BEST MOVIES of 2007 (Most Surprising)

This is always one of my favorite things to read by other movie enthusiasts. It's a list of the most surprising films of the year. This list is made up of movies that I had low expectations for and ended up being pleasantly surprised. The 6 movies on this list are the ones that had the largest difference between expectation and actualization.

Number 6 - Shoot 'Em Up
Another Clive Owen mention here. This guy really can make anything better. This movie was advertised as a non-stop roller coaster of a ride with tons of shoot outs, plenty of explosions, and some witty banter. When I hear that I immediately think about Michael Bay. And since I hate Michael Bay I had no desire to see this movie. But I kept hearing a little buzz here and a little buzz there. So I gave in and Netflixed it expecting to hate every mind numbing second of it. And yet there I was laughing at every line Paul Giamatti offered up. And there I was pumping my fist every time Clive Owen did something so fucking cool yet so fucking unbelievable. I never get why movie have so many bullets flying and so few people getting hit. I still don't get it, but by the end of this wild trip, I just didn't care.

Number 5 - Live Free or Die Hard
Are you kidding me. Another Bruce Willis as John McClain Die Hard movie? I kind of felt about this movie the same way I feel about Indiana Jones IV: The Cialis Crystal or whatever it is called. I know I'll like the movie, but I know I won't be able to NOT compare it to the classic Raiders of The Lost Ark. Just like I couldn't help but compare Live Free or Die Hard to the original Die Hard, which I've seen no less than 95 times. But with each stunt, special effect, cheesy joke, and unbelievable get away, I fell under the movie's spell even more. Justin Long helped breathe some new life into the franchise, giving Willis someone new to play off of. And the Kevin Smith cameo was priceless.

Number 4 - Walk Hard; The Dewey Cox Story
I hate spoofs. Hate them. I find no redeeming quality in many of them. Sure there are some funny bits in each spoof that comes along. Anytime pop culture is poked fun at there are going to be some chuckle worthy moments. The trailer for Meet The Spartans makes me laugh out loud every time I see that dude kicking Britney Spears into the giant pit. But ultimately those movies never make me feel like I got money's worth. Walk Hard was the ultimate exception for me. John C. Reilly was a perfect choice to play the Ray/Johnny Cash/Elvis Presley biopic spoofer. Things got off to a slow start, but the movie relied a lot on jokes through repitition and eventually it found its timing. When I laughed, I did so until I cried. There were things that didn't work, but those were all forgotten when things clicked.

Number 3 - Enchanted
Girlie Disney movies aren't really my thing. I don't like syrupy sweet flicks that always end with a big happy kiss. It's not real life. But strangely enough the moral of this movie was exactly that...there is no such thing as a Fairy Tale life. Real life has trials and tribulations. Amy Adams was so perfect in the lead role as the fairy princess that it was sick. I can't picture anyone in my mind who could have done a better job. The story moved quickly, was always funny and willing to never take itself too seriously. Enchanted was truly enchanting.

Number 2 - Disturbia
When someone would mention Shia LeBeouf before this movie I would have no idea who they were talking about. After seeing Disturbia, I will never forget again. He carried the movie by himself with ease. You never once thought about the fact that this guy was acting. It was if you really had a camera in the guy's bedroom. Ultimately this flick would have worked better as a romantic comedy than a thriller. When the movie went darker it lost its appeal. But the first half was almost perfect. Sarah Roemer played the love interest and her chemistry with LaBeouf was spot on. They had a chemistry that is often missed in movies. I laughed numerous times and it is very apparent to me that Shia is a real PTPer (Prime Time Player) in this business now. His next big role is next to Harrison Ford in this summer's new Indiana Jones movie. Word is, Steven Spielberg is so impressed with the kid that he is looking at making a new Indiana trilogy with him as the star.

Number 1 - Mr. Brooks
I had no expectations. Kevin Costner. Dane Cook? A thriller with a different twist on the serial killer genre. The little voice in Costner's head that willed him to kill was more than a voice. The figment of his imagination was played by William Hurt. And as this "psyche" followed Costner around you saw him slipping further and further away. It was really a great psychological trip. Dane Cook was actually pretty good, but his introduction into the movie actually played a little too heavy on coincidence. Besides that it was a really fun journey into one man's battle with his inner demons. If you haven't seen this one, check it out. If Kevin Costner could ever find a little consistency in his movie role choices he could be one of the great American actors. But his record shows a pattern of one good, one bad, one good, one bad...etc.