Top 10 of 2007

I love lists. I always look forward to making my end of the year top ten lists. This year, like most years, has been difficult when narrowing down my choices. So many good films and television shows, so few slots. My biggest regret is leaving Children of Men off the list. It technically came out in 2006. I didn't watch it until 2007 but if I went by that reasoning, any 1990s video I watched would be eligible. So unfortuntely Children of Men is absent (it would have scored pretty high on the list, incidently). I added a new list this year, hope you like 'em. And if you don't, feel free to argue.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2007
I don't want to repeat myself. Just click on the links for the full reviews.




1. Juno
"I’ll just say it has everything: a great story that knows when to wrap up, wonderful quirky characters who aren’t quirky for quirky sake, clever lines that are filled with creative slang and punchy sarcasm, dramatic moments that still move me think about them, an original soundtrack with music that your head unconsciously bops to, beautifully cinematic close-ups of hands, feet and stomachs, and a conclusion that makes you happy to be alive."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/12/juno.html

2. No Country For Old Men
"No Country for Old Men has everything going for it: acting, script, cinematography, lighting and even sound design. This is a must see movie, assuming you can stand some brutally violent scenes. I’m thinking that No Country for Old Men is the current benchmark for how a suspense film should be done. This is a movie that will definitely stick with you long after the silent credits roll."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/11/no-country-for-old-men.html

3. 300
"Some critics say they could have simply watched the trailer, but then they’d miss out on some great scenes like the one involving philosophy while eating an apple. If you think this movie will be like Brad Pitt’s clunker, Troy, you are greatly mistaken. In my opinion, 300 is a mixture of Sin City’s graphic images, Gladiator’s wheat scenes, and Lord of the Rings epic battle sequences. And a mixture of those three films is not too shabby."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/03/movie-onslaught-part-iv.html

4. The Darjeeling Limited
"The Darjeeling Limited uses metaphor, quirks, clever one-liners and fascinating characters to tell his story. I do find it interesting how most of his stories deal with rich individuals who have a hard time expressing themselves. While the spiritual journey begins on the train, it doesn’t truly get started until long afterwards. Even when you think they have learned all there is to know, Anderson takes you even further."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/11/darjeeling-limited.html

5. Across the Universe
"Of course, the main reason to see Across the Universe is the beautiful cinematography created by the brilliant Julie Taymor (Lion King Musical, Titus). Mixing psychedelic, symbolic, fantastic and epic images together, Taymor interprets the Beatles tunes in a fresh way. Lighter songs are mixed with darker images and vice versa, while some songs just seem to fit; “With a Little Help From My Friends” is done is a dorm room filled with guys being guys. It works for me. "
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/09/across-universe.html

6. American Gangster
"Of course, the reason to watch American Gangster is to see the powerhouse performances of two Hollywood heavyweights. While they both are captivating whenever they are on the screen, I think Denzel comes out as the winner. Maybe it’s because Washington’s portrayal of real-life Harlem druglord, Frank Lucas, is so finely tuned. Washington commands the screen every time he is on it. There’s a level of strength, confidence and preciseness that is almost mesmerizing. "
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/11/american-gangster.html

7. Charlie Wilson's War
"I didn’t need to view any footage to make me eager to see it, I only had to look at the three names attached: Hanks, Roberts, Sorkin. Add in Philip Seymour Hoffman and the fine directing of Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Closer) and you’ve got the makings of a can’t-lose picture. Of course, the subject matter has to do with war in Afghanistan but who cares when these phenomenal artists are involved."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/12/charlie-wilsons-war.html

8. Knocked Up
"You can thank writer/director/producer Judd Apatow for giving this movie a strong base. It’s kinda like Apatow bakes the cake and the actors add all the frosting and sprinkles on it to make it even more delectable. I’ve been watching Apatow’s earlier TV work on The Larry Sanders Show and have found that this writer/director knows how to perfectly mix the crass, the realistic and the heart."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/07/knocked-up.html

9. 1408
"'It’s an evil fucking room'. And that it is. The room has a mind of its own as it gives Cusack’s Mike Enslin one hour to live. Now in case you’re wondering, this movie isn’t torture porn like Saw and Hostel; it isn’t gory and there is only a little blood. What this film does have is suspense and disturbing images. It’s a psychological thriller. I would say it’s like The Shining with a much faster pulse."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/07/1408.html

10. Live Free or Die Hard
"When you go into a Die Hard film you need to expect the following: taunting comments from Willis’ John McClane, stunts that are way beyond the realm of possibility, and a “yippee-ki-yay motherfucker.” Check. Check. And Check (even though it’s muffled due to its first PG rating). Live Free or Die Hard has all that you should expect in a summer big-budget action flick. I walked out of the theatre entertained and a little deaf from the sound. Good times."
http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2007/07/live-free-or-die-hard.html

TOP 10 FILM SCENES OF 2007
This is a new list. While some films are just great all around, there are some scenes in both great and average movies that still stick with you long after the film is done. Here are my favourites of the year.

1. Ratatouille - Anton Ego's bite of ratatouille
How else can you show the impact of deliciousness? Brad Bird pulls this off brilliantly with the quick cuts to Anton as a sniffling boy and then the dropping of the pen.
2. Grindhouse - The climactic missing reel in Planet Terror
Just before a quiet sex scene, the film disintegrates and then the film continues in the midst of climactic battle against zombies where secrets have already been revealed.
3. Charlie Wilson's War - Gust Avrakotos meets Charlie Wilson
Avrakotos (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) keeps entering and exiting Wilson (Tom Hanks)'s office while Charlie's attractive assistants try to squash a tabloid rumour. Funny.
4. Hot Rod - Rod Kimble falls down a very high mountain
Rod completes a Footloose routine in the forest that ends up catapulting him down a mountain side. There is no end to the tumbling. Great physical humour.
5. Live Free or Die Hard - The dark tunnel sequence
With the lights turned off, cars crash and almost squish Bruce Willis and Justin Long. It ends with Willis propelling a car into a flying helicopter. Unbelievable but great fun.
6. The Bourne Ultimatum - The Waterloo Station sequence
Jason Bourne guides journalist Simon Ross through the busy Waterloo station while he is under surveillance by the CIA. Now we know what goes on in Bourne's head.
7. Across the Universe - I've Just Seen a Face
Jim Sturgess' Jude fancies Lucy and begins to sing 'I've Just Seen a Face' while the crowd of young people dance among psychedelic lights in a bowling alley. Fun stuff.
8. Transformers - Hiding in the garden
Optimus Prime and the Autobots clumsily hide in Sam's backyard while he's getting a talking to from his parents. This scene also has Prime's "my bad" line.
9. Blades of Glory - The skating chase
Stranz (Will Arnett) chases Chazz (Will Ferrell) through a building while wearing figure skates. Slipping ensues. Also getting stuck on an escalator and Snowflake's demise.
10. The Simpsons Movie - Spiderpig
"Spiderpig, Spiderpig, does whatever a Spiderpig does. Can he swing from a web? No he can't he's a pig. Lookout, he is a Spiderpig." Genius.

TOP 10 TV SHOWS OF 2007
I've talked about most of these shows before. I'll just list some of the my highlights of the year.




1. Lost (Last year: 1)
What this year had going for it: Locke’s big fall, Desmond’s disturbing gift, the true Sawyer, the awful death of minor characters, Ben’s creepy eyes, Charlie’s list, Hurley’s daring rescue, Sayid’s foot trick, and the mind-blowing flash-forward. It doesn’t get better than this.

2. Pushing Daisies
What I like about this new show: beautiful cinematography; likeable characters; Jim Dale’s voice over, Kristin Chenoweth singing, Digby the dog, Paul Reubens cameos, the fascinating premise, the music cues, quirky dialogue and pie. It’s the most clever, imaginative thing on television right now.

3. The Office (Last year: 4)
What this year had going for it: Jim and Pam’s romance; guest directors; the outrageous and quotable talking head interviews; the twist of a finale with Ryan taking corporate to a whole new level, Kelly’s rebound; Angela’s cat; Moes creepiness and Jan’s boob job. This is unmissable television.

4. Damages
What I like about this new show: the suspenseful plot that is full of clever twists and turns; the evilness of both Glenn Close and Ted Danson; the tragic Ray Fiske; the colour-coded editing; the constant time-jumping; the still-unanswered quetsions; the fast pace and the condensed time frame. This tided me over during Lost's absence.

5. Battlestar Galactica
What this year had going for it: the reveal of the final five; Tyrol and Cally stuck in the airlock; Baltar’s treason trial and the reappearance of Starbuck. To be honest, I started watching Galactica this summer, so the whole series is fresh in my mind. If I watched it when it came out, I’m sure it would have been on previous lists.

6. How I Met Your Mother (Last Year: 8)
What this year had going for it: The slap bet; the summer-long legendary ‘wait for it’ pause; Robin’s older date; the deflowering of Barney; every word out of Neil Patrick Harris’s mouth; the small reveal of the mother; Wayne Brady as Barney’s gay brother; the platinum rule; the Fiero and Bob Barker. This show is awesome.

7. Dexter
What I like about this new show: Dexter’s inner monlogue; the dark humour; the season long arcs of The Ice Cream Truck Killer and The Bay Harbor Butcher; the close calls, the final moments of Sgt. Doakes; the blood splatters; the eventual pay-offs and Michael C Hall’s fantastic acting; Talk about a tour-de-force performance.

8. 30 Rock
What this year had going for it: The Isabella Rossellini fight; Liz plays hard ball with Josh; Will Arnett as Jack’s whispering rival; Seinfeldvision; David Schwimmer as Greenzo;Jack portraying all of Tracey’s family; fat Jenna; Tracey's ankle bling and the wonderful Tina Fey. This show has finally hit its stride.

9. Dirty Sexy Money
What I like about this new show: Peter Krause’s mix of self-righteousness and utter shock; Samaire Armstrong and Seth Gabel as the bratty teens; Karen’s outrageous flirting with Nick; the bitter pettiness of Brian; the cat fights and the fun ring tones. It’s Dynasty meets Arrested Development.

10. Chuck
What I like about this new show: Chuck’s sheer innocence; the sexy Yvonne Strzechowski; the comic timing of Adam Baldwin; Captain Awesome ; CS Lee as the villainous Harry Tang; the Nerd Herd and the use of the Buy More store to stop crime. It’s Lone Gunmen meets Andy Barker PI meets Alias.

So there you go. Hope you enjoyed the lists. Feel free to tell me your favourites. What's in your top ten?