What a year in film! As I sat down to work on what was originally set to be a top ten list of the best movies of 2007 I was left with too many quality films and memorable moments which would be left off the list. The deepest year in cinema in quite some time includes some terrific comedies, some heartfelt romances, adaptations of some unbelievable true stories, and four (count ‘em four!) musicals. Check out the entire list inside the Full Diagnosis.
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Honorable Mention:
As silly as it seems to do an honorable mention for a list which already includes 25 films, here are those memorable films not quite good enough to make the list but still worth mentioning. Sidney Lumet’s Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead is a fine film about robbery and murder and if it had been a little more original (Woody Allen himself remakes this same film every few years, including his newest due out early next year) it would easily have earned a spot. Lack of originality also knocked off American Gangster which isn’t quite as good as the films it borrows from. Once (read December’s review) is a terrific little British film filled with great music and a touching love story (now if only it weren’t shot by a midget with ADHD and Cerebral Palsy!). Hot Fuzz (read the review) is an enjoyable parody, but our list already has a slightly better one of those, and Nanking (read the review) is as gruesome and depressing documentary as you’ll find this year. There are also a pair of films, Away From Her and The Savages (read the review), with deal with dementia, Alzheimers, and the hard choices to put loved ones in nursing homes. I have small issues with all of these, but each deserves to be recognized for what it gets right as well. All are worth a look.
*NOTE – Although I did my best to see as many of the films as possible there are a small number which I have not seen at the time of this list including I’m Not There, No End in Sight, and The Great Debaters; so I guess we’ll never know where they would have ranked on the list.
Now that’s taken care of, on with the list…
25. Hairspray
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We begin the 2007 list with a musical, which is fitting since there were several noteworthy from this past year. If you take John Travolta and his ridiculous fat suit out of the equation this films sky rockets up the list, but even such ridiculousness can not ruin the fun. Nikki Blonsky comes from nowhere to star as Tracy Turnblad in this tale of young love, segregation, and dreams of stardom. This remake of the 1988 film gives us a strong cast, memorable moments, and some catchy tunes (including “Good Morning Baltimore,” “I Can Hear The Bells,” “I Know Where I’ve Been,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”). Aside from Travolta, the film is well cast in terms of both actors and performers including Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Taylor Parks, Elijah Kelly, and Christopher Walken, but it’s Blonsky who steals the film and your heart. It’s a toe tappin’ good time and the sweetest and funniest film about racism and segregation you’re likely to find.
Now available on DVD
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It’s been a quarter of a century since man flew into space in the final Apollo mission and walked on the moon for the last time. I wasn’t even born yet! This new documentary takes a look back at the Apollo missions and interviews all the surviving astronauts who made the journey (Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Michael Collins, Jim Lovell, and Neil Armstrong). Those who already know quite a bit about the Apollo missions won’t find much new information here, but as a primer for the time period it works quite well and may find a niche in classrooms as well as home DVD collections. And everyone should be interested in the tales and experiences these men of a select fraternity have to relate. There’s more than enough here to make an entire mini-series, but this documentary from David Sington finds a way to manage the information and present it in a systematic and entertaining way. The biggest complaint I can make is it isn’t long enough, and that’s one I’m always willing to live with.
The DVD will be released on February 12
23. Amazing Grace
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If you sneezed you most likely missed Amazing Grace; it didn’t stick around too long, but it did make an impression. Ioan Gruffudd stars in this biopic of William Wilberforce who fought to end England’s involvement in the slave trade in the late 18th and early 19th Century. There’s strong acting from a talented cast including Albert Finney, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, Jeremy Swift, Russell Sewell, good art and costume design to recreate the look and style matching the time period, and a tale that gives you some history along with its drama. And there’s the tale itself, more than a little reminiscent of Frank Capra, about one innocent man standing up to a corrupt world with only a woman at his side (Romola Garai) who helps him at his lowest point to turn the tide and achieve victory. I have small concerns with the film in terms of structure and flashbacks (and if they sang Amazing Grace one more time I was going to kill someone!) but even with these issues it is still an engaging and well-made film.
Now available on DVD
22. Ocean’s Thirteen
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Thirteen is the new Twelve. The summer of three-quels was mostly a bust (remember Spider-Man 3, or how about Pirates of the Caribbean: Trainwreck at World’s End?). Even The Bourne Ultimatum and Shrek the Third had their issues. Only one lived up to the hype. Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Cheadle, and the crew return for another lesson in cool. I enjoyed both Ocean’s Eleven (read December’s review) and Ocean’s Twelve (read Aaron’s review). This time the group gathers to defend one of their own. Okay, so there’s no Julia Roberts or Catherine Zeta Jones, but we do get Al Pacino as the new baddie, and Ellen Barkin as “I believe the term is cougar.” A perfect merging of styles from the first two films gives us more stunts, the Broady (an unforgettable nose), and more con speak including the “Billy Martin,” “Irwin Allen,” “Susan B. Anthony,” and the “Cartwheel.” No, it’s no Shakespeare, but it’s damn fun and the coolest movie from all of 2007.
Now available on DVD
21. Sicko
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Health Care in this country is fucked. I doubt that’s surprise for you, but do you know how well it works in other countries? Michael Moore’s latest documentary takes us on a little tour showcasing Health Care horror stories, and examining how other countries are getting by just fine with the “evils” of Socialized medicine. Less political than his previous documentaries, Moore is more subdued and more willing to let the evidence speak for itself. Although he can’t quite make it through the documentary without making as ass of himself by trying to invade Guantanamo Bay and preen for the cameras in his latest self-serving stunt. If he could control these impulses I think he could easily make the jump from a very good documentary filmmaker to a great one. I don’t think it’s his best film (for my money that’s Bowling for Columbine), but it’s almost certainly his most balanced. Although it does deliver much new information, Moore does combine these strands into the core of a strong message film and call to action.
Now available on DVD
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Richard Gere had a pair of nice performances this year starring as real, but less than completely reputable, scoundrels. The first was in The Hoax (read that review) as Clifford Irving, the man who sold the world a completely fictitious biography of Howard Hughes. But it’s the second film which I’ve chosen to put on the list. In The Hunting Party, based on Scott Anderson’s Esquire piece, Gere stars as a washed-up journalist who wrangles his old cameraman (Terrence Howard) and some network VP’s kid (Jesse Eisenberg) into hunting for the most dangerous and wanted war criminal in Bosnia. Written and directed by Richard Shepard (The Matador, read that review) it’s a tale so surreal it must be true (a theme you’ll find repeated on this list). This film won’t do anything to help you have more sympathy for the United States government, but it might do a little to help you understand why other countries don’t necessarily see us as the saviors and last bastion of morality many Americans believe we are.
The DVD will be released on January 22
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The Coen Bros. return to form with the decidedly dark No Country for Old Men. Many critics are hailing it as one of the year’s best films, and it is, though I would put a few films in front of it (like say eighteen or so). Everything is set up for a terrific experience, but it doesn’t quite deliver on all counts. This tale of a rancher (Josh Brolin) with a bag of stolen cash on the run from a hitman (Javier Bardem) provides some tense moments, some great acting, and some damn fine cinematography. It also has some mildly-annoying plot issues in the first twenty minutes and is saddled with an ambiguous and unsatisfying ending which prevents it from ranking higher on this list. Even if the film runs out of gas well before the projector stops spinning, when it gets it right it gets it just right. For me, this is a film which is one or two rewrites away from realizing and delivering on all of its promise. Still, it’s a pretty darn good film, and a sight better than the last few flicks put out by the Coens.
Now playing in theaters
18. Rescue Dawn
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Rescue Dawn (not to be confused with September Dawn) retells the tale of the only American Prisoner of War during America’s war in Vietnam to escape and make it out of the Laotian jungle alive. Written and directed by Werner Herzog, who some object to for his liberties with true events, presents a compelling story of Lt. Dieter Dengler’s (Christian Bale, in a performance so good it’s scary!) imprisonment and eventual escape. Bale is certainly the film’s star but there are several strong supporting performances, especially from his fellow prisoners played by Jeremy Davies and Steve Zahn (yeah, that Steve Zahn can ACT!). All of the main actors give the best performances of their careers. It’s a stripped down hard look at the effects of P.O.W. camps on soldiers without any bells, whistles, heavy handed action scenes, large stunts or special effects, or forced patriotic theme music. It’s not a fun movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s very good film and a story worthy of being told.
Now available on DVD
17. Lust, Caution
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The first of two foreign films on the list is director Ang Lee’s tale of revenge and sex in World War II China. Wei Tang (who should become a worldwide star after this performance) plays a naive young patriot who agrees to help bring down a Japanese sympathizer and traitor (Tony Leung) by becoming his mistress. At times it’s not an easy film to watch, and the sex scenes, both violent and sensual, certainly earn the film’s NC-17 rating, but in terms of enveloping you and pulling you into an unknown world of pain, pleasure, and conflicting desires it succeeds most handedly. It’s an Ang Lee film so you know it’s going to look and sound great, but it’s the involved script and superb acting (especially by Wei Tang) which make it truly memorable and one of the best films of the year. This is my favorite Ang Lee film in a decade, which was the last time he explored some of these issues, and for the first time in a long time I can’t wait for his next film.
The DVD will be released on February 19
16. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
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The second foreign language entry is Scaphandre et le papillon, Le. In terms of a film experience it rates quite high. Based on the true story of French Elle Editor Jean-Dominque Bauby (played here by Matthieu Amalric) who was paralyzed after a stroke and hospitalized, the film tells the story of Bauby’s slow progress of learning to communicate through only muscle of his body he can still control, his left eye. Shot mostly in first-person from Bauby’s point of view the film captures the frustration and internal struggle of a man whose life is completely turned upside down. Although it begins to wear on you, and the film makes an odd shift away from the first-person point of view, there is much here to enjoy and appreciate in terms of filmmaking and storytelling. And the bevy of French beauties doesn’t hurt either (Marina Hands, Emma de Caunes, Marie-Josee Croze, and Emmanuelle Seigner)!
Now playing in limited release
Opens wide on January 11
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With little effort you will no doubt find many critics who rank Paul Thomas Anderson’s (Magnolia, Boogie Nights) new film based on the work of John Updike higher on their lists, but, for me, this is where the movie belongs. A film designed more to wow critics than general viewers There Will Be Blood is a terrific looking and exceptionally well-made film. Daniel Day-Lewis gives one of the finest performances of the year and carries a film, that though great to look at, would be completely unwatchable without him. Over-long (by at least 45 minutes), cursed with an obtrusive and increasingly annoying score for the first third of the film, and without a single character of any redeeming virtue, it’s not much fun to watch. Anderson’s film overcomes these flaws with a taut tale of greed, and although the film flounders at times, it does end with the single best scene in film this year and a closing line which will no doubt mark its place in movie history.
Now playing in limited release
Opens wide January 18
14. Michael Clayton
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I have minor quibbles (mostly in terms of editing and the scoring of the film) with Michael Clayton which is why it doesn’t rank higher on the list. But what writer/director Tony Gilroy and star George Clooney do give us a tense legal drama without a single courtroom scene (think about how hard that is to pull off!). More concerned with how the law really works outside in the real world than how it works inside a courtroom, Gilroy’s script gives us a cynical look at the legal profession and the unique roles of “fixers” like Michael Clayton. The supporting performances are top notch, though I had some trouble with the increasingly random and odd behavior of Tilda Swinton’s character who becomes a little too easily unhinged for a woman in her position. It’s a cynical look at the law and how it is used in our country, but, sadly (for our sakes), it rings true. Even with its few flaws which keep it off my top ten, it still ranks as one of the year’s best films.
The DVD will be released on February 19
13. Into the Wild
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Emile Hirsch, in what is sure to earn him more plumb roles and keep him from making The Girl Next Door 2: This Time More Skanky, stars as Christopher McCandless in this tale of a young man turning his back on his life and traveling the country before making a a trip to Alaska to live in the wilderness. What could have easily come off hokey instead comes off as an important discussion of the meaning of life, especially modern life. Hirsch surprises with a great performance which carries the film, and there are several small roles from the likes of Hal Halbrook, Kristen Stewart, Catherine Keener, and Vince Vaughn, which all add weight and perspective to the tale. Based on the true experiences of Christopher McCandless, the tale as recounted from Jon Krakauer’s book. Although a bit of a downer, the film succeeds in asking questions and imploring the audience to leave and come up with their own answers about the life of McCanless, and their own.
The DVD will be released February 12
12. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
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I wrote in my original review that I believed The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford to be one of those films which would improve on multiple viewings. After seeing it recently for a second time I think this is true. Although I still believe the tale is a little too fractured, attempting to go in too many directions at once, and cram too much into its already hefty running time, it’s still one of the most memorable films of the year. This biopic based on the novel by Ron Hansen, even with its flaws, is a joy to watch. A slow and cerebral film that might turn off some looking for more action in a Jesse James film (don’t expect a big shoot ‘em up here), captures the feel and pace of the time period and the characters. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck are well cast in the main roles with a talented supporting cast (even if it sometimes gets in the way). And the cinematography by Roger Deakins will take your breath away; it’s the best looking film of the year.
The DVD will be released on February 5
11. Waitress
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This film bounced around my list, but Adrienne Shelley’s final film comes in just outside the top ten films of 2007. Many people were more impressed with Knocked Up, but for me there were two pregnancy themed comedies more worthy of recognition from this past year. The first is this small dark comedy featuring Keri Russell as waitress and pie maker, and less than enthused mother to be. The film is as delightful as it is delicious. Filled with wit, humanity, and style, which carefully balances its dramatic and comedic elements as easy as pie (pun intended!). Whether it’s the Russell’s droll narration to her unborn baby, Nathan Fillion’s nice turn as an awkward doctor and love interest, that annoying little man with his spontaneous poetry (Eddie Jemison), the obnoxious and selfish husband (Jeremy Sisto), the mouth watering pies, or Andy Griffith’s words of wisdom, every single spice and ingredient is used to just the right amount. It’s simply too tasty a treat to be left off the list.
Now available on DVD
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Another romantic comedy? Yep! Lars and the Real Girl is one of the most original and heartfelt films of this, or any other, year. Ryan Gosling gives one of the year’s best performances as a man unable to connect to those around him. To solve his problem he finds a girlfriend online – trouble is she’s made of plastic and silicone. Who would have thought the sweetest film of the year would star a sex doll? Lars attempt to connect to “Bianca” moves the whole town to accept him and help make his new friend part of their lives. It’s a deeply personal tale of a young man struggling to connect to the outside world and at the same time it’s filled with some terrific comedy (the expressions of those who meet Bianca for the first time alone are worth seeing the film). If it had just been funny the film would be fine, but its heart is what earns it a spot on this list. (By the way, the film also provides a darkly sinister alternative take for all you cynics out there – it’s about a man who kills his wife to be with another woman!)
Currently playing in theaters
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This film is based on a true story, and yet it’s slightly harder to buy that Lars and the Real Girl, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as enjoyable. Tom Hanks stars as Congressman Charlie Wilson, who before the events depicted in the film was most notable only for getting re-elected five times. But with a little help this Congressman from nowhere who nobody ever heard of began the largest covert war in the history of the United States and helped to bring down the fall of the Soviet Union. There’s much to enjoy here, starting with the script from Aaron Sorkin which provides wit, comedy, and perspective. Also worth noting are the strong cast which includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts, and Amy Adams and a bevy of beauties who make up Charlie’s support staff (who he affectionately refers to as “Jail Bait”). Here again absurdity is made real in a carefully crafted and completely believable way. Those younger than myself might not understand the historical impact of these events, but the events of this film have added impact and import due to America’s role in the world today.
Currently playing in theaters
8. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
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Turns out the wrong kid didn’t die after all. The second musical on this year’s list is the near perfect send-up of recent movie biopics such as Walk the Line, De-Lovely, Beyond the Sea, and Ray (among others). If ever there was a genre which took itself a little too seriously, constantly reused the same structure and set-up, and deserved a swift kick in the pants, it’s this one. Aside from funny parody the film also provides some of the year’s best music, including my pick for best song in film this year – “Let’s Duet” (see it here). Maybe not all the jokes are winners (the 70’s weren’t real kind to Dewey), but there’s enough here to keep your toes taping and your chest aching throughout the entire length of the film. John C. Reilly takes the audience on a Forrest Gump ride through the years and proves not only can he handle carrying a film, but he can shine. How good is this film? Even Tim Meadows (Tim-FUCKING-Meadows) comes off like gangbusters. Not that’s great filmmaking!
Currently playing in theaters
7. TMNT
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Now I may be in the minority here (and judging by the Rotten Tomatoes score of this film, I certainly am), but I loved this film. In a year of great comedy and drama it was a lean year for both comic book movies and sci-fi films, but TMNT proved to be the best of each. Those unfamiliar with the original comic book may have been put off by the film’s look and tone, but this was the Turtles film I’d been waiting to see for two decades. The look feels like it was taken directly from the original comic, the action and animation are high quality, and the film is just FUN! Is it a tad too comic booky for the general public or those who grew up on the watered down TV show? Maybe, but in terms of adapting the look and feel of the original work onto the big screen it far exceeded my expectations. 300 (read that review) may have pulled in more money on more screens but came off much more silly than TMNT. This is the best animated, comic adaptation, and sci-fi/fantasy film of the year.
Now available on DVD
6. Juno
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Another pregnancy comedy? Yep! Director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody give us this quirky tale of a teenager, played exceptionally well by young Ellen Page (last seen cutting off a guy’s junk in Hard Candy), dealing with an unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand with her best friend (Michael Cera in a terrific understated performance as the naive Bleaker). The writing here is outstanding (especially from a first time screenwriter!) and the talented cast pull off an unconventional tale of life’s little struggles. Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner prove they may not have to fire their agents after finally landing plum roles as the potential adoptive parents, and Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons provide just the right mix of humor and heart as Juno’s parents. Love for this small little film has steamrolled, and deservedly so. The film is filled with terrific scenes, great quotes, big laughs, and moving moments.
Currently playing in theaters
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The funniest movie of the year, period. British farce is a bit of a required taste, but for those who enjoy this type of humor this film is a must-see. Director Frank Oz gives us a crazy tale centered around a funeral that will leave your eyes watering and sides aching. There are secrets revealed, mysterious guests (Peter Dinklage), family squabbles, unwanted former lovers, the wrong body in the casket, and a young man (Alan Tudyk) who has mistakenly taken an incredibly powerful hallucinogenic compound and is reacting rather badly, and publicly, to its effects. The stellar cast also includes Matthew Macfayden, Daisy Donovan, Jane Asher, and Andy Nyman. The characters and events converge in hilarity and hijinx. Just thinking back on this one makes me laugh. This small British import was overshadowed by the bigger comedies of the year (it opened on the same date as Superbad), but its quality should help others find it on DVD long after they’ve forgotten those other films.
The DVD will be released February 26
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Another controversial pick? Yep (it is my list afterall). There might not have been a more divisive film all year, but love it or hate it you can’t ignore the most unique movie experience of the year – Across the Universe. And I loved it; this film just knocked my socks off. Director Julie Taymor’s Beatles inspired rock opera is filled to the brim with sights and sounds which amaze and entertain. Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood lead a talented cast of actors (and singers) through the 60’s on a journey of awareness, acceptance, understanding, and a final realization that all you need, in the end, is love. The film is filled to the brim with great music moments including T.V. Caprio’s “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” Sturgess’ “Girl,” Joe Anderson’s “Hey Jude,” Joe Cocker showing up to sing “Come Together,” and Wood singing “It Won’t Be Long,” (watch some of the music clips here). Not all the numbers are winners, but the majority are, as is the simple love story which binds them all together.
The DVD will be released on February 5
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I’ve waited a full year to put this film on my list of top films of the year. Had this film opened one week earlier it would have headed my list of the Best Films of 2006, but it will just have to settle for being the third best film of this great year in movies. Hilary Swank stars as a young first year teacher struggling to make a difference. Inspired by the true story of Erin Gruwell‘s experience the film shows the the passion and the pain of teaching, the behind the doors politics, the time and effort, and the struggle to find a way to reach and educate an apathetic generation. As a former teacher in an urban setting myself, I can honestly tell you the film gets it all right. Swank is terrific here, but the real stars of the film are the students April L. Hernandez, Jason Finn, Hunter Parrish, Mario, Jacklyn Ngan, Vanetta Smith, Kristin Herrera and Deance Wyatt. Those who missed out on this film from early January should pick it up on DVD and give it a chance. You’ll be glad you did.
Now available on DVD
2. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
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For the second year in a row the two-spot on the list goes to a documentary. The title alone should get you to see this film; seriously, how cool is that! Although there were certainly more important documentaries this year dealing with health care, genocide, war, disease, and moral atrocities, among others, there were none as engaging, entertaining, and informative about their subject matter than King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. The film gives us a young hero (Steve Wiebe), a grizzled veteran and black hat (Billy Mitchell), and a battle to be won (the high score on Donkey Kong). Taking us into the world of competitive gaming Seth Gordon’s documentary shows us a competitive niche culture wary of outsiders and over-protective of their own. Part sports movie, part western, and part tragedy, the film has it all. Steve Wiebe’s trial and error to dethrone Billy Mitchell, set to the music of the 1980’s, is a tale of perseverance and passion that everyone, not just video game nerds, can enjoy.
The DVD will be released on January 29
1. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
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And the Best Film of 2007 is… another musical? Yep! Tim Burton’s adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical is a fascinating journey into sorrow, hatred, vengeance, love, and revenge. Johnny Depp owns the screen as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street proving once again he is one of the most talented actors working today, and that he can carry a tune. And the supporting cast hold their own, especially Jayne Wisener, Jamie Campbell Bower, and young Ed Sanders, who knock the musical numbers out of the park. In a year with an abundance of really good films, and a few really great films, this is the film of the year. Sweeney Todd scores off the charts in terms of look, sound, feel, and tone. And the musical numbers, from the humorous to the vengeful to the heartbreaking including “God That’s Good,” ““No Place Like London,” and my favorite – the heartwrenching “Not While I’m Around “(see them here) will stay with you long after the final curtain has fallen. It’s bloody marvelous!
Now playing in theaters