by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

In years past, very few films have been worthy of making it on to a critic's top five list of 2007. But this year is different. Not only am I able to compile a list of films that have a good chance at taking home some Academy Awards, but there are so many it's difficult to choose just five.

5. "Enchanted"

Following the horror-musical of the year is a fun, bubbly Disney musical that swept the hearts of audiences around the country. Amy Adams, who plays the clueless but lovable princess Giselle, truly captures the essence of a family feel-good film. Rarely are movies specifically designed to entertain children able to be enjoyed by adults as well. Unlike many films that have innuendoes a child might not understand, "Enchanted" does a good job at keeping them to a minimum. Instead, it uses other Disney references that are entertaining to watch for. This is a refreshing movie that is appropriate and engaging for audiences of all ages.

4. "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

At first I thought this French film would make me sick. The first-person camera techniques doesn't appeal to one's stomach. But once that initial cinematography ceased, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" came to life. It's a beautiful true story of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, played by Mathieu Amalric, who suffers from a stroke and becomes paralyzed, with the exception of his left eye. Although fully aware of the conversations around him, Bauby is unable to talk, and communicates solely with his left eye. Amalric's performance is brilliant. "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" is an emotional roller coaster ride. Yes, you have to read subtitles and it is an artsy film, but despite that this is a genius film. It's the type of movie that needs to be given a chance, however it won't be released in Utah until January.

3. "Once"

I have been gushing about "Once" since I saw it at the Sundance Film Festival last year. I wasn't the only one. It won the World Cinema Audience Award for a dramatic film. Like "Control," "Once" has raw magical elements that contribute to the brilliance of the film. As a modern-day musical about a Hoover-fixing musician, played by Glen Hansard, and song-writing immigrant, played by Marketa Irglova, this is a classy film. Director John Carney stepped away from the actors and let them be themselves. Even the cinematography has a feeling that you are looking into a slice of their life without being intrusive. "Once" doesn't even seem like a musical because it isn't over-the-top; it is charming and captivating.

2. "Juno"

This may be the surprise hit of the year. I never would have thought the most talked about actress of the year would be 20 years old and playing a 16-year-old hip high schooler who happens to be pregnant. "Juno" is, bar none, the best comedy of the year. It even beats out its pregnant predecessor "Knocked Up" and little brother "Superbad." "Juno" is a smart, endearing movie that will surprise audiences. Ellen Page, who plays the title character of Juno, is completely engaging and steals the show. While other critics may be entertained by the quick-witted dialogue and delivery, they don't find it realistic. However, I was a teenager not long ago and I can attest to the fact that, yes, teenagers really do talk the way they do in "Juno."

1. "No Country for Old Men"

This is the film that will probably lead the pack in Academy Award nominations and is deserving of the top spot on my list too. The main thing "No Country for Old Men" has going for it is its unique combination of aesthetic dialogue, acting and cinematography -- all of which have great audience appeal. The film tackles issues of drug-dealing and vicious crimes by making them seem universal. Even though this movie is set in southern Texas, it could easily happen anywhere, and that's the point the film is effectively trying to make. Brother writer/directors Joel and Ethan Coen always aim high when they set out to make a film. Their movies are interesting whether it's a comedy, drama or thriller. Their ability to make extraordinary films out of overdone plotpoints is amazing. Somehow, and I'm not sure exactly how, they took the plot, actors and dialogue and turned it into the best film of the year.missy@tooeletranscript.com