooking idol is dead. He forms an alliance with the restaurants newest garbage boy and the adventures start from there! The story, the voiceovers and the score are all excellent in this film. For some lighthearted fun, be sure to rent this film! You wouldn't want to miss it!

And that's my list! Now obviously I haven't seen every single film from 2007 so there very well may be films better than these, but from what I've seen, these are my picks! I hope everyone enjoyed going to the movies in 2007 and I'm looking forward to 2008!