Top 10 movies for 2007

by DEAN SCHULZE

1. Stranger Than Fiction - Usually the name Will Ferrell would turn me away from a film but a pairing with Emma Thompson sounded interesting. And that it was. Quirky, offbeat and compelling. I was very impressed.

2. Last King of Scotland - Not sure if this is '06 or '07 but I saw it in '07 so that's all that matters. Forrest Whittaker was brilliant and well worthy of all the accolades.

3. Bobby - Rivetting. Portrayed the Kennedy/Camelot mystique well. Great acting and well presented.

4. Death at a Funeral - Probably quite run-of-the-mill British fare but had me doubled over with laughter. Been ages since they've done one this good.

5. Once - Great character piece. Pretty much a two-hander handled brilliantly by both actors.

6. Breach - Really wanted to put this higher as I liked it a lot. Chris Cooper is an actor I just want to see more of. Never disappoints.

7. The Ex - I like Zach Braff. There, I've said it. He now needs to challenge himself with roles vastly different to what he has played to date but I hope he does it. The added advantage to this film was that I again got to gaze upon the beautiful Amanda Peet whose smile just blows me away.

8. The Science of Sleep - Strange little French film that incorporated dream sequences and animation into real life. Really enjoyed it.

9. Mr. Brooks - Like Will Ferrell, Kevin Costner is an actor to avoid. Fortunately my wife talked me into seeing this and I am glad she did. Costner as a cold-hearted killer doesn't sit right but he pulled it off with aplomb. However, he was overshadowed by John Hurt as the imaginary (or was he?) evil side of Costner's character who urged him on to kill more.

10. Knocked Up - I love it when you expect nothing from a film and it turns up trumps. Both the leads gave nicely measured, touching performances and that Heigl girl is a stunner. Lots of laughs but interspersed with some deeper moments.

8 January 2008

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