The box-office may not be at what it used to be, but 2007 did show some improvement due to the high-profile sequels released before the summer. Unfortunately, those disappointed in terms of quality, so we’re going to break down some of the best and worst of 2007.
Best
No Country for Old Men
Joel and Ethan Coen have made some terrific films (“The Big Lebowski,” “Fargo”), but “No Country” is their best in a while. The scoreless western is incredibly gripping and has its suspense and comedy well placed. Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones turn in great performances, but it is the shotgun-toting Bardem that steals the show. Already having earned Golden Globe nods, it will certainly be a force to be reckoned with come Oscar-time.
There Will Be Blood
What are some possible ingredients for a modern-day classic? Could it be Paul Thomas Anderson, Daniel Day-Lewis and a hauntingly intense story mixed with an eerie score by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood? Yes, those very well could be. The first 20 minutes of the film are entirely speechless (literally), but any film that can do that and still keep you heavily interested is damn good in any book. And Day-Lewis’ performance shows that his villainous roles are his best. This is something anyone should see.
Sweeney Todd and Hairspray
“Hairspray” may not be as powerful as “Sweeney,” but both saved the musical from being a dying breed. Tim Burton did an amazing job with “Sweeney,” especially considering his lack of experience with musicals. “Hairspray” was simply a feel-good hit that was loads of fun.
Ratatouille and The Simpsons Movie
“Ratatouille” is one of the best-reviewed films of the year, and for good reason: Brad Bird can make a good film. “The Simpsons Movie” didn’t have the same impact, but it showed that the Simpsons still got it (the old writers hopping on board helped a lot). Hank Scorpio for the sequel Maggie asked for, please?
Who’s Your Caddy?
A terrible movie showing stale, bottom of the barrel jokes that try to show how rap stars are different than rich, white people is the basic premise. Kill us now. There is clearly a target audience for this, but even the audience knows what a pile of you-know-what this is.
Norbit
Remember when Eddie Murphy was funny, as in being really funny? Remember how that was over 13 years ago? Perhaps that is why Charlie Murphy is getting more work: he’s funny.
I Know Who Killed Me
Maybe THIS is why Lindsay Lohan is a raging booze hound. She’s come a long, long way from “Mean Girls.”
Daddy Day Camp
Maybe they should take away Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s Oscar because of this one. The studio must have a lot of money to spend if they deemed this sequel necessary. Let’s hope that when the kids who see this movie grow up, they’ll look back in disgust.
Delta Farce and Epic Movie
Guess what writers got forced into an early “strike!” Either that, or they were taken out back and shot, Old Yeller style.
Obviously, there is plenty else we could have chosen, but these films have had the biggest impact. “Atonement” is a great film and is showing its strength in the awards category, but “No Country” and “Blood” are being considered modern day classics. And there were plenty of other terrible films we could have dumped into the bottom of the barrel, but these are the “best” of the worst, so to speak. Here’s to hoping 2008 can boost the box office even more.
