Lights, Camera, Action

Movies from 2007. By my count I viewed a little over 50. Looking at my list its apparent I enjoy action adventure movies that offer more than just big explosions and animated films. Go figure. Of the films I saw a few really stunk (The Hoax, Beowulf, Blades of Glory), a few dished up exactly what I expected, good or bad (Transformers, Pirates, Ocean's 13), a few surprised in a good way (Juno, Zodiac, Hot Fuzz, Stardust, Sweeney Todd, Surf's Up), and one I actually worked on. But there were 5 that I really enjoyed and will return to enjoy again and again. Ratatouille. This was a hallmark in CG animation. A great story and it didn't feel cold and calculated. The relationship between the boy and the rat was developed warmly and with humour. The hi-lite for me was the physical animation of Linguini, particularly when Remy was in control. Ratatouille coloring pages. This would only be out shined by Lou Romano's sincere voice performance. The Rocket. As a lifelong Hockey fanatic I was the target audience for this film. But beyond the hockey action the story of Maurice Richard and his relationship with the fans, the team, and management of the Montreal Canadians.
As well as his importance to the francophone community was told in an honest and exciting way. This was a Canadian film told and shot with some Hollywood panache. Highly recommended, it is opening in US theaters this spring. How to Hook up Your Home Theater. The triumphant return of Goofy. This was a really fun film animated with real energy. Well directed and handled with class. A nice retro touch paid tribute but the film becomes relevant to our time, especially to a home theater buff like myself. Seek this out. Nothing is more enjoyable than a cartoon. The Bourne Ultimatum. This was just awesome. This is a near perfect trilogy and the final film offers more excitement, answers and ties in to the second film in a neat way. Action films won't be the same after these and I hope they don't make another, this is a nice way to end it. 3:10 to Yuma. This was my favorite film this year. A fantastic western, dirty, gritty, depressing, exciting and surprising. Christian Bale and Russell Crowe create two memorable characters who develop a bond. Ben Foster as Crowe's number 2 nearly steals the show though. Fantastic film making and a fun cinematic ride.