Movie Picks 2007

In light and in spirit of the academy awards that happened this evening, I've decided to sit down and pick the best and worst movies I saw for the movie year of 2007. So, lets start with what I consider is the worst movie I saw last year:

Suckiest Film - Evan Almighty
For the most part, I like Steve Carrell, and I usually like the films he is in. But for me, this movie was a resounding disaster. I HATED THIS FILM, which is rarity for me. I thought the execution of the movie was wretched, and the story left me wanting. I wish I hadn't seen it. So, with the greatest of respect for the filmmakers who decided to create this utter drivel, I humbly award Evan Almighty with my Suckiest Movie Film of 2007 award.
Runner up: Spiderman 3

Best Fantasy Film - Stardust
For me by far the best fantasy film of 2007 was Stardust hands down. I enjoyed the whole movie. It definitely had its cornier moments, but being a romantic/fantasy/comedy, those will exist and are perfectly tolerable. I recommend this movie, and feel it deserves my Best Fantasy Film acknowledgement.
Runners up: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Golden Compass

Best Romantic Comedy - Music and Lyrics
I'm a Hugh Grant fan, and I've liked almost every movie I've seen him in. Music and Lyrics was no exception. I especially enjoyed the fabricated 80's pop featured as background for Hugh's character. I loved this film.

Best Drama - There Will Be Blood
Daniel Day-Lewis always does an amazing job, and he did another amazing job in this movie. But it wasn't only him, the movie was packed with great acting jobs from the entire cast. Visually the movie is stunning, and real depth is created by the Jonny Greenwood score. This film I recommend highly.

Best Sequel - Live Free or Die Hard
Yes, the movie isn't completely realistic, but that isn't why you go to an action movie. You go to an action movie to see action, and this movie had plenty. It was good to see Bruce Willis reprise the role of John McClane. Hopefully there will be another one.

Worst Sequel - Spiderman 3
This was another movie that was a major disappointment. Going into the movie I assumed that it would have held to the same standards as the previous two (the cast and crew remained much the same), but it wasn't so. I left this movie with a bad taste in my mouth. The entire middle portion of the movie was pathetic, and Spiderman's "evil" persona was even more pathetic. I can't believe they're going to make more, let us just hope that they will be better.
Runner up: Evan Almighty

Best Period Piece - Elizabeth the Golden Age
I really enjoyed the first Elizabeth, and it was no different for me for this second helping. The costume designs were superb, the cinematography gorgeous, and the acting most excellent. Go see this one, but watch the first one first.
Runners up: The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Sweeney Todd

Best Musical - Sweeney Todd
I've never partaken of Sweeney Todd on stage, but I rather enjoyed this adaptation by Tim Burton. The movie was visually entertaining, and the dark palette of colors was very suiting to the production. If you enjoy Tim Burton's work, or Johnny Depp's for that matter, see this film.

Best Independent Film - Once
This film came as a surprise to me, and unfortunately I was unable to see it in theaters. Upon its release I purchased the movie, and fell in love with it. I am a great fan of Irish Cinema, and this piece of cinematic poetry should be held in great esteem.

Best Comedy - Hot Fuzz
I loved Hot Fuzz, just like I loved Shaun of the Dead. Peggy, Frost, and Edgar as usual were right on with this film. I feel that it is the perfect infusion of action/comedy, and the timing in this movie to me verged on flawless. I really loved this film.

Best Film - There Will Be Blood
I've pretty much given my praise under the best drama heading, but just to repeat myself, this movie was fantastic.

So, that pretty much somes up my favorite and least favorite films of the past year. If I come up with anymore movie opinions, I'll be pretty sure to throw them down here.