The Best Films of 20070

So, here’s my picks for what the best films of 2007 (movies released in Swedish cinemas in 2007 – they may have been produced in 2006, or earlier). I’m pretty sure some of you will disagree with me, but hopefully you’ll get to know about a few films you might have missed or skipped watching. I’ll start with number 10, and then going downwards to end with what according to me is the best film of 2007. Numbers 1-10 will have a short review attached to them and a few reasons why I think it’s worthy of the place it got. First off though, I’ve attached ten more films that didn’t make the list, but are great films despite that!

#11-#20 (in no particular order):
Eastern Promises
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Alpha Dog
Superbad
The Bourne
American Gangster
The Simpsons Movie
The Prestige
Dead Silence
Smokin’ Aces

So with those out of the way, here comes what I think is the ten best films of 2007!

#10 300
With excellent cinematography and an extremely innovative use of visual effects, this film had me through the entire thing. The film contained some of the most spectacular action film ideas I’ve seen so far, including the now well-known “horizontal dolly camera speed-up/slow-down” effect.

#9 Saw IV
The best sequel in the franchise so far, this horror film had probably the best sound design and sound effects of the year. This and the fact that it’s an interesting story that brings more humanity to the main villain, Jigsaw, makes it well deserving of it’s ninth place. It should be interesting to see how the inevitable next film is, considering director Darren Lynn Bousmann has abandoned the franchise after this fourth installment.

#8 Transformers
By far the best pure intense action movie of the year, Transformers has probably the most realistic visual effects I’ve seen all year. I’ve recently seen the film on HD DVD, and it was absolutely stunning. If you’re a fan of no-holds-barred action films, I recommend you watch the last quarter of the film, which is just an absolute spectacle of one amazing action moment after another.

#7 Death Proof
With as snappy dialouge as ever, Quentin Tarantino’s latest film surely doesn’t dissapoint with both some incredible set design and characters. It all comes together in a great package that really needs to be enjoyed in cinemas to be truly appreciated. It’s probably not his best work so far, but that doesn’t say much considering pretty much every single of his films are extremely good. A definitive must-see for everyone, if it wasn’t for the extreme violence in one particular scene.

#6 The Bourne Ultimatum
A great conclusion to an amazing trilogy, the last installment in the story of the fate of Jason Bourne was easily the best so far with some great acting and some really intense and well-choreographed fight sequences. Also features some stunts from friend Adam Kirley, which makes the whole thing even more awesome! Particulary memorable is the Waterloo station sequence, can’t wait to see that in high-def again!

#5 Blood Diamond
I was a bit hesitant towards the choice of making Leonardo diCaprio a Rhodesian mercenary going into this film. Obviously, he had proved his quality as an actor in “The Departed” which was released late 2006, but I still had some doubt. But was I proven wrong! This is the probably the best written film of the year with an engaging story that keeps you nailed to your seat!

#4 Sunshine
Probably the best looking film and the best cinematography I’ve seen in a film ever, this was incredibly amazing to see in theatres. I love the way colours are used, and I seriously can’t find anything wrong with this science-fiction epic signed Danny Boyle. Great acting by actors from all around the world round out an already stunning piece of film history.

#3 28 Weeks Later
A surprisingly great film, with some amazing scenes and cinematography despite the low-ranking sequel and low-budget-stamp often put on these types of films. I expected it to be an absolute fiest in extreme cheesyness, but it turned out to be one of the most gripping stories I’ve seen on the silver screen all year.

#2 Planet Terror
With references to old films, “Planet Terror” is by far Rodriguez’s best work so far. A film that absolutely shines with it’s love to the medium, it takes you on an extremely fun and enjoyable ride. I’ve seen it multiple times already, and it’s probably one of the most inspiring films I’ve ever seen. Every time I see it I want to go out and make movies, or just sit down and re-edit some scenes from an older film, just for fun. And that’s what the film is, just pure, unalterated fun!

#1 Hot Fuzz
But what throned over all of the other films this year is by far the comedic masterpiece that is Edgar Wright’s violent british police action-comedy. With some amazing actors, including Timothy Dalton (James Bond in “The Living Daylights” and “License to kill”) who probably gives the performance of his life as the mysterious shopkeeper who is a true “slasher”. Of prices. Featuring some amazing editing and also music by the master, Robert Rodriguez himself, it all sums up to be an extremely good film for both young and old (just make sure to cover your eyes during the killing sequences if you’re a bit sensitive). The most entertaining film of the year, it leaves you with a pretty big feeling of wonder. A wonder why every film can’t be as good as this?