JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonJohn Doe’s Top Films of 2007
January 16th 2008 00:04
JD's Favourite Films of the year 2007
Well it’s that time of year again where the JDM staff get together (Multiple personality disorder has its benefits) and discuss the films of the year. Those cinema experiences that left us stunned, amazed, laughing, crying or pondering the deeper meaning of life through celluloid.
As usual Johnny didn’t get to see as many films as he would have liked. Readers may have noticed in the last 3 months outside forces have drawn him away from the site like an Imperial Death Star’s Tractor beam. Taking it’s toll even quantity of cinema viewing has depreciated to heartbreaking rations.
Fortunately press screenings have blessed us with some juicy material and partially quench the ravenous voyeur desires. Enough preamble and exposition lets get on with the show.
So here are the top films that impressed John Doe on a subjective level and were deemed worthy of recommendation by inclusion on the list.
**Compiled using this month’s Filmink Magazine featuring the complete list of 2007 releases as a guide.**
1. David Fincher’s Zodiac – Read John Doe’s review and see the trailer HERE
2. Coen Brothers No Country for Old Men – Read John Doe’s Review and see the trailer HERE
3. Bridge to Terabithia – Read John Doe’s FilmInk review and see the trailer HERE
4. Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto – Read John Doe’s review and see the Trailer HERE
5. Guillermo Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth
Between this and Bridge to Terabithia, real world fantasies reinvigorated the emotional power of the genre this year.
6. David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises
The exploratory Director drifts dangerously close to mainstream accessibility while still retaining substance and intellect.
7. Sean Penn’s Into the Wild
The picturesque and deadly Alaskan wilderness is confronted in this rite of passage study of one man’s attempt to find inner peace. Based on a true story and stunningly shot.
8. Michel Gondry’s The Science of Sleep
Quirky romance and imaginative comedy served up in a soufflé of delightful performances and colourful moving pictures.
9. David Lynch’s Inland Empire
The master surrealists journeys beyond Mullholland Drive, into his own subconscious it seems to burrow beneath the movie industry art of illusion.
10.Zack Synder’s 300 – Read JD’s review and see the trailer HERE
Audacious execution launches weapons of thunderous sound and vision that thrust the viewer into the centre of raw bloody carnage and refuses to yield the experience.
Marc Forster's Stranger Than Fiction - Read Johnny review and see the trailer HERE
Joe Carahan’s Smokin Aces – Read JD’s review and see the trailer HERE
Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof – JDM review and see the trailer HERE
Shoot Em Up – Read JD review and see the trailer HERE
Scott Frank’s The Lookout – Read JDM Review and see the trailer HERE
Danny Boyle’s Sunshine
Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain
This Is England
Steven Soderberg’s The Good German
Terry Gilliam’s Tideland
Emilio Estevez’s Bobby
Andrew Dominik’s Assasination of Jesse James
Clint Eastwood’s Letters From Iwo Jima
Marc Forster’s The Kite Runner
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck The Lives of Others
Edgar Wright Hot Fuzz
Ryan Murphy’s Running with Scissors
Craig Brewer Black Snake Moan
Joon-ho Bong The Host
Little Children
28 Weeks Later
Documentaries
A Crude Awakening
Deliver Us From Evil
Cocaine Cowboys
Zoo
Death of a President
Worst Films That JD saw in 2007:
Disturbia
Dreamgirls
Fantastic 4 2
Spiderman 3
Pirates of the Caribbean 3
Shrek 3
Resident Evil 3
Number 23
The Year in Cinemas
Well it’s that time of year again where the JDM staff get together (Multiple personality disorder has its benefits) and discuss the films of the year. Those cinema experiences that left us stunned, amazed, laughing, crying or pondering the deeper meaning of life through celluloid.
As usual Johnny didn’t get to see as many films as he would have liked. Readers may have noticed in the last 3 months outside forces have drawn him away from the site like an Imperial Death Star’s Tractor beam. Taking it’s toll even quantity of cinema viewing has depreciated to heartbreaking rations.
Fortunately press screenings have blessed us with some juicy material and partially quench the ravenous voyeur desires. Enough preamble and exposition lets get on with the show.
So here are the top films that impressed John Doe on a subjective level and were deemed worthy of recommendation by inclusion on the list.
**Compiled using this month’s Filmink Magazine featuring the complete list of 2007 releases as a guide.**
John Doe's Top 10
1. David Fincher’s Zodiac – Read John Doe’s review and see the trailer HERE
Zodiac - Atmosphere that bleeds reality
2. Coen Brothers No Country for Old Men – Read John Doe’s Review and see the trailer HERE
A calm study of suspensful violence.
3. Bridge to Terabithia – Read John Doe’s FilmInk review and see the trailer HERE
A fantasy drama existing in the real adult world.
4. Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto – Read John Doe’s review and see the Trailer HERE
The decline of an ancient empire echoes into modern culture.
5. Guillermo Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth
Between this and Bridge to Terabithia, real world fantasies reinvigorated the emotional power of the genre this year.
A little girl escapes the horrors of WWII hiding in imagination.
6. David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises
The exploratory Director drifts dangerously close to mainstream accessibility while still retaining substance and intellect.
A crisis of conscience in a violent world.
7. Sean Penn’s Into the Wild
The picturesque and deadly Alaskan wilderness is confronted in this rite of passage study of one man’s attempt to find inner peace. Based on a true story and stunningly shot.
Confronting the trials of the wilderness to ignore modern social machinations
8. Michel Gondry’s The Science of Sleep
Quirky romance and imaginative comedy served up in a soufflé of delightful performances and colourful moving pictures.
A surreal experience that awakens a mindful truth.
9. David Lynch’s Inland Empire
The master surrealists journeys beyond Mullholland Drive, into his own subconscious it seems to burrow beneath the movie industry art of illusion.
Who, what, where, how and why, another Lynchian mystery that ignites existential pondering.
10.Zack Synder’s 300 – Read JD’s review and see the trailer HERE
Audacious execution launches weapons of thunderous sound and vision that thrust the viewer into the centre of raw bloody carnage and refuses to yield the experience.
Visual artistry rams a universal truth about the warrior myth versus the painful psychology of brutal combat.
The Runners Up: (In No Order)
Christopher Guest’s For Your Consideration – Read Johnny D’s review and see the trailer HEREMarc Forster's Stranger Than Fiction - Read Johnny review and see the trailer HERE
Joe Carahan’s Smokin Aces – Read JD’s review and see the trailer HERE
Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof – JDM review and see the trailer HERE
Shoot Em Up – Read JD review and see the trailer HERE
Scott Frank’s The Lookout – Read JDM Review and see the trailer HERE
Danny Boyle’s Sunshine
Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain
This Is England
Steven Soderberg’s The Good German
Terry Gilliam’s Tideland
Emilio Estevez’s Bobby
Andrew Dominik’s Assasination of Jesse James
Clint Eastwood’s Letters From Iwo Jima
Marc Forster’s The Kite Runner
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck The Lives of Others
Edgar Wright Hot Fuzz
Ryan Murphy’s Running with Scissors
Craig Brewer Black Snake Moan
Joon-ho Bong The Host
Little Children
28 Weeks Later
Documentaries
A Crude Awakening
Deliver Us From Evil
Cocaine Cowboys
Zoo
Death of a President
Worst Films That JD saw in 2007:
Disturbia
Dreamgirls
Fantastic 4 2
Spiderman 3
Pirates of the Caribbean 3
Shrek 3
Resident Evil 3
Number 23
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Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
I think I've had a great film year...haven't seen all the movies on your top 10 list, though!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
There is probably a very good reason why numbers (sequels) indicate a lack of quality
You did have a great year, many films you saw that I still need to catch....shame I missed the Japanese Film festival
So what is your favourite film of the year?
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
High School Musical 2 didn't make your Top 10 Best Of list
Been promising myself I'd view Apocalypto - guess now's as good a time as any.
Nice selection bud.
MNG
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Wayne F
Bucket Movies
I'm seen a bunch of the movies you've listed in the worst pick and I totally agree with you. I hear Disturbia was a good movie so I guess everyone has their opinions hehe.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I couldn't agree more with your 'worst' list! I saw The Number 23 last week and it was pitiful. Nearly all the rest are sequels which says something, or maybe, reiterates.
Michaelie
Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Best guy movie: No Country For Old Men
Best comedy: Hot Fuzz
Best emotional drama: two - After the Wedding and Bizan, which wasn't released here, but played at the Japanese Festival
Best Doco: Manufactured Landscapes
Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by Nina
TV Babble
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
1. No Country for Old Men
2. The Dead Girl
3. Control
4. Rogue
5. Inland Empire
Strong contenders:
Noise, 30 Days of Night, Eastern Promises, Little Children, Stranger Than Fiction, Red Road, Bobby, Deja Vu, 28 Weeks Later, Death of a President, Zodiac, Hostel: Part II, Death Proof
There were several I didn't get to see that I know would be contenders ie Into the Wild, Letter from Iwo Jima, Day Watch, Eagle vs. Shark, Superbad, The Assassination of Jesse James ...
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Good list..and I agree...have seen most of them..except 'In The Wild'. Found the premise indulgent.
Loved 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 10.
Just saw 'Shoot Em Up'...oh my GOD! Insane. And I thought carrots for supposed to be good for eyesight...!
Dusk
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Not as gory as I expected but very tense.
I did not enjoy 300 but I have already said that once.
Cool selection.
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
I changed my list. I'll put "Lust, Caution" on there... it just came out last night at the Palace cinemas.
My review of "Lust, Caution"
Jd, all the things we praised in No Country for Old Men - the stunning cinematography, the brilliant cast, the sense of tension and dread maintained through the film... those same compliments I would pay here.
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
I am with you all the way with Bridge to Terabithia, it was my best film of 2007, well along with The Golden Compass.
I have been looking out for Into the Wild and will add The Science of Sleep, (thanks)...the violent ones leave me cold.
Was also disspointed with Spiderman 3, Shrek 3 and Fantastic 4 2.. but not Pirates, I thought the conclusion went where it had to go(?) *scratching head* been trying to think of how else I could have ended it, and I think (considering) ...it wasn't too bad ... but then I love the wild abandon of the whole swashbuckling thing and am so grateful to Disney for bringing it back to the imaginations of children of today, albeit through ridiculously complex plots.
I think the problem with numbered films is that we build up an expectation, which usually results in dissapointment... it's like that for me, following favourite actors too. I find that I try not to expect anything, but usually do.
Lilla ...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
High School Musical 2 didn't make your Top 10 Best Of list
Been promising myself I'd view Apocalypto - guess now's as good a time as any.
Nice selection bud.
MNG
Hi MNG
I didn't even see High School Music 1. Sometimes you just know it isn't for you. (I have the luxury of no teens)
Apocalypto is a handful but if you let yourself get takenb into it the rewards are great.
As always, good to see you. Hope the new year is treating you well.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I'm seen a bunch of the movies you've listed in the worst pick and I totally agree with you. I hear Disturbia was a good movie so I guess everyone has their opinions hehe.
Hi Wayne F,
Bridge to Terabithia is not what the trailer promises, nor what you expect from the genre..the emotional content may have been to much for some.
Disturbia just contradicted itself one to many times and insulted the intelligence. Plus if you've seen Hitchcock's Rear Window then you already know the plot points and ending. I am a fan of Shia though.
Cool to see you by. I've been reading your stuff and getting a laugh. keep it up.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I couldn't agree more with your 'worst' list! I saw The Number 23 last week and it was pitiful. Nearly all the rest are sequels which says something, or maybe, reiterates.
Michaelie
Hi Michaelie,
Not getting to see all the films you want is hard isn't it?
I know your pain and just hope we havemore success in 2008.
As for 300, Its a purely visual testosterone experience, though my girl dug it I can understand why you would avoid it.
Number 23 annoyed because it ahd potential and took the easy way at every junction. Just dull in the end and it tried so hard.
Sequels, what are we gunna do, huh?
Hope the new year is treating you and yours well.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Luke,
I admit For Your Consideration was no Waiting For Guffman I did think it beat most other lighter comedies of the year.
Zodiac, I was just totally immersed in its dense atmosphere of authentic melancholy. At the same time dazzled by technical expertise that laced every frame.
Glad to see you back with us, always great to read your thoughts
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Best guy movie: No Country For Old Men
Best comedy: Hot Fuzz
Best emotional drama: two - After the Wedding and Bizan, which wasn't released here, but played at the Japanese Festival
Best Doco: Manufactured Landscapes
Hi Cib,
Totally love your list though i still ahven't seen Manufactured Landscapes and the two from the festival.
Thanks for the high recommendations now I'm even more eager to see them.
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Nina,
Hot Fuzz was amusing for sure. Not quite as good as Spaced or Shaun of the Dead but still a real good time.
Should be interesting to see what Pegg does in the role of Scotty in the new Star Trek movie.
Happy belated new year
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Horrorphile
Right ... here we go ....
1. No Country for Old Men
2. The Dead Girl
3. Control
4. Rogue
5. Inland Empire
Strong contenders:
Noise, 30 Days of Night, Eastern Promises, Little Children, Stranger Than Fiction, Red Road, Bobby, Deja Vu, 28 Weeks Later, Death of a President, Zodiac, Hostel: Part II, Death Proof
There were several I didn't get to see that I know would be contenders ie Into the Wild, Letter from Iwo Jima, Day Watch, Eagle vs. Shark, Superbad, The Assassination of Jesse James ...
Hi Bryn,
Thanks for the list, I still haven't seen Control, Dead Girl and Rogue but all are on my must see list.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Good list..and I agree...have seen most of them..except 'In The Wild'. Found the premise indulgent.
Loved 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 10.
Just saw 'Shoot Em Up'...oh my GOD! Insane. And I thought carrots for supposed to be good for eyesight...!
Dusk
Hi Dusk,
"What's up Doc?"
Shoot em up is a real good time for sure, bat shit crazy action....gotta take it all with a mouthful of salt and then soak in the carnage. Don't know why it didn't get a cinema release, it is dumb fun, but real good at what it does. Did you read my review for it?
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Not as gory as I expected but very tense.
I did not enjoy 300 but I have already said that once.
Cool selection.
Hi Damo,
Apocalypto surprised me with its momentum and beauty, though like you found it no where near as violent as the press had reported.
300 is what it is and does a great job of using the latest technology to tell it's mythic tale.
Thanks for the nod
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Hey Lara M,
Were there any films you saw this year that stood out?
Always great to see you, hope 2008 is showing kindness to you.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I am with you all the way with Bridge to Terabithia, it was my best film of 2007, well along with The Golden Compass.
I have been looking out for Into the Wild and will add The Science of Sleep, (thanks)...the violent ones leave me cold.
Was also disspointed with Spiderman 3, Shrek 3 and Fantastic 4 2.. but not Pirates, I thought the conclusion went where it had to go(?) *scratching head* been trying to think of how else I could have ended it, and I think (considering) ...it wasn't too bad ... but then I love the wild abandon of the whole swashbuckling thing and am so grateful to Disney for bringing it back to the imaginations of children of today, albeit through ridiculously complex plots.
I think the problem with numbered films is that we build up an expectation, which usually results in dissapointment... it's like that for me, following favourite actors too. I find that I try not to expect anything, but usually do.
Lilla ...
Hi Lilla,
Bridge to Terabithia really was something unique wasn't it?
I thought Golden Compass looked a little to generic for my palette,(the books were great) but intened to give it a test on DVD.
I'm a huge of the swashbuckling genre but the POTC franchise left me cold. Flat action, silly conceits and ridiculous plot holes that I couldn't ignore no matter how much I wanted to like them. Give me Captain Blood or The Crimson Pirate anyday.
Totally with you on the numbers theory.
Great to see you by and happy new year to you and yours.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Hi James,
Zodiac is an experience not for everyone. It's All The Presidents Men type reality and exceptional cast performances had me rivetted, but some complained that it was too long and slow. Personally i could have continued teh investigation.
Look forward to reading your verdict once you see it.
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
For Your Consideration has a lot of inside humor about the acting biz, which might be too esoteric for some. I loved it (but This Is Spinal Tap will always be #1 with me)...
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I know, its been awhile since I visited. You can slap me ok? Its alright, I like it.
You know, the only one of those I have seen is 300? It is SUCH a boys flick, but I liked it. Ridiculously frustrating ending, when youve seen how they fight and he announces the army - " They outnumber us a measely 3 to one!" Was it 3? Coulda been more. Bloody cool anyhow, as well as that scene where they meet the rest of the greek 'army'.
BTW, finished battlestar 3. I now understand your frustration that its all going to end in one more season! I mean, I appreciate the need for a biginning, a middle and an end....But theyre so good!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
All good, I haven't been around much myself.
300 was certainly a great combat film. Were there any films that you did see and rank this year?
So now you know the "All along the Watchtower" secret to Battlestar....pretty heavy cliff hanger...Have you seen the Battlestar movie "Razor" yet...I am still to see it but have heard good things.
Great to see you by and Happy belated New year.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Only films I saw were 'Transformers' which was ok, I loved Spiderman 3....Just cos I like it when good guys go bad...Hmm. I meant to see 'noise' 'disturbia' and 'stardust' but never got around to it. Theyre on the to do list.
Comment by Emma
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I have printed this post out so that I can add it to my "must see" list!
Great post
Mis
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Emma,
I can see where your coming form with Inland Empire. For me it almost seemed like an examination of Lynch's own cinema universe. Indulgent yes, but also very staisfying to experience for me.
Mullhlland drive was a fine effort too...I think Lost Highway, Eraserhead, Elephant Man, Blue Velvet and Mullholland Drive would be my top 5 Lynch works...all warrant merit though. (even Dune)
Thanks for dropping in.
Comment by Natalie 2
Beta Girl Blog
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Glad you liked it. Sunshine ranks as one of the best sci fi's of the last 2 decades.
2008 does have potential for sure, though I'm not an M Night Shmylan fan, I do love Unbreakable!
A few I'm looking forward too:
David Mamet's RedBelt
Brian De Palma's RedActed
Alex Proyas' Knowing
David Fincher's The Curious case of Benjamin Buttons
Richard Kelly's The Box
Gus Van Sant's Milk
Gregor Jordan's The Informers
Clark Gregg's Choke
Steven Soderbergh's Guerilla
Kimberley Pierce's Stop Loss
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Looks like I'm very late for this post, but I'll add my 2c' worth anyway...
Loved Zodiac and Eastern Promises (are you going to do a review of this one?), enjoyed Into the Wild and still haven't seen The Science of Sleep or Inland Empire (though I now have the DVD, so any day now).
I would add Michael Clayton to the list. The Kite Runner was interesting, a runner up for me also.
I chose not to see No Country for Old Men as I wasn't in the mood for violence at the time... my tolerance of it is seasonal at best.
Great list, JD!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I hadn't seen Michael Clayton at the time of writing the list but you can read my review HERE if your interested.
I have been meaning to reviewEastern Promises for months now, but keep getting distracted or feeling I cant do it justice because of limited time. (Thats why their has been an increase in fluff around here)
No Country is an astonishing work that is far from just about violence, I know you will be in awe of the script.you can read my review HERE if you like.
Always great to see you and thanks for the visit.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc