The Most Promising Films of 2007

The Oscar Igloo posted this list of films that are likely Oscar contenders coming out in 2007. It sounds like there will be some interesting films out this year, so check it out:

Exactly one year ago, we were not even done with the 2005 – 2006 Oscar race and we were already discussing the top contenders for this year’s race. We are Oscar buzzers, prognosticators and above all, fans and we can’t help to constantly look forward to the most important awards of world cinema in advance.

Last year, I had Dreamgirls and The Departed in our Early Predicted Five (read our last year’s article here) and yes; I also had Marie-Antoinette, All the King’s Men and Guerilla in our Top 5 (you can stop laughing out loud now). The point of predicting the Oscars, from where I see it, is more about having fun and sharing our passion than getting the most right answers. Just like I pointed out at the end of last year’s article: most films to be listed below will either: be good but not “Oscar”-good, pushed to 2008 or simply, flop.

Having that said, we hope you enjoy our very early look at the 2007 – 2008 Oscar race and we thank you for making us a part of your Academy Awards experience through the whole year. Here we go...

OUR EARLY PREDICTED FIVE (Alphabetically)

1. AMERICAN GANGSTER (Universal Pictures)
Frank “Superfly” Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, was the biggest Heroin dealer on Harlem through the 70’s and narcotics detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, was the man who ultimately brought Lucas down. This film, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian, tells the story of how this happened.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: While Ridley Scott, Steven Zaillian, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe haven’t had much luck on their particular recent projects, American Gangster could represent a return to shape for all the talent involved. A November release date shows the studio is confident to a point on the film’s awards prospects.

2. CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR (Universal Pictures)
Based on the 2003’s best selling novel by George Crile, Mike Nichols directs this drama centered on Charlie Wilson, the Texas congressman who conspired with a rogue CIA operative to launch an operation to help the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the eighties. Tom Hanks takes double duties as the film’s title character and producer. Recent Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman, along with the recently nominated Amy Adams co-star.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Set to be released on Christmas Day by Universal Pictures, Charlie Wilson’s War has all the elements, talent and marketing wise, to be one of 2007’s stronger contenders including a prestigious director, a proven cast, an award-winning crew and a baity subject. TV guru Aaron Sorkin might be perceived as the film’s weakest link but while the Emmy Award winner has never scored an Oscar nomination for his screenwriting efforts, he has scored Golden Globe nominations for his writing works on A Few Good Men and The American President.

3. THE KITE RUNNER (DreamWorks SKG)
The compelling story of two Afghan men: the wealthy and California-raised Amir and his childhood friend and servant Hassan during the times of the Taliban regime in the country. Screenwriter David Benioff adapts the best selling book by Afghan American author Khaled Hosseini for acclaimed director Marc Forster.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Despite being the creator of Academy Award winning films like Monster’s Ball and Finding Neverland, young director Marc Forster has yet to receive his first Oscar nomination and perhaps, his work on this relevant and politically charged drama will earn it to him.

4. RESERVATION ROAD (Focus Features)An intense drama about the
outcomes of a hit and run car accident and how it affects the lives of the families of the fugitive driver and his victim. Oscar nominated writer Terry George directs and adapts the famed novel by John Burnham Schwartz. Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino and Mark Ruffalo star.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Oscar friendly by excellence, the adaptation of the best selling novel is poised to become a prominent contender in the acting categories. Characters full with flaws, fears and regret collide after an unfortunate car accident. Joaquin Phoenix plays the leading role as the father dealing with his son’s sudden death and Mark Ruffalo plays the baity role of the remorseful killer.

5. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paramount Pictures)
The famous 1927’s novel Oil! gets its first big screen treatment on the upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation There Will Be Blood. The story revolves around a Texas oil developer (Daniel Day Lewis) and his thorny relationships with the town locals and his family.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Gifted director Paul Thomas Anderson directs Daniel Day Lewis, among others, in his own adaptation of the iconic novel by Upton Sinclair where baity topics like greed, religion and business power merge.

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