Ebert's 10

Film critic Roger Ebert has released his annual 10 Best list of the year in cinema.

At the top is Jason Reitman's Juno (a film I'm anxiously awaiting to see.) Ebert said he had a difficult time this year deciding on his number one given the unusually large amount of high quality films released.

Concerning Juno, Ebert writes:

"How can I choose this warm-hearted comedy about a pregnant teenager, when the year was rich with serious drama? First, because of all the year’s films I responded to it most strongly. I tried out other titles in the No. 1 position, but my heart told me I had to be honest: This was my true love, and I could not be unfaithful. It is so hard to make a great comedy at all, and harder still to make one that is intelligent, quick, charming, moving and yes, very, very funny. Seeing “Juno” with an audience was to be reminded of unforgettable communal moviegoing experiences, when strangers are united in delight. It was light on its feet, involving the audience in love and care for its characters. The first-time screenplay by Diablo Cody is Oscar-worthy. So is Ellen Page’s performance in the title role, which is like tightrope-walking: There were so many ways for her to go wrong, and she never did."

The remainder of his list is here: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071220/COMMENTARY/176124809

I'm in agreement with Roger's assessment of this year's releases - there has been a solid rush of films that I think will linger in relevance for years to come. Five that really stuck out for me are Gone Baby Gone, No Country for Old Men, The Bourne Ultimatum, Lars and the Real Girl, and Co-Ed Confidential.