By Daniel E. Jennis

The Best:

1. Gone Baby Gone
I never thought Ben Affleck was capable of directing this ethically stimulating masterpiece. Drawing the year’s best performance from his brother Casey, Ben masterfully crafts a sad fable of loss and responsibility that is designed to generate critical thought and discussion.

2. Zodiac
This slow-paced but stirring true-crime flick details the frustrating and obsessive process by which a cartoonist hunts for the true identity of the Zodiac killer. Without resorting to violence or special-effects, this film is frightening in every way imaginable.

3. The Lookout
This heartbreaking, but perpetually overlooked gem delves into the life of a former sports star whose fortune is changed by a self-perpetuated disaster. Unpredictable, creative, and thrilling, this film is the year’s most memorable drama.

4. Sweeney Todd
Finally, a musical where elaborately staged songs further, rather than overwhelm, the film’s narrative progression. Burton’s direction is almost perfect, and the intense special effects and set production bolster the film’s dark tone.

5. No Country for Old Men
Javier Bardem is a revelation as an unpredictable, insecure, and fate-obsessed killer who attempts to track down millions of dollars in missing drug money. His performance alone is enough reason to watch this poignant and cryptic meditation on greed and destiny.

6. Rescue Dawn
This escape from prison flick is beautifully acted and features a story arch that is both realistic and unpredictable. The ending, though clichéd, embodies all of the emotional resonance that makes the genre so satisfying.

7. Superbad
Yes, high school seniors really do act like that. The prolific Judd Apatow chronicles all of the disgusting, hilarious, awkward, and sweet moments of adolescence in an epic comedy that is this year’s funniest film.

8. Live Free or Die Hard
I don’t think anyone expected this movie to be good. The spirited performance of Bruce Willis, the (intentional) comedy, and some bizarre but exciting stunts make this film the year’s best surprise.

9. American Gangster
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe are at the top of their game in this incredibly smooth and thorough gangster flick. The exceptional character development makes this film a genre standout.

10. Eastern Promises
Viggo Mortensen’s nude fight scene ranks among the most brutally poetic moments ever committed to film. Disturbing visuals and gritty performances underscore the film’s morbid fascination with violence and redemptory sacrifice.

The Worst:

1. The Heartbreak Kid
How this movie ended up being so awful is beyond me. It would work a lot better as a less humane alternative to the death penalty.

2. Epic Movie
I don’t know why any movie would attempt to spoof other spoofs. This flick is so pointless that it’s quite painful to watch.

3. Hannibal Rising
This clunker offers an explanation as to why Hannibal Lector likes to eat people. That’s just not something I want to see explained in bloody and pedantic detail.

4. Balls of Fury
An unfunny comedy about ping-pong that is full of useless sports clichés. This film wouldn’t be worth watching even if ping-pong was remotely close to exciting.

5. The Invisible
A spoiled teenager wanders around, stuck in a limbo between life and death, angry that no one notices him. When it comes to the film, there is no such confusion. This horror retread is dead on arrival.