Movies Seen in 2007 (with reviews)

Submitted by reelophelia on Tue, 12/26/2006 - 04:44
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  1. December 31: Mission: Impossible III (4*)
  2. While MI3 embraces its identity as visual eye candy for the 'splosion appreciating, it doesn't mind pleasantly surprising you in other ways. I found my grip white-knuckled through most of the movie, as the superb action sequences attain suspense not simply through the use of motion but also through believable and engaging emotional stakes. Ironically, despite the cred Tom Cruise has attempted (and perhaps succeeded) to build in the past, it is with his action roles (see also: War of the Worlds) that his talents become most cohesive and shine most brilliantly, where he most becomes his character. The film features a strong supporting cast (including a short but surprisingly kick-ass appearance by Keri Russell), but Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance is simply delicious.
  3. January 21: Thank You For Smoking (3*)
  4. If you have a finely honed bullshit meter, you could very well delight in the subtle cleverness of this movie while perhaps feeling disengaged from its main characters because of an inability to sympathise. I'm sure this won't be true across the board, but it was the case for me. The effect of people like Nick Naylor in the real world make sympathy hard to come by, and the truth of his motivations lends a sobering effect to the humour. The best parts of the movie were its most absurd -- the M.O.D. (Merchants of Death) Squad (weekly luncheons consisting of the lobbyists for smoking, alcohol and guns), as well as Rob Lowe's performance as a Hollywood agent who can make anything happen (e.g., a cigarette brand tie-in to a sci-fi movie). I also have a soft spot for Adam Brody as Lowe's assistant, with his typical brand of non-sequiter, high-energy humour.
  5. February 18: Cars (5*)