PegNews exclusive: AFI Dallas programmers announce their “fave five” films of 2007

To heck with the Oscars - here's what our North Texas movie experts found to be fabulous about the year in film.

by John P. Meyer

In the brief lull before their forthcoming frenzy of full-on Sturm und Drang, the three bigwigs involved in programming for the AFI Dallas International Film Festival took time out to reflect on their favorite movies of 2007. (Remember: these folks watch hundreds of movies each year, and they do so with a practiced and critical eye.)

So here - a full week before the Oscars - is an accounting of the movies our local cineasts liked best.

Where available, I've linked to PegNews reviews or related coverage of the named films (first referenced instance only); an asterisk (*) indicates that the movie played at AFI Dallas during last year's inaugural festival.

MICHAEL CAIN, Artistic Director and CEO:

No Country for Old Men - “The Coen Brothers return to their best form with a piece that feels like it came straight out of the 70s (one of my favorite periods for cinema).”

Control - "Acclaimed music video director Anton Corbijn helms this look at the life of late Joy Division front man Ian Curtis. Fascinating look at a truly talented and tortured soul.”

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - “Needing extra cash, two brothers conspire to pull off the perfect, victimless crime starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke and a new side of Marisa Tomei. Sydney Lumet is back in rare form.”

* Away From Her - “Sarah Polley's directorial debut marks a new voice in film with this heartbreaking look at love, time and memory. Four great actors (Academy Award nominee Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent, Olympia Dukakis, and Wendy Crewson) were given a beautiful script (also nominated for an Academy Award) and they make it their own.”

* King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters - “You could not create a narrative this rich in characters. No one has ever wielded a mullet with this much attitude in this documentary about competition in the world of gaming.”

JAMES FAUST, Senior Programmer:

California Dreamin' - “Wonderful Romanian film about a man and his train station, a US special military mission, a small town looking to the future and the Romanian Elvis.”

* King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters - “Sport doesn’t always have to have a ball, but they do have to have a winner. KOG is passion personified.”

No Country for Old Men - “The Cohen Brothers remind you what it’s like to feel icky again.”

Juno - “Hands down the funniest movie I’ve seen in two years.” (NOTE: special screening sponsored by AFI Dallas)

The Band's Visit - “Proof that we are all not so different.” (NOTE: PegNews review coming Feb. 29)

BONUS James Faust selections:

Guilty Pleasure Popcorn Movie: Transformers - “Don’t quote me, but I grew up watching them. I helped my younger brother put his together. I saw the first film with my brother in a now closed Houston theater. Parents were grabbing their kids and heading for the door because the Hair Band rock score and cartoon violence was too over the top. ........A live action Transformers....oh yeah....it doesn’t get more guilty. Don’t hate me because I’ve seen it twice.”

Broccoli Movie (You should see it because it’s “good” for you): * Darius Goes West - “If you want to feel good about life and yourself...see this film.”

Favorite Festival Film (not necessarily from AFI Dallas): * Darius Goes West - “You will be charged to live hard and loud!”

SARAH HARRIS, Programming Coordinator

No Country for Old Men - “I'm a huge fan of the Coens and this one is one of their best.”

Control - “Just a great film. It's a shame that more people didn't see it.”

Juno - “Made Ellen Page a star and Diablo Cody a queen.” (NOTE: special screening sponsored by AFI Dallas)

* King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters - “One of the best (and funniest) docs of the year. Hands down.”

* Diggers - “Simple film, but I loved it. I understand how a community and your life can be dependent on the water.”

BONUS Sarah Harris selections:

Guilty Pleasure Popcorn Movie: The Bourne Ultimatum - “Great chases. Great shots. Great...stuff...blowing up.”

Broccoli Movie (You should see it because it’s “good” for you): Live Free or Die Hard - “A little Die Hard is always good for you.”

Favorite Festival Film (not necessarily from AFI Dallas): The Tracey Fragments - “Saw it at AFI FEST (Los Angeles) and it was a great experience. And Ellen Page introduced the film - which was cool.” (NOTE: will play at this year's AFI Dallas)