Kelsey Zukowski's Top 10 Films of 2007

1. Death Sentence
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Jordan Garrett, Stuart Laffery

Directed By: James Wan

Written By: Ian Jeffers, Brian Garfield

Released: 2007

Grade: A+

Death Sentence is really the perfect revenge film. It is not merely about cause and effect, but the emotions behind it. Tragedy is everywhere in Death Sentence. Just as we are getting to know the characters one of them has to face his death and his family suffers dearly for it. The victim was killed at a fake robbery that was only set up for a new gang member to join the group. Kevin Bacon gives an absolutely breathtaking performance. He leaves his feelings right on his sleeve and lets them get the best of him. It is not a question of him losing his morals. Nick (Bacon) just cannot live with himself letting the criminals go for taking the one thing he loved most in his life. He doesn’t even trust the law to take care of it, he feels taking matters in to his own hands is the only type of justice that might come to his standards. Family is a huge motif in the film. Not just Nick and his family, but the family of criminals as well. The father of the murderer (John Goodman) basically says he isn’t going to help him kill his son, but he isn’t going to stop him either. So we have one father desperately seeking revenge for losing his son and when he is about to turn in to a murderer himself and take the life of another son, the father doesn’t do a thing to prevent the death. This is mostly because he got the other son in to the gang life and blames him for it. It is interesting though how a similar relationship can differ so heavily. The film is full of a good story, plot, and action, but the real reason why this is my favorite film of 2007 is it really makes you feel what Nick is going through. While watching the film I went through so many emotions. There is great character development that makes you completely understand Nick who has clearly going in a terrible direction that could ruin the rest of his life. You feel so sorry for the death in the beginning yet you almost condone the numerous deaths at the end.

2. The Lookout

Starring: Jospeh Gordon-Levitt, Matthew Goode, Isla Fisher

Written & Directed By: Scott Frank

Released: 2007

Grade: A

The Lookout is yet another tremendous film on Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s resume. Aside from Mysterious Skin, this is his best performance thus far. He puts all of himself in to his character, the very lonely and broken Chris, and the result is mesmerizing. The Lookout questions who you can trust. Chris trusts Gary (Matthew Goode), an ex-con. He gets to know Gary’s sister, Luvlee (Isla Fisher). They have quite a connection together. With her as well as all of the money and power that Gary promises him it is no wonder he believes him especially since he is still in a very fragile state. High school was the peak of Chris’ life. He was the star of the hockey team, he had great friends, and a great girlfriend. In a car accident one night, that was all gone though. Two people died and two would never be quite the same. The Lookout uses this to question the very meaning of life. When are you really living life? Chris doesn’t feel like himself at all. He feels he died in the car accident as well. He doesn’t feel like he has lived since then. Chris won’t be able to either until he lets that day go. Dealing of the past just causes a haunting of it and fear of everything. The cast in The Lookout brought the film to its’ full potential. Gordon-Levitt played the naïve and broken man with such conviction. Yet he wasn’t just someone to feel sorry for. He was actually a very wise character who in time learned the error of his ways and that people aren’t always who they seem to be. Matthew Goode was bold and fierce as Gary. Only seeing him as a romantic lead in Chasing Libery before, I was surprised and impressed with the depth that he showed. Isla Fisher is charming as well and worked wonderfully with the rest of the cast. Her character even gave us a bit of hope that maybe this life that Gary was promising might have been good. Just with the plot it could have been far more simplistic. According to that it is a bank robbery movie. That is such a small basis on what the film is really about though. It explores the effects of a tragedy, losing yourself, and deception. Just the look of the film and some of the early flashbacks are creative and very interesting.

3. 28 Weeks Later

Starring: Catherine McCormack, Robert Carlyle, Amanda Walker

Directed By: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Written By: Rowan Joffe, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Released: 2007

Grade: A

I had serious doubts when I first heard of this sequel of 28 Days Later. However, it turned out to be even better than the first. It takes a step further than most zombie films by explaining the next chapter. All of the survivors that are left after the world wide attacks are sent to a secluded area in hopes of repopulating the human species. As this goes horribly wrong the zombies are no longer the number 1 enemy. That role now belongs to the government after they find a new outbreak of the epidemic, they panic and every person in sight is a killing target. The film showed this severe situation with great characters. There are those who turn on their loved ones, which shows you people’s true nature when faced with the situation that could be the end of the world essentially. Then there are also more compassionate and likeable characters who risk their own lives for their family. It has great gore, kills, and suspense through the whole film. Not only does it take the typical zombie story to the next level but it also shows how terror can have a different affect on people and it puts those with authority in a very morally gray area.

4. Hairspray

Starring: Nicki Blonsky, John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brittany Snow, Elijiah Kelley, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah

Directed By: Adam Shankman

Written By: Leslie Dixon, John Waters

Released: 2007

Grade: A

Hairspray is an extremely fun filled movie. The upbeat musical and dancing numbers make you want to be part of the film. It is a very involved film that really sticks in your mind. The characters, situations, songs, dances, and overall feel makes an impact on the audience. Hairspray does have a genuine 60’s feel. The plot even goes in to the segregation of the time period between whites and blacks. It has a good balance between the serious and the fun aspects. Nikki Blonsky is a remarkable talent. It is mind blowing to think that she had no acting experience before this and was just working in an ice cream shop. Blonsky as Tracy brings her character to life with such precision that it seems that she was born to play this role. She is such an upbeat and positive person who has big dreams, but won’t compromise her values to get what she wants. John Travolta is very convincing as Tracy’s mother and works very well with Christopher Walken. Watching them as a couple was very entertaining. Amanda Bynes plays the very perky Penny, Tracy’s best friend. Her reactions to everything is very funny. James Marsden has such charisma as Corny Collins and he doesn’t hesitate to bring a certain amount of corniness to his character. Zac Efron did a better job in this than High School Music partially because he had better material to work with. Elijah Kelley did a tremendous job with his terrific acting, voice, and dancing. He illustrated the similarities and differences between ‘Negro Day’ and those who were regulars on the Corny Collins Show. I would actually argue that this is better than the John Waters version although you still see a lot of the same sense of humor in the film. Waters even makes an appearance in the beginning of the movie as the streaker. Hairspray has so much heart and energy in it that bursts out from the screen.

5. The Host
Starring: Kang-ho Sang, Hie-bong Byeon, Hae-il Park

Directed By: Joon-ho Bong

Written By: Chul-hyun Baek, Joon-ho Bong

Released: 2007

Grade: A

Typically I am not all that crazy about Asian films. The Host is far superior to most of its kind though. It is a monster movie that is actually based on a true story. Toxic waste was purposely poured in to the Han River, which created this horrible creature who is aquatic, but has just as much power and strength on land. It quickly terrorizes and kills many people around and begins an endless hunt for more. Those that are still around are sent away and basically held prisoners in the hospitals. Some of those that are already declared dead might still be alive waiting for someone to save them. The government is preventing this and no one is stopping the monster from creating more havoc. The action sequences were intense and the scenes with those who were trapped but still alive were very suspenseful. The real life case that this was based off of is illustrated in the enemies; the government authorizes and the monster itself. Justice really wasn’t served in the case, which is why the government is shown holding people back rather than preventing further crimes from happening. The monster is a representation of evils through what was created by harmful toxic waste and punishment by offering a direct consequence for it. The Host is a smart, exciting film which magnifies real life occurrences.



6. American Gangster

Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejifor

Directed By: Ridley Scott

Written By: Steven Zaillian, Mark Jacobson

Released: 2007

Grade: A

American Ganster is an important film that shows the true story if Frank Lucas ( Denzel Washington). It is the story of African-Americans being bigger than the Mafia for the first time in history. This illustrates their merging in to American culture yet in a way where they really make a name for themselves. To Frank this gave him the power, prestige, and money for the first time in his life. Of course it is inevitable that once he had this it went to his head. Supporting his large family and his beautiful, loving wife, and pretty much being treated like a celebrity was a feeling that he wouldn’t let go of for anything. Violence and anger become as much a part of him as his success did and really was the reason he had it in the first place. Although, he had some truly awful qualities he remained to be a very likeable guy. His family adored him, although many didn’t really support what he did. He was very persuasive and even got many that were working against him to like him. The other side to American Gangster is the few morals trying to kept alive by Richie Roberts (Russel Crowe). He is one of the only good cops left. This illustrates a time when the criminals weren’t the only ones lacking values. Many of the policeman were just criminals with more authority and a higher advantage to get away with crimes. Washington and Crowe both gave great performances and displayed the parallels between their characters. This showed one who had sinned terribly and had seemingly everything he wanted, yet the other who was fighting for honesty had lost almost everything. Yet in the end fate seems to take matters in to its’ own hand between them and the society they were living in.

7. Juno

Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Gardner, Jason Bateman, J. K. Simmons, Allison Janney

Directed By: Jason Reitman

Written By: Diablo Cody

Released: 2007

Grade: A-

Juno is a wonderful and witty movie about teen pregnancy. It is about so much more though. Juno shows that this is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. It illustrates the one trash is another’s treasure theme. Not to say that Juno (Ellen Page) thinks of her baby as trash since as much as she wanted to she couldn’t go through with an abortion. Juno wants to be wise and responsible with what she is doing since another life is in her hands. Luckily, she finds Vanessa (Jennifer Gardner) who treasures even the thought of being the adoptive mother of Juno’s baby. Maybe when Juno is older she can be in that same situation so she could have that same joy on her own terms. Juno measures the lines between being a teenager and being an adult very well too. Juno is a very independent thinker, but even for her it can be tricky just being herself without a million awkward looks staring at her. This is a result of the pregnancy but from middle school on in almost any situation this type of thing can occur which can really challenge being your own person. Even though Juno isn’t going to have the responsibilities of a mother when the baby is out it is still a sort of a wake up call for her and the father, Bleaker (Michael Cera). It tells them that they have to step up and make mature decisions but it is also a reminder that they should enjoy being young while they still can. The dialogue is extremely catchy yet very individualistic, which seems to fight conformity. This also gives the characters a very creative image making the story that much more interesting. Juno is a smart film with wonderful performances, direction, and a great script that I highly recommend to everyone.

8. Bug

Starring: Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr.

Directed By: William Freidkin

Written By: Tracy Letts

Released: 2007

Grade: B+

Bug shows us the horrors of real life in a film that’s build up seems more like a drama. Most of the movie is shot in one room, causing a low key feeling that later turns in to an anxiety that can really mess with the head. Agnes (Judd) and Peter (Shannon) are shown simply talking, mostly about Agnes and her situation in life losing her son 10 years ago and fearing her abusive husband fresh out of jail. The more time they spend together the more blinded Agnes gets as Peter‘s true self is revealed. Whether this was intentional or not Peter is the one spreading a disease to her and infecting Agnes. Peter was basically a lab rat to the government when he was serving time and went AWOL. You want to believe what he believes, but it is clear that he has a poisonous mind that is tainting Agnes’ vision. As time goes on they become more and more paranoid leading to serious circumstances that put them in massive danger. While the most obvious terror is Peter and his paranoia, a more direct one is the government. Peter’s condition and what he is capable is only the way it is because of the tests that they did. What makes this so scary is that this type of a thing could really be happening today. There is a war going on right now, certainly questionably unmoral activities could be occurring to Americans who put their lives on the line for their country. It shows a loss of credibility too. Say Peter was telling the truth, should he automatically be written off because of the horrors that are behind him? Peter and Agnes are incredibly likeable so you fight for them even more. You know not to trust them, but you are almost tempted too; making you question everything that you see. That was the point too, to question everything rather it’s the people you trust or what is going on behind closed doors.

9. The Mist

Starring: Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Nathan Gamble

Directed By: Frank Darabont

Written By: Frank Darabont, Stephen King

Released: 2007

Grade: B+

The newest Stephen King adaptation makes a very strong film. It starts in a small town where a wicked storm brews up. Many of the towns people are stuck in the a local grocery store afraid to step outside. This is no typical storm, there are some sort of evil creatures in the massive mist who are hungry for human flesh and getting just what they desire. The initial reaction is to stay in the store and hide out, but as the creatures seem to become more dangerous and powerful it becomes clear that they are going to have to find a way to escape without all being eaten alive. Fear spreads quickly through the characters, the reactions and personalities clash. Some refuse to believe what is going on even when some are trying to make it better. Plus, an extreme religious woman causes more problems than anyone else, claiming that this is deserved and turns others on the group. Through most of film it feels like a standard but still decently good survival film. There are still good yet varying characters, great suspense, and intense action sequences. What really pushes the film over the top though is the ending. It is one of the best endings of the year. It is surprising, extreme, and really makes you think ‘if only’. It is very tragic and shows tremendous strength upon the characters that it involves. What happens is so horrid because it didn’t have to happen like that, but time was not on their side. It makes you wonder whether fate was the result of it or just very bad luck.

10. Grindhouse

Starring: Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson

Written & Directed By: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriquez

Released: 2007

Grade: B+

Grindhouse is all for the movie goers. It brings the grind house back to back double features to the theaters again. You at least have to appreciate that it gives you more bang for your buck. The two films involved are Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror and Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof. Planet Terror is a tribute to all of the zombie film lovers out there. An experimental bio-weapon is released turning nearly everyone to this zombie state. It is up to the few remaining to stay safe and keep their humanity. It managed to still be inventive, of course Rose McGowan rocks that gun for a leg very hard and shows no mercy. Death Proof was very action packed as you would expect when its’ main character is a stuntman. He is a scarred and very sinful one at that. He stalks woman only to murder them with his monstrous car. A lot of Death Proof is dialogue, but with the crazy car sequences it is needed. It is also a good way to give us a taste of the characters involved. Grindhouse gives us two very entertaining movies. Yet when watching them you have to remember that the most important element in the films is the fun factor. At times we are very directly reminded that the plot or story isn’t to be stressed upon to much. There are times in the film where it is purposely cut out and it goes to black. Then the next thing we see is a completely different situation and the audience has no idea how the characters got there. That is the wackiness of Grindhouse, which is really something to be embraced and appreciated.

Honorable Mention: Hostel Part II

Starring: Lauren German, Bijou Phillips, Heather Matarazzo, Roger Bart, Richard Burgi

Written & Directed By: Eli Roth

Released: 2007

Grade: B+

As much as I hate the first Hostel film, I have nothing but respect for the sequel. That is remarkable to me, because that means this film fully did its’ job as a sequel. That is a rare thing these days and Hostel Part II did everything right. The pacing is much better in this movie. We have a chance to be introduced to characters who seem different but that difference is very interesting. Tension builds to the point where our protagonists are in danger and the violence starts breaking out. Then at the end, the gore is extreme, but it is not just for gross out factor it is to show what humans are capable of. My favorite thing about this movie is that this time around we were offered incite about the killers. We saw the process of two new members of the torture chamber. This showed a reason for the madness; a sense of power and strength. It made them feel like more of a man. These two men were different though. The first was confident and craved for the self image described above. The second though was really only going along with it for his friends sake, which is quite a sacrifice. He was seemingly kind, nervous, and soft spoken. The fact that not just them but countless others would pay so much money in order to be murderers is obscene and the fact that an organization was built on this points out that people really will do anything for money. The kill scenes and gore in the film are very graphic and very well done. Heather Matarazzo is in one of the most intense scenes. She really comes out of her shell and bares it all in the film. The ending is very unexpected, emotional, and extreme as the tables turn. Eli Roth not only fixed all of the mistakes that were in the first Hostel, but he added great suspense, characters, gore, and questioning of morals and the capabilities of humans.