Bikur Ha-Tizmoret (The Band’s Visit) (2007) - A great premise - an Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center and find themselves lost in the wrong town. It’s a low-key cross-cultural relations film with beautiful depth and none of the cliches that can plague a story of this nature. Recommended

Roman de gare (2007) - A French drama and wannabe murder-mystery about a best-selling author and her ghost-writer. There is a lot of promise shown, but the tension that the film depends on is lost to a poor series of plot twists that are more smug than clever - and far from unpredictable. Average

Planet Terror (2007) - Robert Rodriguez's zombie comedy/horror half of the Grindhouse double feature. Not as strong as the Tarantino directed contribution, but it works well as a tongue-in-cheek B-movie fantasy. Average

Paranormal Activity (Original Version) (2007) - If this were a studio film I would suggest that Hollywood is catching on to the genuinely terrifying minimalist style of Japanese horror. Instead this is the vision of one director, filmed in his own home with actors he found on Craigslist. Shot entirely on one handheld camera we follow a young couple trying to capture paranormal activity in their home. Despite much criticism about the downtime and unconvincing motivations of the characters the film is deserving of much credit for the clever way it plays with anticipation to create fear. Recommended

El rey de la montaña (King of the Hill) (2007) - A Spanish survivalist thriller about a man who is hunted in the mountains. It's a fun watch and the 'unseen killer' aspect works reasonably well, but the final reveal doesn't deliver on the promise - although in this case, maybe that's the point? Average

Tropa de Elite (Elite Squad) (2007) - Set in Rio de Janeiro in 1997 just prior to the visit of the Pope, the ‘Elite Squad’ sets about taking down the heads of drug gangs in an attempt to clean up the streets. Based on true accounts it attempts to capture the futility of the honest, the endemic nature of corruption, and the dehumanising nature of violence. Sadly, it doesn’t come off with the necessary sincerity - you will gain far, far more insight from José Padilha’s earlier doco - Ônibus 174. Average

Up The Yangtze (2007) - There is probably a great documentary to be made about the largest hydroelectric project in history and it’s impact on the lives and legacy of the 2 million people relocated from their land. But this attempt does not deliver on the emotional weight it promises - it just meanders along without any clear direction and very little insight. Average

Val Lewton: Man in the Shadows (2007) - Beautiful tribute film to the life and films of Val Newton - narrated by a fan of his low-budget horror films, Martin Scorsese. So little is known about the man, who never did interviews, that we are left only with interpretation through his films and the choices he made in life. Great doco - I immediately added a few key Lewton films to my watching queue. Recommended

Mongol (2007) - The early life of Genghis Khan is brought to live on an epic scale in this historical biopic of a slave-made-good. There really is something here fore everyone - the balance of grand battles and personal struggle is captured without too much of the hyperbole that plagues the Holywood equivalents. It’s a fitting tribute to the conqueror’s life and achievement.  Recommended

American Gangster (2007) - Is Denzel Washington the most boring actor to have won an Oscar? Here is one of the great and fascinating gangster stories of American history portrayed in a way that is unconvincing and frequently dull. With high production values and Ridley Scott at the helm it never achieves the level of passion or intensity required. Average

Young At Heart (2007) - Documentary that follows a New England senior citizens' chorus as they learn new songs for a tour. While the old folks are the central feature and provide from some great entertainment, the filmmaking qualities are not outstanding and it doesn't perform to its full potential. As a viewer, you sometimes feel that situations are exploited by director Stephen Walker, despite genuine intentions. Average

In the Valley of Elah (2007) - Is there a writer working today more erratic in nature than Paul Haggis? I'm not quite ready to forgive him for some horrific crimes against cinema even though this crime drama about a retired military investigator looking for answers behind his son's disappearance is pretty good. Actually, some of it is beautifully shot but too often Haggis takes things too far. Average

Die Fälscher (The Counterfeiters) (2007) - This foreign film Oscar winner recounts the true story of the largest counterfeiting operation in history which was run from within a Nazi concentration camp. While there is a distinct lack of genuine suspense and many aspects are clearly fictionalised, these are minor weaknesses in what is a fascinating tale of moral choices we make sometimes must make in life. Recommended

Encounters at the End of the World (2007) - Werner Herzog states upfront he didn't want to make another cute penguin film. He doesn't - instead he succeeds in creating a fascinating and revealing portrait of the encounters he has with the people, the land, and the creatures of Antarctica. I'm truly staggered by how much I learnt in these 99 minutes, and Herzog never intended this to be educational.  Recommended

The Go-Getter (2007) - On the surface this is just another 'teenager takes a road-trip in a stolen car and comes of age' tale. At times the protracted M.Ward musical segments and heavy use of warm light and lens flare can come off as an indy cliche, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt and saying the emotional meaning behind it did resonate with me. Recommended

3:10 To Yuma (2007) - It feels like director James Mangold has calculated the widest possible audience in this remake of the 1957 Elmore Leonard classic western tale. It doesn't bring anything new to the genre, but it delivers on entertainment value. Recommended

Sukkar banat (Caramel) (2007) - It's like Sex in the City, but set in Beirut - and with women who live lives of quiet desperation. Recommended

Lions for Lambs (2007) - I would expect this condescending liberal propaganda from Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, but I've always thought Tom Cruise was above it. Avoid

Chicago 10 (2007) - Believe me when I say I am not the target audience for this smug and arrogant retelling of the Hippie/Yippie epidemic and trial known as the Chicago 10. The unique visual style quickly became a chief distraction. Avoid

The Mist (2007) - This is not a bad film - unless your name is Frank Darabont and you have an audience that knows what you are capable of. Drawing once again from a Stephen King piece, this is a dark and tense thriller but it never attains its potential. Average

The Brave One (2007) - Jodie Foster is well cast in this good but not great revenge thriller from director Neil Jordan. The vigilante theme (and presence of Foster) had me feeling this is a deliberate attempt to evoke the aura of Taxi Driver. Average

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) - This is the worst film I have seen this year. I'm done with John C. Reilly in comedic roles.  Avoid

The Visitor (2007) - The sole reason for seeing this for me was because this was writer/director Thomas McCarthy's follow up to The Station Agent. The story makes a strong social statement about humanity at a time when immigration and race issues are ever present. It's a well made film, but it did not connect with me - perhaps I'm just too cynical of leftist Hollywood propaganda. Average

[Rec] (2007) - A little Spanish horror film that is destined to become a cult classic. Accurately described as 'Blair Witch meets 28 Days Later' - in fact that is all you need to know to decide whether you want to see it. It has already been remade in America, so check out this original now while it still has artistic integrity. Recommended

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) - All the usual Tim Burton visual style you would expect - with Johnny Depp on board for continuity. I'm sure this could have been a lot more fun that it was, but the constraints of the musical genre were dealt with very well. Recommended

Sleuth (2007) - Given the original is one of my all time favourite British films, I was always going to be disappointed by this Kenneth Branagh directed remake. The pacing is not great and the whole tone of the film comes off as too pretentious. Average

The Grand (2007) - A great cast assemble in this improvisational comedy about poker players competing in a tournament. But none of the actors are at the top of their game and oddly enough the only funny thing here is Werner Herzog. Average

Se, jie (Lust Caution) (2007) - Ang Lee, fresh from his director Oscar winner Brokeback Mountain returns to his roots with this historic Chinese espionage thriller. Critics are torn - it's either sleepy and monotonous or a beautifully rendered emotional love story. Either way it is must see for fans of Ang's work. Recommended

Control (2007) - I had fears and low expectations going into this biopic of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis - my main concern was that it couldn't be done respectfully. I was well wrong, this is masterful filmmaking. Even if you are not a fan of the band, this film is worth seeing for the stunning black and white cinematography alone. Recommended

Manufacturing Dissent (2007) - Documentarian Debbie Melnyk attempts to distinguish the fact from fiction in the life of Michael Moore. The main focus is on Roger and Me and the early years in Moore's career. There is nothing particularly new here as most of the criticisms are already well known, but the films does succeed in highlighting the many ways in which Moore uses manipulation both in his films and his life in general. Average

King Corn (2007) - Documentary about two friends who grow an acre of corn in Iowa to highlight the rise in everyday usage of corn in the United States. It wasn't a spectacular story, but gets points for not pushing an agenda - the balanced approach was refreshing. Average

The Darjeeling Limited (2007) - This is not an essential Wes Anderson film, but the elements are all there for fans of his work. Particularly of note is that this is the first time he has gone beyond emotional baggage to overtly explore spirituality (on some level) and will no doubt reward future viewings.  Recommended

Charlie Bartlett (2007) - The comparisons with Wes Anderson's brilliant 'Rushmore' are inevitable (and even a little Harold and Maude), but this is a pale imitation. It's an ambitious effort and there is a lot to like, but it fades toward the end and just becomes another offbeat high school drama.  Average

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) - Sidney Lumet is often hit or miss, but this one about a family heist drama has been dubbed a return to form. Generally great performances if you ignore Albert Finney.  Recommended

Death Proof (2007) - Tarantino's latest has all the dialogue and style you would expect. I still got that cultural cringe anytime Zoe Bell (as herself) was on screen, but nothing I couldn't overlook. Recommended

In The Shadow of the Moon (2007) - Remarkable documentary featuring surviving crew members from NASA's Apollo missions telling their story in their own words.  Recommended

Eastern Promises (2007) - David Cronenberg continues his run of well crafted films that encapsulate his unique vision. This time a tale of Russian organized crime in London with Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts in lead.  Recommended

Waitress (2007) - OK, so I only watched this because Keri Russell has some strange appeal to me (I'm not alone on this). But this is a fun, quirky, and easy watching drama/comedy. All that, and I like pie. Recommended

Rush Hour 3 (2007) - I don't actually recall having seen the first two, but regardless this is just an average, altogether predictable and forgettable action film.  Avoid

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) - I don't think Brad Pitt has enough screen presence to fully pull off this role. In all other aspects this is a very engaging historical epic. Recommended

Sicko (2007) - Michael Moore's attempt to indict the American healthcare system using his standard bag of tricks by revealing only facts that support his stance. There is an embarrassing lack of balance, many awkward scenes of manipulation, and no real solution offered.  Average

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) - This is what happens when compulsive behavior grows into a community, Donkey Kong is added, and rivalry is amplified. The portrayal of Billy Mitchell has made him one of the all time great cinema villains. Recommended

Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience (2007) - A collection of Iraq war experiences - some told through animation, others by film or still photos. There are some great pieces here, and although the whole does not give the fresh insight it might have been hoping for, it does shed light on the soldier experience with integrity. Recommended

Helvetica (2007) - This was a bit of a let down for me. I love typography, but Helvetica loses its direction very quickly and becomes an exercise in self indulgence by not bridging the gap to an audience outside of the design industry. Average

No End In Sight (2007) - I'm on the verge of Middle East documentary fatigue - but they have all been brilliant and unlike Michael Moore, they seek honesty and truth. This one, narrated by Campbell Scott, traces the decisions and incompetences that have lead to failures in the war against terrorism. Recommended

Taxi to the Dark Side (2007) - Alex Gibney's Oscar winning doco from 2007 takes an up close look at the torture that went on in Afghanistan, and in particular the series of events that lead to an innocent taxi driver killed in 2002. Recommended

Into The Wild (2007) - With Sean Penn's involvement I was naturally (and justifiably) skeptical that this story could be told without going OTT. But this is a beautiful film shot with sincerity and spirit, and captures the entirety of Chris McCandless's journey to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Recommended

The Savages (2007) - A comedy drama about a brother and sister tasked with looking after their ailing father. OK, maybe you have to look hard to find the comedy - lets call it bittersweet. It's a great film that doesn't get bogged down in sentimentality. Recommended

Margot at the Wedding (2007) - Noah Baumbach writes and directs another uncomfortable family drama. This time, despite some great scenes, things come off looking like a pretentious film for depressives. Average

Dan in Real Life (2007) - So many great romantic comedies in 2007. Not everything works here, but the result is still a chick flick that guys can get equal enjoyment from - so this is a rare gem. Juliette Binoche also shows her range in this comedic role. Recommended

Death at a Funeral (2007) - Not a great year for British ensemble comedies. Here is another example of an unfunny black comedy that falls flat and is nothing more than a couple of amusing situation gags. Average

Michael Clayton (2007) - Just when you think the class action lawsuit movie genre has been thrashed out, something a little more gritty and compelling turns up. Watch and enjoy. Now, close your eyes ... imagine if Tom Cruise (in Collateral mode) was playing the lead. That's the difference between good and great, and why Clooney will never be enough. (You can open you eyes now). Recommended

Cassandra's Dream (2007) - As a Woody Allen fan I really wanted to love this film - but the two leads (Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor) are among my least favourite actors, and in this film they are both terrible. The Philip Glass score was a nice touch, but in all other aspects this is a let down after the great Match Point. Average

Run Fatboy Run (2007) - Given the (mostly British) talent involved, this is ultimately a wasted effort. The comedy/drama ratio never feels balanced and too often it is reduced to obvious gags and plot cliches.  Average

The Kite Runner (2007) - How can a film so beautifully made carry no emotional weight. Such potential, and yet ends up a bland and manipulative display of Liberal guilt. You know a film has gone too far when you hear the violins playing, rather than feel them. Average

The Good Night (2007) - Very weak attempt to make something as evocative as Vanilla Sky. This is another waste of talent, and would have been a lot more compelling if Penélope Cruz had just sat in a chair reading the script. Average

Atonement (2007) - The many comparisons with The English Patient are unfair as this film doesn't quite pull off the same heartfelt bond between leads (Knightley/McAvoy). But in all other aspects this is a film of quality and depth and a big achievement in UK cinema. Recommended

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) - Quirky chick-flick drama. I find that male characters clearly written by a woman look like artificial emotional puppets to me. But putting that aside, this is not a bad film and that stupid blow up doll did make me cry. Recommended

Feux rouges (Red Lights) (2007) - Described by some as a French "Eyes Wide Shut". There is a lot going on psychologically here, and I'm not sure it all computes in my head. The kind of film that has you diving for the IMDB forums for an answer. Recommended

Shrek the Third (2007) - Even from the start you could tell this was going to be a stale and lazy sequel. What a colossal failure to grasp the wealth of possibilities this material presents. Avoid

The Reaping (2007) - Every now and then I like to watch a movie that I know will be terrible, just to put my other viewing patterns in perspective. Double Oscar winner, Ms Swank, should be firing her agent over this fiasco. Avoid

Ratatouille (2007) - Setting aside the unparalleled brilliance of the animation (the only reason I add my recommendation) - the question remains: Should this film be on the IMDB Top 250? It's not a film that carries its weight, and if it's not going to be meaningful, then it should at least be funny. Recommended

Breach (2007) - The true story of Robert Hanssen who sold secrets to the Soviets. This is a quality cat-and-mouse political thriller. Recommended

Nancy Drew (2007) - I totally understand what this film was trying to achieve with the retro morals (and clothing). How refreshing to discover a family film that doesn't feel the need to condescend its viewers. Emma Roberts was adorable. Recommended

Number 23 (2007) - No emotional impact and and script so transparent you see it 23 miles off. Typical random offering from Joel Schumacher. Avoid

Hannibal Rising (2007) - Without doubt this is the least interesting of the Silence of the Lambs sequels. I actually preferred to use my imagination about Lecter's past than to have this embarrassingly convoluted story clumsily adapted for screen. Avoid

A Mighty Heart (2007) - This is the first film from Michael Winterbottom that I haven't enjoyed. I didn't feel connected with the characters or their plight. Strange, because I clearly remember the moment I heard that Daniel Pearl had been murdered and the video affected me greatly. Average

Live Free or Die Hard (2007) - I was only interested in the FX here, but was curious to see if any of the budget was spent on a worthwhile script. It wasn't. Bruce Willis is the only redeeming factor here. The rest is just tired geek porn cliches.  Average

The Simpsons Movie (2007) - Enjoyable feature length comedy, but I was disappointed to find that the change in format to the big screen doesn't add anything new. There are better written episodes in some of the earlier seasons. Average

28 Weeks Later (2007) - Plays on the same fears that made the first (28 Days Later) such a unique and scary viewing experience. Though not as good overall, this is still another rare great of the zombie horror genre. Recommended

Blades of Glory (2007) - The worst attempt at comedy I have seen in a long time. Avoid

Sunshine (2007) - The Danny Boyle and Alex Garland team return, this time creating a tale of a manned space mission to restart the sun. I'm not a sci-fi fan but found it thought provoking and, despite under developed characters, a very entertaining watch. Recommended

Superbad (2007) - The Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg comedy writing duo are back with a most hilarious comedy that is currently taking a lot of flak for breaking the IMDB Top 250. It's immensely entertaining but far from perfect. Recommended

Reno 911!: Miami (2007) - I have largely enjoyed the series when i have managed to catch it, however this movie spin-off is a contender for the worst of the year. Avoid

Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - Currently sitting at an undeserved #76 on the IMDB Top 250, this intellectually uninvolved followup may be a fast paced ride, but it's on a road to dullsville. Average

Hot Fuzz (2007) - Somehow this film has amassed a massive following, putting it currently at #151 on the IMDB top 250. It's a great example of British humour, but it never transcends the genre. I guess I just expected more. Recommended

Ghost Rider (2007) - In fairness to this Nicolas Cage led comic adapted action fantasy bomb - I really expected worse. Avoid

Wild Hogs (2007) - It's the kind of film I would only watch if I was stuck on a plane with nothing else to do. Which is what happened, and I was entertained but not enthralled by this star studded nostalgia pic about suburban biker wannabes. Average

Disturbia (2007) - Vertigo inspired teen thriller about a teen living under house arrest who becomes convinced his neighbor is a serial killer. Nice bit of fun. Recommended

Shooter (2007) - Mark Wahlberg plays the action hero in another "plot to kill the president" thriller. It's actually highly watchable and a lot of fun. Recommended

Ocean's Thirteen (2007) - Steven Soderbergh returns to direct the third installment of the series. It's a fun watch but nothing new is on show and the 'smart and cool' factor is missing in action. Average

Zodiac (2007) - David Fincher's take on the notorious Zodiac serial killer. Fascinating viewing and Fincher's visual style and direction is at his usual best. Recommended