#9 - There Will Be Blood

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
2007 Historical Drama
Rated R

**** 1/2

I would like to start out this review by saying that this score is based off of just my initial reaction to the film, and i'm sure that on repeated viewings (as this epic film certainly will require) my score will no doubt fluctuate. This is the kind of film that no one attempts to make anymore; the rise and fall of a tragic hero, whose passion is eventually his downfall. It certainly feels more like a movie that would've been made in 1940 than 2007 (you'll certainly be able to make comparisons to Citizen Kane, for one). There Will Be Blood tells the story of Daniel Plainview, an oil man who slowly builds himself up to one of the richest in the country. That's all i'm going to give you about the plot, because in all honesty, that's not really important. The movie is less about the plot than it is about how Plainview is created (and then destroyed) by his obsession. Obviously what holds this entire movie together is the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis; he has proved time and again why he is one of (if not the) best actors working today, and I have a feeling he will be remembered for this performance more than anything else. Yes, much of the performance is scenery-chewing, but that's what the character is. He had to chew the scenery every time he went to make an offer on an oil well; that was how he sold his customers. Paul Dano is also very good, proving that his great performance in Little Miss Sunshine certainly wasn't a fluke. A lot of the reviews you read of this film are certainly going to say that the movie goes incredibly off the wall in the last 20 or so minutes, so much that it takes away from the greatness of the rest of the film. I cannot, after just one viewing, say whether or not I agree with this. All I will say for now is that this is, at worst, a flawed masterpiece. At best, it is one of the best films in years.

#8 - Såsom i en spegel

Directed by Ingmar Bergman
1962 Drama
Not Rated

*****

I think at this point I can confidently say that I am at least somewhat qualified to compare Bergman's films; i've seen The Virgin Spring, Wild Strawberries, The Seventh Seal, Scenes From A Marriage, and Persona. And despite being lesser known than probably all of these films, Through A Glass Darkly has certainly taken a spot in my top 2 of his films i've seen so far. Incredible performances, great writing and beautiful cinematography move this (at times) disturbing story. And when Karin finally has her break down, you will most certainly get chills.

#7 - Mitt liv som hund

Directed by Lasse Hallstrom
1985 Comedy/Drama
Rated PG-13

**** 1/2

After hearing people go on and on about this film on various movie sites, I finally decided to sit down and take a look at it. It is easily one of the best movies about childhood i've ever seen. The confusion, the ease of making/losing friends, etc; everything is dead on. The high point of this film is the performance of the young boy who plays Ingemar; certainly one of the best child performances of all time. My only quibble with the film is that some characters aren't developed enough (namely Ingemar's brother and his girl friend from his original home). Aside from that, this is recommended for anyone who wants to remember how much fun it was to be a kid.

#6 - Sweeney Todd*

Directed by Tim Burton
2007 Musical/Horror
Rated R

*** 1/2

A very good musical, but in the scope of others released in 2007 (Hairspray, Once, and to a certain extent Enchanted) it was the weakest of the year. A great performance by Johnny Depp, and good supporting turns by Helena Bonham Carter and Ed Sanders can't overcome the pacing problems (when they hit "Alms, Alms" it almost seems like it was added an afterthought because they realized they had to get that information across to the viewer, and feels rushed) and the lack of development in the Anthony/Johanna story. Still, the movie is recommendable for the good performances and often extremely catchy music.

#5 - Juno*

Directed by Jason Reitman
2007 Comedy/Drama
Rated PG-13

*****

What more can I say about Juno that I haven't already? It's hands down my favorite movie of 2007 (not the best, mind you - that's Atonement - but definitely my favorite); it features brilliant writing (I think it's a pretty much guaranteed Oscar for screenwriter (and former stripper) Diablo Cody), incredible acting (the two standouts being, in my opinion, Ellen Page, obviously, and Jennifer Garner, who I think gives the best performance of her career), and very assured directing by Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking). I just saw it for the fourth time last night, and I can definitely say it hasn't lost any of its greatness to me. The only flaw? The first fifteen minutes, which are definitely a little too quirky for almost anyone. But don't let that bother you, because this movie completely won me over, and I assure you it will you as well.