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1. Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead: Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke
are simply magnificent as brothers so desperate for money they concoct a plan to rob
their parents’ jewelry store. The year’s most unusual movie will shock, surprise, thrill and
amaze you.
2. Love in the Time of Cholera: Javier Bardem is the gentle lothario who pursues the woman
of his dreams over the course of 50-plus years. If you are a lover of sweeping romantic tales,
do not miss this one.
3. Once: This little film proves you don’t need a big budget to have a big impact. The
relationship that gradually builds between the two main characters is completely enthralling,
intertwined with their captivating music.
4. There Will Be Blood: I know Jeanne vehemently disagrees, but Daniel Day-Lewis is both
inspiring and frightening in his portrayal of an ultra-ambitious oilman in California around the
turn of the century. Another Oscar for Day-Lewis may be in the making.
5. Black Book: A wildly exciting, exhilarating roller coaster ride of intrigue, betrayal and
survival. Spearheaded by an Oscar-caliber performance from Dutch actress Carice van
Houten, this is a sumptuously photographed, seamlessly edited and fast-paced thriller with
high-octane performances from the entire cast.
6. Lady Chatterley: Normally, I have little patience for a film of this length with long, slow shots
of the countryside and everything else within the camera’s lens. But as the story inexorably
builds to a stunning climax, we can forgive the director’s deliberate hand, and enjoy quite an
exquisite movie.
7. 300: Gorgeously crafted and superbly photographed, this movie is one of the most exciting
in recent memory. If you just want to be entertained, “300” is your number.
8. Gone Baby Gone: Ben Affleck’s directing debut features a strong performance from baby
brother, Casey, to go along with an engaging story that keeps audiences guessing.
9. In the Valley of Elah: Paul Haggis has an extraordinary knack for choosing themes which
are controversial and relevant, and then getting his actors to maximize their skills. Tommy
Lee Jones and Charlize Theron are superb.
10. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford: As fine an acting job as
Brad Pitt gives, it is Casey Affleck, in another amazing portrayal, who steals the show.
This is a slow, often-plodding film that somehow keeps us on the edge of our seats.
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TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2007
2007 was a banner year for films, so selecting our TOP 10 lists was no easy chore:
