Summer 2007 Movie Review Round-Up

Ah, summer. It feels like it just begun, and now it's just about over. A short time to relax and enjoy the multitude of popcorn flicks, sequels, etc. streaming through the multiplex. Summer is the perfect time where critics usually take a backseat to the audience's need to escape from the blazing heat. Some were exciting to watch, while others could not have ended soon enough. This summer brought a mixed bag of those that were both unforgettable and ones burned into our corneas long after the nightmare on screen vanishes into the bargain bin at local video stores.

Here are a list of fifteen summer films that fit into three categories: good, bad, and in the middle. The first two are not hard to determine. The third signifies films that do not fit in either category. They are not bad films, but are not entirely good ones either. Let's see how the summer movies rank and you could decide for yourself if you agree or disagree.

Best

1. The Bourne Ultimatum: A fitting and entertaining conclusion to the trilogy. Matt Damon has become an Indian Jones for this generation. He is not the typical muscle man type that populated most of the 80s and 90s action films. Damon brought depth and an energy not seen for a long time. His Jason Bourne will be sorely missed, unless the studio is foolish to do another one. Let's hope not.

2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Two word: Harry Potter. Need we say anything more.

3. Hairspray: What movie musicals should be: fun, energetic, and full of dancing. The sight of John Travolta in drag is a sight in itself. See it and sing along to the songs. (Not aloud of course. Everyone in the theatre might not be too fond of that.)

4. Live Free or Diehard: Like the earlier films in the Diehard franchise, Willis demonstrates that his John McClain has suffered for his heroism. He has gotten older, and certainly a little wiser. But, not wise enough to avoid danger when it unexpectedly comes his way. The story allows the audience to believe that McClain is still a credible even though he is no longer a spring chicken.