Top 10 Movies of 2007

While selecting the best films of 2007, I felt like the proverbial donkey who, when surrounded by a dozen bales of hay, starved to death because they all looked so good and he couldn't decide which one to eat first:

Top 10 Movies of 2007 No. 10: "Beowulf" (Directed by Robert Zemeckis)

Using cutting-edge computer animation, director Robert Zemeckis brought the centuries-old poem to life in grand style. The graphic violence and mayhem in "Beowulf" make it a poor choice for pre-teens, though, and some research before the film is needed to fully comprehend the story.

For a moviewatcher's guide to "Beowulf," click here.

Top 10 Movies of 2007 No. 9: "Hairspray" (Directed by Adam Shankman)

John Waters' "Hairspray" started life as a film in 1987, became a smash Broadway musical and finally returned to theaters last summer. Everybody went to see John Travolta in drag, but they walked away talking about Nikki Blonsky, the former Cold Stone Creamery employee who won the coveted role of Tracy Turnblad. Blonksy is a cute charmer with a voice that's one-in-a-million.

For a stylish review of "Hairspray," click here.

Top 10 Movies of 2007 No. 8: "Dan in Real Life" (Directed by Peter Hedges)

In a comic misunderstanding worthy of Jack and Janet on "Three's Company," Steve Carell plays a popular newspaper columnist who finally falls in love with the perfect woman. Unfortunately, he just happens to be lusting after his brother's girlfriend. As a true romantic lead, Carell is surprisingly good here and doesn't resort to over-the-top comic antics.

Read my "Real" review by clicking here.

Top 10 Movies of 2007 No. 7: "The Final Season" (Directed by David M. Evans)

In one of the few sports films that gets everything right, Sean Astin plays an assistant coach who oversees the final season of the legendary Norway, Iowa High School baseball team. Based on actual events, this is a simple, but profound sports drama.

For a season review of this film, click here.

Top 10 Movies of 2007 No. 6: "The Brave One" (Directed by Neil Jordan)