These are the films that made cinema great 10 years ago. Welcome to MMM and today I’m counting down the best of 2007 films based on my own enjoyment of them.
Before I begin, this is part of a list of film countdowns spanning over a 5 year radius from 1967 to 2017 from today to the 31st December. If you don’t see a film that you think should have made the list, please comment.
#10: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (Action fantasy adventure)
In this 3rd outing of the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, Captain Barbossa (Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), and Elizabeth Swann (Oscar nominee Keira Knightley) must sail off at the edge of the world in order to find Jack Sparrow (Oscar nominee Johnny Depp) for an upcoming massive battle.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: 2 nominations (Best Makeup, and Visual Effects).
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, visual and sound effects, and music score by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.
#9: Bridge to Terabithia (Family drama adventure)
Based on Katherine Paterson’s 1977 novel of the same name, the film centers on preteen Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) whose life is changed when he befriends and is befriended by the new girl at his school (AnneSophia Robb). Together, they create the eponymous imaginary world to escape reality.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: None.
Highlights: Themes, story, cast, performances especially Hutcherson and Robb, and visual effects.
#8: Juno (Coming-of-age dramedy)
An independent teen (Oscar nominee Ellen Page) with an unplanned pregnancy, makes the bold decision to keep it and looks for suitable families willing to adopt it.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: 1 win (Best Original Screenplay), and 3 nominations (Best Picture, Actress in a Leading Role – Ellen Page, and Director – Jason Reitman).
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, humor, and quirky charm.
#7: Enchanted (Animated live-action romantic fantasy action adventure musical)
Young maiden Giselle (Oscar nominee Amy Adams) is magically transported to the real-life world of New York and is aided by a cynical lawyer (Patrick Dempsey), while the evil queen Narissa (Oscar winner Susan Sarandon) sets out to get rid of the protagonist.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: 3 nominations (Best Original Song – “Happy Working Song”, “So Close”, and “That’s How You Know”).
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, mixture of animation and live-action, charm, and homage to classic Disney films.
#6: Shrek the Third (Animated fantasy comedy adventure)
Feeling unsuitable for the throne after King Harold (voiced by Oscar nominee John Cleese) passes away and not wanting to give up his swamp, Shrek (voiced by Primetime Emmy winner Mike Myers) is determined to find the king’s nephew Artie (voiced by Oscar nominee Justin Timberlake) and install him as the new king. Meanwhile, Prince Charming (Golden Globe nominee Rupert Everett) is on a path of revenge and recruits various antagonists to wreak havoc and destroy Shrek.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: None but 1 BAFTA nomination (Best Animated Film).
Highlights: Animation, story, cast, vocal performances, and humor.
#5: The Simpsons Movie (Animated comedy adventure)
When Homer (voiced by Primetime Emmy winner Dan Castellaneta) irresponsibly and carelessly pollutes Lake Springfield, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) seals his town with a massive dome and the rest of the Simpson family members are declared fugitives. It is up to Homer to fix his mistakes and save Springfield from a dangerous situation.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: None but 1 Golden Globe nomination (Best Animated Film).
Highlights: Themes, story, animation, characters, cast, vocal performances, and humor.
#4: Meet the Robinsons (Animated sci-fi dramedy adventure)
Based on William Joyce’s 1990 children’s picture book “A Day with Wilbur Robinson”, the film centers on an orphan (voiced by Daniel Hansen and Jordan Fry) who longs to find his biological mother. One day he meets Wilbur (voiced by Wesley Singerman), a mysterious teen, and together set out to find the Bowler Hat Guy (voiced by Stephen J. Anderson) before he alters the future.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: None.
Highlights: Themes, story, cast, vocal performances, humor, songs, and charm.
#3: Hairspray (family romantic dramedy musical)
Plump and kind teen Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) lands a spot on her favourite local TV dance show; the Corny Collins Show, and teaches her family and friends about integration in 1962 Baltimore.
Oscar wins and/or nominations: None but 3 Golden Globe nominations (Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Actress in a Motion Picture; Comedy or Musical – Nikki Blonsky, and Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture – John Travolta).
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, humor, and energetic musical numbers.
#2: Stardust (Romantic fantasy action adventure)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s 1999 novel of the same name and narrated by Oscar nominee Ian McKellen, the film follows a young man (Charlie Cox) who ventures into the magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his love interest (Golden Globe nominee Sienna Miller).
Oscar wins and/or nominations: None.
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, visual effects, and charm.
Before I reveal my top pick, here are some #honourable mentions:
There Will Be Blood
Into the Wild
Hot Fuzz
The Golden Compass
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
#1: Ratatouille (Animated comedy)
A rat (voiced by Primetime Emmy winner Patton Oswalt) with a gifted sense of taste and smell longs to be a chef and thus forms a friendship with a young kitchen worker (voiced by Primetime Emmy winner Lou Romano) at his idol’s restaurant; Gusteau’s (voiced by Primetime Emmy winner Brad Garrett).
Oscar wins and/or nominations: 1 win (Best Animated Feature), and 4 nominations (Best Original Screenplay, Original Score – Michael Giacchino, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing).
Highlights: Animation, charming story, cast including late Oscar nominee Peter O’Toole, vocal performances, and humor.