‘300’ leads battle for best movie

This has been a year of trilogies. “Spider-man 3,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” “Shrek the Third” and “The Bourne Ultimatum” have all made cash in the box office, but do they hold reputable film qualities?Independent films have taken off and so has their budgets. What we would have thought as an independent film 10 years ago are now sponsored by conglomerates such as Paramount and Fox.Being an enthusiast of film, I have enjoyed both big-named films and low-budget, miracle movies. Below are 10 films in no particular order I have enjoyed this year. As you may notice most of these films have big budgets. But they all have qualities I find fascinating in the movie industry.”300″ This is the best film of 2007. If you haven’t seen this one, then you’re in for a treat. I’d hate to spoil it for you but if South Park makes fun of it then you know Trey Parker and Matt Stone must have really enjoyed it. It’s out on DVD – go rent it!”Grindhouse Double Feature” Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino have teamed up to make these B-movie films in a genre that has all but disappeared. “Ratatouille” Brad Bird has done it again in another classic Pixar animated film. If I had seen this film when I was a child, I’d be less reluctant to kill mice today.”Death at a Funeral” A rather unknown comedy from England, “Death” is witty, charming and chocked full of laughs. “Dan in Real Life” Focus Features is on a role with this comedy about life. Steve Carrell continues to capture and captivate the audience with his realistic approach to the dark side of humanity.”Shoot ‘Em Up” This is an adrenaline-filled, action-packed ride that has no plot. Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti will entertain you for an hour and a half of sheer bliss.”Transformers” Michael Bay, a somewhat controversial director, has really put himself in a new light. Gigantic robots travel to Earth and destroy city upon city leaving you wanting for more.”The Bourne Ultimatum” The only trilogy I have on the list, this final Bourne movie is a suspenseful thriller that has an ending worth being proud of, unlike the other sequels.”No Country for Old Men” No one has given me a bad comment about this film yet. The Cohen brothers continue to outshine themselves as this Western brings silence back to the silver screen.”Superbad” This is the best comedy for young adults since “American Pie.” It’s fresh, hilarious, fun and has so much gratuitous sexual humor you’ll pee your pants, unless you don’t like that kind of stuff.As 2007 comes to a close, remember to see those holiday treats that are coming out. “Sweeney Tood” will be a solid film, and it is my pick of the Christmas season.