Best of 2007
In continuing to live my life about a month behind the curb (hey, I spent 5 years in Cincinnati so assuming Mark Twain was right, maybe it rubbed off on me), I thought I’d share some of my picks for my favorite entertainment from 2007. Granted, living abroad can make this a challenge in some cases, but I still highly recommend any of the following.
Aaron’s Top 10 Movies of 2007
This is probably the most challenging (and perhaps inaccurate) list here because a great deal of the late-season award-contenders haven’t opened here yet. I would expect that films like Dan In Real Life, Sweeney Todd, and No Country For Old Men, could all find a place on this list, yet I won’t be able to see any of them for several more weeks.
It might also be worth noting that I enjoyed Spider-Man 3 much more than the rest of the world and recommend giving that a second shot. The Simpsons Movie was really good (but not great) and if I were to have put a comedy on here, I think the surprisingly hilarious 80s-homage Hot Rod would’ve beat out both Knocked Up and Superbad which were entertaining but overlong and overcrude.
10. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix — Not quite as good as Goblet of Fire or Prisoner of Azkaban but exciting and enthralling in different ways, this is the film where Daniel Radcliffe finally became Harry for me. One of the things I distinctly remember about the book is how unlikable the character is (appropriate since he’s going through some teen angst) and Radcliffe brought that to life perfectly in bursts of uncalled for rage and confusion. The film’s swift editing and streamlined approach work well, but I would’ve liked to have seen some more time devoted to the Order and the kids just being kids.
9. Enchanted — Part of me can’t believe I’m putting this on my list. I am not a big Disney fan and definitely not much for the “princess” subgenre, however this was one of the most entertaining movies I saw this year. Sure, Shrek may have mined a fair amount of this territory before, but I give Disney props for making fun of itself. Amy Adams is pitch-perfect as Giselle, the cartoon brought to life. I first heard about this earlier this summer when Zach mentioned it to me as one of the worst-looking things he’d ever seen. I would have to disagree; for better or worse, it’s an instant classic.
8. Helvetica — How often do you get to see a movie made about your profession? Gary Huswit’s documentary showcases not just the ubiquitous typeface Helvetica (which celebrated 50 years in 2007) but also the people who use it. That is, a range of graphic designers as very entertaining talking heads encapsulating a history of the last half-century of the discipline. Huswit said he set out to make a concert film with a font in place of a band. Success!
7. Sicko — Watching this film in Europe perhaps stung even more than it would have had I viewed it Stateside. Love or hate Michael Moore, you can’t dispute there’s something wrong with the fact that the US is the world’s only leading economy without universal health care. The stories he presents are heart-breaking but the film gives hope for a change. Essential viewing before deciding who you’ll support come November.
6. Ocean’s 13 — The most fun movie of the year. Sure, it’s mindless popcorn and doesn’t add much to the excellence of the first film, but it also doesn’t take away. The Bourne Ultimatum may have been a stronger film, but I don’t think I smiled as much as I did during this one (or maybe that was the margaritas I had beforehand…)
5. Into The Wild — To start off, let me just say that Sean Penn creates a lot of typographic crimes during the credits of this film. Perhaps he was trying to allude to early 90s-style videographics but when compared to the beautiful simplicity of the poster, the titles made my eyes hurt.
That being said, this is a powerful film on many levels. As someone the same age as Christopher McCandless was during his journey the story was bound to resonate. I am fortunate that I don’t have anything to run from like he did (or felt he did), but the movie is still a catalyst for rumination on personal strength, the importance of community, the unimportance of fitting into predefined molds, and the grace of forgiveness. I don’t imagine this is an easy film for parents to watch but it is an important one.
4. Freedom Writers — Easy to miss (and dismiss) due to its January release date and seen-it-before story about a teacher making a difference in her student’s lives, this is one worth a second chance. Based on a true story, Hilary Swank stars as an idealistic English teacher who goes to teach at an inner-city school because she wants to SAVE THE WORLD. It ends up costing her quite a lot but the connections she makes are inspiring. Having the benefit of using actual words written by the students, the movie never panders and shows what a difference one person truly can make.
3. I’m Not There — Perhaps the most innovative biopic ever filmed, and though my familiarity with Bob Dylan is limited this is certainly the only appropriate way to capture his life. Using 6 actors to play different riffs on Dylan (and none using his actual name), director Todd Haynes creates a somewhat obtuse portrait that is also by turns irreverent, wistful and moving. If you’re a Dylanophile this is certainly even more fun, but even those of us with a cursory knowledge will find plenty to enjoy.
2. Zodiac — David Fincher is one of my favorite directors, though since this movie was an early-year release it’s been all but forgotten in the awards races. It’s a pity because this meditation on obsession is among his finest work, and indeed the finest true crime drama I’ve seen in some time. As a cartoonist and detective who become embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer in the Bay Area, Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr paint convincing portraits of men finding and ultimately losing themselves in their work.
1. Once — A “modern musical,” this indie film from Ireland is one of the most moving pieces of cinema in recent memory. A lovely encapsulation of Dublin, the beauty of the creative impulse, and the indescribable connection between two souls. The music is nice too.
Aaron’s Top 15 Albums of 2007
In a year of a lot of great albums (including new discs from many of my all-time favorite bands), here are a few that stood out.
15. Who We Are by Lifehouse — The band that brought the world “Hanging By A Moment” finally rocks out and delivers enough hooks to keep the pop crowd happy. However, it’s the quieter moments like album closer “Storm” and the hauntingly beautiful “Broken” that have the most impact.
14. Challengers by the New Pornographers — The Canadian collective’s fourth album is more understated than its power pop siblings yet still beautiful catchy enough to win over new fans. Twin Cinema is still the best place to start, but this album is a worthy successor.
13. We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank by Modest Mouse — The addition of the Smiths’ Johnny Marr on guitar may at first seem like an odd marriage, yet it somehow works. Propulsive and fun (if a track or two long), the brightest moments on here (“Florida”) were among the brightest in music last year.
12. Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace by Foo Fighters — Is it wrong to call an album “cohesive” when its musical styles veer all over the place? Somehow, despite running the gamut from acoustic instrumental to Southern-rock to neo-grunge this seems a much more complete work than either of the band’s last two albums. There Is Nothing Left to Loose remains my favorite FF album, but this one puts the band back on the right track.
11. I-Empire by Angels & Airwaves — Last year, I lamented Tom DeLonge’s arena-rock-wannabe excesses on his new band’s first album. However, a little over a year later they’ve turned in something much more accomplished. Granted there are still times when everything starts to run together and you may not fully distinguish between individual tracks, but overall it is highly listenable power punk.
10. Into The Wild Soundtrack by Eddie Vedder and Once Soundtrack (mostly) by Glen Hansard — If several of my favorite films of the year are music-infused, you can best the music was pretty good. Vedder’s series of earnest musical sketches works wonderfully in Penn’s film, yet taken by themselves are better than most of Pearl Jam’s output over the past decade. On the other hand, Glen Hansard of the Frames does marvelously subtle work on the Once soundtrack, especially when joined by his Swell Season partner Markéta Irglová.
9. All These Houses Look The Same by Deas Vail — This is an album in the Death Cab For Cutie vein which I can’t seem to shake. With melodies and harmonies weaving about and soaring above the starry instrumentation, its kind of like a space rock dream – in a good way.
8. Beyond The Neighbourhood by Athlete — The latest by this fine British band is a grower, but grow it does. Finally synthesizing the electronic quirk of their first album and the Coldplay-esque melodies of their second, Athlete create a reflection on the state of the world today and the hope and resolve we might find if we only look deeper.
7. Boxer by the National — Speaking of growers, this album can take some time to get into, but once you’re into it good luck getting out. Likened to a white collar Springsteen by Paste Magazine, the band creates tales of urban woe and complacency with modern life yet still manages to find the beauty within. If there’s a more gorgeous sentiment than ”Slow Show’s” lyric “You know I dreamed about you/For 29 years before I saw you/You know I dreamed about you/I missed you for 29 years,” I haven’t heard it.
6. Combinations by Eisley — I’ve already extolled the virtues of this sibling rock outfit and their latest album, but it really was one of my favorites of 2007.
5. Chase This Light by Jimmy Eat World — JEW have a habit of contributing songs to the soundtrack of my life, so it’s no real surprise that their latest would again resonate. What is surprising is how upbeat the record is, especially “Here It Goes,” an amazing pop song that just makes me want to get up and dance.
4. Riot! by Paramore — Energetic guitars and giant choruses define the sophomore release from these young Tennesseans. This is by far the best pop/punk album of the year, distinguished by 19-year-old Hayley Williams’ pitch-perfect vocals. Topics from teen relationships to larger issues of trust and faith are all delivered with impressive bravado. I am so looking forward to finally seeing them live next month.
3. Wincing The Night Away by the Shins — After a pair of truly impressive indie albums, Wincing miraculously managed to live up to its predecessors’ promise while also growing the band in new directions. All that remains is to see where they go next.
2. Everything Starts Where It Ends by Lovedrug — This is my favorite rock and roll album of the year: an indie dose of layered instrumentation, delightfully nasal vocals and great riffs. As with the band’s previous release, light wages war with dark lending transcendent moments as well as somewhat blacker fare. It’s a bit like the Silversun Pickups in tone, but with more diversity. Plus, they’re from Ohio.
1. Version by Mark Ronson — Ronson has definitely achieved more fame this year for producing Amy Winehouse’s album than his own, but Version is a great record and a non-stop party from start to finish. Essentially, it’s an album of covers pairing British singers with Ronson’s favored Bossa Nova backing horns on tracks both well-known and obscure. He kicks off with a brassy instrumental of Coldplay’s “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” and doesn’t look back. In the era of the shuffle, this album is a mixtape in itself and sounds great the whole way through.
Aaron’s Top 5 TV Shows of 2007
Is it coincidence that there are almost no comedies on my Movies list and almost all comedies on here? I dunno, but there’s certainly a lot of high-class humor available on the tube these days (including Extras which didn’t quite make my cut).
5. The Office — This is still a great show, however the forced hour-long episodes at the beginning of Season 4 just didn’t feel right. Even so, it’s a treat to see Jim and Pam together and despite the Writers’ Strike the eight episodes that did air this year provided plenty of laughs.
4. The Amazing Race — Still the best reality show on television and the only one I really wish I could be on someday. International locales, elimination based on performance (and not popularity) and exciting challenges are among the qualities that make it eminently watchable.
3. Flight Of The Conchords — The epic tale of deadpan acoustic-folk comedy duo Bret and Jermaine trying to make their way in New York. The guest stars alone (including John Hodgeman, Will Forte and Demetri Martin) would be enough to warrant recommendation, but it’s the intermittent songs that make this a keeper. They work fine out of context but even better in their proper surroundings.
2. 30 Rock — Who’d’ve guessed that Tina Fey’s sitcom would become the spiritual heir to the dear, departed Arrested Development. Its self-referential tendencies and hilarious non sequiturs (not to mention its own share of great guest stars and cameos) have turned it into the funniest show on TV. Bravo!
1 Lost — After an uneven start and an unfair 4-month break, Season 3 of Lost ended up again redefining the show and managing to re-engage its audience. The brilliant season finale may have answered a few questions but managed to raise a whole slew of new ones. I cannot wait until January 31st (well, I suppose February 1st ’til I’m able to see it).
Aaron’s Top 10 Movies of 2007
This is probably the most challenging (and perhaps inaccurate) list here because a great deal of the late-season award-contenders haven’t opened here yet. I would expect that films like Dan In Real Life, Sweeney Todd, and No Country For Old Men, could all find a place on this list, yet I won’t be able to see any of them for several more weeks.
It might also be worth noting that I enjoyed Spider-Man 3 much more than the rest of the world and recommend giving that a second shot. The Simpsons Movie was really good (but not great) and if I were to have put a comedy on here, I think the surprisingly hilarious 80s-homage Hot Rod would’ve beat out both Knocked Up and Superbad which were entertaining but overlong and overcrude.
10. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix — Not quite as good as Goblet of Fire or Prisoner of Azkaban but exciting and enthralling in different ways, this is the film where Daniel Radcliffe finally became Harry for me. One of the things I distinctly remember about the book is how unlikable the character is (appropriate since he’s going through some teen angst) and Radcliffe brought that to life perfectly in bursts of uncalled for rage and confusion. The film’s swift editing and streamlined approach work well, but I would’ve liked to have seen some more time devoted to the Order and the kids just being kids.
9. Enchanted — Part of me can’t believe I’m putting this on my list. I am not a big Disney fan and definitely not much for the “princess” subgenre, however this was one of the most entertaining movies I saw this year. Sure, Shrek may have mined a fair amount of this territory before, but I give Disney props for making fun of itself. Amy Adams is pitch-perfect as Giselle, the cartoon brought to life. I first heard about this earlier this summer when Zach mentioned it to me as one of the worst-looking things he’d ever seen. I would have to disagree; for better or worse, it’s an instant classic.
8. Helvetica — How often do you get to see a movie made about your profession? Gary Huswit’s documentary showcases not just the ubiquitous typeface Helvetica (which celebrated 50 years in 2007) but also the people who use it. That is, a range of graphic designers as very entertaining talking heads encapsulating a history of the last half-century of the discipline. Huswit said he set out to make a concert film with a font in place of a band. Success!
7. Sicko — Watching this film in Europe perhaps stung even more than it would have had I viewed it Stateside. Love or hate Michael Moore, you can’t dispute there’s something wrong with the fact that the US is the world’s only leading economy without universal health care. The stories he presents are heart-breaking but the film gives hope for a change. Essential viewing before deciding who you’ll support come November.
6. Ocean’s 13 — The most fun movie of the year. Sure, it’s mindless popcorn and doesn’t add much to the excellence of the first film, but it also doesn’t take away. The Bourne Ultimatum may have been a stronger film, but I don’t think I smiled as much as I did during this one (or maybe that was the margaritas I had beforehand…)
5. Into The Wild — To start off, let me just say that Sean Penn creates a lot of typographic crimes during the credits of this film. Perhaps he was trying to allude to early 90s-style videographics but when compared to the beautiful simplicity of the poster, the titles made my eyes hurt.
That being said, this is a powerful film on many levels. As someone the same age as Christopher McCandless was during his journey the story was bound to resonate. I am fortunate that I don’t have anything to run from like he did (or felt he did), but the movie is still a catalyst for rumination on personal strength, the importance of community, the unimportance of fitting into predefined molds, and the grace of forgiveness. I don’t imagine this is an easy film for parents to watch but it is an important one.
4. Freedom Writers — Easy to miss (and dismiss) due to its January release date and seen-it-before story about a teacher making a difference in her student’s lives, this is one worth a second chance. Based on a true story, Hilary Swank stars as an idealistic English teacher who goes to teach at an inner-city school because she wants to SAVE THE WORLD. It ends up costing her quite a lot but the connections she makes are inspiring. Having the benefit of using actual words written by the students, the movie never panders and shows what a difference one person truly can make.
3. I’m Not There — Perhaps the most innovative biopic ever filmed, and though my familiarity with Bob Dylan is limited this is certainly the only appropriate way to capture his life. Using 6 actors to play different riffs on Dylan (and none using his actual name), director Todd Haynes creates a somewhat obtuse portrait that is also by turns irreverent, wistful and moving. If you’re a Dylanophile this is certainly even more fun, but even those of us with a cursory knowledge will find plenty to enjoy.
2. Zodiac — David Fincher is one of my favorite directors, though since this movie was an early-year release it’s been all but forgotten in the awards races. It’s a pity because this meditation on obsession is among his finest work, and indeed the finest true crime drama I’ve seen in some time. As a cartoonist and detective who become embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer in the Bay Area, Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr paint convincing portraits of men finding and ultimately losing themselves in their work.
1. Once — A “modern musical,” this indie film from Ireland is one of the most moving pieces of cinema in recent memory. A lovely encapsulation of Dublin, the beauty of the creative impulse, and the indescribable connection between two souls. The music is nice too.
Aaron’s Top 15 Albums of 2007
In a year of a lot of great albums (including new discs from many of my all-time favorite bands), here are a few that stood out.
15. Who We Are by Lifehouse — The band that brought the world “Hanging By A Moment” finally rocks out and delivers enough hooks to keep the pop crowd happy. However, it’s the quieter moments like album closer “Storm” and the hauntingly beautiful “Broken” that have the most impact.
14. Challengers by the New Pornographers — The Canadian collective’s fourth album is more understated than its power pop siblings yet still beautiful catchy enough to win over new fans. Twin Cinema is still the best place to start, but this album is a worthy successor.
13. We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank by Modest Mouse — The addition of the Smiths’ Johnny Marr on guitar may at first seem like an odd marriage, yet it somehow works. Propulsive and fun (if a track or two long), the brightest moments on here (“Florida”) were among the brightest in music last year.
12. Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace by Foo Fighters — Is it wrong to call an album “cohesive” when its musical styles veer all over the place? Somehow, despite running the gamut from acoustic instrumental to Southern-rock to neo-grunge this seems a much more complete work than either of the band’s last two albums. There Is Nothing Left to Loose remains my favorite FF album, but this one puts the band back on the right track.
11. I-Empire by Angels & Airwaves — Last year, I lamented Tom DeLonge’s arena-rock-wannabe excesses on his new band’s first album. However, a little over a year later they’ve turned in something much more accomplished. Granted there are still times when everything starts to run together and you may not fully distinguish between individual tracks, but overall it is highly listenable power punk.
10. Into The Wild Soundtrack by Eddie Vedder and Once Soundtrack (mostly) by Glen Hansard — If several of my favorite films of the year are music-infused, you can best the music was pretty good. Vedder’s series of earnest musical sketches works wonderfully in Penn’s film, yet taken by themselves are better than most of Pearl Jam’s output over the past decade. On the other hand, Glen Hansard of the Frames does marvelously subtle work on the Once soundtrack, especially when joined by his Swell Season partner Markéta Irglová.
9. All These Houses Look The Same by Deas Vail — This is an album in the Death Cab For Cutie vein which I can’t seem to shake. With melodies and harmonies weaving about and soaring above the starry instrumentation, its kind of like a space rock dream – in a good way.
8. Beyond The Neighbourhood by Athlete — The latest by this fine British band is a grower, but grow it does. Finally synthesizing the electronic quirk of their first album and the Coldplay-esque melodies of their second, Athlete create a reflection on the state of the world today and the hope and resolve we might find if we only look deeper.
7. Boxer by the National — Speaking of growers, this album can take some time to get into, but once you’re into it good luck getting out. Likened to a white collar Springsteen by Paste Magazine, the band creates tales of urban woe and complacency with modern life yet still manages to find the beauty within. If there’s a more gorgeous sentiment than ”Slow Show’s” lyric “You know I dreamed about you/For 29 years before I saw you/You know I dreamed about you/I missed you for 29 years,” I haven’t heard it.
6. Combinations by Eisley — I’ve already extolled the virtues of this sibling rock outfit and their latest album, but it really was one of my favorites of 2007.
5. Chase This Light by Jimmy Eat World — JEW have a habit of contributing songs to the soundtrack of my life, so it’s no real surprise that their latest would again resonate. What is surprising is how upbeat the record is, especially “Here It Goes,” an amazing pop song that just makes me want to get up and dance.
4. Riot! by Paramore — Energetic guitars and giant choruses define the sophomore release from these young Tennesseans. This is by far the best pop/punk album of the year, distinguished by 19-year-old Hayley Williams’ pitch-perfect vocals. Topics from teen relationships to larger issues of trust and faith are all delivered with impressive bravado. I am so looking forward to finally seeing them live next month.
3. Wincing The Night Away by the Shins — After a pair of truly impressive indie albums, Wincing miraculously managed to live up to its predecessors’ promise while also growing the band in new directions. All that remains is to see where they go next.
2. Everything Starts Where It Ends by Lovedrug — This is my favorite rock and roll album of the year: an indie dose of layered instrumentation, delightfully nasal vocals and great riffs. As with the band’s previous release, light wages war with dark lending transcendent moments as well as somewhat blacker fare. It’s a bit like the Silversun Pickups in tone, but with more diversity. Plus, they’re from Ohio.
1. Version by Mark Ronson — Ronson has definitely achieved more fame this year for producing Amy Winehouse’s album than his own, but Version is a great record and a non-stop party from start to finish. Essentially, it’s an album of covers pairing British singers with Ronson’s favored Bossa Nova backing horns on tracks both well-known and obscure. He kicks off with a brassy instrumental of Coldplay’s “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” and doesn’t look back. In the era of the shuffle, this album is a mixtape in itself and sounds great the whole way through.
Aaron’s Top 5 TV Shows of 2007
Is it coincidence that there are almost no comedies on my Movies list and almost all comedies on here? I dunno, but there’s certainly a lot of high-class humor available on the tube these days (including Extras which didn’t quite make my cut).
5. The Office — This is still a great show, however the forced hour-long episodes at the beginning of Season 4 just didn’t feel right. Even so, it’s a treat to see Jim and Pam together and despite the Writers’ Strike the eight episodes that did air this year provided plenty of laughs.
4. The Amazing Race — Still the best reality show on television and the only one I really wish I could be on someday. International locales, elimination based on performance (and not popularity) and exciting challenges are among the qualities that make it eminently watchable.
3. Flight Of The Conchords — The epic tale of deadpan acoustic-folk comedy duo Bret and Jermaine trying to make their way in New York. The guest stars alone (including John Hodgeman, Will Forte and Demetri Martin) would be enough to warrant recommendation, but it’s the intermittent songs that make this a keeper. They work fine out of context but even better in their proper surroundings.
2. 30 Rock — Who’d’ve guessed that Tina Fey’s sitcom would become the spiritual heir to the dear, departed Arrested Development. Its self-referential tendencies and hilarious non sequiturs (not to mention its own share of great guest stars and cameos) have turned it into the funniest show on TV. Bravo!
1 Lost — After an uneven start and an unfair 4-month break, Season 3 of Lost ended up again redefining the show and managing to re-engage its audience. The brilliant season finale may have answered a few questions but managed to raise a whole slew of new ones. I cannot wait until January 31st (well, I suppose February 1st ’til I’m able to see it).
Labels: film, music, television
posted by Aaron at 12:40 PM
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